13 Mar 2023
Rajah & Tann bolsters regional International Arbitration practice with appointment of new partner in Bangkok
Rajah & Tann has appointed Dr Vanina Sucharitkul, a distinguished international arbitration specialist, to join its regional International Arbitration practice as a partner, which came into effect on 1 March 2023.
Dr Vanina Sucharitkul brings a wealth of experience to the firm, having been admitted to the California Bar and holding degrees from top institutions in the US and Paris, including a Juris Doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco and a Docteur en Droit on Investor-State Dispute Settlement from the University of Paris Panthéon-Assas. Being of mixed Thai and French heritage and a citizen of France, Thailand and the US, Dr Vanina has a unique cross-cultural perspective on international disputes. Her experience working at international law firms in San Francisco, Bangkok, Paris and Hong Kong has also equipped her with expertise that goes beyond geographical boundaries. As a result, Dr Vanina is well-placed to advise on issues that arise both within and outside of the region. She is also fluent in English, Thai, and French.
A leading practitioner in international arbitration, Dr Vanina was previously a member of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) for Thailand for nine years. She currently chairs the Thailand Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has served as Director of ArbitralWomen for two terms. In addition, Dr Vanina regularly sits as arbitrator under the auspices of a number of arbitral institutions including the ICC, Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA), and the Thai Arbitration Institute (TAI).
Initially based in Bangkok, Dr Vanina will be working closely with the Singapore office with a view to eventually relocate to Singapore.
“We are excited to welcome Dr Vanina Sucharitkul to our team,” said Kelvin Poon, Senior Counsel, Head of the International Arbitration practice at Rajah & Tann Singapore. “Her extensive experience and expertise in international arbitration will add a new dimension to our practice and enhance our ability to serve our clients’ needs globally.
“Dr Vanina’s appointment comes at a time when the firm is looking to grow our international arbitration practice. We are confident that her experience will help achieve our goals.”
Rajah & Tann’s International Arbitration Practice is an award-winning practice that is amongst the largest and most successful in the world. Since 2008, Rajah & Tann has been recognised as one of the top 100 arbitration practices in the world according to the Global Arbitration Review 100.
As part of the largest Asian headquartered legal network, the team works closely with arbitration specialists across the Rajah & Tann Asia network to seamlessly support multi-jurisdictional arbitration matters in the region, delivering world-class advice and counsel through a powerful combination of its extensive connections across the continent.
About Rajah & Tann Asia – https://www.rajahtannasia.com
Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand the Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions and to provide excellent legal counsel seamlessly across the region. The network’s geographical reach also includes Singapore-based regional desks focusing on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. With over 800 fee earners, all working together towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.
13 Jan 2023
Rajah & Tann Asia secures top rankings and reaches new heights in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023
Rajah & Tann Asia drives its outstanding track record of top rankings into yet another edition of The Legal 500 Asia Pacific publication, with a total of 79 practice areas ranked across nine Southeast Asian jurisdictions. The network also saw a record number of 296 lawyers recognised or mentioned in the 2023 guide.
With 87% of ranked practice areas placed in Tiers 1 and 2, and three additional ranked areas alongside 16 newly recognised lawyers, the regional network’s performance demonstrates not merely its commitment to excellence, but also continuous enhancement and expansion of its offerings and standards.
Leading the pack, Rajah & Tann Singapore has been ranked in Tiers 1 and 2 in all 21 domestic categories with a total of 16 Tier 1 appearances. The firm also sits at Tier 2 in its newly ranked area of Start-up and Venture Capital.
Similarly, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has also displayed their formidable strength as a top firm, appearing in all 14 domestic categories, of which 12 areas are ranked Tier 1 and the remaining two in Tier 2.
Christopher & Lee Ong shares the network’s stellar achievements with over half of its ranked practices in Tier 1 and five new practitioners joining fellow colleagues in the rankings as leading or next generation lawyers. The firm is also newly ranked for Capital Markets.
In the Philippines, C&G Law sees its Dispute Resolution and Labour and Employment practices both moving up to Tier 1. The fast-growing firm has also seized a new spot in Immigration.
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers continues to be ranked in Tier 1 in Vietnam for Data Protection, Real Estate and Construction, Shipping and Aviation, Tax and TMT.
Our offices in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand have held on to leading firm standings in their respective locations.
This year, clients continue their high praises for Rajah & Tann Asia for its “unyielding commitment to service which sets them apart”, where the network “provides excellence at every level” and “[brings] together individual stars to form a multifaceted team who work brilliantly together for the good of the case”.
