APAC 2017 Legal awards

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Legal awards 2017

Best Property Law Boutique – Australia Napoleon and Richard Legal is a boutique law firm located on Spring Street in the Sydney CBD, which was established in early August 2015. We invited Leon Mazarakis to talk us through the services the firm provides.

Editor’s Note

, Welcome to the APAC Insider 2017 Legal Awards.

The law is a complex and dynamic market, and as such firms, and the individuals driving them that operate in this space need to be constantly delivering excellence and great results.

As such the APAC Insider Legal Awards, now in their third year, showcase the very best of the best lawyers, paralegals, litigators and many others throughout the legal industry who have shown true dedication to success and worked hard to provide the very highest level of service. These awards do not take into account business size or the amount of money charged; our criteria is focused around true quality and client service..

Hannah Stevenson, Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 725 6842 Email: h.stevenson@aiglobalmedialtd.com Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them.

The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions.

Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.

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Contents

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Best Property Law Boutique – Australia Napoleon & Richard

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Best Full-Service Law Firm - Australia Rostron Carlyle Lawyers*

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Best Full-Service Law Firm - China AllBright Law Offices

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10. Best for Injury Compensation Assessments - Queensland OT MedicoLegal 12. Best Corporate & Commercial Law Boutique - Australia Law Elements Pty Ltd 14. Best Immigration Law Firm - Australia & APAC Excellence Award for ADR Services 2017 Stolar Law 16. Best Cultural Heritage Law Firm - Australia Michael Owens - Lawyer and Consultant 18. Best Cross-Border Transactions Law Firm - Indonesia Adnan Kelana Haryanto & Hermanto Lawyers 20. Best De Facto Relationship Law Firm - Queensland & Criminal Law Director of the Year 2017 - Queensland Cooper Maloy Legal 22. Best Legal Management Consultancy Firm - Australia Allygroup 24. Best UAE Tax Law Firm - UAE & Most Influential Woman in Commercial Law 2017 Arkhurst & Abdellah Solicitors 26. Asia Pacific Mediator of the Year Brick Court Chambers

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Best Property Law Boutique – Australia Napoleon and Richard Legal is a boutique law firm located on Spring Street in the Sydney CBD, which was established in early August 2015. We invited Leon Mazarakis to talk us through the services the firm provides.

Napoleon and Richard Legal is built on strong principles and prides itself on providing premium legal services to its clients. The firm specialises in thinking outside of the box and finding practical, cost effective and sustainable solutions. The company specialises in property and commercial transactions, with over 25 years of experience within the firm. Leon talks us through some of the services that the law firm provides.

“Currently, we perform 300+ conveyances annually on average across Australia, focusing on expedited settlements with maximum benefit to our clients. Alongside this, we also work in commercial services such as business purchases and sales, leases and franchise agreements as well as estate planning and administration.”

Leon goes on to explain the main practice area of the firm, discussing the projects the firm worked on and how the firm has benefitted from practising within property law.

“The firm’s main practice area is within property law. In the last year or so, we have completed both sale and purchase matters within Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Focusing on property within the legal sector has

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allowed us to form partnerships with multiple buyer’s agents, as well as real estate agents.

This has allowed us to get a unique understanding of the inner workings of the industry as well as the necessary contacts to ensure we can negotiate fantastic results for our clients” Ensuring that the firm can provide the best possible service to its clients, Leon describes how the staff work hard to understand the clients’ needs. The emphasis from start to finish is always on the client, with the team looking to build positive relationships with clients, rather than just be team of lawyers, as Leon points out below.

“At Napoleon and Richard Legal, we believe that we are more than just lawyers. We understand our client’s needs in the real world. Our team has decades of experience in several marketrelevant sectors which allows us to provide you with holistic yet target specific advice. We look to perpetuate quality over quantity.

As such, when our clients join us, we look to become their partner and focus on providing continuous support as their requirements change. We place the emphasis on our client, and as a result, look beyond a typical lawyer/client relationship.”

Following on from how the company provides the best service to clients, staff must all work together to provide this service.

Leon discusses the internal culture within the company, noting that the team love to help those who need assistance.

“The culture within Napoleon and Richard Legal is one which focuses on mutual respect, trust, and team work. For the best possible outcomes to occur, we have acknowledged that we must work as a team. This is maintained by facilitating communication within the team, as well as strategising in order to reach future goals.

“The most rewarding aspect of working in the legal sector is helping those that require assistance. Often, legal procedures may be seen as daunting, which is where a solicitor can assist. A competent solicitor can explain the issue/ task in a more simplified manner, which in turn provides comfort to the individuals involved.”

Setting themselves apart from competitors in the legal sector is important if the firm are to attract the best business. The number of return clients for the firm is something Leon is to keen point out, highlighting that if a client returns to the firm, then they are usually more than happy with the services.

“The main aspect which sets us apart from our competitors within the legal sector is our dedication to our clients. There have been many times where

we have gone the extra mile to ensure our clients are satisfied with our services. An example of how this is used to our advantage is our ability to attract referrals and repeat business from clients, which is a reflection of their overall satisfaction with our services. If a client is truly satisfied with our services, they will always return when they require further legal assistance.”

With regard to the future, Leon discusses the firm’s future plans, including expansion of the firm and how the company will integrate technology into the firm’s services.

“Looking ahead, we plan on growing our team and firm. We are striving to work with more individuals within the real estate industry, which will assist us by providing continual growth within the property law sector. Further to this, we are developing an app that puts the end user in control of their matter, with information on demand.

