Interview with: Melisa Uremovic, Deputy Managing Partner

Deputy Managing Partner, Melisa Uremovic, shares her views on adapting to clients’ needs and the Firm’s direction in a hyper-competitive legal Thai market

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited from your competitors?

It would definitely be our geographical reach. Being part of the Rajah & Tann Asia (RTA) Network gives our clients access to experts in Thailand and 9 other jurisdictions across Asia, each embodying the network’s tagline “Lawyers Who Know Asia”.

In Thailand itself, our Firm houses a robust and dedicated team of more than 60 lawyers with deep local knowledge and profound understanding of both local and global legal frameworks and Thai cultural nuances, seamlessly bridging the gap between international experience and domestic intricacies. This comprehensive approach equips us to confidently guide clients through the complexities of cross-border legal matters, delivering bespoke solutions that address their unique needs.

Furthermore, our connections with government agencies, business leaders, and other legal professionals in the field is second to none, granting us valuable insights and resources which enhances our ability to navigate the intricacies of the Thai legal system and business environment.

 

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

Some of the practices we can anticipate growth in the next 12 months would be Data Privacy and Security Law, Technology and Intellectual Property Law, Dispute Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution along with Environmental, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG).

For Data Privacy and Security Law, the main drivers behind that are that Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is maturing, with stricter enforcement and ongoing amendments creating increased compliance demands for businesses.

As for the Technology and Intellectual Property Law, with digital transformation, AI and robotics development, copyright enforcement along with Thailand’s rapid embrace of digital technologies, drives demand for legal expertise in different areas and intellectual property protection for AI-powered solutions.

Additionally with dispute resolution, the key drivers are potentially commercial growth and cross-border disputes. With Thailand’s thriving economy and active international trade and investment relations, this will further create demand for litigation arbitration services along with necessitate skilled lawyers versed in cross-border dispute resolution mechanisms and international arbitration protocols.

In terms of Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG), the main key drivers would be increasing public awareness, compliance with regulations along with cost reduction and efficiency gains. As Thailand’s public is becoming more aware of environmental concerns like pollution and climate change, this leads to business adopting ESG practices to improve public perception and branding image. Furthermore, Thailand has also implemented various environmental regulations which businesses need to comply with. Finally, implementing sustainable practices offers tangible financial benefits through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and energy savings, making ESG an attractive proposition from a cost-reduction perspective.

 

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

Our firm has implemented several key initiatives that have demonstrably benefited our clients and will continue to do so in the long run. These initiatives focus on three key areas:

Investing in talent development: We are committed to fostering a dynamic and skilled team, nurturing the next generation of legal professionals through ongoing training and professional development programs.  We recently elevated four exceptional senior associates to partner level, which recognizes their significant contributions and strengthens our leadership team, enhancing the level of expertise we offer to our clients.

Building cross-border expertise: We continue to strategically expand our capabilities to handle complex international legal matters, seamlessly partnering with colleagues around the world to serve clients’ global needs. Our Firm continues to offer secondments within the RTA network and with clients, which resulted in greater exposure to other legal markets, better investments, and deeper relationship with our clients.

Integration of technology into our practice: Throughout the RTA Network, we have focused on building out technology solutions that are changing the way we do legal work. Our clients have access to Rajah & Tann Technologies, which offers multidisciplinary tech-enabled legal solutions including data breach readiness and response, cybersecurity, electronic discovery and digital forensics, virtual law academy, contract management, as well as other LegalTech services, all of which models around meeting our clients’ demands in the digital economy.

 

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

Yes, definitely. As mentioned previously, our clients have access to Rajah & Tann Technologies, which houses legal tech offerings, meticulously designed and customized to address distinctive requirements of our clients in the rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Additionally, our clients are also able to access our RTA Competition & Trade mobile application, which provides regular relevant updates and resources on the latest legal and regulatory developments in the areas of competition & antitrust, trade, and consumer protection from across the region, on the go. The RTA Competition & Trade mobile app includes access to our lawyers, comparative overviews of key topics ranging from merger controls to export controls, and also insights into issues trending in Asia.

Our clients also have access to our one-stop arbitration website which covers the latest legislative and regulatory developments, case alerts, market updates and events or happenings across Rajah & Tann Asia’s geographical footprint.

As the legal industry continues to evolve, we continue to keep our clients abreast of legal updates across various practices and industries, that are readily available via multiple online platforms which are easily accessible anywhere in the world.

 

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

One of the examples where our firm played a pivotal role in a client’s success and added value to their business was for our client, Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand). They are a leading state-owned financial institution who achieved the prestigious “Best Practice” recognition for exemplary implementation of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). This accomplishment stemmed from their participation in the Government Platform for PDPA Compliance (GPPC) project, organized by the Thai government.

We secured the engagement for EXIM Thailand’s PDPA compliance audit, providing comprehensive legal guidance throughout the process. This included reviewing privacy documents, identifying compliance gaps, and assisting in their remediation prior to program participation.

EXIM Thailand’s “Best Practice” recognition translates to tangible value for their business in mainly three different areas:

• Reduced Legal Risk: Our meticulous due diligence minimized the risk of potential fines or legal repercussions associates with non-compliance
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: This high-profile recognition bolsters EXIM Thailand’s image as a leader in data privacy, potentially attracting new clients and partners in long run
• Improved Internal Processes: Our support in implementing robust data protection practices within EXIM Thailand streamlines their operations and minimizes disruptions related to data breaches

 

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

Absolutely, our clients place a high value on stability and strategic direction, and we are committed to delivering both.

Looking ahead, in three years’ time, we envision our firm not only grown in size but enhanced in every aspect. Our primary focus remains to continue solidifying our position as a top-tier, elite firm within Thailand’s top Firms, renowned for leading transactions, navigating complex regulatory challenges, and excelling in high-profile disputes.

We recognize that mere size is not the sole metric of success. We are equally dedicated to expanding our service capabilities and solidifying our sterling reputation. Our ongoing investment in talent development is fostering a robust pipeline of exceptional legal minds, poised to fill the ranks of senior and junior partners, ultimately joining the firm’s leadership.

Finally, we remain firmly committed to continuous investment in technology, recognizing its critical role in enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, and fostering collaboration across teams and borders. This unwavering commitment to innovation will ensure that our firm remains at the forefront of the legal landscape, consistently exceeding our client expectations.