CEOs and General Counsel share a sympatico that is hard to define. The role of in-house counsel has evolved to the extent that they have crossed over from being mere legal advisors to becoming definitive confidantes. Dispensing legal advice in prescription form won’t win you the brownie points you need to succeed in such competitive environments, explains Caroline Lim of DHR International. You’ll need “courageous integrity” to go the distance with your CEO.
GI Joe’s /GI Jane’s – geographical indications in Vietnam
July 8, 2013
Unique to Vietnam, geographical indications (GI’s) provide a means by which locals and overseas applicants can protect their products. Hoai Nguyen and Stanislas Barro of Rouse Legal take us through some of the benefits and drawbacks of registration and explain why change is on the cards.
Last year’s strong M&A activity in Asia has continued in the first half of 2011. In our Special Report, senior lawyers practising in the field share their insights into the factors driving activity, from Asia’s thirst for overseas acquisitions to foreign companies trying to gain a foothold in emerging markets. Find out why Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami could stimulate outbound investment, and how the UAE’s distinct business culture can present challenges for the unwary investor. Features articles contributed by Hogan Lovells, K&L Gates, Melli Darsa & Co, Phoenix Legal, Tilleke & Gibbins, DFDL Mekong and Indochine Counsel.
The future of Islamic finance in the Middle East
July 8, 2013
While conventional financial transactions in the West are in turmoil, there is a refreshing burst of optimism in the world of Islamic finance, according to Arti Sangar, partner in charge of Diaz Reus & Targ’s Dubai office. She takes a look at the challenges in an evolving sector.
Shares in BVI business companies: avoiding a succession problem
July 8, 2013
Where shares in a BVI business company are held by an individual, problems can arise on the death of that person. Failure to put succession planning in place could be costly, explains Raymond Davern of Conyers Dill & Pearman.
With labour tribunal cases on the rise, Japanese companies should pay extra attention to their employment arrangements, say Yumiko Ohta and Mark Weeks of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe.
Dr George Woodman, director of Teng Hoi Conservation Organization, presents the case for carbon trading as a way of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and explains how a simple game is helping spread the word.
Investigative Intelligence
July 8, 2013
Investing in Mongolia: Opportunities and risks
A journey into the danger zone
July 8, 2013
This month’s tragic events in Japan, triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, have shocked people around the world. The sheer scale of the catastrophe and loss of life cannot fail to have moved even the most hardened of observers, and countless organisations and individuals have been busy raising funds for the relief effort. Japanese officials have estimated it will cost as much as 25 trillion yen (US$309bn) to rebuild the country after the disaster. As fears of a nuclear fallout from the stricken Fukushima Daiichi plant spread in the days following the quake, residents and workers fled Tokyo in their thousands, many expatriates returning to the safety of their home countries. But as many international lawyers were fleeing the Japanese capital, one English barrister was heading into the danger zone on a mission to reach his family and get them out. Matthew Seligman, of London based Steel & Shamash Solicitors, didn’t hesitate to make the daunting journey to Tsunami-hit Sendai – the city closest to the earthquake’s epicentre – to be with his wife, Hiromi, nine year old daughter Daisy, and ‘Shark’ and ‘Dolphin’, their two cats. Matthew, who is also an internationally acclaimed musician, kept his Facebook friends updated with his progress, and has kindly allowed ASIAN-MENA COUNSEL to share abridged highlights of his courageous journey with the in-house community.
With demand growing for lawyers with the right skill-set, now is a good time to explore new in-house opportunities, according to Ben Cooper, vice president, Asia-Pacific at CML Recruitment. He takes a look at the latest trends in hiring legal talent