“There are key developments which are surfacing within the legal sector. These developments refer to the operation of a law firm. Rather than going down the path of a traditional law firm, a ‘New Law firm’ sets itself apart in the following key ways: Using new technologies, including cloud based systems, and encouraging flexible working. We also offer alternative pricing strategies and increased flexibility and agility.

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Best Property Law Boutique – Australia

Company: Napoleon & Richard Legal Contact: Leon Mazarakis Email: leon@naprich.com Address: 705/3 Spring St, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Phone: 0061 410 585 043 Website: www.naprich.com

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Best Full-Service Law Firm – Australia Rostron Carlyle is a market leading full service law firm with offices throughout Australia.

We spoke to the Firm’s Partners to discuss winning this recent award and find out a bit more about the firm.

Rostron Carlyle was established in 2001 and has since grown to become one of Australia’s leading commercial and personal law specialists. Today, the firm employs more than 100 staff across Australia with offices in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The firm is led by eight partners who oversee the specialist practice areas of the firm including corporate, commercial, property, litigation, insolvency and construction matters through to a wide range of personal legal services including injury law, criminal law, migration law, family law and wills and estates.

The Partners provide us with an overall view of the firm and the services it provides.

“At Rostron Carlyle, we have a reputation for providing innovative and progressive legal solutions across a wide range of business sectors. Both domestic and international clients are an integral part of our practice and we provide a full range of legal expertise to clients establishing, maintaining or expanding businesses. We also provide our services to clients who are seeking investment activities in Australia. We have close association with local and state governments, many leading allied professional companies and finance institutions to assist our clients in any property or business ventures.”

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Part of being a successful law firm is keeping clients happy. The Partners are keen to point out that the firm’s ability to build and maintain relationships with clients is integral to the team being able to learn and adapt to the industry globally. Staff are multi-lingual which helps the firm with its global reach to clients.

“Besides our legal expertise, our experiences and longstanding relationships with clients throughout Asia allow us to understand the way business works globally, while also ensuring we have a firm grasp on commercial realities across cultures and borders.

“This means that we can deliver practical solutions incorporating our technical expertise in our client’s best interests. We are also experts in assisting clients in bridging the language and cultural barriers with professional staff fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Russian.”

Covering a variety of areas, the firm’s extensive experience in an assortment of legal issues is front and centre according to the Partners. Always looking to provide value for clients, the lawyers at the firm can offer a great service no matter what the circumstance. Below is a brief outline of some of the services that Rostron Carlyle provide to clients.

“Essentially, we have extensive experience in a variety of legal issues and strive to deliver value

through technical advice and tactical guidance. Our lawyers are business-minded and knowledgeable and can offer and implement effective strategies for whatever our clients’ circumstances or goals.

With regard to the firm’s client service, we hear how Rostron Carlyle ensures that the team provide the best possible service to its clients. Taking a personal approach to each case and client is something that helps attract clients and makes sure they are well looked after. Good business can sometimes come through word of mouth and so providing only the best service can help attract the best clients.

“What sets Rostron Carlyle apart is their personal approach to every client and case. All lawyers and support staff place a high importance on relating with and empathising with their clients, regardless of their legal issue. This attitude has been the cornerstone of their growth and success in building strong client relationships over the past 16 years. One size does not fit all at Rostron Carlyle, as we focus on obtaining the best results in the timeliest manner possible.”

Providing a good service often comes about from a healthy working environment and internal culture within firms. Each Partner commended the exceptionally talented team at Rostron Carlyle and how each area has its own specific team in which all

ideas and thoughts are shared about. This internal culture and the firm’s people skills are what sets the firm apart from competitors within the industry, according to the Partners. They say maintaining strong client relationships is a key part of ensuring continued success as a leading law firm.

“Rostron Carlyle prides itself on its talented and diverse team including accredited specialists and industry experts. The firms eight partners ensure they provide a challenging yet enjoyable workplace for their employees devoid of politics and bureaucracy. Each practice area has a team design which allows each member to contribute to the firm’s overall growth and success. Ensuring there are frequent team activities and opportunities provided for ongoing training and growth are both key to maintaining Rostron Carlyle’s strong team culture.

“Ultimately, what helps us to distinguish ourselves from our competitors is our people skills.

Our professionals come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences and can truly relate to our clients. We offer confidence and peace of mind.

“Relaxed professionalism” is the Rostron Carlyle approach and the cornerstone of our success.

We focus on what matters to our clients and speak their language.

We take great pride in the longterm relationships we build with our clients.

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Best Full-Service Law Firm – Australia

Company: Rostron Carlyle Lawyers Contact: Hamish Carlyle Email: g.waller@rclaw.com.au Address: Level 15, 270 Adelaide St, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia Phone: 0061 73009 8444 Website: www.rostroncarlyle.com

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Best Full-Service Law Firm - China Allbright Law Offices are one of the leading full-service Chinese law firms in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). We spoke to Catherine Zhu to find out more about what makes them so successful.

As a national law firm headquartered in Shanghai, Allbright provides a comprehensive range of high quality legal services to both domestic and international clients from its eighteen offices, respectively in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanchang, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Xi’an, Xiamen, Zhengzhou and Hong Kong.

While size is only one of many indicators of the success and resourcefulness of a law firm, Allbright certainly lead in this respect amongst its peers in Shanghai.

The practice is the largest law firm based in Shanghai, and in the whole Eastern China region.

It has approximately 1600 registered lawyers, including approximately 450 partners and senior consultants. Aside from staff’s regular working language of Chinese (Mandarin and major dialects), many of the firm’s lawyers are also fluent in English, Japanese, French, German, and other major languages, and many are also admitted in international jurisdictions.

Catherine outlines some of the services that the firm provides as well as telling us about some of the clients that the firm deals with.

