Interview with Rory Lang, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Legal (APL)
Navigating Complex Legal Landscapes: Rory Lang Discusses Asia Pacific Legal's Approach to meeting Comprehensive Legal Requirements in Developed and Evolving Markets
Doing Business the Right Way:
To start off, let's talk about how APL delivers top-notch legal service in complex mandates across both developed and emerging markets.
Rory: It's pretty simple, really. We're not afraid of taking on complicated legal mandates, no matter where they are—be it Asia, Africa, or Australia. We leverage our extensive experience, skilled local counsel, and targeted research to provide tailored solutions for our clients. After all, what works in one market isn't always the case in another. That's where our flexibility and openness to adapt come into play. We know our clients' needs, and we deliver exceptional results every time.
Going the Extra Mile:
We've all had those situations where we seem to hit a brick wall. In the legal world, it's common to face such challenges, especially in emerging markets. So, can you share an example of a time when APL went the extra mile to help a client overcome such obstacles?
Rory: Absolutely. One instance that stands out is when we helped a large client enter a challenging Asian market. The client encountered regulatory issues, but we managed to screen their business activities with skilled local counsel through numerous meetings. Ultimately, we found a solution that allowed them to engage in their chosen business activities in that country. That was crucial since the client needed to operate in that market to achieve their goals.
Communication is Key:
A successful legal team is one that communicates effectively with its clients. How does APL ensure open and honest communication during high-stakes transactions or investigations?
Rory: Open communication is at the heart of what we do. If clients have any concerns about the file, costs, lawyer performance, or feedback, they can discuss these issues with me free of charge. We also manage our clients' expectations to set realistic timelines and deliver on what we promise. Our clients should know that doing business in emerging markets might require more flexibility and patience, but we'll always be there to guide them.
Balancing Act:
Law firms must strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and providing first-class counsel to international clients. How does APL achieve this balance?
Rory: We provide our clients with cost estimates, and we stick to them as long as the scope of work remains the same. We also ensure that the quality of our work is of the highest standard, even when working with local counsel on international mandates. Our clients can rest assured that they're getting excellent value for money.
Fostering Impact:
APL is dedicated to giving back to the community through charity, pro-bono work, and supporting various organizations. How does this commitment align with the firm's overall mission?
Rory: Our "Giving Back" initiative is very important to us. Many of our lawyers have been involved in charity and pro-bono initiatives across Australia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries. This shows our commitment to using our legal skills to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.
Adaptability is Key:
Working in emerging markets often requires a unique approach compared to developed markets. How does APL tailor its strategy when dealing with clients in these markets?
Rory: Our approach remains the same: understanding our clients' needs, doing our homework, engaging skilled local counsel, managing client expectations, and delivering exceptional results. However, we understand that doing business in emerging markets might be more challenging. As such, we provide our clients with more support and offer solutions tailored to the specific market they're operating in.
Delivering Value:
Can you discuss a recent project or transaction where APL's ability to deliver value was particularly evident?
Rory: Recently, we advised a client on a complex restructuring project in Australia. Our timely and high-quality advice allowed the client to move forward with the next stages of the restructure and seek solutions for the stakeholders involved.
Maintaining Excellence:
APL ensures that its advice and services remain of the highest quality, even under tight deadlines or in complex legal landscapes. How does the firm achieve this?
Rory: Our secret lies in effective planning, proper resourcing, and consistent communication. We stick to our deadlines, produce quality work, and respond promptly to our clients' needs. Open and honest communication is essential, and we always deliver on our promises. That's what sets us apart from other firms.
Rory Lang is a Lawyer and Managing Director at Asia Pacific Legal (Firm or APL) and is the Head of the Firm and its corporate, commercial, employment, energy, and resources practice. Rory is also Head of the Firm's Pro-Bono Practice.
Rory has over fourteen years of experience in Australia and Asia, and prior to founding APL, Rory held senior legal positions in Australia and internationally with major Australian and international U.S., law firms Duane Morris LLP, and Minter Ellison LLP.
During his career, Rory has also worked as a senior legal counsel in-house on secondment at major international resources companies which include Rio Tinto and Gold Fields, and at the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. Rory was also previously an external advisor to the Australian Embassy in Mongolia.
Rory holds the following qualifications:
• Admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Western Australia;
• Admitted as a solicitor of the Federal and High Courts of Australia;
• Legal Practice Management Course, The College of Law Western Australia;
• Master of Laws (Master of Mining and Energy Laws), University of Western Australia;
• Graduate Diploma (Commercial and Resources Law), University of Western Australia;
• Graduate Diploma (Legal Practice), The Australian National University;
• Bachelor of Laws, University of Notre Dame; and
• Bachelor of Arts, (Politics) University of Notre Dame.
Rory is cited as:
• Next Generation Lawyer in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2018 and 2019 (respectively) for Corporate and M&A;
• