The Legal 500 > Asia Pacific > Laos > Leading firms

DFDL Legal & Tax's Lao practice group is plugged into the firm's wider regional network, and working alongside its colleagues in jurisdictions such as Thailand, the team is regularly involved in the largest project developments and cross-border corporate transactions in Lao PDR. The Vientiane team has strengths in key industry sectors such as energy, mining and infrastructure, and more generally has extensive experience advising on cross-border investment and M&A, and a litany of domestic regulatory matters. Lao practice head Kristy Newby focuses on inbound investment and M&A and also heads the firm's regional mining practice. Project finance expert Walter Heiser has particular experience in the Lao hydropower market, where he has acted for project sponsors and lenders. Also recommended is Senesakoune Sihanouvong, who specialises in Lao tax advice.

Leveraging the firm-wide expertise in media, technology, and infrastructure, Tilleke & Gibbins (Laos) handles cross-border corporate and investment transactions, financing arrangements, and project development matters, and also advises on market entry regulations, IP and data protection, and a variety of commercial deals. The practice group also has strengths in the financial services sector, where it has advised multinational investment banks and lenders, and was recently involved in a standout matter in the insurance industry. Dino Santaniello heads the firm's Lao office, and speaks fluent English, Lao, Thai, and French, making him well-suited to doing business in Lao PDR. Another contact for Lao-facing work is Santhapat Periera, who divides time between the firm's Vientiane and Bangkok offices, and maintains a broad corporate and commercial practice. Also of note, the Vientiane team was recently strengthened by the arrival of Somphou Keomounmany, a corporate and commercial lawyer with over 20 years of experience as a legal adviser in Lao PDR.

VDB Loi has developed particular strengths in power and infrastructure project financing and development, and international banking and finance transactions. The team has relationships with prominent international law firm, through which it is often involved in high-value cross-border financing transactions. Yangon-based Edwin Vanderbruggen focuses on project development and regulatory matters, as well as international taxation, and oversees the Lao team. Senior counsel Sornpheth Douangdy leads the the general commercial practice in the Lao office. Leveraging a strong general corporate practice and a market-leading Lao tax expert, Daodeuane Duangdara, the firm is also an attractive choice for international and regional corporates seeking to enter the Lao market, or expand their operations therein.

McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers advises on a range of general corporate and commercial matters, domestic tax, and project development. In particular the team has experience taking companies through the whole suite of requirements for Lao registration and operation, and is fully capable of handling any required financings, corporate transactions and capital markets listings, joint venture agreements and commercial contracts, and Lao taxation matters. In addition, the team has acted for lenders and government clients in large power and infrastructure projects. Mike McDonald oversees the team from Singapore, Kaz Patafta heads the on-the-ground Lao team, and Khamkong Liemphrachanh leads the government relations practice.