ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT | June BOOKING DEADLINE: May 11
MATERIAL DEADLINE: May 14 |
May BOOKING DEADLINE: April 6
MATERIAL DEADLINE: April 15 |
|  COVER STORY: THE COVID EFFECT Over a period of a few months, the coronavirus outbreak has brought the world to an absolute standstill. In this cover story, we look at the impact on Asia’s legal industry, which markets are most affected, and where law firms in the region go from here. | REPORT: JAPAN A survey by a private research firm in Japan showed that as of April 8, 42 companies in Japan had filed for bankruptcy or suspended business due to a decline in sales caused by the spread of the coronavirus, and more are expected to follow. We look at how Japanese law firms are growing their insolvency and restructuring practices to cater to the sudden uptick in work. | FEATURE: CONSTRUCTION ARBITRATION One impact of the coronavirus outbreak has been on the construction sector, where disputes are expected to rise. We look back at a previous pandemic in the region – the SARS outbreak of 2002-2004 – and the lessons we can take from that, as we try to decipher how the 2020 virus will play out. | ACCOUNTING FIRMS With businesses buffeted by the impact of COVID-19, multidisciplinary firms such as the Big Four, which offer global connectivity and cost-cutting technology, could find themselves in great demand. We look at how the Big Four are ramping up their offerings in Asia. | REPORT: KOREA The last two years had been strong ones financially for Korean law firms, but with coronavirus, it is difficult to predict what the rest of 2020 will look like. We speak to lawyers in the country about what the impact has been, and where the bright spots are. | GC ROUNDTABLE: TMT As a pandemic made its way through the Asian region, technology companies came to the forefront, whether through providing remote working tools, online delivery services, or healthcare technologies. In this roundtable, general counsel at technology companies talk about how they supported their business in this difficult time. | FEATURE: INDEPENDENT LAW FIRMS IN INDONESIA A majority of the largest, most well-known firms in Indonesia have alliance with international firms (or are part of a network); however, in recent years, a number of independent firms have shown their mettle and are being recognised regionally and internationally. We speak to them about their decision to go it alone, and the benefits and challenges they saw as a result. | FEATURE: LEGAL NETWORKS Apart from working with member firms, law firm networks are also keeping close contact with in-house counsel at multinational companies operating in today’s demanding regulatory and business environment. The aim is to acquire insights and experience, using which the network can help member firms to better serve their clients and to meet the evolving needs of in-house counsel. | FEATURE: LEGAL TECHNOLOGY Lawyers in Asia today work with a plethora of technology tools. We look at which kinds of technologies are hot at the moment, and the benefits that these are helping them provide to clients. |
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 COVER STORY: IP RANKINGS ALB’s annual rankings of the best law firms in the region for intellectual property picks the most proficient law firms in patents, as well as trademark and copyright work, in each jurisdiction. To request a submission form, please email rowena.muniz@tr.com. | LIST: OFFSHORE CLIENT CHOICE In its annual list, ALB picks the best lawyers working for offshore law firms in Asia. These lawyers are selected on the basis of client feedback. To request a survey link, please email rowena.muniz@tr.com. | REPORT: INDONESIA In recent months, Indonesia has seen a flurry of infrastructure activity, such as the Makassar New Port Development, the new Trans-Kalimantan road and Rotiklot Dam in East Nusa Tenggara; infrastructure is one of Jokowi’s key goals. We look at how this is generating work for lawyers in the country. | FEATURE: LITIGATION The spread of the coronavirus in China the past weeks has caused many companies in China (including foreign-invested entities) to be heavily affected in the production, logistics, international service, and other aspects of their operations, which may result in delays or failure to fulfil contractual obligations. Under such a situation, should the affected enterprises take liabilities for breach of contract? Is delayed performance or contract termination allowed? What stance are courts likely to take? We speak to lawyers to find out. | REPORT: THAILAND Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) came into effect last year; however, most of the operational provisions, including provisions relating to the rights of a data subject, the obligations of a data controller and the penalties for non-compliance, will become effective in May 2020. We look at how this new legal framework is set to require several significant changes to standard business practices. | FEATURE: ALSP The alternative legal service provider scene is getting crowded in Asia, with Herbert Smith Freehills’ ALT, Pinsent Masons’ Vario and Elevate among those looking to make headway in Hong Kong and Singapore. But with pickup still slow, where do they see the areas for growth? | FEATURE: COMPETITION LAW India’s government has outlined wide-ranging changes to its competition law, which includes creating an independent board that will oversee the authority and its investigative arm. We speak to lawyers about what this all means particularly in the backdrop of the CCI probes into Amazon and Flipkart. | FEATURE: LAW FIRM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Legal practice management software, which manages a law firm's case and client records, billing and bookkeeping, schedules and appointments, deadlines, computer files and more, is making giant strides globally. We look at the usage in Asia, and what brands are most popular. | FEATURE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Contract-related artificial intelligence is today making waves among corporate law departments in the region. We look at how often it is being used, why in-house teams are making moves to use it, and what kinds of functions it will be used for. |
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| | | For more information, please contact Amantha Chia Head of Legal Media Business (65) 9642 9895
amantha.chia@thomsonreuters.com |
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