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Representing Corporate Asia 2010

In our latest issue, we present the results of our annual Representing Corporate Asia Survey 2010, the largest and most objective survey of in-house counsel and buyers of legal services along the New Silk Road. Join us for an in-depth look at the mindset of, and challenges facing, in-house counsel in the region, from the UAE to Tokyo and many jurisdictions in between. We also reveal which issues affect the working relationship between in-house counsel and private practitioners, announce the winners of our Firms of the Year 2010, and hear directly from some of the winning firms as to what makes their practice areas distinctive in a competitive legal market.

Investigative Intelligence

Asia on the Buyside

M&A Special Report

Our Special Report on M&A takes a look at which jurisdictions are leading the pack in deal-making activity in 2010. We also hear from leading firms as to the status quo of M&A laws and regulations in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam – find out which countries are making a push to encourage foreign investment through development of their legal frameworks, and which still have a long way to go.

Investigative Intelligence

Keeping an eye on corruption

Middle East Special Report

In our latest edition, we take a look at why attitudes towards corporate governance are shifting in the Middle East, and investigate the steps being taken to overcome barriers to its effective implementation. Meanwhile, leading firms discuss the flow of trade along the New Silk Road, why Dubai's approach to company set-ups is likely to pay off, and why a recent UK case is generating concern for parties to future Islamic finance transactions.

Taking an alternate route

Alternative fee arrangements have gained real traction in the past eighteen months. Managing director Robert Sawhney of SRC Associates Ltd (Hong Kong), a boutique consultancy which provides strategic and advisory services for professional service firms and SME’s, explains the importance of getting legal billing right.

Investing in the Americas Special Report

The past 18 months have seen an unprecedented upturn in cross-regional acquisitions in the Americas, with cash-rich individuals and corporations in Asia eager to participate in a spate of outbound foreign investment. In this edition of Asian-Counsel, we cover the major challenges, benefits and risks to Asian investors looking to do business in the Americas, from forming an effective M&A strategy to the obstacles and dangers to investment in Latin America and entering a sophisticated market such as the US.

Internal fraud investigation in Asia

An executive summary – based on a presentation by Navigant Consulting and Winston & Strawn LLP – of the implications of the FCPA for companies in Asia, and steps organisations can take to avoid or mitigate violations.

Capital Raising Special Report

Our latest edition of Asian-Counsel takes a look at the various happenings in the region’s capital markets sector. Whilst change is abreast with money flows shifting directions and new industries gaining momentum, we uncover why Hong Kong and Singapore regulators are still setting the pace. Leading law firms also reveal the latest capital markets trends in Malaysia, India, Japan, Thailand and South Korea.

Deals of the Year 2009

Although deal-making activity largely ground to a halt in the first bleak months following the onset of the financial crisis, commentators hoped that the Asia Pacific region would emerge strongly and swiftly from the global economy’s recession. They were not disappointed, with the region putting on a convincing performance in the second half of the year to illustrate that its capacity for notable deals was back on track. Take a look to see which deals were awarded plaudits for being the best in 2009.

Opening the doors to investment in Vietnam

Partner Giles Cooper and special counsel Mark Oakley of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC reveal that whilst Vietnam has made considerable progress in recent years to make the country a more attractive investment destination, there is still work to be done.

Dispute Resolution Special Report

In the latest issue of Asian-Counsel, we uncover the lofty aims of several arbitration centres in the region. We also receive comprehensive updates from a host of leading law firms, and the SIAC, as to the state of dispute resolution across the Middle East, Vietnam, South Korea, India, Hong Kong and Singapore.

External Counsel of the Year 2009

A shifting global economic landscape has created issues of legal complexity and uncertainty for many organisations in the past two years. Meanwhile, never before have relationships between law firms and their clients been so precious. So which private practitioners do in-house counsel view as their most trusted advisors? Asian-Counsel has the answers.

Competition and Antitrust Special Report

In the latest issue of Asian-Counsel, we are provided with an in-depth look at the competition regimes in South Korea, Singapore, China and India from leading legal practitioners in those jurisdictions, and investigate whether there is any merit in the possibility of a pan-Asian competition framework.

Intellectual Property Special Report

In the October issue of Asian-Counsel, we investigate the reasons behind the PRC’s commitment to strengthening its IP regime, and discuss why companies around the globe must stay on top of developments in China. We also hear why Asian companies importing products into the United States must be aware of International Trade Commission investigations.

Restructuring & Insolvency Special Report

In this month’s cover feature, we take a look at the reasons why in-house counsel need to stay alert to restructuring and insolvency trends, and talk to experts from around the region about the practical considerations which should be taken into account when advising clients in the current climate.

A technological crime scene? Welcome to the digital age.

Ben Pasco, managing director of Legal Technologies Asia Pacific with Kroll Ontrack, divulges a few secrets behind computer forensics.

