Last year, we featured the largest law firms in Malaysia. We continue with this feature this year and update the numbers for 2019. We total up the number of lawyers of each law firm, including the firm’s branch offices.
In summary, the largest law firm in Malaysia is Zaid Ibrahim & Co with 160 lawyers, spread across offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Bahru. In joint second are Skrine and Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill with 126 lawyers.
The headcount is based on the Malaysian Bar directory listing at the time of writing. All images are from the firms’ website.
#13: Shook Lin & Bok – 67 lawyers
Shook Lin & Bok Malaysia has a total of 67 lawyers and maintain the same position as last year at #13.
#12: Azmi & Associates – 73 lawyers
Azmi & Associates has 73 lawyers, with 70 in its Kuala Lumpur office and 3 in its Johor Bahru office. It drops one position from #11 to #12 in terms of number of lawyers.
#11: Wong & Partners – 75 lawyers
Wong & Partners, member firm of Baker McKenzie International, has 75 lawyers. From last year’s position at #9, it is now at #11.
#10 – Raja, Darryl & Loh – 77 lawyers
Raja, Darryl & Loh moves from last year’s #12 up to #10, with 77 lawyers.
#9: Christopher & Lee Ong – 86 lawyers
Christopher & Lee Ong, part of Rajah & Tann Asia, rises up from last year’s #10 to #9. The firm has 86 lawyers.
#8: Zul Rafique & Partners – 90
Zul Rafique & Partners has 90 lawyers moving from last year’s #6 to this year’s #8 on the list.
#7: Chooi & Co + Cheang & Ariff – 91
Chooi & Co + Cheang & Ariff, or CCA, has grown from last year’s 81 lawyers up to 91 lawyers. It moves up one position to #7.
#6: Rahmat Lim & Partners – 93
Rahmat Lim & Partners, in association with Allen & Gledhill Singapore, also climbs up one position to #6.
#5: Adnan Sundra & Low – 94
Adnan Sundra & Low maintains its #5 position with 94 lawyers.
#4: Shearn Delamore & Co – 111
Shearn Delamore & Co continues to break past the 100-lawyer mark. It maintains its #4 position, growing from 105 lawyers to 111 lawyers.
Joint #2: Lee Hishamuddin Allen & Gledhill – 126
Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill has grown from 116 lawyers up to 126 lawyers this year. It climbs up a position to go joint second. Out of the 126 lawyers, 2 are in its Johor Bahru office and with 5 in Penang.
Joint #2: Skrine – 126
Skrine maintains its #2 position with 126 lawyers.
#1: Zaid Ibrahim & Co – 160 lawyers
Zaid Ibrahim & Co, part of ZICO Law, continues with its #1 position with 160 lawyers. Out of the 160, 32 are from its Penang office, 16 from its Johor Bahru office and 5 in Kota Bahru.
In addition to the domestic law firms, the two foreign law firms continue to grow their headcount in their Kuala Lumpur offices.
Herbert Smith Freehills
From last year’s headcount of 10, Herbert Smith Freehills Kuala Lumpur has now grown to 12 lawyers: 2 partners, 2 senior associates and 8 associates. Out of the 12 team members, the specialisation is also quite balanced. 4 lawyers are focused on international arbitration and disputes work, and with 8 on corporate, projects, and finance.
Trowers & Hamlins
Trowers & Hamlins has increased from 5 lawyers to 11 lawyers based in its Kuala Lumpur office. There are 3 partners, 1 senior associate and with 7 associates/lawyers.