Published annually, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific provides unbiased commentary and insight into the legal marketplaces of 25 Asia Pacific jurisdictions. The rankings reflect the results of detailed analysis of law firm submissions and thousands of interviews with GCs and private practice lawyers.
View our full rankings here: https://www.rajahtannasia.com/accolades/2023-accolades/the-legal-500-asia-pacific
About Rajah & Tann Asia – https://www.rajahtannasia.com
Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand the Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions and to provide excellent legal counsel seamlessly across the region. The network’s geographical reach also includes Singapore-based regional desks focusing on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. With over 800 fee earners, all working together towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.
10 Jan 2023
Rajah & Tann Singapore Partners Recognised as Newly Accredited Specialists in Data and Digital Economy and Building and Construction
Rajah & Tann Singapore (R&T) has added several Accredited Specialists under the Specialist Accreditation Scheme, administered by the Singapore Academy of Law, which recognises lawyers who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in specific areas of law.
In Data and Digital Economy Law, R&T now has the most Senior Accredited Specialists among Singapore law firms with the addition of four lawyers from the firm’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Practice, including Head Rajesh Sreenivasan, Deputy Heads Benjamin Cheong and Steve Tan, as well as Partner Lionel Tan. Partner Justin Lee from the TMT Practice has also been named an Accredited Specialist in Data and Digital Economy Law.
Ching Meng Hang, Partner in the International Arbitration and Construction & Projects practice is a newly Accredited Specialist in Building and Construction Law. He joins Deputy Managing Partner Ng Kim Beng, Head of Construction & Projects Sim Chee Siong and partners Avinash Pradhan and Soh Lip San who have also been recognised in earlier batches for Building and Construction law under this scheme.
Commenting on the accreditations, Managing Partner, Patrick Ang expressed that: “We are proud to have such a talented group of lawyers with specialised expertise in these important areas. These accreditations reflect our dedication to value-adding to clients by staying at the forefront of legal developments.”
About Rajah & Tann Asia – https://www.rajahtannasia.com
Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand the Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions and to provide excellent legal counsel seamlessly across the region. The network’s geographical reach also includes Singapore-based regional desks focusing on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. With over 800 fee earners, all working together towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.
09 Jan 2023
Rajah & Tann Singapore Deputy Managing Partner Kelvin Poon appointed Senior Counsel
Rajah & Tann Singapore (R&T) announced today that Kelvin Poon, Deputy Managing Partner and Head of the International Arbitration Practice, has been appointed a Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court of Singapore. With Kelvin's appointment, the firm now has eight Senior Counsel, strengthening its position as the firm with the most number of Senior Counsel in Singapore.
Senior Counsel are a select group of advocates who have demonstrated top-tier advocacy skills, professional integrity, and a thorough knowledge of the law. Appointees are announced by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon at the opening of each legal year. Kelvin is among the two Senior Counsel appointees of the legal year 2023.
Patrick Ang, Managing Partner of R&T, said: “We are immensely proud of Kelvin being appointed as Senior Counsel, which testifies to his exceptional legal skills as well as his commitment to mentoring his younger colleagues. On behalf of everyone at the firm, I would like to extend my congratulations to Kelvin on this well-deserved appointment.”
Kelvin has over 20 years of practice in the areas of international arbitration, construction, and general commercial litigation. He has acted in numerous high-profile domestic and international arbitration cases and has been recognised as a leading lawyer in these areas by legal directories such as Benchmark Litigation and The Legal 500. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the ICC Commission for Arbitration and ADR.
Kelvin said: “I am deeply honoured to be conferred the title of Senior Counsel. While the rank is in my name, it is in truth a testament to the hard work and dedication of my mentors and colleagues who have supported and guided me throughout my career.
“I am grateful to be a part of such a talented and respected team at Rajah & Tann, and I look forward to guiding my younger colleagues as they journey in their careers.”
About Rajah & Tann Asia – https://www.rajahtannasia.com
Rajah & Tann Asia brings together leading law firms in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand the Philippines and Vietnam, with each offering the highest standards of service to locally-based clients while collectively having the capability to handle the most complex regional and cross-border transactions and to provide excellent legal counsel seamlessly across the region. The network’s geographical reach also includes Singapore-based regional desks focusing on Brunei, Japan and South Asia. With over 800 fee earners, all working together towards one shared goal, we are lawyers who know Asia and who give our clients home advantage.