DFDL
Active in Laos since 1994, regional law firm
DFDL’s Laos office is located in Vientiane and is helmed by Kristy Newby, who serves as country managing director. The firm’s regional network includes jurisdictions such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is well known in the financial and corporate space and has a strong project development practice.
The corporate team is experienced in advising on matters such as regulatory compliance, market-entry, joint ventures, and buy-side and sell-side acquisitions. The firm is also active in the restructuring and insolvency practices.
The firm specialises in acting for sponsors and lenders on project financing mandates for hydro projects.
Sectors of activities include aviation, education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, TMT, ITC, logistics, real estate, energy, mining and infrastructure.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Vientiane International School, Mekong Timber Plantations, ANZBGL, Stora Enso Laos Plantation, Impact Energy Asia Development, Sinohydro and Lane Xang Minerals.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Project development
“They provide most suitable and applicable advice.”
Project finance
“DFDL provides legal advisory service for Laos and Cambodian laws in all aspects in relation to the project development (concession agreement, power purchase agreement, establishment of the company, environmental and social laws, for example).”
McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers
Active since 2008, McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers is the only Australian law firm registered in Laos. The firm maintains an office in Vientiane and is a member of the Nextlaw Referral Network.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its financial and corporate and project development work. The firm has expertise in advising government bodies, lenders and investors on project development mandates in sectors including power and mining.
Rajah & Tann
Headquartered in Vientiane, Rajah & Tann established its Laos office in 2010 and is helmed by managing partner Lee Hock Chye.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its financial and corporate and project development work. The firm’s experience covers advisory on matters related to mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, project finance and regulatory compliance.
Its sectors of focus include energy, power, infrastructure, construction and technology.
Key clients
Key clients include EDL-Generation Public, Visa Worldwide, Alipay, SC Johnson, Facebook, Phongsavanh Bank and DKSH.
Tilleke & Gibbins
Tilleke & Gibbins has more than 25 years of experience in Laos and has had an office in Vientiane since 2013. The firm is a solid regional player with offices in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Yangon. The firm extends its presence beyond the region through its memberships in Lex Mundi and Multilaw.
The firm has more than 200 lawyers and consultants practicing in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is known for its financial and corporate and project development practices.
The firm has experience across a variety of sectors, including food and beverage, utilities, insurance, transport, fintech, infrastructure, life sciences, technology and media.
VDB Loi
The Laos office of regional firm
VDB Loi is located in Vientiane. The firm has a strong regional presence with more than 100 lawyers and advisers across southeast Asia, including offices in Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, and a newly opened office in Bangladesh. Key figures include Edwin Vanderbruggen.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its financial and corporate and project development expertise. The firm is experienced in a range of matters including M&A, joint ventures, financing and market-entry advice.
The firm has a particular focus on the energy, banking and financial services and infrastructure industries.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Aderans Lao, Andritz Hydro, Bangkok Chain International, Boart Longyear, China CITIC Bank, Heineken Lao Brewery, iCare Benefits, Kasikornthai Bank and Lao-Jagro Development Xiengkhouang.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
“They are experts in their field, active in the work, supportive beyond their limits to serve the client, and with a friendly working attitude.”
M&A
“Good knowledge of hydro power business.”
ZICOlaw (Laos) Sole Co. Ltd.
Active in Laos since 2009, ZICOlaw’s Laos office is located in Vientiane and is helmed by managing partner Aristotle David. Membership of the ZICO Law network allows the firm to provide services to its clients across the region.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognized for its work in the financial and corporate and project development areas.
Sectors of focus include aviation, energy, fintech, transport, and telecommunications and technology.
Key clients
Key clients include Japan Tobacco International, NEXBILL, University of California San Francisco, and Gaia Vita.
Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
M&A
"Always so supportive and sharing the status of assets transfer, with relevant advice."
Project development
"Excellent work done with sound advice provided on important matters."
