Established in 1970 by Zain Azahari Zainal Abidin, full-service firm Zain & Co has played an active role in numerous corporate transactions and projects within Malaysia. The firm advises on a diverse range of legal matters covering both corporate and banking and finance work, with clients engaging it for mergers and acquisitions, private equity and financing mandates. The firm has gained considerable expertise in the energy, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Salwah Abdul Shukor leads the practice as a key partner within the firm. Since 2018, Zain & Co has also benefited from its membership of Dentons, gaining access to the extensive global network and support provided by one of the world’s largest law firms, with a presence in more than 170 locations spanning more than 70 jurisdictions.
Client feedback
"We have found Zain & Co to be very knowledgeable and experienced in the local Malaysian context, with a deep understanding of the legal system, cases and practices here. Consequently, they are able to provide very effective and practical advice for the legal issues that arise on the project, and communicate these effectively to all project stakeholders, from management to board level." – Construction
"Zain & Co has shown an exemplary track record in managing complex construction-related disputes." – Construction
"They are knowledgeable in the requisite areas and provide prompt services." – Corporate and M&A
"Very responsive, communicates well, and provides clear answers." – Corporate and M&A
"This law firm shines in estate management and dispute resolution, boasting a team of highly skilled lawyers who excel in delivering tailored solutions to their clients. With meticulous attention to detail, they efficiently navigate the complexities of estate administration, ensuring every legal requirement is met promptly. In dispute resolution, they adeptly employ negotiation and mediation techniques to seek amicable resolutions, while also demonstrating strong advocacy skills in litigation when necessary. Overall, their expertise, efficiency, and client-centric approach make them a top choice for anyone seeking proficient assistance in estate management and dispute resolution matters." – Dispute resolution
"Good drafting skills, even at associate level, and responsive." – Dispute resolution
"Zain & Co is a reputable law firm known for its unwavering commitment to integrity and high ethical principles. All their lawyers embody these core values in their dealings with clients and other legal professionals." – Dispute resolution
"Timely responses, prompt delivery of draft agreements, high-quality advice that was relevant, good input into the negotiated terms of the agreement." – Investment funds
"Zain & Co demonstrates exceptional expertise and efficiency in estate management and dispute resolution. Their positive attributes include delivering tailored solutions to their clients. They have been meticulous in attention to detail, efficiently navigating the complexities of administering estate management, ensuring every legal requirement is met promptly. In dispute resolution, they adeptly employ negotiation and mediation techniques to seek amicable resolutions." – Private client
"As the executrix of my late relative's estate, I turned to Zain & Co. for guidance and support in navigating the complexities of estate management. Their team provided invaluable assistance every step of the way, from meticulously drafting the necessary documents to efficiently obtaining all the documents required for administering the estate. The team also continues to provide their skills in dispute resolution with regard to dealing with the other beneficiaries." – Private client
"Responsive, fast, and clear." – Real estate
"Professional advice and services." – Real estate
Zain Azrin Zain Azahari
"Clear, fast, responsive."
Sze Jia (Jessica) Khoo
"Professional and timely response."
Pauline Ngiam
"Prompt service, accurate advice."
Vatsala Ratnasabapathy
"Vatsala is an extremely accomplished and experienced lawyer; she is especially effective dealing with contentious dispute matters referred to adjudication, arbitration or court. She is able to quickly distil the key issues and develop effective strategies in dealing with the dispute at hand, thereby looking after her client's interests expertly."
"Working with Vatsala was a truly exceptional experience. Her dedication, combined with her deep expertise and attention to detail, set her apart. Vatsala demonstrated remarkable professionalism throughout, always keeping me informed and guiding me through every step of the legal process with clarity and patience. She showed a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me, employing strategic thinking and adept dispute resolution skills. Overall, Vatsala Ratnasabapathy exemplifies excellence in her field, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of expert legal representation."
"She has been dedicated to my case and has demonstrated remarkable professionalism throughout. She always keeps me informed and guides me through every step of the legal process with clarity and patience. She shows a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me, employing strategic thinking and adept negotiation skills."
"Vatsala is strategic, commercially minded and pragmatic in representing her client's interests both in court and in negotiations."
Salwah Shukor
"She is knowledgeable and responsive."
Rebecca Jeyanthi Selvaraj
"Rebecca is very responsive, very clear with her answers and very accessible. Rebecca also has very good networks across jurisdictions and she works very well in coordination with those connections."
Anita Sockalingam
"Responsive to queries."
"Anita is a highly competent and reliable lawyer who conducts thorough research, provides honest assessments on your chances of success, values integrity, and is responsive to clients' needs."
Work highlights
Advised Permodalan Nasional on the disposal of its shares in Maybank Asset Management Group to Malayan Banking through a put option exercise. The transaction involved drafting necessary documents and managing the completion process.
Advised Petaling Garden, a subsidiary of SP Setia, on the disposal of 500 acres of freehold land in Semenyih, Selangor to Mah Sing Group for RM392.04 million ($89.5 million). The transaction involved three separate sale and purchase agreements and complex infrastructure cost sharing arrangements. Completed in June 2023, this significant land acquisition will enable Mah Sing to develop their largest township in the Klang Valley.
