1. What is the current legal landscape for Litigation in your jurisdiction?

Vietnam’s litigation landscape is currently being reshaped by significant judicial reform. The court system has recently been reorganised into a three-tier structure comprising regional people’s courts, provincial-level people’s courts and the Supreme People’s Court, replacing the previous four-tier model. At the same time, Vietnam is pursuing the establishment of specialised courts within the International Financial Centre and accelerating the digital transformation of the judiciary through the development of e-courts and broader adoption of digital technologies. Together, these reforms are expected to improve judicial efficiency and strengthen the court system’s ability to deal with increasingly complex commercial disputes.

2. What three essential pieces of advice would you give to clients involved in Litigation matters?

Clients should first ensure that all relevant documents and evidence are preserved and organised from the outset, as the outcome of litigation in Vietnam depends heavily on the quality of the evidence presented. They should also carefully evaluate all available dispute resolution options before commencing proceedings, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation, to determine the most appropriate strategy. Finally, clients should consider enforcement issues at an early stage, particularly in cross-border disputes, as the ability to enforce a judgment or arbitral award should be an important factor when selecting the appropriate dispute resolution forum.

3. What are the greatest threats and opportunities in Litigation law in the next 12 months?

The increasing complexity of commercial disputes, particularly those involving cross-border transactions and supply chains, will continue to challenge businesses and their advisers. At the same time, ongoing judicial reform and digitalisation of the court system present significant opportunities to improve procedural efficiency, enhance access to justice and strengthen confidence in Vietnam’s dispute resolution framework.

4. How do you ensure high client satisfaction levels are maintained by your practice?

We focus on delivering commercially practical legal advice that aligns with each client’s business objectives. We also maintain regular communication throughout the proceedings, ensuring that clients receive timely updates on the progress of the case, key procedural developments and potential legal risks. This enables clients to make informed strategic decisions at every stage of the dispute.

5. What technological advancements are reshaping Litigation law and how can clients benefit from them?

The digital transformation of Vietnam’s court system, including the development of e-courts and wider use of electronic litigation procedures, is expected to improve the efficiency of commercial litigation if operating. In parallel, artificial intelligence and data analytics are enabling legal practitioners to conduct legal research, review large volumes of documents and manage cases more efficiently, helping clients reduce both time and costs while improving the quality of legal services.