From a small group of lawyers initially working with magic circle law firm Clifford Chance in 1993,
VILAF has developed into an independent law firm with 90 lawyers including 15 partners in its two offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which is one of the largest team of English-speaking business lawyers in Vietnam.
Vo Ha Duyen is the chairperson, with Dang Duong Anh managing partner of the Hanoi practice. The firm is ranked among the market-leading firms across the board in the financial and corporate space.
Highlights
In capital markets, the firm advised
the underwriters and Black Spade in connection with the $23 billion Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) combination and the Nasdaq listing of Vietnam EV maker VINFAST (VFS). The listing and SPAC transaction are unprecedented deals of many first in Vietnam. It is the first time of a Vietnamese company listing overseas in the US and the listing has been gone through SPAC transaction.
Projects highlights include advising
Nghi Son 2 BOT on the operation and development of Nghi Son 2 BOT Power Project. The project considered one of the first large-scale power projects in Central Vietnam. It is the first and until now, the only international public tender to select foreign investors for power projects in Vietnam. It is also among the first projects of imported coal in Vietnam.
Testimonials
"They are very responsive and provide commercially sensible and legally sound advice" (Banking and finance client)
"Prompt response, professional and comprehensive advice " (M&A client)
"VILAF's proactive approach to communication ensures that clients are kept informed every step of the way, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and client satisfaction. They always consider the deal's commercial aspect. (M&A client)
Key clients
Vingroup, J&T Express, SCG Décor, ANT, Citigroup, SCB X, SKC, Sojitz Corporation and Vinamilk, CapitaLand, OPEC Fund for International Development, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Fulbright University Vietnam, Moody's Asia Pacific, Marubeni, B.Grimm Power
