Shook Lin & Bok > Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia > Firm Profile
Shook Lin & Bok Offices
20TH FLOOR, AMBANK GROUP BUILDING
55 JALAN RAJA CHULAN
50200 KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia
Shook Lin & Bok > The Legal 500 Rankings
Malaysia > Banking and finance Tier 2
Shook Lin & Bok has a large banking and finance team, covering both conventional and Islamic finance. It is also highly rated for debt restructurings and refinancings. Hoh Kiat Ching is a key member of the team, in both conventional and Islamic Finance, while Jalalullail Othman is another prominent practitioner in the market, operating across corporate transactions and financings. Khong Mei Lin heads the loans and debt restructuring team.Practice head(s):
Khong Mei Lin; Hoh Kiat Ching
Other key lawyers:
Work highlights
- Acted for the financier in relation to a facility granted to its customer for the purpose of refinancing existing unencumbered fixed assets.
Malaysia > Dispute resolution Tier 2
Counting regulatory authorities and government-owned entities among its key list of clients, Shook Lin & Bok specialises in financial litigation, in addition to advising on corporate, shareholder and joint venture disputes. Other key areas of expertise include contentious matters concerning land, such as disputed transfers of interest and security. Romesh Abraham appears in arbitrations conducted under the ICC and jointly leads the team alongside Chan Kok Keong, who focuses on banking and finance litigation. Yoong Sin Min remains a key contact in the practice.Practice head(s):
Romesh Abraham; Chan Kok Keong
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is friendly and easy to communicate with.’
‘Uphold professionalism as well as integrity.’
‘Dedicated lawyers and commercially minded.’
‘The team always provide relevant advice to questions.’
‘Attentive to client’s requests and provide workable solutions.’
Key clients
CIMB Bank Berhad
CIMB Islamic Berhad
OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad
United Overseas Bank Limited
UOB 2006 Nominees (Tempatan) Sdn Bhd
AmBank (M) Berhad
OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad
Malayan Banking Berhad
RHB Bank Berhad
Standard Chartered Bank Berhad
Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad
TMF Trustees Malaysia Berhad
Maybank Investment Bank Berhad
GLM Emerald Hills (Cheras) Sdn Bhd Bhd
Hong Leong Bank Berhad
MBSB Bank Bhd
Maybank Islamic Bhd
Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad
Affin Bank Berhad
Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd
Panasonic Appliances Air-Conditioning Sdn Bhd
Panasonic Manufacturing Malaysia Bhd
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
Maxter Glove Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
T&K Synergy (L) Sdn Bhd
Fujikura (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
RJ Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd
Malaysia > Intellectual property Tier 2
Michael C.M. Soo leads the offering at Shook Lin & Bok. The team is experienced in the representation and management of IP protection portfolios for well-known companies, both locally and internationally. Further, it has a strong reputation for its ability to handle the enforcement of rights, often assisting its clients in filings and litigation matters regarding trademarks, patents, copyright infringements, utility innovations and industrial designs. Partner Wendy Lee Wan Chieh frequently appears before the High Court on IP disputes. Licensing and franchising also form a significant part of its workload and the team has strengthened its offering with the addition of two new associates.
Practice head(s):
Michael C.M. Soo
Other key lawyers:
Wendy Lee Wan Chieh; Joseph Yu Shi Yang
Key clients
Bayerische Motoren Werke and the BMW Group of Companies
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company
Hershey Group of Companies
YTL Group of Companies
Fraser and Neave, Limited
United Detergent Industries
Thompson Reuters
Public Bank Berhad
J Choo Limited
UNZA International Limited
Lee Kum Kee Company Limited
Summit (M) Sdn Bhd
Hotel Equatorial Sdn Bhd
Elite Gold Ltd
Authentic Brands Group, Inc
Stanley Black & Decker
ZTE Corporation
YL Brands Sdn Bhd and Yee Lee Corporation Bhd
UEM Edgenta Bhd
Sika AG
Malaysia > Labour and employment Tier 2
Shook Lin & Bok’s employment offering has both Romesh Abraham and Mehala Marimuthoo at the helm. The team has particular expertise in advising on unfair dismissal cases under the 1967 Industrial Relations Act. Such matters include advising the team’s roster of clients on the effect on employees of issues, including retrenchment, redundancy and takeovers. Additionally, the team assists in putting disciplinary proceedings in place and representing clients in such matters as those of non-compliance of employees, regularly appearing before the High Court and Court of Appeal.Practice head(s):
Romesh Abraham; Mehala Marimuthoo
Other key lawyers:
Nursabrina Jamaluddin; Gavinesh Siva Dharma
Testimonials
‘The team is knowledgeable generally, and regarding their clients’ business and operational issues.’
