Interview with: Marvi Rosero Abo, Founding Partner / Managing Partner

Marvi shares his insights into how the firm is setting benchmarks in legal practice and embracing the evolving needs of its clients.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Abo Law Firm from your competitors?

At the center of our practice is unquestionable loyalty to our Clients, we value it more than anything else. We deliver personalized solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to innovation, adaptability, and client-centered service. Our Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2023 award reflects the excellence we bring to every case, big or small. We also emphasize accessibility, leveraging technology like the Abo Law App to ensure seamless communication and support for our clients.

Located in Bonifacio Global City, the premier business district in the Philippines, this further solidifies our position as a modern, forward-thinking law firm. BGC’s dynamic environment mirrors our progressive approach, allowing us to cater to diverse clients with an edge in responsiveness and strategic insights.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

The passage of the Public Service Act in 2022 strategically positioned the Philippines into the center of investments not only in Asia but around the world. This signaled the opening up of the Philippine economy after decades of conservatism. The perennial  problem which is 60% – 40% equity restriction made foreign investors shy away from the Philippines. With the current administration’s push for more liberal economic policies, the foreign equity problem could now be a thing of the past.

We anticipate significant growth in all areas of investments, as every investors will now want a piece of the booming Philippine economy. Although, advancements in financial technology sector and the renewable energy industry will surely take the lead in exponential growth.

 

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

Our most impactful change has been the integration of technology into our practice. The Abo Law App exemplifies this shift, offering clients a streamlined way to book appointments, access legal resources, share documents, and securely communicate with our team. This innovation minimizes barriers, improves efficiency, and enhances our ability to provide real-time support.

We’ve also doubled down on fostering a culture of continuous learning within our team. By staying ahead of legal trends and emerging technologies, we ensure that our clients receive cutting-edge legal advice.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Absolutely. Technology has transformed our client interactions and the services we offer. The Abo Law App is just one example of how we’ve embraced digital tools to make legal services more accessible and efficient. Features like secure messaging, private workspaces, and digital signatures allow us to offer seamless support, whether our clients are in the Philippines or abroad.

Technology also enhances transparency and collaboration. Clients appreciate having real-time updates and an open line of communication, and it’s made our firm more adaptable to their needs.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We practically absorb all the client’s problems, leaving them more room and time to focus solely on their business. One recent success story involved a client navigating a high-stakes merger. By providing thorough due diligence, strategic negotiation support, and compliance advice, we not only ensured the transaction was successful but also identified opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Another example is a tech start-up we assisted with intellectual property protection and corporate structuring. Our guidance helped them secure funding and scale their operations, adding long-term value to their business.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms—where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients are undoubtedly seeking stability and a law firm that can provide both immediate solutions and long-term strategic insights. At Abo Law, we aim to be their trusted partners in navigating the ever-changing legal landscape.

In three years, the Firm will be on top of all mid-sized firms in the country.  We  further envision expanding our geographic reach and practice areas while maintaining the personalized service that defines us. We also plan to further integrate AI and legal tech, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation. Our ultimate goal is to empower clients with solutions that are not only effective but also transformative for their businesses and lives.