Top Legal Services Companies in Malaysia

The legal services industry in Malaysia has become an essential part of the country's economy, providing legal expertise and driving business growth. With a focus on quality and innovation, the industry has become a significant player in the global legal services market.

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TWENTY ESSEX138 +65 6225 7230

A leading commercial set of chambers, the barristers of Twenty Essex offer outstanding legal minds combined with a modern and commercial disputes experience.Our clients include major global companies, institutions, governments and their advisors from around the world and our barristers advise and appear as advocates in court or arbitration in relation to a broad range of company and commercial, EU, competition, and public international law disputes. Practices involve the preparation and conduct of litigation before a wide range of courts and tribunals, in the UK, in foreign jurisdictions as well as on the international stage.The vast majority of the work is international in nature and we have well-established links to many overseas markets, including through our Asian hub in Singapore servicing clients throughout Asia Pacific and beyond.The set is also home to a number of highly respected domestic and international arbitrators and mediators, some of whom were previously judges either in the UK or overseas.

K&L GATES4,745 +65 6507 8100

At K&L Gates, we foster an inclusive and collaborative environment across our fully integrated global platform that enables us to diligently combine the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers and policy professionals to create teams that provide exceptional client solutions. We marry process with vision, success with dedication, method with passion, and innovation with creativity. The outcome: The K&L Gates Experience. Located across five continents, we represent a broad array of leading global corporations in every major industry, capital markets participants, and ambitious middle-market and emerging growth companies. We also serve public sector entities, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations, and individuals. Our lawyers counsel clients on their most sophisticated legal challenges in all areas of corporate and regulatory law as well as litigation.We are leaders in legal issues relating to industries critical to the economies of both the developed and developing worlds—technology, manufacturing, energy, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, and life sciences, among others.#KLGates

AZMI & ASSOCIATES191 +60 3-2118 5018

Azmi & Associates is a full-service corporate law firm whose main office is based in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. We act as a cost-effective one-stop centre to provide legal support for your corporate objectives, from conception to completion.Our resources extend globally due to the strength of our international alliances. Azmi & Associates participates actively in the TerraLex network of law firms (based in Florida, USA and comprising 23,000 lawyers across more than 150 jurisdictions), with whom we work closely. We are a member in First Law International (based in Europe). This means that we can mobilise resources quickly to serve your business interests within and outside of Malaysia.The innovative work and responsive service of our commercially savvy lawyers in domestic and cross-border transactions have garnered accolades and gained global recognition on international law directory listings and publications, such as The Legal 500, Asian Legal Business, Chambers Global and IFLR 1000.

BRICKFIELDS ASIA COLLEGE36 +60 3-7932 1936

Brickfields Asia College (BAC) has established itself as the Fastest & Smartest Way to Over 100 UK Pre-University and Degree Programmes. The college has established an excellent reputation as a provider of quality education and its graduates are highly sought after by local and international firms in both the public and private sectors.

CENTRAL CHAMBERS LAW CORPORATION27 +65 6538 0100

Central Chambers Law Corporation is a full service law firm with strategic alliances with numerous law firms around the world.

DREW & NAPIER LLC496 +65 6535 4906

Drew & Napier Altogether World-ClassDrew & Napier has provided exceptional legal advice and representation to discerning clients since 1889. We are one of the largest law firms in Singapore.The calibre of our work is acknowledged internationally at the highest levels of government and industry, and marks us as Singapore’s world class law firm.We are trusted by our clients to solve their most challenging problems, advance their interests, and show them the way forward. Our lawyers and senior counsel are the preferred choice when the stakes are high and the issues complex.Our clients consistently vote our lawyers to the highest ranks of their practice areas.We stay at the forefront of the industry by cultivating talent and maintaining the family atmosphere that is distinctly Drew.Drew Network Asia The Cross-Border FirmIn 2020, Drew & Napier united with some of the most influential leading law firms in Southeast Asia to form a network of blue-chip law firms - Drew Network Asia (DNA).Comprising of legal powerhouses Shearn Delamore & Co. from Malaysia, Makarim & Taira S. from Indonesia, and Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS) from the Philippines, alongside Drew & Napier, DNA is a cohesive and integrated team operating as “a firm of firms” with international perspective and strong local expertise. Each DNA firm upholds a stellar reputation of providing clients with world-class service standards and seamless legal advice. We take immense pride in dispensing top-notch legal advice and cutting-edge solutions for our clients. Our approach has earned plaudits from clients and trade publications alike. Each pillar firm consistently garners prominent accolades and top rankings in the world’s most prestigious legal publications.

