You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

September 26, 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins Joins Drew Network Asia to Fuel Strategic Expansion and Legal Excellence

Subscribe to Updates

On September 26, 2023, Tilleke & Gibbins joined Drew Network Asia (DNA), a network of blue-chip law firms in Southeast Asia, expanding the network to a total of nine countries and 824 fee earners in Southeast Asia.

Formed in March 2020, DNA brings together some of the most influential and well-established law firms in Southeast Asia, namely Drew & Napier from Singapore, Makarim & Taira S. from Indonesia, Shearn Delamore & Co. from Malaysia, and Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS) from the Philippines. The addition of Tilleke & Gibbins further expands the network’s regional footprint in Southeast Asia, which now boasts a total headcount of over 1,600 in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

“We are delighted to become a part of DNA,” said Tiziana Sucharitkul, Managing Partner of Tilleke & Gibbins, “because being part of this network provides a platform for our clients to access the top lawyers in the region who will facilitate their legal needs and strategic ambitions in Southeast Asia. For over 130 years, Tilleke & Gibbins has been helping enterprises around the world achieve their business goals in Southeast Asia, and we are excited to continue our commitment to serving our clients as part of this network. We look forward to working hand in hand with the best lawyers in the region to enable this and to deliver the finest seamless legal advice and representation to our clients.”

Cavinder Bull SC, CEO, Drew & Napier said, “We are excited to have Tilleke & Gibbins join the network. DNA was created to enable pillar firms to service their clients’ multijurisdictional needs. With DNA covering almost the whole of Southeast Asia, we now have the capability to provide clients with seamless and integrated legal services of the highest quality throughout the region.”

“With the addition of Tilleke & Gibbins, we have significantly amplified our regional presence. I believe that DNA will become a formidable option for multijurisdictional legal work in the region.” said Dhinesh Bhaskaran, Managing Partner of Shearn Delamore & Co.

Maria Sagrado, Managing Partner, Makarim & Taira S. said, “The addition of Tilleke & Gibbins to the DNA family marks a significant milestone for our network, and underscores our unwavering pursuit of excellence. Together, we will leverage on our combined strengths to drive positive change to the legal industry.”

“We welcome Tilleke & Gibbins into our dynamic network which now has presence in almost the whole of Southeast Asia. By uniting our expertise and resources in DNA, we are poised to meet the needs of our clients more effectively and gain a competitive edge over other networks.” said Manuel Z. Gonzalez, Managing Partner of MVGS.

DNA is a cross-border ‘firm of firms’ that operates as a united collective, bringing both international perspectives and local expertise to the table. DNA operates as a one-stop shop in handling complex and time-sensitive multijurisdictional transactions or disputes.

Each DNA member firm upholds a stellar reputation that is built on consistently delivering premium legal advice alongside a world-class service experience. This unwavering commitment is recognized by clients and peers and has earned DNA firms top rankings in the world’s most prestigious legal publications.

Locations

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

May 8, 2023
Dino Santaniello, head of Tilleke & Gibbins in Laos, and Naiyane Xaechao, a paralegal in the Vientiane office, recently met with officials from the Department of Cybersecurity in Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications, as well as representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (ECCIL), to discuss a white paper drafted by the firm regarding the Law on Electronic Data Protection. The aim of the meeting was to provide recommendations for amending the law to comply with international standards on data privacy while also taking into account the unique needs of Laos. During the discussion, Dino and Naiyane shared their deep knowledge and expertise in the field of data protection as they addressed various questions raised by the officers and ECCIL representatives. The meeting showcased Tilleke & Gibbins’ commitment to staying up-to-date on legal developments and working closely with government officials to ensure that laws are fair and effective for all stakeholders. The firm’s white paper and the valuable insights shared by Dino and Naiyane will contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen data protection in Laos and bring the country closer to international standards.
Read More
April 19, 2023
Wiramrudee “Pink” Mokkhavesa, a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property department in Bangkok, was recently interviewed about the fight against counterfeit goods on an episode of the Bangkok Podcast. Wiramrudee is highly sought after for her expertise in combating counterfeiters across the region, and is a key resource person in Thailand on anticounterfeiting measures and intellectual property enforcement. In the podcast episode, Wiramrudee spoke about Tilleke & Gibbins’ Museum of Counterfeit Goods, which is located in the firm’s Bangkok office and displays various fake products from the firm’s intellectual property enforcement work over the years. She also laid out the staggering size of the counterfeit goods market both in the region and around the word—which has been estimated to account for between 2 and 3 percent of all global trade. Together, Wiramrudee and the podcast host discussed common questions about the impact of counterfeit goods, such as whether counterfeit goods are always harmful—even when consumers are aware that the products they are buying are fake. Wiramrudee offered reasons why counterfeits are harmful, including decreased durability and the potential for harm, as well as the impact on creators and the economy as a whole. The conversation also considered the role of the Thai government in enforcing laws related to counterfeits and how Tilleke & Gibbins advises clients on protecting and capitalizing on their intellectual property as they conduct business in Thailand. To learn more about the complex issue of counterfeit goods, listen to the full podcast episode below.  
Read More
April 17, 2023
Attorneys from Tilleke & Gibbins in Thailand have contributed to Model Clauses for Contracting in Asia, which was released recently by the Asian Business Law Institute (ABLI) under its Contract Laws in Asia project. The publication provides a neutral framework for parties entering into cross-border contracts, regardless of the governing law or subject matter of the contract. In today’s increasingly globalized economy, parties to commercial contracts are often based in different jurisdictions, with varying contract laws, legal labels, and languages. This often results in one of the parties entering into a contract governed by the laws of an unfamiliar jurisdiction. Similarly, if the parties opt for a neutral governing law, they may both be unfamiliar with the laws that govern their contract. To address these challenges, Model Clauses for Contracting in Asia provides enforceable model clauses that are jurisdiction-neutral and applicable to any contract subject matter. Each model clause is designed to be enforceable irrespective of which jurisdiction is selected as the governing law and irrespective of the subject matter of the contract. Tilleke & Gibbins has also contributed to earlier publications released by ABLI under the project, including insights on contract breaches and administrative and tax requirements. Model Clauses for Contracting in Asia is available for purchase here, or a free preview version can be downloaded here.
Read More
March 14, 2023
Tilleke & Gibbins is proud to be one of the founding member firms for the newly launched Sino International Professional Advisory Council (SIPAC) platform. SIPAC is a global network of law firms that offer legal services tailored to the Chinese legal market. Legal advisors partnering with SIPAC provide Chinese companies with expert advice and guidance that enable them to conduct business in key jurisdictions around the world. SIPAC aims to create a platform that connects in-house counsel at Chinese companies with a wide range of legal services, to ensure that Chinese companies can conduct business overseas with maximum efficiency. By bringing together leading firms from different countries and industries, SIPAC offers a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking expert advice on doing business in different regions of the world. As a founding member firm of SIPAC, Tilleke & Gibbins brings a wealth of expertise and experience advising clients on complex legal matters across the region. The firm has been operating in Southeast Asia for over 130 years and has a team of over 220 lawyers, making it one of the largest in the region. With the launch of SIPAC, Tilleke & Gibbins and its fellow founding member firms are well-positioned to offer customized legal and regulatory recommendations that provide Chinese businesses with increased access to overseas markets.
Read More