“Boasting a wealth of experience and knowledge, our partners and senior consultants came to the

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firm from diverse professional and personal backgrounds.

Many transactional lawyers have practiced for years in top international law firms and in leading multinational companies.

A number of our litigators were once judges and prosecutors, and many are active arbitrators.

We also have access to a strong network of former government officials and legislators.

“Supported by a large team of translators and legal assistants, our professionals have undertaken many complex and high profile transactions, and have won many landmark cases.

Our lawyers have played critical roles in advising the government on, and actually drafting, many of the core Chinese laws and regulations involved in our daily practices today, and were involved in drafting several international treaties concerning international investment, trade and other forms of economic cooperation.”

Being a full-service law firm, the practice offers a variety of services to an assortment of clients. Catherine details how the team at Allbright provide solutions for the most complex of legal issues as she details which areas the firm focuses on particularly.

“Allbright’s practitioners possess a wealth of first-hand experience and legal expertise in providing effective solutions to the most complex of legal issues regarding

the application of laws and regulations, governmental approval and legal procedures.

The particular areas that we focus on include Corporate, Commercial and M&A, Securities and Capital Markets as well as Banking and Finance. Alongside those areas, the legal team also works in Real Estate and Construction, Intellectual Property, International Trade and Dispute Resolution.

There have been a lot of significant developments within the legal industry recently and Catherine mentions how these developments have affected and sometimes benefitted the company.

“When facing an international and domestic severe economic situation and in response to the central authorities to adapt to the new normal economy, we adhere to the development path of “large scale, specialization, branding, internationalization, information” in the efforts of all our colleagues. The new Hefei, Zhengzhou, Fuzhou, Nanchang and Xian branches have been set up.

“As a result of this, we continue to be a national leader in the fields of securities and capital markets, financial trusts and asset management, WTO and international trade, litigation and arbitration etc. we also have achieved new development in the fields of corporate restructuring M&A, structured

finance and asset securitization, aviation and maritime, foreign investment, intellectual property, private equity and venture capital, construction and real estate, compliance, utilities, energy and environment, culture industry, labor law and capital housekeeping, to name a few.

Meanwhile we maintain a good momentum of development in the fields of free trade area.”

Regarding the future for the firm, Catherine emphasises that the firm must continue to work hard and be innovative. This will ensure that Allbright is able to capitalise on its current success, providing exceptional and professional services for a variety of clients.

“Ultimately, we must continue to carry forward the spirit of hard work and innovation, adhere to the purpose of customer first and refined professional services, strengthen cooperation between professional teams, improve service capabilities in various fields to ensure the continued growth of Allbright Law and provide more and better professional services for the building of society ruled by law and the promotion of social and economic development.”

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Best Full-Service Law Firm - China

Company: AllBright Law Offices Contact: Catherine Zhu Email: catherinezhu@allbrightlaw.com Address: 1, 12/F, Shanghai Tower, No.501, Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120 China Phone: 0086212051 1000 Website: www.allbrightlaw.com

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Best for Injury Compensation Assessments Queensland OT MedicoLegal is a small Occupational Therapy medicolegal firm based in Brisbane, Australia.

We invited Nancy Stephenson, Owner and Senior Occupational Therapist to tell us more about the company.

OT MedicoLegal are a family business with a focus on client service. The management team try to engender a positive and happy workplace and give performance feedback regularly to their staff. As a small business, the team have learnt to trust its staff with their responsibilities and foster a workplace where staff contribute positively and have some ownership of the overall success of the business.

Nancy tells us about some of the clients the firm deals with as well as listing some of the services that the company can provide these clients with.

“The company’s main clients are legal firms who refer their personal injury clients to us for assessment. The majority of our clients have been involved in motor vehicle accidents, although we do see injuries resulting from workplace accidents, medical negligence, exposure to dust or other chemicals, etc. We also do assessments for total and permanent impairment, worksite

assessments and ergonomic assessments. The unbiased opinion of an experienced Occupational Therapist is extremely beneficial in assisting courts to determine the impact of the illness or injury on a person’s life in particular the impact on their home, work and leisure activities.

As Occupational Therapists, we identify the client’s needs for the court in relation to the injury.”

In the medico legal field it is all about the client. Ensuring the client is happy and comfortable is vital in the business and Nancy tells us about how her company’s approach to client service, as well as discussing how it ensures that it provides the best possible reports for the Law Firms.

“Regarding our approach to client service, we attach utmost importance, both to the referring law firms and to their individual clients. Clients are treated with dignity, respect, empathy and confidentiality. We try to create an environment where the individual client is relaxed and comfortable and therefore more willing to discuss their injury experience

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with us. This leads to better information for our reports.

“Constantly looking to improve, we regularly seek feedback regarding the content of our reports to ensure that they are relevant.

We accommodate urgent appointment requests at short notice. We try to produce our reports as quickly as possible as often opinions are sought urgently.”

Nancy tells us that it is quite exciting working in the legal sector. She notes that it can be challenging and intimidating but also intellectually stimulating, something the staff enjoy. The fact that the firm relish a challenge helps to set them apart from its competitors in the legal sector, as well as the unique services and clients it deals with. Staff are compassionate and boast a wealth of experience, helping the firm to mark itself out as the best possible option for Law Firms looking for quality medico legal reports.

“Working in the legal sector is challenging and often

intimidating for health providers.

At OT MedicoLegal we enjoy the intellectual stimulation required to focus our paramedical and rehabilitation skills towards injury litigation, focussing on a person’s needs as a result of the incident.

“Standing out from other similar firms is important to the long term success of the business.