GATEWAY LAW CORPORATION38 +65 6221 6360

Gateway Law is a specialist regional legal practice focusing on intellectual property and corporate and commercial law matters. Our core practice areas also extend to information technology, communications, life sciences, media and entertainment law. Please note that posts herein do not constitute legal advice, and are provided for information only and should not be relied upon. You should seek your own legal advice in relation to any legal questions or problems you may face.

LUTHER RECHTSANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT MBH748 +60 3-2166 0085

Luther is a leading German commercial law firm that offers comprehensive legal and tax services. The full-service law firm, which has been awarded by JUVE as “Law Firm of the Year 2019”, employs more than 420 lawyers and tax advisors and is represented at 10 German economic centres and at 10 important investment locations and financial centres* in Europe and Asia. Our clients are medium-sized enterprises and large corporations, as well as the public sector.Luther works closely with other commercial law firms in all the prevailing jurisdictions worldwide. On the Continent, Luther is part of a group of independent leading law firms who have worked together for many years on joint cross-border projects.Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH is a law firm with a business approach: our innovative awareness aspires us to provide our clients with customised legal advice that addresses individual needs and delivers the greatest possible economic benefit. Our lawyers and tax advisors have a solid understanding of interdisciplinary matters and a wealth of experience in collaborating on complex tasks. Further information is available at: www.luther-lawfirm.com * including corporate services

MIRANDAH ASIA (INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SERVICES)74 +65 6336 9696

mirandah asia, formerly known as patrick mirandah co. (pmc) was set up in 1986 as a boutique Intellectual Property firm. Since then, we have extended our network of offices in Asia covering Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand together with affiliate offices in India, Vietnam and Philippines. We give you a one-stop shop for all your Intellectual Property needs in Southeast Asia and the Indian sub-continent.

RPC- LAW FIRM1,178 +65 6422 3000

RPC is a law firm with a single goal: to help you achieve your ambition.We’ll work to understand you, your business and your goals as well as we understand your market sector. That way, the advice you get from RPC will always be robust, yet specific to you.We also specialise in building trust and providing a great client service. Which is why we’ve been accredited as Best Legal Adviser every year for the last nine years.Large multinationals, growing corporates, financial institutions and other professional practices rely on RPC to help them reach their goals. Many of them are household names. All of them choose us for the outcomes we’re known for - in both contentious and non-contentious matters.And not just in the UK. From our London headquarters and our offices in Bristol, Hong Kong and Singapore, we support clients across the globe. As a founding member of the TerraLex global network, we’re connected to more than 600 offices with 19,000 lawyers in over 100 countries.And as a founding member of Global Access Lawyers, we’re also part of a group of 400 insurance law specialists in 43 offices worldwide.A commercial, innovative outlook and unstuffy, straightforward advice. That’s RPC. Let’s work together to achieve your ambition.

SKRINE224 +60 3-2094 3211

Skrine is one of the largest legal firms in the country, with a sterling global reputation, and a wide range of highly-regarded practice groups. The firm is currently led by 48 partners with over 110 lawyers. Skrine is the exclusive Malaysian member of Lex Mundi, a network of leading independent law firms in over 160 jurisdictions around the world and the Pacific Rim Advisory Council, a network of 30 top tier independent member law firms. The Firm has been named as the Malaysia Law Firm of the Year 2019 by Benchmark Litigation; Malaysia Law Firm of the Year in 2015 and 2020 by Chambers Asia Pacific; Malaysian Firm of the Year 2013 - 2020 by Who’s Who Legal; ranked as Leading Firm by Chambers Asia Pacific 2011 - 2021; ranked as Top Tier Firm by Legal 500 Asia Pacific from 2014 - 2021; recognised as leading international arbitration firm since 2012 by Global Arbitration Review (GAR) 100 and have been named as Malaysian Firm of the Year for 2014 - 2016 by Managing Intellectual Property (Managing IP).

