The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers advises banks on documentation, commercial activities and regulations. It recently advised a foreign bank on establishing a Vietnamese subsidiary; several lenders on loans to Vinashin, the financially troubled state-owned shipbuilder; and a major Asian bank on project finance lending. Nguyen Viet Ha and Luu Xuan Trang lead the practice along with managing partner Mark Fraser, who is ‘extremely knowledgeable in Vietnam law and process’.

Within Capital markets, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers has ‘excellent knowledge, skill sets and response times, with accuracy of advice proved over many years. In a jurisdiction such as Vietnam, obtaining the full picture and options is paramount and this team provides just that’. It advised EVN Telecom on its ongoing equitisation process and the sale of a portion of its chartered capital to strategic investors. It has also been advising on a sizeable proposed bond issuance. Managing partner Mark Fraser is ‘clearly the keystone of the firm with immense knowledge of the Vietnam market and extensive experience across all sectors’; he led senior lawyers Chris Robinson and Nguyen Viet Ha on the EVN Telecom matter. Senior lawyer Justin Gisz is also recommended.

Within Corporate and M&A, Frasers Law Company is a first tier firm,

Frasers ‘punches considerably above its weight with excellent understanding of the complex Vietnamese legal and business environment, delivering quality, commercially focused advice’. The firm represents numerous multinationals in the FMCG, life sciences, heavy industry and utilities sectors, advising on acquisitions, joint ventures, employment issues, distribution and manufacturing agreements and regulations. Managing partner Mark Fraser is ‘knowledgeable, commercially minded, a good communicator and always a comforting presence in what can be unfamiliar territory’, and ‘if you have his number there are few other lawyers you would need to call in Vietnam’. He is recommended along with senior lawyer Justin Gisz, who is ‘technically strong, incredibly responsive, and delivers a consistent, quality service’.

Within Dispute resolution, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers represents clients in construction and commercial contract disputes, and in employment law cases. Justin Gisz, who is ‘strong in both Vietnamese law and policy, and not passive when something needs to be done’, and Phung Phi Thanh Thao co-head the practice.

Within Insurance, Frasers Law Company is a third tier firm,

Frasers provides general advice to insurers. Mark Fraser is recommended.

Within International firms, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers advises on trade mark and copyright rights transactions, including licensing and franchising. Clients include fast food restaurant and café chains, consumer goods manufacturers, and life sciences companies. Van Vien heads the practice with support from managing partner Mark Fraser.

Within Legal market overview,

Vilaf – Hong Duc and YKVN remain the standout full-service Vietnamese firms. Allens Arthur Robinson, Baker & McKenzie, Frasers and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer are among the best full-service international firms, as are Mayer Brown JSM and Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I., both of which are performing superbly across numerous practice areas. The rankings include Singapore or Hong Kong practices with significant track records relating to Vietnam.

Within Projects and energy, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers advises oil and gas companies on documents and operations, and recently represented an international lender on a major BOT power project. It also acted for several clients buying or selling stakes in projects, and has a track record in the mining sector. Mark Fraser has ‘a very good knowledge base due to his time on the ground in Vietnam’; senior Vietnamese lawyers Pham Ba Linh and Nguyen Viet Ha are key contributors to this practice.

Within Real estate and construction, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers provides ‘extremely good service, fast responses and value for money’, and has ‘deep market experience and invaluable insights to the market’. It advises major developers and investors on investments into projects or properties, and on project development, especially in the retail and leisure sectors. It also frequently advises on leasing agreements and disputes. Managing partner Mark Fraser and senior lawyer Justin Gisz provide ‘good, commercially practical advice, which is vital in a market like Vietnam’.

Within TMT (technology, media and telecoms), Frasers Law Company is a first tier firm,

‘Very positive and very responsive’, Frasers advised EVN Telecom on its equitisation process during 2010. It also advised a media-sector client on establishing a joint venture, a local client on a broadcast rights agreement, and a foreign investor on acquiring a software developer. Managing partner Mark Fraser, who has ‘a strong grasp of the overall environment and issues necessary for an overseas operator to be aware of’, plays a significant role in the practice, which is headed by Nguyen Viet Ha.

Within Tax, Frasers Law Company is a second tier firm,

Frasers advises banks, investors, project sponsors and natural resources companies on tax regulations and tax aspects of transactions. Chris Robinson and Mark Fraser co-head the department.