Interview with: VU THI THU HA, Director – Managing Partner

Director – Managing Partner Vu Thi Thu Ha explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs

 

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

Focusing on our clients’ demands for an outstanding legal service model that creates value distinguishes ATS from its competitors. ATS strives to provide efficient and effective processes with cost certainty for analyzing, tracking, and reporting clients’ issues to offer the most reasonable and flexible solutions to lessen legal risks while complying with the current law and enhancing fruitful results. This motto has become even more practical, relevant, and valued in the context of the economic challenges that have emerged in the aftermath of the global pandemic.

 

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

Our focus for the next 12 months includes:

Corporate and M&A:

In a rapidly evolving economy, businesses – particularly emerging ones with significant growth potential – require substantial capital to support expansion. Conversely, investors with robust financial resources gain a competitive edge by swiftly identifying and leveraging market opportunities.

Given the above motivations, Vietnam’s stable and secure investment climate positions it as a key player in the M&A market. Both sellers and buyers can benefit from the expertise of professional law firms to evaluate legal aspects and mitigate potential risks associated with target companies.

Tax:

In the process of integrating into the global economy, business owners must adapt by refining their strategies, including cost-cutting measures that do not compromise business operations, particularly in tax management. Challenges in tax compliance often stem from inconsistencies in policies across various economic transactions and enterprises. Additionally, Vietnam’s limited experience with certain international business practices and trade operations has led to delays in issuing clear, timely guidelines.

Law firms play a crucial role in this landscape, offering tax compliance consultation, case-specific solutions, and ongoing advisory services. As tax-related disputes grow, so does the demand for support in areas such as tax declaration and preparation, tax incentives, tax refunds, specific tax policies, and the impact of taxation on investments, corporate restructuring, and cross-border transactions.

ATS has extensive expertise in taxation, including advising clients on domestic and international tax planning, compliance, and customs duties. Our experienced team also handles litigation for clients involved in tax disputes, ensuring effective resolution and compliance support.

Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Litigation:

When engaging with partners from diverse backgrounds, businesses often face challenges that may lead to disputes. To address and resolve these issues effectively, legal consultation becomes essential to mitigate risks and find solutions aligned with the business relationship.

To maintain good relationships and future collaborations, the preferred approach is negotiating in good faith to achieve a fair resolution. Mediation is strongly recommended, as it facilitates constructive dialogue, often making it easier to reach mutual agreement compared to direct negotiation. However, litigation remains a popular dispute resolution method in Vietnam, driven by the assurance it provides regarding enforceable judgments. This traditional approach continues to see significant growth, reflecting its reliability and effectiveness in resolving complex disputes.

Labour and Employment:

Human resources are vital to maintaining and growing a company’s operations, as they play a critical role in meeting the high demands for technical competencies and skills. Attracting and retaining talented individuals enables businesses to address specialized workplace needs, ensuring sustainability and future development.

ATS Lawyers, with its skilled and experienced team, supports clients in labour-related matters, becoming a reliable partner for businesses during and after the global pandemic. Our services encompass compliance, recruitment and termination processes, HR management policies, personal income tax issues, and labour dispute resolution, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

 

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

ATS has embraced innovation to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. Key advancements include leveraging video conferencing and smart technology for seamless communication, document digitization, and efficient client work management. These tools enable our lawyers to perform effectively from any location—office, home, or on-site—ensuring no delays in addressing clients’ needs, particularly in a globally integrated context.

We have also standardized workflows, providing clients with clear, straightforward written guidance for procedures like business registration, investment licensing, and litigation. This approach minimizes processing time, fosters better understanding of legal issues, and enables efficient tracking of progress.

Our commitment to professionalism is reflected in the expansion of services and recruitment of skilled lawyers and experts across diverse fields. This ensures tailored, practical solutions for clients while maintaining cost-effectiveness. ATS aspires to be a one-stop shop for corporate services in Vietnam, delivering seamless, mutually beneficial experiences.

Additionally, ATS strengthens its position as a leader in cross-border disputes and commercial matters through collaborations with international law firms in the U.S., Singapore, Japan, Korea, and beyond, further solidifying our global expertise.

 

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

Yes, it is. Technology has become a cornerstone for bridging time and space cost-effectively, ensuring continuous and effective communication with clients. This eliminates misunderstandings and delays, as services are accessible 24/7 through various communication platforms with consistent quality.

Moreover, technology facilitates collaboration among lawyers and associates across multiple fields using tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp, Dropbox, Google Docs, and Slack. These practical tools enable law firms to expand their reach and serve more clients regardless of geographical boundaries, enhancing both efficiency and accessibility.

 

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

ATS Lawyers has proven to be a valuable partner for both enterprises and investors, offering a range of services that go beyond legal risk warnings related to internal management, human resources, and labor issues. In particular, ATS has excelled in bridging the gap between businesses and investors, helping clients access opportunities for enhanced financial growth. By understanding the financial challenges faced by its clients, ATS has proactively connected them with qualified investors interested in exploring potential projects in Vietnam. Many of these introductions have resulted in successful M&A cross-border transactions.

The firm offers comprehensive M&A services, which include conducting due diligence, advising on cost and procedural efficiency, and assisting with the preparation and execution of merger, consolidation, and share purchase agreements.

In addition to these legal services, ATS Lawyers provides monthly bulletins to clients sent via email. These bulletins are made by the firm’s experienced lawyers and offer updates on recent legal changes as well as predictive insights into crucial issues enterprises should consider in the current business climate.

 

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

ATS Lawyers recognizes the growing need for proactive legal assistance as clients navigate the risks posed by a fast-evolving economic landscape. As a result, ATS has made it a priority to strengthen its role as a trusted legal partner, aiming to build lasting relationships with clients and become the law firm with the highest annual growth rate in terms of loyal, repeat clients.

With a clear vision of becoming a top-tier legal services provider both domestically and internationally, ATS is committed to maintaining a specialized team in key practice areas such as Corporate and M&A, Taxation, Litigation, Labour and Employment, and Commercial law. This specialized approach allows ATS to offer expert legal guidance tailored to the unique challenges of its clients, whether in Vietnam or across international markets.

ATS’s success stands as a testament to its ability to handle complex multinational legal matters. The firm has proven itself to be one of the few Vietnamese law firms capable of independently managing cross-border legal cases. With a reputation for global legal cooperation, ATS is positioning itself as a key player in the international legal community, able to offer seamless and effective solutions to clients engaged in global business ventures.