Romesh Abraham

The firm has a very established employment and labour law department. We provide a whole host of services, both in advisory and litigation work. We are rated by the International Legal Guide Legal 500 (2008) as a tier 1 firm for industrial relations matters. Our advisory work include advice on dismissals/constructive dismissals under section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act 1967, includes advising on proposals and negotiations for collective bargaining, employment law aspects of retrenchment, re-organisation and redundancy, closure of business and change of ownership of businesses, take-overs and mergers, assisting clients in the implementation of internal disciplinary proceedings involving the preparation of charges of misconduct and poor performance, the requisite notices, and the conduct of domestic inquiries. The department also advises on the drafting of terms and conditions of employment in respect of both individual contracts as well as collective agreements.

The litigation practice of the department provides representation in litigation matters under the Industrial Relations Act 1967 in the Labour Court/Director General of Labour (which include trade disputes, collective agreement disputes, non-compliance and dismissal claims) and claims for employment benefits under the Employment Act 1955 as well as matters under the Trade Unions Act 1959. The team undertakes applications for judicial review, including certiorari or mandamus, review of Industrial Court awards as well as legal challenges to the Minister’s reference under section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act 1967. The team further handles appeals to the High Court from the Labour Court under the Employment Act 1955.

From its humble origins as a sole-proprietorship established in 1918, Shook Lin & Bok has grown into one of the largest law firms in Malaysia. It is also the oldest law firm of local origin in the country.

The practice began in a limited number of practice areas. As Malaysia evolved from being a British colony into the modern country it is today, the firm grew in tandem to meet the challenges of globalization, building on its strong, trusted relationships with all its clients. The firm’s practice has evolved into a leading full service firm offering a comprehensive range of legal services, spanning the globe. Such services range from civil and commercial practice, banking and finance, international arbitration, complex litigation disputes and intellectual property.

The firm has distinguished itself in its commitment to high standards of professionalism and integrity for over nine decades. It has built on that heritage and continues to invest in the development of its human resources, team of legal practitioners and infrastructural resources, including the latest technological systems, for the benefit of its clients. Always solution-focused, the firm prides itself not just in highlighting pitfalls in transactions but also in providing alternatives.

The latest in online legal research facilities enhances and complements one of the most comprehensive traditional library facilities in the country, enabling the firm to deliver on its mission of service with effectiveness and efficiency.

The firm has seventeen departments representing major, though not exclusive, practice areas, which combine in a complementary and multidisciplinary practice to serve the needs of clients.