We are compassionate and highly experienced occupational therapists and this is reflected in our reports. We have been operating now for almost 30 years and are well known and well respected within the legal and medical fraternity.”

Looking ahead, OT MedicoLegal are pressing ahead with their ambition to expand. With more and more research being conducted the firm has purchased a new office and Nancy tells us where the firm is focusing on with regard to the future. There are likely to be some exciting and challenging developments within the wider legal market, as Nancy details, before going on to explain how the company will adapt to these advances.

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“Ultimately the medico legal field is a highly competitive market and I foresee greater competition for the available work, particularly with the ongoing changes to legislation across the country. OT MedicoLegal are well positioned with referring law firms all over Australia who are loyal to us and value the outstanding reports that we produce. However, there are only a certain number of personal injuries that occur every year and this may result in larger companies aggressively marketing to our Law Firms to obtain the available referrals.

Moving forward we will continue to stay abreast of the legal changes across the country to ensure that our reports are always up to date and excellent value for money.

In this regard, we have recently modernised our reports to focus more on economic loss and future work capacity by utilising economic statistics and industry research. It is important that we do not rest on our laurels and we will continue to travel interstate for our existing clients and any new clients that may require our services in the future.

We have also recently developed a skype based assessment process for overseas clients that were involved in a major air disaster in Australia but were unable to get back to Australia to have their medico legal assessment carried out. This allows the client to obtain the assessment without having to incur the cost and inconvenience of having to travel back to Australia for a 2 hour appointment.

Sample reports are available on request and we look forward to continuing to provide excellent medico legal services for those who need us.�

Company: OT MedicoLegal Contact: Nancy Stephenson Email: nancy@otmedicolegal.com.au Address: Level 1, Watkins Medical Centre, 225 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill.

Phone: 0061 737240282 Website: www.otmedicolegal.com.au

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Best Corporate & Commercial Law Boutique - Australia Law Elements is a boutique corporate and commercial law firm established in 2013. We spoke to Craig Roelofsz to find out a bit more about the law firm and what helps it attract clients.

Law Elements act for listed and unlisted public companies, private companies and high net worth individuals, both in Australia and internationally. The firm provides its clients with a range of services, however, it specialises in providing advice in relation to mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, corporate actions, commercial arrangements and various property transactions.

Craig discusses what specific areas the firm practices in and what particular opportunities this area has benefitted on.

“Here at Law Elements, our areas of practice are primarily mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, corporate actions, commercial arrangements and various property transactions. As such,

our focus has afforded us the opportunity to act for Fortune 500 companies, ASX listed companies, multinational corporations, SME’s, property developers and high net worth individuals.”

With regard to how the firm approaches client service, Craig tells us how the company ensures that all staff provide the best possible service to clients. Building and maintaining relationships with clients is a key part of the service offered at the law firm, with a firm emphasis on trust.

“Always putting the client first, we are dedicated to excellence and are passionate about building and maintaining long lasting advisory relationships based on trust, communication, uncompromising attention to detail, innovative technology, real partner interactions and a personal, responsive service that is not only of the highest quality but also second to none. We also use our networks to grow our clients’ businesses.”

Within the company, the culture is one that is translated into the firm’s approach to its clients.

Craig points out that the firm possesses none of the negatives that may come from a big firm, such as the lack of a personal touch but also there are no struggles of a small firm.

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“The culture at Law Elements is underpinned by our approach to client service. We are a boutique firm, with none of the drawbacks of a big firm or the struggles of a small firm. We are hardworking, friendly, approachable and happy to find a solution that works for our team, business associates and clients alike.”

Craig details some of the most significant developments within the legal industry and how this may have affected the company, before going on to discuss what the most rewarding aspects of working in the legal sector.

“Essentially, we believe the most significant change comes from the high level of mergers and acquisitions among law firms which are driven by client demand, as clients are no longer willing to pay big firm rates for services that boutique firms are capable of delivering at a more reasonable rate. As a result, our team is in a unique position to offer our clients the expertise of a big firm at reasonable rates.

“Overall, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the ability to support our clients and business associates in making tough decisions both in life and business.”

Standing out amongst other law firms in the industry is important

as it helps practices garner more clients and attract the best business. Craig comments on what he believes sets Law Elements apart as well as discussing the legal industry in Australia and its competitive law firms.

“The Law Elements culture is what sets us apart from our competitors. We bring to the market the experience of a big firm coupled with unparalleled service at reasonable rates. Due to the changes in the legal industry in Australia, competition is fierce. We have risen above this challenge by delivering unparalleled service at reasonable rates.”

Looking ahead, Craig is excited about what the future holds for Law Elements. Expanding into Asia is one of the main hopes, particularly within the next few years, before staff and management go on to examine other services such as legal process outsourcing.

“Law Elements is looking to grow its practices in Brisbane and Sydney in Australia and expand its footprint into Asia, within the next 5 years. The biggest development in the wider legal market is legal process outsourcing. This development does not directly affect us but is a service that we are considering providing with key partners in Asia.”

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Best Corporate & Commercial Law Boutique - Australia

Company: Law Elements Pty Ltd Contact: Craig Roelofsz Email: craig@lawelements.com.au Address: L1, unit 1C,201 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill, Brisbane City, Queensland. 4000, Australia Phone: 0061 439 660 478 Website: www.lawelements.com.au

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Best Immigration Law Firm – Australia & APAC Excellence Award for ADR Services 2017 Stolar Law is a boutique law firm located in the Brisbane suburb of Sunnybank. We invited Tony Stolar and his firm to talk us through the services that the firm offers and what makes it an attractive proposition to clients.