SPRUSON & FERGUSON321 +65 6333 7200

Spruson & Ferguson is a leading provider of intellectual property (IP) services across the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 400 staff working from our offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Singapore and Sydney.We have been providing expert representation in all aspects of IP since 1887. Our long history has allowed us to build robust infrastructure, supported by sophisticated systems and highly skilled and experienced teams.Spruson & Ferguson provides a comprehensive range of services for the protection, commercialisation, enforcement and management of all forms of intellectual property including patents, trademarks and designs.Our team of IP professionals combine outstanding academic credentials with a wealth of technical and industry experience to ensure that our clients receive thorough, technically accurate and commercially relevant advice.Our clients range from entrepreneurial and emerging growth businesses to Fortune 500 companies and public sector research organisations, across all industries.As a firm, we are committed to providing solutions tailored to the individual needs of each client and delivering value and excellence in every aspect of our service.Spruson & Ferguson companies are members of the IPH Ltd group.For more information about members of the IPH group please visit https://www.iphltd.com.au/about-iph/”

ASEAN LEGAL ALLIANCE7 +65 6950 5335

The ASEAN Legal Alliance (ALA) is a network of 10 law firms in all 10 ASEAN countries. It has now grown to include law firms outside of ASEAN as well as other professional services firms, businesses and trade and business associations. Formed in 2014, the ALA is focused in four practice areas, namely Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Private Client and International Real Estate and International Trade and Cross-Border Corporate Law. ALA has more than 15 offices in 10 countries with more than 200 lawyers and paralegals .We are ASEAN focused and are ASEAN based. Armed with the knowledge of local business practices and law we help our clients navigate the complex ASEAN Legal landscape.

THE COLLEGE OF LAW AUSTRALIA476 +61 2 9965 7000

The College of Law has been at the forefront of practical legal education since 1974, and over 100,000 of our graduates now work across all facets of our industry.Across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, we have 400+ educators and support staff, with the majority comprising practising lawyers and legal professional from all levels. This ensures our programs are always relevant to real-world practice.We have a full suite of offerings to further your career at every stage, from completing your studies through to running your own law firm. These are:• Admission to Practice: Activate your career with a range of flexible Practical Legal Training programs• Professional Development: Enhance your career with more relevant practical based Continuing Professional Development programs• Postgraduate Specialisation: Master your career by specialising in your chosen area, or change your area of specialisation with a postgraduate Applied Law program• Legal Business Management: Broaden your career opportunities and learn the business of running a law firm with our Legal Practice Management Course.We also continue to sharpen our competitive edge with our Centre for Legal Innovation, built to cope with change and make the most of an evolving industry. This edge in practical law is enhanced by the experience of our Advisory and state Chapter Boards, Board of Governors, Fellows and extensive alumni.Innovative and forward-looking, The College of Law has proven to be one of the most trusted names in legal training. We are one of the few non-universities to achieve status as a Self-Accrediting Authority from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency in Australia.

BAKER MCKENZIE11,767 +65 8134 6140

Integrated legal solutions to complex business challenges.The global business community is more interconnected than ever before. Opportunities and risks spill across different markets, sectors and areas of law. A connected perspective is essential in delivering business objectives while mitigating risk. Our integrated client solutions provide seamless advice underpinned by deep practice, sector expertise, and first-rate local market knowledge. Armed with Baker McKenzies insight and foresight, business leaders can feel confident driving sustainable – and inclusive growth.Learn more: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/expertise/solutions-connected-worldContent may include attorney advertising.