Representing corporate Asia

In this month’s cover feature we take an in-depth look at the issues affecting the working relationship between in-house counsel and private practitioners across the Asia Pacific. We announce the winners of our Firms of the Year 2009 as voted by in-house counsel - take a look to see which firms are considered leaders across the region - and hear directly from some of the winning firms as to what makes their practice areas distinctive in a competitive legal market.

Mergers & Acquisitions Special Report

The June issue of Asian-Counsel takes a look at M&A activity levels and trends across Asia Pacific and investigates factors which in-house counsel should consider in light of the downturn, whilst leading firms discuss how newly-enacted legislation and other issues will impact the M&A arena in Japan, Korea and China.

United Arab Emirates Special Report

This month’s issue includes a special focus on the United Arab Emirates. Our feature story looks at the effect of the economic crisis on the UAE’s legal profession, whilst international firms discuss emerging trends, issues and the legal infrastructure that will impact the UAE’s corporate legal scene.

A SEA of change?

In this month’s cover feature, we look at trends in the role and composition of in-house teams across South-East Asia (SEA). In addition, Dr Le Net and Chau Huy Quang of AGZI LCT Law Firm provide an overview of opportunities for PPP and infrastructure development and M&A in Vietnam.

Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources

In the March issue of Asian-Counsel, our Focus on Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources presents the highlights of developments in these areas from the PRC by leading practitioners in the region. Recent government proposals are examined with an eye towards China’s potential to weather the current economic climate in the coming months.

Deals of the Year 2008

This month in Asian-Counsel, we announce the winners of 2008’s Deals of the Year awards. Alongside the top 30 deals, we awarded honourable mentions to those deals which were of an exceptional nature. In addition, this year for the first time we saluted the top five socially responsible transactions. Congratulations to all the firms recognised this year!

South Korea focus

This month’s Asian-Counsel marks our South Korea focus issue, providing an overview of the latest developments on Korea’s corporate legal scene by the nation’s leading firms. Meanwhile, our feature story discusses how the current global economy will inspire and impact emerging trends in the nation’s legal market in the year ahead.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

This month in Asian-Counsel, our most comprehensive survey of ADR across Asia to date, with contributions from leading practitioners in four jurisdictions. In the current economic climate, avoiding lengthy and costly legal proceedings is as important as ever . . .

Restructuring & Insolvency

In the aftermath of September’s unprecedented financial collapses, the buzz surrounding restructuring and insolvency is at its hottest since the IMF crisis. As practitioners speculate on the direction and manner of R&Is set to hit the region, the Restructuring & Insolvency Special Report takes a look at the rescue regimes of Hong Kong and the PRC and discusses the features and shortcomings of each jurisdiction.

Asian M&A

In the Asian M&A Special Report, the complex, multi-directional transactions which have marked the region of late are examined in detail. The simple days of inbound Western investment are clearly a thing of the past.

Representing corporate Asia 2008

In-house counsel from across Asia and the Middle East responded in record numbers this year, providing their views on recruiting and retaining external counsel. The votes and testimonials of the over 400 senior in-house counsel who responded to the survey have also determined this year’s Firms of the Year for 2008, where these practitioners indicated their preferred external partners for each area of practice.

Destination: India

In ‘Focus on India’, the continued momentum and salience of India as a premier investment destination is examined. What are the catalysts for the unprecedented amount of foreign investment flowing into the country?

To list or not to list? ... The Asian IPO question

Our Special Report on Initial Public Offerings discusses where remaining investor sentiment is heading in the region, and why some industries are likely to forge ahead with listings this year despite market uncertainties. With supplemental reports on the trends and developments in China, Japan and Korea.

Life Sciences Special Report

Offering huge potential for expansion and returns, almost every active economy in Asia is making efforts to actively develop a niche in the life sciences industry. In ‘Asia’s winning formula’ Asian-Counsel discusses how countries are positioning themselves to carve out niches in this area of living jurisprudence. The report also features expert articles focussing on particular developments in China, Japan, India and Singapore.

Finance Special Report 2008

Off the back of an extraordinary year of growth, modest economic expectations in the year to come are the current trend. Asian-Counsel provides a regional overview in addition to special features on Islamic finance in Japan, recent developments in Malaysian securities law and regulations and Islamic banking and finance regulations in the United Arab Emirates.

Deals of the Year 2007

Markets remained strong in 2007, contributing to a robust year for firms across the region. Asian-Counsel honours the top transactions of the year in our popular annual feature.

Employment Special Report

Throughout Asia, 2007 may be remembered as a year of significant labour law reform. While amendments may be symptomatic of the strength of the region’s economy as a whole, the changes are unique to the realities of the nations who have enacted them.

More than just collection:

How changes to the United States Federal Rules of Civil Procedure affect Asia. By Richard Kershaw, Hill & Associates Ltd.

