McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers

McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers (MPAL) (formerly Arion Legal) is a registered foreign law firm in Lao PDR and has been operating in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) since 2008 and is the only Australian law firm registered in Lao PDR.

MPA Lawyers provides international standard legal and tax advice and documentation for foreign investors operating in, or looking to invest in, the Lao PDR. With extensive commercial legal experience our senior Lao and foreign legal and tax advisors take a practical and problem-solving approach to their work, whilst maintaining a high level of integrity in all dealings.

Our team has the skills and expertise to guide clients through the complexities of doing business in Lao PDR and we provide excellent services to our clients by developing strong relationships, understanding objectives and working to ensure our client’s legal affairs are dealt with professionally and expeditiously. In particular, we have specialist expertise in all aspects of mining and hydropower projects as well as other large-scale investment projects in the Lao PDR, having represented investors, lenders and the Government of Lao PDR for various projects.

Our major services and capabilities extend to

• Foreign investment
• Energy and mining
• Corporate and commercial
• Tax advisory
• Construction and infrastructure
• Property transactions
• Project finance
• Asset purchase and divestment
• Labour and employment law
• Environment and agriculture
• Forestry
• Legal due diligence

MPAL is managed by highly experienced directors Mike McDonald and Kaz Patafta who take a hands-on approach in the day to day running of the office and provide expertise and support to the Lao team, a talented and experienced team of foreign and Lao national lawyers led by Soulignasack Liemphrachanh.