Legal Adviser

DFDL was established in 1994 and founded on a unique vision: to create an integrated legal and tax advisory firm, with in-depth knowledge of the developing jurisdictions in which we are based. Our dedicated professionals exhibit the acumen and insight necessary to assist you in navigating the legal and tax complexities and challenges. Drawing on a wide-ranging industry experience and finely tuned local knowledge in countries we operate in, we strive to provide concise, commercially focused and innovative advice, staying true to our original motto: “One Region. One Firm”.

DFDL has 12 offices including collaborating firms, in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

As a full-service firm, DFDL provides legal and tax services across a variety of industry sectors. To better serve our clients’ business needs, we have also organized our expertise into the following practice groups:

• Anti-Trust and Competition
• Aviation and Logistics
• Banking and Finance 
• Compliance and Investigations
• Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment
• Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure 
• Investment Funds
• Real Estate and Hospitality
• Restructuring
• Tax and Transfer Pricing
• Technology, Media and Telecoms

Position:

DFDL (the Firm) is seeking to recruit a Legal Adviser to join its Vientiane office. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated Lao-qualified lawyer to join one of Southeast Asia's leading legal and tax advisory firms. The successful candidate will work alongside a dynamic team of local and international advisers, managing a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, contributing to the development of the practice, and growing their career in a stimulating and professional environment.

Reports to: Country Managing Director

Key external relationships: Clients, Government Ministries, Lao Bar Association, Regulatory Authorities

Key internal relationships: Partners, Legal Advisers, Tax Advisers, Business Development and Support Staff

Salary range: Competitive, commensurate with experience  

Position type: Full Time – Regular

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm (40 hours per week)

Location: Vientiane, Lao PDR

Main duties of the role

Client and Matter Management

• Manage and lead day-to-day client matters with appropriate supervision, including maintaining client communication and managing client expectations;
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documents including contracts, corporate agreements, legal opinions, regulatory applications, and transactional documentation;
• Advise clients on Lao laws and regulations across practice areas including corporate and commercial law, energy and natural resources, real estate, employment, and regulatory compliance;
• Prepare and submit government applications, including company establishment, licensing, foreign investment approvals, and changes to corporate details;
• Conduct and lead legal and regulatory due diligence exercises and prepare detailed due diligence reports.

Supervision and Team Development

• Supervise, mentor and provide guidance to junior Legal Advisers and paralegals working on matters;
• Peer review the work of junior team members and provide constructive and timely feedback;
• Assist Partners in monitoring matter progress, budgets and timelines.

Business Development

• Contribute to the Firm’s business development activities, including attending client meetings, networking events, and government relations activities;
• Assist in the preparation of fee proposals, capability statements and client pitches;
• Contribute to the Firm’s knowledge management initiatives, including internal legal updates, publications and legal training sessions.

Administration and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely time records and assist in the billing and invoice review process;
• Participate in and contribute to the Firm's internal training and professional development programmes;
• Undertake such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements

Essential skills & proficiency

• Law degree from a recognised Lao or international university;
• Minimum of two (2) years of post-qualification experience in a law firm, in-house legal team, or government legal role;
• Admission to the Lao Bar Association (or eligibility for admission - application in progress is acceptable);
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lao laws and regulations, in particular corporate and commercial law, investment regulations, and regulatory frameworks;
• Proven experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal documents and providing written legal advice;
• Experience in managing client relationships and leading matters with appropriate supervision;
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent written and spoken English and Lao — additional language skills are an advantage;
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team;
• Strong commitment to client service, professional ethics, and quality.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in any of the following practice areas: energy and natural resources, projects and infrastructure, banking and finance, or M&A;
• Experience working in or with international law firms or multi-jurisdictional matters;
• Postgraduate legal qualification (LLM or equivalent).

Applications should include a curriculum vitae or resume, accompanied by a covering letter outlining the candidate’s interest in and suitability for the position.

All applications and expressions of interest will be treated confidentially and reviewed only by DFDL Senior Management and the Human Resources team.

Please note that this position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed and processed on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.