Being a boutique law firm means clients will deal directly with a lawyer or migration agent, and never feel like their case does not matter.

Staff members at Stolar Law strive for excellence in everything they do. The firm works across many different practice areas for an array of clients. Undertaking a strategic approach to providing practical solutions, Stolar Law works closely with its clients to understand their priorities and their required outcomes. The firm talks us through the areas that they practice in.

“At Stolar Law, we practice in multiple areas, including migration issues, business and residential conveyancing, family law, litigation, criminal law, wills estates and enduring power of attorney. In particular, our principal Tony Stolar has over three decades’ worth of experience in Australian migration matters and business.

This has afforded him an extensive network of professional services and contacts.”

Following on from the fact that clients are always dealing with

a member of the legal team, staff at the firm tell us about their approach to client service and how they ensure they are able to provide the best possible service to clients. Maintaining personal relationships with clients is a key part of the firm’s business.

“Importantly, we place a strong emphasis on building long-term relationships, providing the best possible service to ensure our clients achieve a practical and cost-effective outcome. Our lawyers adopt a very ‘hands on’ approach to handling matters on behalf of clients. We welcome client’s feedback and are happy to adjust our approach when required. We speak openly about costs from our first meeting, give pragmatic advice that is easy to understand, and take a strong stand on behalf of our clients when needed.”

Teamwork is another key factor which helps the firm to attract the best business and clients. Tony discusses the culture and how all the lawyers support each other, working together and ensuring the best decisions are made, both for Stolar Law and the client.

“The culture at Stolar Law is one

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of collegiality and democracy.

Our lawyers have the ability and willingness to work together on client matters. They support actions of others that are in the best interests of the client or the firm, but may not be in the lawyer’s immediate best interests. Our strategic focus is placed on meeting goals and fulfilling expectations. Continuous improvement is important at Stolar Law, with importance placed on the growth of the lawyer’s knowledge and capabilities. We strive to maintain this standard across all practice areas.”

Helping the client to succeed is the most worthwhile aspect of working at Stolar Law and within the legal sector. With a diverse client base, it is rewarding to see all of them succeed, knowing that the practice has helped in some way. This leads Tony into explaining what helps the firm distinguish itself from similar law firms, as the personal touch provided by staff is helped somewhat by the fact that staff have experienced a variety of different cultures.

“On the whole, we service the needs of Australian and

multinational clients, as well as small to medium sized enterprises. The most rewarding aspect for us is when we help our clients achieve their goals and arrive at their desired destination with our assistance, be it physically or mentally.

“Significantly, our staff members are either multilingual, overseasborn or have lived abroad for substantial periods of time. That gives us insight many of our competitor’s lack with regards to real world experiences.”

Predicting what the future holds for the company, Tony mentions that Stolar Law is looking to expand upon its extensive network of professional services and contacts which can enable it to work closely with those looking to migrate and relocate, as well as providing advice in other areas.

“Looking ahead, we intend to expand upon our extensive network of professional services and contacts which can facilitate the migration and relocation processes with advice in housing, education, medical, taxation, financial and business opportunities.”

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Company: Stolar Law Contact: Tony Stolar Email: admin@stolarlaw.com.au Address: 416 Mains Rd, Sunnybank Qld 4109 Telephone: 07 3219 2797 Web Address: www.stolarlaw.com.au

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Best Cultural Heritage Law Firm - Australia Michael Owens – Lawyer and Consultant is the legal office of Michael Owens, a lawyer and a consultant who provides a variety of services within the law industry. We invited Michael to tell us more about the firm and how he helps his clients.

Over the last 20 years of a 30 year career, Michael Owens has steadily built up a Native Title and Cultural Heritage practice, where he has always acted for indigenous clients. The development of that practice has enabled him to solely specialise in those areas of law over the past 10 years, as Michael explains below.

“Having practised as a property and commercial lawyer throughout the early years of my career, enabled me to transition those skills to the development of a Native Title and Cultural Heritage practice. With a property and commercial law background to draw upon, I was able to provide a more nuanced experience.”

“Within my practice, I provide advice, assist in the negotiation of agreements, draft negotiate and settle agreements and assist in conflict resolution including regular appearances in the Federal Court and the National Native Title Tribunal.”

Perhaps one of the most important factors in becoming a successful law practice is how a lawyer approaches his client.

Providing a unique take on each case for each individual client is something Michael is keen to talk to us about, as he places significant emphasis on gaining the clients trust and maintaining it.

Going into further detail regarding the firm’s practice areas and how it came to define these, Michael tells us what particular opportunities have arisen from when he practised as a property and commercial lawyer throughout the early years of his career.

“Gaining the trust of my clients, is the most important aspect of being able to successfully act for the large numbers of people found in indigenous claimant groups and native title holders.

Retaining that trust, is achieved by providing a high level of personalised service to all

members of the claimant group or native title holders. Providing such a highly personalised service entails making oneself accessible and taking the time to have meaningful discussions with people, talking them through their issues so that they understand the issues at hand and they understand that their opinions and views are valued and of importance.”

Following on from Michael discussing how important trust was for his business, he goes on to clarify the culture that has been established within the company, again, one of trust.

Michael and the staff at his firm work hard to trust each other, respect each other and act with dignity towards staff and clients.

“The culture of the firm is one of providing high levels of trust, respect, dignity and understanding to all clients in circumstances where they have rarely enjoyed that from anyone else throughout their lives.”

Protecting their cultural heritage and obtaining a native title determination gives indigenous people a great sense of recognition, pride and achievment. Being able to assist them to achieve that is what is most rewarding for Michael and his firm. That, along with assisting people in what is a unique and individual process for each of them is what helps Michael mark his practice out as the best possible option for clients.