ALLENS1,975 +65 6535 4855

Allens is a leading international law firm with a long and proud heritage of shaping the future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. From playing a pioneering role in the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks in the Asia region for 200 years, to acting on numerous firsts across a range of industry and community issues, it is in our DNA to make a difference and help shape what our world looks like. Over this time, weve grown in scale and reach, today offering clients a global network of 41 offices in 26 countries through our global alliance with Linklaters. We are privileged to hold some of the worlds longest ongoing client relationships, stretching back more than 170 years. Now, just as it has always been, were committed to bringing our talent, expertise and insights to continue solving their toughest problems and creating ways forward to help them thrive. New and exciting market entrants sit alongside these established companies in our client base, drawn to working with us through the innovative re-packaging of our services for the growing and fast paced startup market.

CLIFFORD CHANCE7,789 +65 6410 2271

We are one of the worlds largest law firms with significant depth and range of resources across five continents. As a single, fully integrated, global partnership, we pride ourselves on our approachable, collegiate and team based way of working.We always strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, which include corporates from all the commercial and industrial sectors, governments, regulators, trade bodies and not for profit organisations. We provide them with the highest quality advice and legal insight, which combines the Firms global standards with in-depth local expertise.Many of the worlds leading organisations look to Clifford Chance not just for legal expertise but for advice on business critical issues.

HOGAN LOVELLS7,056 +65 6538 0900

Straight talking. Thinking around corners. Understanding and solving the problem before it becomes a problem. Performing as a team, no matter where we’re sitting. Delivering clear and practical advice that gets your job done. Our 2,600+ lawyers work together with you to solve the toughest legal issues in major industries and commercial centers around the world. Whether you’re expanding into new markets, considering capital from new sources, or dealing with increasingly complex regulation or disputes, we help you stay on top of your risks and opportunities.A fast-changing and inter-connected world requires fresh thinking combined with proven experience. Thats what we provide. Progress starts with ideas. And while imagination helps at every level, our legal solutions are aligned with your business strategy. Our experience in cross-border and emerging economies gives us the market perspective to be your global partner. We believe that when knowledge travels, opportunities arise.Our team has a wide range of backgrounds. Diversity of backgrounds and experience delivers a broader perspective. Perspectives which ultimately make for more rounded thinking and better answers for you. Giving back to communities and society is fundamental to good business. And, it’s part of our core. We are advocates of justice, equality, and opportunity.Columbia Square555 Thirteenth Street, NWWashington, DC 20004United StatesAtlantic House Holborn Viaduct London, EC1A 2FG United Kingdom

BAKER MCKENZIE WONG & LEOW208 +65 8134 6140

Baker McKenzies member firm in Singapore, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, is part of one of the world’s leading and most internationally diverse law firms. With broad global coverage and comprehensive local knowledge gained from more than 30 years of operating in Singapore, we offer a unique combination of resources to help effectively manage the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Singapore, the rest of Asia and globally.Our team includes locally admitted and internationally qualified lawyers who mix local know-how with a global outlook, placing us in an excellent position to provide multinational, regional or domestic advice that is strategic and commercial.Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow is a joint law venture between Baker McKenzie International and Wong & Leow LLC, a Singapore law firm. This enables us to advise on both domestic and cross-border issues. Through Wong & Leow LLC, the firm has full rights of audience before the Singapore courts and can therefore also assist with any contentious issues that clients may be facing. We are also a business partner on the EDB Connections Concierge. The EDB Connections Concierge is an online service that helps new businesses and tech companies set-up in Singapore through EDB’s curated network of business partners. To access the EDB Connections Concierge, please go here: https://edbsingapore.getproven.com/

MAKARIM & TAIRA S.110 +62 21 2522750

Established in 1980 by two Harvard graduates, Nono Anwar Makarim and Frank Taira Supit, Makarim & Taira S. (M&T) is a leading business law firm in Indonesia offering a full range of corporate, banking, litigation and specialist legal services to national and international clients.Over the years the Firm has formed strong and lasting relationships with a large number of clients and businesses. We pride ourselves on the loyalty of our clients and attempt to provide to each client the same unvarying standard of service. The Firm also has unique and unsurpassed experience and insight into many aspects of Indonesias business and governmental spheres and has the necessary expertise to assist our clients in their Indonesian investments and transactions.M&T is also favored as Indonesian counsel by a growing number of leading international law firms and has significant expertise in acting as local counsel in international and multinational transactions. Our existing connections both in Indonesia and overseas allow us to ensure the Firm maintains and develops its expertise and is able to assimilate the most up to date drafting and other legal techniques and knowledge.