‘Mehala Marimuthoo always makes sure she studies and understand the company’s business and operational challenges, and she remembers everything. She is also very fast and reliable in responding to queries, and clear with advice. She stays calm and professional even on the most urgent of matters.’
Key clients
Alam Flora Sdn Bhd
Bayer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
DRB-Hicom Environmental Services
EON Auto Mart Sdn Bhd
Guocera Sdn Bhd
Guocera Holdings Sdn Bhd
RHB Bank Berhad
Puspakom Sdn Bhd
Petroliam Nasional Berhad
Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd
Jebsen & Jessen Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Hicom Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Hannover Rueck SSE, Malaysian
Horsedale Development Berhad (Glenmarie Golf & Country Club)
Work highlights
- Defended Petroliam Nasional Berhad at the Federal Court in a bid by the employee to overturn the High Court’s decision on the claim of constructive dismissal by the employer.
- Defended RHB Bank in the bid by the Plaintiff to overturn the High Court’s decision on non-payment of bonus and non-extension of employment tenure.
- Represented RHB Bank in the unfair dismissal claim made by Employees who were dismissed for breaching the Bank’s policies and procedures.
Malaysia > Islamic finance Tier 3
Shook Lin & Bok has a fine record in financings and debt restructurings under Islamic principles. The firm is also active in reviewing clients’ Islamic finance documentation, including developing new template documentation. Jalalullail Othman is an experienced figure in the Islamic finance segment. Islamic finance specialist Syed Adam Alhabshi joined Raja, Darryl & Loh in April 2022.Practice head(s):
Jalalullail Othman; Khong Mei Lin; Ho Yue Chan; Hoh Kiat Ching; Dhaniah Ahmad
Work highlights
- Acted for a financier to undertake a critical review and enhancement of its existing template Islamic financing documentation, both the principal instruments as well as collateral instruments in the form of security.
Malaysia > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
Malaysia > Antitrust and competition
Shook Lin & Bok > Firm Profile
The firm: From its humble origins as a sole-proprietorship established in 1918, Shook Lin & Bok has grown into one of the largest law firms in Malaysia. It is also the oldest law firm of local origin in the country.
The practice began in a limited number of practice areas. As Malaysia evolved from being a British colony into the modern country it is today, the firm grew in tandem to meet the challenges of globalization, building on its strong, trusted relationships with all its clients. The firm’s practice has evolved into a leading full service firm offering a comprehensive range of legal services, spanning the globe. Such services range from civil and commercial practice, banking and finance, international arbitration, complex litigation disputes and intellectual property.
The firm has distinguished itself in its commitment to high standards of professionalism and integrity for over 100 years. It has built on that heritage and continues to invest in the development of its human resources, team of legal practitioners and infrastructural resources, including the latest technological systems, for the benefit of its clients. Always solution-focused, the firm prides itself not just in highlighting pitfalls in transactions but also in providing alternatives.
The latest in online legal research facilities enhances and complements one of the most comprehensive traditional library facilities in the country, enabling the firm to deliver on its mission of service with effectiveness and efficiency.
