With demonstrable industry expertise in the mining, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors, DFDL Legal & Tax is well-positioned to advise on a plethora of projects in Laos and across Southeast Asia. The firm routinely assists local and international developers with solar and wind energy projects, often in the Cambodian and Vietnamese regions. Also recognised for its strong corporate and M&A practice in the plantation and insurance industries, the group is frequently engaged by global corporations to handle domestic and cross-border work, such as joint venture deals, offshore transactions and regulatory issues. Elsewhere, the team has reputed expertise in the employment, tax, insolvency, and real estate fields. Managing partner Kristy Newby is noted for her strengths in banking and finance, and regularly advises on commercial transactions and foreign investments. Senesakoune Sihanouvong specialises in tax, due diligence, and compliance concerns, whereas Standré Bezuidenhout covers work relating to labour and disputes.

Based in Vientiane, Tilleke & Gibbins (Laos) acts on an extensive range of legal concerns, including banking and finance transactions, regulatory matters, M&As and joint ventures, and project developments. Engaged by a range of global banks, corporations, and foreign investors, the firm primarily focuses on corporate, commercial, and disputes work, often in connection with syndicated loans and entry into the local market. Elsewhere, the team offers advice on work relating to tech, renewable energy, life sciences, and telecoms industries, and is also recognised for its strong IP practice. The firm is jointly led by expert Dino Santaniello, who counts data protection law, employment matters, and investment concerns amongst his key workload, and Niti Muangkote, who specialises in high-value commercial and financing transactions across various sectors.

VDB Loi’s broad scope of work includes complex cross-border deals, such as project financing and M&A transactions, banking and finance matters relating to asset financing and securitisation, and solar and wind energy and infrastructure projects. On the corporate and regulatory front, the firm adopts a multidisciplinary approach by liaising with its tax and compliance departments to advise businesses on ownership transfers, market entry, incorporation, and licensing. Known for its ability to combine local expertise with an international background, the firm has a strong presence across Southeast Asia, and has recently ventured into the South Asian market through the recent opening of its Bangladesh office. Sornpheth Douangdy leads the practice and focuses on project finance and construction cases. Elsewhere, tax expert Daodeuane Duangdara is reputed for her work on large hydropower projects, whilst Meckhala Vilivong leads the compliance department, and Edwin Vanderbruggen advises clients on the nexus between legal and tax concerns.

ZICO Law routinely represents clients from the manufacturing, mining, and aviation sectors, as well as major financial institutions and telecommunications operators on an array of legal matters spanning project financing and project investment, joint ventures, and regulatory and compliance issues. Recognised for its expertise in the transportation and infrastructure sectors, the team is also noted for handling complex high-speed rail and hydropower projects. Senior associate Cess Principe notably focuses on energy and infrastructure matters across Southeast Asia, while managing partner and ‘top lawyer’ Aristotle David’s broad practice encompasses investment structuring and investment regulatory compliance, as well as company establishments. The team also includes foreign direct investment and regulatory legal compliance expert Khammuan Bouxatry.

ILAW LAOS CO., LTD. advises on the promotion of investment between domestic and foreign investors, with additional expertise in corporate and commercial matters, labour and employment cases, intellectual property issues, and contract and agreement drafting work. Managing partner Somphob Rodboon leads the team and is noted for his experience in litigation and disputes involving corporate, commercial and intellectual property issues. Associate Viphavanh Syharath is another key contact in the group.