Vietnamese firm Indochine Counsel has boosted its international practice with the appointment of US-qualified lawyer Steve Jacobs.
Jacobs has joined the firm as a foreign consultant and will provide advice on M&A and private equity-related transactions. The firm said the appointment will support it in dealing with a recent influx of work. Citing a report by the World Bank, Indochine managing partner Dang The Duc said the Vietnamese government’s stimulus package appears to have boosted GDP by 4.5% this year. “As M&A picks up again here in Vietnam, there will be a real market for seller-side legal services,” said Duc. “Too many local companies are going into acquisition negotiations without legal counsel or any discussion with lawyers at all, and there’s a real need for pre-negotiation preparation.”
Jacobs, who is qualified to practice in the US, will also provide a link for clients with cross-border businesses in Vietnam. “The firm’s strategy is to expand to regional and international markets step by step,” said Duc. “At least for now, Steve can work with other lawyers of the firm for cross-border transactions. As far as trade goes, with the recent application by the US for additional trade remedies against Vietnamese companies, there will be more need for lawyers familiar with US Department of Commerce policies and procedures. Steve can add value … in both of these capacities.”
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