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My ability to provide a highly developed personalised service with an intimate understanding of how my clients think and understand the sector helps to make us truly special as a law practice.

Regarding the plans for the companies’ future, Michael is planning to expand the range of services he offers to clients: “I have been providing corporate governance advice to my clients for a long period of time. I am now extending the range, scope and depth of those services to Prescribed Bodies Corporate as more claimant groups obtain a native title determination.

He then signs off by predicting what developments he foresees in the wider legal market and how he thinks these might affect Michael Owens – Lawyer and Consultant.

“With the use of modern technology other forms of service delivery have become accessible. As a result, I foresee a higher level of specialisation taking place as smaller specialised Firms adapt in a highly competitive, cost conscious environment. Since they are closer to the client, their point of difference is that they can quickly respond to the specific needs of the client by consistently delivering a high quality, cost effective and specialised service to a wider range of clients.”

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Best Cultural Heritage Law Firm - Australia

Company: Michael Owens - Lawyer and Consultant Contact: Michael John Owens Email: michael@mowens.com.au Address: PO Box 1989, Aitkenvale, Queensland, 4814, Australia Phone: 0061 418 181 004

APAC / Legal Awards 2017 17

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Best Cross-Border Transactions Law Firm - Indonesia Adnan Kelana Haryanto & Hermanto (AKHH) is one of Jakarta’s leading independent law firms engaged in transnational practice. We profiled the firm and its Founding Partners in order to find out what makes the company so successful and discover more about the services it offers.

AKHH’s founding partners have been practicing law for more than 15 years.

Their combined experience and client base have paved the way for the law firm to deliver effective and wellcoordinated legal representation to some of the world’s leading multinational enterprises, including Indonesia, as well as government entities and private individuals.

Able to attract a variety of wellrenowned clients, the firm’s edge lies in its ability to deliver individualized value-added solutions aimed at addressing specific client needs. To this end, the firm invests time

familiarizing itself with its client’s operational needs and fostering strong professional relationships with each client’s key decision makers. The firm also advises clients on current developments in the law and its interpretation which stand to affect them, thus reducing clients’ risk exposure arising from changes in the Indonesian legal landscape.

With a diverse team of staff, AKHH team includes lawyers educated in the United States, Japan, Canada, and Europe, augmented by foreign counsels from various jurisdictions in Asia, translators, paralegals, and professionally-trained general staff members.

From its founding in 2001, a number of international legal publications had recognised the firm’s capability and expertise in various areas of practice. In dispute resolution and competition law, Founding Partner, Stefanus Haryanto has been recognised as a resourceful and effective litigator in representing clients in civil and bankruptcy proceedings, including successfully defending clients in anti-monopoly investigations before the Agency for the Supervision of Business Competition (KPPU).

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Founding Partner Andy Kelana’s expertise in Merger & Acquisition, Telecommunication and Corporate practices has been recognised by the international legal community.

He is singled out for his ability to anticipate the needs of clients.

Rounding off the success of the leaders at AKHH, Founding Partner Helena Adnan has also been recognised for her work in banking and finance, intellectual property rights, and general corporate advisories. In 2011, AKHH was also a finalist in the ALB Law Awards for Project Finance Deal of the Year for its work on Paiton 3 Power Project.

AKHH was designated the 2012 Indonesian Independent Law Firm of the Year by Acquisition International.

Highlighting its status as a leading law firm, AKHH works with a number of key clients based all over the world, most of them well-renowned, notably Apple, Inc and American Express International, Inc. Working with big name clients helps the firm to attract other business, build relationships and earn the trust of others, as they are seen to be doing a good job. A lot of business in any industry can come through word of mouth

and it is clear at AKHH that the company comes highly recommended.

Regarding its reputation around the globe and its international work, AKHH acted as the Indonesian counsels for Bank Indonesia in a legal suit at the District Court of Amsterdam filed by the trustee of Indonesian Overseas Bank. Stefanus Haryanto has the experience of providing expert testimonies on Indonesian laws before the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, Hong Kong High Court, Singapore High Court and Federal Court of Australia Victoria District Registry.

Overall, AKHH lives up to its sterling reputation, providing clients with excellent services, making sure that their requirements are always met, and sometimes surpassed. The Founding Partners all possess a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge in the legal industry, something that can only be of benefit to the company and its business.

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Best Cross-Border Transactions Law Firm - Indonesia

Company: Adnan Kelana Haryanto & Hermanto Contact: Stefanus Haryanto, Managing Partner Phone: +62 21 520 8270 Email: lawyers@akhh.com Website: www.akhh.com

APAC / Legal Awards 2017 19

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Best De Facto Relationship Law Firm – Queensland & Criminal Law Director of the Year 2017 – Queensland Cooper Maloy Legal provides Family and De Facto Law, Civil and Commercial Litigation and Estate work but it is the work in the Domestic Violence and Criminal Law sector that has allowed them to surge away from others and make their mark. With an internal mantra of not shying away from the tough stuff, we talk to owner Evan Cooper about life as a lawyer and discover there are more layers to this impressive law practice and man than meets the eye.

After completing his secondary schooling in Melbourne at the Ivanhoe Grammar School, Evan relocated to the Gold Coast to commence his tertiary studies at Bond University. At just 29 years old he became partner of a boutique law firm on the Gold Coast and just three years later started his own practice, Cooper Maloy Legal.

Whilst not knowing exactly where his passion for the justice system came from, it was the thought of an innocent person sitting in jail that paved the path to Cooper Maloy Legal now being referred to as one of Queensland’s leading Family and Criminal law firms. Evan explains how the job is necessary as he works to secure justice for his clients, believing everybody should be given a fair chance.