Making the business case for web-based compliance training

For some compliance is merely an overused term meant to impress associates and inspire obedience. For others, it is the reason behind their legal problems. Does your company enforce compliance that your employees understand? By Jay Shaw of NetDimensions.

North Asia Special Report

Asian-Counsel investigates how liberalisation has influenced the legal systems of Japan and South Korea and compares how each nation has progressed within a globalised market economy. We also get timely updates on investment, litigation, arbitration and tax issues in the two countries by experts on the ground.

Representing corporate Asia

In June 2007, Pacific Business Press conducted a comprehensive survey of in-house counsel in Asia to learn what factors they consider most important when recruiting and working with external counsel. The survey also explored the factors that might seriously jeopardise a company’s decision to use a law firm again. Based on the respondents' votes we name Asian-Counsel’s Firms of the Year for 2007.

Writing a Code of Conduct

A code of conduct is more than a list of prohibitions; it is a reflection of an organisation’s principles – those which sustain and propagate its culture. Scott Lane of The Red Flag Group and Robert Leffel of Corpedia Corporation look at what happens when employees don’t understand their company’s code and what employers should consider before they write one.

UAE Special Report 2007

The temperature is not the only thing sizzling in the dynamic United Arab Emirates. Melinda Finch reports on the region and its red hot legal market.

Brave new worlds

Asia’s emerging economies continue to play bigger roles on our increasingly integrated world stage. Melinda Finch investigates the rising stars of India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam and considers the impact of their ascension on the legal industry.

CSR: directions and developments

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is rapidly becoming a pressing and complex concern with far reaching implications. Melinda Finch investigates what lawyers and their firms are doing in the Asia-Pacific region and their CSR policy and programme priorities.

China real estate: Windows of opportunity?

It seems everyone’s building a bridge, villa, apartment complex, office tower or shopping mall in China these days and with the economy experiencing double digit growth there are great expectations for the sector. Melinda Finch considers whether they will be met.

Competition Law with Hong Kong Characteristics

Peter J Macmillan, Head of the Competition Group at Johnson Stokes & Master highlights some of the issues executives and industry bodies are most concerned about.

What do in-house counsel really want from law firms?

Asian-Counsel invited some of Hong Kong's leading in-house lawyers to a roundtable discussion and asked them...

Japan focus: Full speed ahead

It's an exciting and challenging time for lawyers working in the world's second largest economy.In our special country report Melinda Finch takes a look at some of the big issues facing Japan and those doing business there today.

Secrets of a successful law firm website

Ron Yu of Gilkron Ltd on what it takes to make your firm’s website work

Is a 2009 recovery possible for China?

Evan Jowers and Alexis Lamb of Kinney Recruiting present an optimistic view.

In-House Community Congresses & Events

Now in their 12th year, the In-House Congress circuit are the events for the In-House Community along the New Silk Route.

To find out more, click on the link below.

» Read Reviews

To register for any immediately upcoming events, click on a link below:

IN-HOUSE CONGRESS SINGAPORE 2010

IN-HOUSE CONGRESS HONG KONG 2010

Novacourses Online Learning

A selection of the free and CPD acredited courses available at www.novacourses.com

> Course 1
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the PRC
click here

> Course 2
Computer Forensics For Legal Professionals
click here

Professional Opportunities

26/08/2010
Corporate Finance Lawyer – Leading Telecommunications & Technology Conglomerate – Hong Kong

26/08/2010
General Counsel (20+ yrs pqe)

26/08/2010
Legal Counsel - Derivatives (8-12 yrs pqe) Hong Kong

26/08/2010
Legal Counsel – Global Sporting Icon – Hong Kong

26/08/2010
Vice President, Corporate Finance Legal - Global Investment Bank - Hong Kong

26/08/2010
M&A Lawyer – Leading Telecommunications Conglomerate – Singapore

26/08/2010
Regional Counsel - Global Investment Bank, Hong Kong

26/08/2010
Trust Officer (5+ yrs pqe) Hong Kong

25/08/2010
Funds Counsel, Global House, Singapore

25/08/2010
Regulatory Lawyer (1 year PQE), Top Tier US Firm, Hong Kong

25/08/2010
Shipping Litigator NQ-1 PQE - Hong Kong

25/08/2010
Head of Regulatory Asia Pacific - Global Brand - Singapore

25/08/2010
Dispute Resolution 3+ PQE - Hong Kong

25/08/2010
I-Bank counsel VP/ED Level Hong Kong 5-12 years

25/08/2010
Commercial Lawyers x2 Singapore 4-10 years

25/08/2010
Banking Associates Hong Kong 2-4 years and 5+ years

24/08/2010
Regional Head of Compliance, Hong Kong

24/08/2010
IT Specialist, Global MNC, Singapore

01/09/2010
Tax Lawyer - 2-4 yrs PQE