The new practice will be headed up by a new special counsel
Hunt & Hunt Victoria has launched a Malaysia practice to be headed up a new special counsel.
The firm said that the move further cements its focus “to deliver high-standard legal services with an international focus” following its establishment of a China-focused practice previously.
“By having specialised geographic practice groups with significant local experience and connections, we can offer our clients the opportunity to develop trade and investment opportunities and market entry strategies that best suit their overall business needs,” said Tony Raunic, Hunt & Hunt Victoria’s managing principal.
Leading the new Malaysia practice will be Gilbert Chai, former managing partner at Kuala Lumpur firm Ngan, Arifah & Chai.
“Gilbert joining Hunt & Hunt will allow us to continue to expand the services we deliver for our clients who work across the Malaysian and Australian markets. His extensive legal experience in both Malaysia and Australia will be invaluable to clients seeking to invest and conduct business in Australia and Malaysia,” Raunic said.
Chai is a seasoned lawyer with a focus on property and development and commercial and corporate law. Raunic said that Chai’s appointment, along with the new practice, were “consistent with our ‘Genuine People, Practical Solutions’ ethos, and is the next step in this exciting period of growth for Hunt & Hunt.”
Chai began working from the firm’s Melbourne branch on Monday.
Hunt & Hunt Victoria also snapped up Graeme Scott from Hall & Wilcox to bolster its litigation and insolvency team. He joins Hunt & Hunt as a principal.
“Graeme's client-focussed approach and broad experience in insolvency and commercial litigation add further depth to our busy litigation practice and will strengthen our relationships with Melbourne's leading insolvency practitioners and accountants,” Raunic said.
Scott pointed to the firm’s “down-to-earth approach” as a drawing card for him.
“Hunt & Hunt's focus on an exceptional client and referrer experience reflects my own values and I am excited to be a key part of this offering,” he said.
Fellow insolvency and commercial litigation principals Neville Debney and Binti Prasad welcomed Scott’s appointment, citing Scott’s expertise and his ability to contribute to the fostering of the team’s development.
Scott has considerable experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, corporate insolvency and IP. He works mainly with insolvency practitioners in the roles of liquidators, receivers and administrators, and is particularly interested in the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.
