Allens Arthur Robinson adds Vietnam to Asian network
3 November 2006
Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) announced today that it plans to expand its on the ground presence in the Asian region through the establishment of offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the transfer of the current Vietnamese operations of Phillips Fox.
Subject to necessary regulatory approvals, operations will commence on 1 January 2007.
The Vietnam practices will be led by resident partners Bill Magennis and Nigel Russell who are joining the AAR partnership after a combined 27 years residency in Vietnam. They will bring the Phillips Fox practice with them.
The arrangement further broadens the comprehensive AAR network in the Asia Pacific region, which currently consists of 12 offices in seven countries. The operation in Vietnam will include:
-
Bill Magennis (Hanoi)
(view CV) and Nigel Russell (Ho Chi Minh City)(view CV) ; - five (foreign) senior associates and 12 Vietnamese lawyers, legal assistants and trainee lawyers; and 16 support staff (total staff 35);
- subject to client approval all ongoing client matters previously handled by the Phillips Fox offices; and
- the Laws of Vietnam translations and website www.vietnamlaws.com.
The Vietnamese operation is a top tier recommended firm by Asia Pacific
Legal 500 in the fields of Projects & Energy, Banking & Finance and
Corporate/ Mergers & Acquisitions, and a top tier recommended firm by
Chambers Global in the Corporate/ Commercial practice area.
There is a high degree of synergy between the international client base of the
operation and that of AAR.
'After 14 years practising law in Vietnam, I am very pleased to become part of the strong regional network of Allens Arthur Robinson,' said Mr Magennis.
'We look forward to continuing our work of assisting investors in Vietnam and promoting Vietnam as a destination for foreign investment,' said Mr Russell.
'Our aim is to be the leading legal firm in the Asia Pacific region and expanding into Vietnam is another important step in this process,' said Mr Tom Poulton, AAR Managing Partner.
'A presence in Vietnam is a logical and sensible strategic fit with our existing Asia Pacific operation,' said Mr Jim Dunstan, AAR Executive Partner, Asia.
'Bill and Nigel are very well regarded and are seen as leaders in their respective fields.
'With Vietnam on the verge of joining the World Trade Organisation, it is an exciting time for that country and we are very fortunate to be able to merge with an already established, successful operation there.
'We are confident that Vietnam will benefit from the AAR international network.
'It is a vote of confidence in the future of Vietnam.'
Ends
For further information, please contact:
- David McCluneDirector - Marketing & Client Services,
Melbourne
Ph: +61 3 9613 8965
David.McClune@aar.com.au
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Fact Sheet: Allens Arthur Robinson
- Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) is a leading international law firm that can trace its roots back to 1822.
- Operating as a single law firm across Asia for over 30 years, at the forefront of many major transactions and projects in the region.
- Consistently ranked as a leading firm by independent surveys such as Chambers Global and Asia Pacific Legal 500.
- Extensive regional coverage and expertise in Asia will be strengthened further with the addition of highly experienced, market-leading lawyers in Vietnam.
Existing Operations (as of 1 November 2006)
Offices |
|
Legal staff: |
909 (comprising 179 partners and 730 other legal staff) |
Total staff: |
1524 |
New Vietnam Operations (with effect from 1 January 2007)
Offices |
|
Legal staff: |
16 (comprising 2 partners and 14 other legal staff) |
Total staff: |
35 |
Notes for editors.
Allens Arthur Robinson was Best Large Professional Services Firm of the Year and Best Large Law Firm in the 2006 BRW-St.George Client Choice awards, and the Chambers and Partners 2005 Australasian Law Firm of the Year. AAR has been awarded an EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation by the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA). Allens Arthur Robinson offers one of the most comprehensive legal networks in Australia and Asia with staff based in 14 cities and eight countries across the region. It was founded in 1822.
