Myanmar (asialaw)

With an office in Yangon and operating on the ground since 1995, DFDL’s Myanmar practice specialises in banking and finance, capital markets, and corporate and projects work, with a particular focus on infrastructure, power and mining. The firm is a true hybrid practice, being international in origin but also with a strong local law operation. Partner Thida Aye and managing director Nishant Choudhary are key contacts.

The first US firm to open in Myanmar, in 2013, Duane Morris & Selvam advises on all aspects of Myanmar general business law. The firm focuses on general corporate work, direct foreign investment and market entry. It also has a strong reputation in projects and energy, banking and finance, litigation and regulatory work. Key contacts include Leon Yee and Priyank Srivastava. Director Kenneth Lim joined in 2021. 

As the oldest and largest law firm in the country, Kelvin Chia Yangon is a premier choice for commercial matters. As an international consultancy, the firm is spearheaded by senior transactional lawyers with both international expertise and hands-on knowledge of local law. Operating in Myanmar since 1995, Kelvin Chia Yangon has a reputation as one of the leading law firms in the jurisdiction. Key contacts include Cheah Swee Gim, Lyra Miragrace Flores-Bisnar and Khin Leinmar Ban Aye. 

Myanmar Legal MHM offers a range of law services, with a particular focus on investment, M&A and banking and finance. The firm has a team of senior lawyers with many years of international and domestic experience, covering a range of practice areas and jurisdictions. Myanmar Legal MHM is also capable of undertaking cross-border matters. Takeshi Mukawa, Kana Manabe and Khin Cho Kyi are key contacts.

Nishimura & Asahi is one of the longest-established international law firms in Myanmar. The firm has considerable experience in lobbying and negotiating with various government authorities, and also has a strong connection with the Japanese government. The firm is experienced in a variety of practice areas and industry sectors, including banking and finance and corporate and M&A. Yusuke Yukawa and Isamu Imaizumi are key contacts. 

Rajah & Tann Myanmar is a full-service law firm capable of providing high-quality legal services in all sectors, including foreign direct investment projects, corporate and M&A, banking and finance, energy and projects, and competition and antitrust. Unlike many foreign law firms, Rajah & Tann Myanmar acts for many large Myanmar companies, an indication of the firm’s strong local presence and expertise. Key contacts include Chester Toh and Min Thein. 

Thanlwin Legal provides legal advice to local and foreign businesses in Myanmar, with an increasingly predominant focus on servicing Chinese-speaking clients from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The firm provides services for a variety of practice areas including banking and finance, dispute resolution and corporate and M&A. Bob Tseng and Lucas Chen are key contacts.

Tilleke & Gibbins’ full-service outfit in Yangon provides a gateway for regional and international companies to enter Myanmar’s emerging and liberalising commercial markets. The firm focuses its practice on banking and finance, intellectual property, projects and infrastructure, and market-entry advice. As an international law firm, Tilleke & Gibbins has many large international clients who have a significant impact on Myanmar’s economy. Yuwadee Thean-ngarm and Derrick Khoo are key contacts. Partner Khoo joined the firm in 2021. 

Client feedback 

“Positive and helpful.” – Labour and employment 

Yuwadee Thean-ngarm 

“Prompt and attentive.”

VDB Loi is a leading law firm in Myanmar, with more than 90 staff in Yangon as well as a fully operational office in Nay Pyi Taw. The firm is renowned for its award-winning deals in the technology and telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and retail sectors. As an international law firm, VDB Loi’s core expertise includes banking and finance, corporate and M&A, and tax. Jean Loi, Edwin Vanderbruggen and Maxim Kobzev are key contacts. 

Established in June 2014, WongPartnership’s Myanmar office advises clients on banking and finance, construction, foreign direct investment and real estate matters. The firm’s Myanmar practice capitalises on the country’s economic potential, especially in regard to foreign investors. Yangon-based resident partner Suegene Ang is the key contact and she is supported by top-notch construction, infrastructure, real estate and funds experts based in Singapore, such as partners Christopher Chuah, Low Kah Keong and Tan Teck Howe.

ZICO Law commenced operations in 2013 and works in a wide range of areas, including corporate and M&A, projects, infrastructure, and real estate. In particular, the firm has been consistently engaged in corporate and commercial matters for both foreign and local investors in Myanmar. The firm’s projects practice continues to maintain a portfolio of flagship clients. Geraldine Oh and Maung Thein are key contacts.