The firm has seventeen departments representing major, though not exclusive practice areas, which combine in a complementary and multidisciplinary practice to serve the needs of clients.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Finance | Khong Mei Lin | ||
| Building, Construction and Engineering | Lam Ko Luen | ||
| Company Secretarial | Ivan Ho Yue Chan | ||
| Competition & Anti-Trust Law | Michael C.M Soo | ||
| Corporate | Ivan Ho Yue Chan | ||
| Dispute Resolution | Romesh Abraham | ||
| Dispute Resolution | Chan Kok Keong | ||
| Family, Probate & Trusts | Romesh Abraham | ||
| Insurance | Lam Ko Luen | ||
| Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Licensing | Michael C.M Soo | ||
| International & Domestic Arbitration | Lam Ko Luen | ||
| Islamic Finance | Jalalullail Othman | ||
| Labour & Industrial Disputes | Romesh Abraham | ||
| Loan and Debt restructuring | Khong Mei Lin | ||
| Real Estate, Commercial & Conveyancing | Hoh Kiat Ching | ||
| Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement | Jalalullail Othman | ||
| Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement | Chan Kok Keong | ||
| Shipping & Maritime | Chan Kok Keong | ||
| Technology, Multimedia & Telecommunications ("TMT") | Ivan Ho Yue Chan | ||
| International and Domestic Arbitration | Lam Ko Luen |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mr Romesh Abraham | Romesh Abraham has been a litigation partner in the firm since 1991… | View Profile |
 | Mr Ivan Ho | Ivan is a senior partners of the firm and he practices in… | View Profile |
 | Ms Mei Lin Khong | Mei Lin is a senior partner of the firm and heads the… | View Profile |
 | Mr Ko Luen Lam | Ko Luen is a Partner of the firm and he heads the… | View Profile |
 | Mr Jalalullail Othman | JAL OTHMAN is a partner in the corporate and commercial law practice… | View Profile |
 | Mr Michael Soo | Michael Soo is the current Managing Partner of the firm and heads… | View Profile |
|
| Mr Michael Soo | Michael Soo is the current Managing Partner of the firm and heads… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 60+Languages
English Malay Mandarin TamilClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Amelia Emran (Deputy General Manager, Legal and Procurement Department)
COMPANY/FIRM: MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd
TESTIMONIAL: The team assigned to our case was impressive. Highly proficient in the law and diligent. Professional yet very personable and always available for a consult.
CLIENT: Nor Khairiah Abd Halim (Senior General Manager, Technical Services Division)
COMPANY/FIRM: PBLT Sdn Bhd
TESTIMONIAL: Shook Lin & Bok has been acting as our counsel in various legal matter from litigation, dispute resolution and drafting of agreements. We are very satisfied with the services provided as they are very professional and have good experienced and knowledgeable lawyers in various fields.
Ms. Victoria Loi has represented us as counsel in several construction disputes. She has shown high professionalism and is knowledgeable in the subject matter. She is detailed in her work and able to provide the Client with good advice and strategy to minimise the Client’s exposure. She has in-depth knowledge and ability in construction disputes and is able to provide us with successful outcomes. We are happy to have Shook Lin & Bok as our counsel and highly recommend this firm.
CLIENT: Ho Sook Chin (Consultant – Contract Advisory)
COMPANY/FIRM: Arcadis Malaysia
TESTIMONIAL: We have worked with Messrs Shook Lin & Bok for some years now, primarily in construction related legal works where they are our legal representatives. Victoria Loi (Partner) is hands on. Her team is knowledgeable, professional and responsive, and consistently delivered positive results. We can rely on Victoria and her team to keep us updated, and presented with clear concise options at the various stages of the cases involved.
CLIENT: Yap Mong Jay (Head, Group Litigation Policy, Strategy & Reporting, Group Legal – CFS & Corporate Functions)
COMPANY/FIRM: Maybank
TESTIMONIAL: I have worked with Yoong Sin Min on several matters, many involving complex and difficult matters. Apart from being a great litigator backed by her extensive experience, what we also consistently find invaluable to us is the combination of her astuteness, intelligence and her ability to approach issues with a profound appreciation and comprehension of organizational/ business strategies and objectives. Her services, when engaged, have helped us make many key decisions with confidence and little hesitation, especially in live commercial situations where such decisions are often required to be made decisively, and with little room for mistakes or inadvertence.
CLIENT: Dato’ Robert Teo (Chairman)
COMPANY/FIRM: RSM Malaysia
TESTIMONIAL: The firm of Shook Lin & Bok has been my solicitors for the past 35 years. Mr. Romesh Abraham was my solicitor and he won my first legal suit handled by Shook Lin & Bok. Subsequently together with Mr. Lam Ko Luen and Ms. Victoria Loi, I had a string of legal victories!
Throughout that period, I have not been able to remember any instance when they fell short of their professional obligations as my solicitors. They have been attentive in their service and the partners are easily accessible at most times.
CLIENT: Esther Chow (Head of Legal)
COMPANY/FIRM: KONE Elevator (M) Sdn Bhd
TESTIMONIAL: It’s a comfort to work with Victoria Loi – highly competent, meticulous and supporting client with a touch of customer-centricity. I am thankful for her hard work and diligence in supporting our business thus far.
CLIENT: Chen Mun Peng (Head of Legal)
COMPANY/FIRM: Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad
TESTIMONIAL: Shook Lin & Bok is the law firm we go to when we have complex contentious matters. Serviced by a team of highly experienced lawyers who are able to consistently render sound legal advice. Very responsive team and easy access to partners. With Shook Lin & Bok, we know that our matters are in capable hands and receiving their utmost attention.