“Although at times my work can be distasteful, it is absolutely necessary, therefore here at Cooper Maloy Legal we work hard to support everyone we represent. The law is the law and all people have the right to be represented fairly. I have never been interested in finding the easy road; some of our clients

are often the most vulnerable people in society and the role of my practice is to help.”

Cooper Maloy Legal is currently one of only a handful of firms in Queensland to offer daily duty lawyer services in both the criminal and domestic violence jurisdictions; a big but necessary step. Evan explains why he takes his role so seriously. Evan believes that this pressure is the hardest part of the job but also adds that there a variety of roles combined which can be difficult to balance.

“One of the biggest luxuries we take for granted, especially in Australia, is freedom. Our role can influence whether a person retains their right to this luxury.

That is a big responsibility.

The need to be a counsellor, advisor, and social worker in addition to being a lawyer can be challenging.”

Currently impacting the firm are significant changes in domestic violence law. The cases never seem to end, as the line is muddled on what domestic abuse entails in the eyes of some. Evan points out the firm is readily available to help those who struggle. Its 24/7 service is

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obviously an attractive offering to clients, and Evan goes on to explain what else he believes helps set the firm apart.

“It is a never-ending book.

People are now confused as to what actually constitutes domestic violence and what their rights are. Cooper Maloy Legal has responded by being available 24/7 in response to the increased demands of a confused society.

“It always comes back to a desire to help. We start from the ground up by empowering our team with knowledge; intimate and updated knowledge of the law and as importantly, knowledge about every single client that walks through our door.”

Regarding its hiring structure, the company regularly takes on work experience students, with most of them going on to become employees. The team, the 24/7 availability, the duty lawyer services and the bold recent move to adapt by offering the option of a fixed price service has made a significant difference to the firm whilst decreasing the stress levels of their clients, something Evan alludes to below.

“It is quite an archaic practice to charge people to speak to them, read an email, print an email etc. This breeds dissatisfaction.

We want to focus on the actual problem and seek to find a fair solution. This is what we charge for. It allows people to know what they are up for and provides a better, time efficient strategy from which to deal with it” In the past year, Cooper Maloy Legal has stopped at least two men from spending a decade in jail for Domestic Violence related cases that were, as it turns out, a complete fabrication. Evan concludes by outlining how the firm supported these clients through their trial.

“That could have been years in jail, and the stigma that attaches to that, for doing nothing wrong.

It is ensuring that those people receive the best possible representation and result is one of the most satisfying aspect of the job.”

Overall, with clients stemming from all over Australia, expansion is definitely on the cards for Cooper Maloy Legal as the firm looks towards a bright and exciting future.

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Best De Facto Relationship Law Firm – Queensland & Criminal Law Director of the Year 2017 – Queensland

Company: Cooper Maloy Legal Contact: Evan Cooper Email: evan@coopermaloy.com.au Address: Level 2/52 Davenport St, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia Phone: 00 617 5528 2428 Website: www.coopermaloy.com.au

APAC / Legal Awards 2017 21

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Best Legal Management Consultancy Firm - Australia Allygroup is a specialist legal management consultancy with a team of experienced lawyers and specialist management consultants. We profiled the firm as we explore the secrets behind its achievements and success.

Allygroup are a team of lawyers who help clients to obtain maximum value from their legal spend and obtain maximum efficiency from the firm’s legal team. Whether it be assisting clients with legal project management, or helping them to find the right lawyer or paralegal for the team, the company aims are simple, as staff work hard to ensure clients obtain value for money.

At Allygroup, the senior management team have extensive experience of running large-scale litigation and major transactions for both corporate and government clients.

Unlike generalist management consultants, staff work only in the legal sector. Its unique set

of management tools takes into account the legal principles that drive litigation and transactional work.

Holding a wealth of experience in a variety of sectors, staff have all previously worked in law firms, as in-house counsel or in the government sector, with some of the team in very senior roles. As a result, the team understand the legal profession and what clients are looking for from their legal service providers.

Given its sterling reputation, it is no surprise that the firm attracts the best business. Allygroup has a proven track record of helping some of Australia’s leading businesses and government agencies achieve better value from their legal spend.

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Additionally, the firm also provides legal management consulting advice, which includes improving the way in which in-house teams and external legal service providers interact.

Allygroup attempts to improve the efficiency of the in-house legal team, and control legal spend by using the informed purchaser model. It also designs and embeds legal services panels, utilising alternative resourcing models to reduce legal costs.

Fundamentally, what makes the firm different from others within the industry is the inspiration and mission behind the company’s work. Allygroup was established because the team want to make a difference. The ideas behind the company is that they believe that the traditional model for providing legal advice often fails to deliver value for money, and that there is a better way to practise law and deliver legal services. Lastly, all staff and clients receive training with regard to the informed purchaser model, and manage legal panels in a way that achieves better service and value, making Allygroup the perfect option for new and existing clients.

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Best Legal Management Consultancy Firm - Australia

Company: Allygroup Contact: Christine Wright Email: Christine.Wright@allygroup.com.au Address: Level 3, 44 Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Phone: 0061 2 9216 9800 Website: www.allygroup.com.au

APAC / Legal Awards 2017 23

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Best UAE Tax Law Firm – UAE & Most Influential Woman in Commercial Law 2017 Arkhurst & Abdellah Solicitors has become the legal firm of choice for a large number of start-ups SME’s in the UAE. We spoke to Jennifer Arkhurst, Managing Partner to find out more about the firm and explore the secrets behind its success.

