The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie provides regulatory support and advises lenders and borrowers on upper-end commercial loans, asset and real estate project finance. Recent highlights include advising SP-SSA International Container Services JSC as borrower for parallel loans to finance construction of a new container port terminal. It advised VIB on CBA’s strategic investment via the acquisition of a 15% stake. Practice head Oanh HK Nguyen is excellent, and pragmatic managing partner Frederick Burke is also recommended.

Within Capital markets, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie’s Oanh HK Nguyen is recommended for capital markets work. The firm is currently advising a retail sector client on a share issuance.

Within Corporate and M&A, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie advised Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB) on Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s strategic acquisition of a 15% stake in VIB. It also represented a manufacturer on establishing major factory operations, and advised e-commerce and beverages corporations on acquiring stakes in local companies. Yee Chung Seck and highly regarded managing partner Frederick Burke lead the practice.

Within Dispute resolution, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie’s practice head Ha Thi Thanh Tran is advising in a number of cases. The team’s expertise includes tax, IP and contract disputes, debt recovery claims, and litigation avoidance. Notably it is defending a client in Vietnam’s first case alleging abuse of a dominant position before the Vietnam Competition Administration Department.

Within Insurance, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie provides operational and regulatory advice and document review to multinational insurers including AXA and MSIG. It is advising a European insurer on establishing life insurance and non-life insurance entities in Vietnam. Special counsel Simon Taylor heads the practice with support from Frederick Burke.

Within International firms, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie advises on trade mark registration, enforcement and portfolio management, and, to a lesser extent, on patents and copyright. With particularly strong representation in the pharmaceutical and apparel sectors, it recently advised a pharmaceutical multinational on a trade mark opposition after a local company sought a similar brand name and trade dress; and represented another drug manufacturer in pursuing a patent infringement action. Department head Manh Hung Tran is well connected and knowledgeable.

Within Local firms Leading individuals

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 Real estate and construction, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie’s core expertise lies in large resort and hotel projects. In December 2010, it closed the second tranche of financing for Asian Coast Development’s $4.2bn MGM Grand Ho Tram resort; it is advising on all aspects of the development. The team continues to advise Limitless on the Ha Long Star resort project, and is advising several clients on potential acquisitions. Practice head Frederick Burke is pragmatic and well respected.

Within TMT (technology, media and telecoms), Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie provides corporate, commercial and regulatory advice on Vietnam’s highly regulated telecoms and internet sectors. Recently the group has been advising international clients on establishing business partnerships with local telecoms players, and advising on share transactions. Practice head Yee Chung Seck is recommended along with IP group head Manh Hung Tran.

Within Tax, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie’s Frederick Burke advises on tax regulations and tax planning, and Ha Thi Thanh Tran represents clients in tax disputes.