Top Legal Services Companies in Malaysia

Key Statistics from 2022

According to recent data, Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2022. The legal services industry plays a significant role in the country's economy, accounting for approximately 0.4% of the GDP. In terms of employment, the industry provides jobs for approximately 60,000 people in Malaysia.

Factors Contributing to Growth and Success

Several factors have contributed to the growth and success of the legal services industry in Malaysia. One significant factor is the government's focus on promoting Malaysia as a hub for international arbitration. The Malaysian government has implemented several initiatives to support the industry, including the establishment of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA).

Another important factor contributing to the industry's success is the growth of foreign investment and the increasing number of cross-border transactions. As Malaysia's economy becomes more integrated with the global market, there is an increasing demand for legal services that can handle complex cross-border transactions.

Industry Growth and Comparison to Previous Years

The legal services industry in Malaysia has shown steady growth over the past few years. In 2021, the sector recorded a growth rate of 2.8%, with the commercial law industry growing at a rate of 3.4%. These figures demonstrate the importance of the industry to Malaysia's economy and its potential for continued growth.

Key Trends

Technological disruptions have been a significant trend in the legal services industry in Malaysia. With the advent of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain, businesses in the industry have had to adapt to keep up with the changing landscape. For example, AI is being used to automate routine legal tasks and improve efficiency.

Another important trend in the industry is the focus on specialization. As the legal landscape becomes more complex, there is a growing demand for legal professionals with specialized expertise in areas such as intellectual property, corporate law, and arbitration.

Challenges

Despite the growth and success of the legal services industry in Malaysia, there are several challenges that businesses in the industry must address. One significant challenge is the need to address the issue of talent retention. As demand for legal expertise grows, there is a growing competition for talented legal professionals, which can make it challenging for businesses to retain skilled staff.

Another challenge is the need to address the issue of affordability. Despite the growing demand for legal services, many Malaysians are still struggling to afford them. To address this challenge, businesses in the industry must invest in affordable legal services options and innovative financing options.

In addition, another significant challenge for the legal services industry in Malaysia is the need to address the issue of diversity and inclusion. Despite efforts to increase diversity in the legal profession, there is still a lack of representation of women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds.

To remain competitive in the global market, businesses in the legal services industry must also focus on innovation and quality. This includes investing in research and development to create new and innovative legal solutions that meet the changing needs of clients.

Future Outlook

The outlook for the legal services industry in Malaysia is positive. With a growing economy, a supportive government, and a skilled workforce, the industry is well-positioned to take advantage of emerging trends and technologies. However, businesses in the industry must be prepared to address the challenges that arise and to continually adapt to meet the changing needs of clients. By doing so, the industry can continue to be a key driver of economic growth and development in Malaysia.

Looking to the future, there are several promising trends in the legal services industry in Malaysia. One of the most significant is the growth of legal technology (legaltech). As the focus on automation and efficiency continues to grow, businesses in the industry are increasingly investing in legaltech solutions to improve their operations and better serve their clients.

Another promising trend is the growth of alternative legal service providers (ALSPs). As the demand for legal services grows, there is increasing competition from non-traditional providers, such as online legal platforms and managed legal services providers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legal services industry in Malaysia is a key contributor to the country's economy, providing legal expertise and driving business growth. With a focus on diversity, innovation, and quality, the industry is well-positioned for continued growth and success. However, businesses in the industry must address the challenges posed by talent retention, affordability, and diversity, and invest in research and development to remain competitive in the global market. By doing so, the industry can continue to be a key driver of economic growth and development in Malaysia.

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By Melissa Goh
Published on 22 May 2023