Arkhurst & Abdellah are British lawyers who have brought affordable legal services and innovative changes to legal landscape in the UAE. Jennifer discusses the firm’s diverse client base and how it aims to offer the very highest standards of service to everyone it works with.

“Providing a variety of services, the vast majority of our clients here at Arkhurst & Abdellah are start-ups and SME’s business owners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, European countries, Mauritius and Africa. We also act as advisers on bespoke projects for prominent local families in the UAE. To support

them, our approach is to be different, exceed expectations, apply Western standards to our services and offer fixed fees to enable clients to budget for legal services.”

Focusing on corporate and commercial law, Jennifer describes what opportunities these areas have presented her with. Noting her experience, she talks about the thriving business community and how the UAE is the best place to set up a business.

“Throughout my career of as a lawyer over the last 18 years, I have practiced exclusively as a corporate and commercial lawyer, hence my firm focuses on

providing services in this area of law to the business community.

The UAE has a thriving business community and is one of the best and easiest places to set up a business. There are several overseas companies that are setting up branch businesses here as well as start-ups, all of whom need support with structuring their businesses, knowledge of the local law and assistance with minimising business risk.”

Ultimately, Jennifer details what she believes sets Arkhurst & Abdellah apart from competitors in the legal sector, and how the firm uses this to their advantage.

Jennifer hopes to capitalise on its ongoing success by expanding its offerings and form partnerships in other countries.

“Overall, we set up our business at a time when legal services were not easily affordable by several entrepreneurs, and particularly services from Western trained lawyers. Capitalising on this, we listened to the small business owners, met the demand at the time and shortly thereafter attracted the attention of the local press, which has afforded us many exciting opportunities which we are keen to take advantage of moving forward.”

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Best UAE Tax Law Firm – UAE & Most Influential Woman in Commercial Law 2017

Company: Arkhurst & Abdellah Solicitors FZ LLE Contact: Jennifer Arkhurst Email: jenniferarkhurst31@hotmail.com Address: Creative Tower, P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, UAE Phone: 00971 558827328 Website: www.aasolicitors-ae.com

APAC / Legal Awards 2017 25

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Asia Pacific Mediator of the Year Brick Court is home to some of the world’s leading commercial mediators and in 2017 four of our mediators are included in the Who’s Who Legal ‘Top 10 Global Mediation Thought Leaders’. These include Award Winner Geoff Sharp, who discusses how he works to ensure that he provides the very highest standard of support and service to his clients.

Drawing on his vast experience, Geoff Sharp is a commercial mediator working in New Zealand, United Kingdom and the Asia Pacific.

He is a member of both Clifton Chambers, Wellington and Brick Court Chambers in London, one of the leading sets of chambers in London. As such, Geoff divides his time between his London and New Zealand mediation practices as well as mediating in Asia. He explains his work in more detail.

“Through my role as mediator, I am increasingly specialising

in commercial disputes that have a transnational flavour.

Usually I am engaged by law firms involved in cross-border litigation or arbitration and I have mediated a range of fascinating cases involving commercial parties from a variety of cultures.

Much of my work involves construction and infrastructure mediation, especially in growth areas such as Asia and the Middle East. London mediation, on the other hand, often involves financial matters.”

Known as a mediator who can connect with parties in conflict, Geoff has been engaged by many of the world’s leading law firms dealing with contentious

matters as well as government agencies, including the UK and NZ Governments in 2016.

Prior to committing to a full-time mediation practice a decade ago, Geoff was a litigation partner at Bell Gully, one of New Zealand’s largest national commercial law firms. Before that his early career was at Mallesons, a major Australian commercial law firm.

Alongside this, Geoff works to support the wider legal industry, and has been a member of ICC’s Mediation Rules Task Force and for many years on the faculty of the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition devoted to international commercial mediation and held in Paris every year. He is also appointed to CEDR’s International Mediator Panel as well as Singapore Mediation Centre’s International Panel of Mediators and is a member of the National Electricity Market of Singapore Dispute Resolution and Compensation Panel.

Thanks to this wealth of experience, he mediates across a range of commercial conflicts including infrastructure, construction, intellectual property, technology/telecom/energy sectors, financial, insurance, contractual, shareholder, joint-venture and public sector/ governmental matters. Geoff explores the reasons he enjoys this role and why he is so committed to his clients.

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“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as a commercial mediator is the diversity of disputes and people I get involved with – one day it can be an infrastructure project gone wrong in the Philippines, the next day it might be a rights (share) issue or an international licensing agreement in the Middle East involving interesting legal and cross-cultural aspects.”

Over the past year, Geoff has mediated a number of high-profile London matters including a multibillion-pound class-action and one of the most significant pieces of litigation in the UK for 2016; a five party country to country commercial dispute of political and historical significance, co-mediated with a retired UK Court of Appeal judge; a multimillion pound insolvency litigation; a large fraud case between 13 parties and a Southeast Asian energy infrastructure claim set against a backdrop of litigation and arbitration in Manila, Singapore and London.

Ultimately, as well as being named APAC Insider’s ‘Best Commercial Mediator in the AsiaPacific’ for 2016 and 2017, he is one of New Zealand’s leading commercial mediators being voted by the legal profession New Zealand Mediator of the Year in the New Zealand Law Awards. Moving forward, Geoff will be looking to continue to succeed and support his clients.

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Company: Brick Court Chambers Contact: Geoff Sharp Email: geoff.sharp@brickcourt.co.uk Address: 7/8 Essex Street, London WC2R 3LD Telephone: +44 7925 159895 Web Address; brickcourtmediators.co.uk

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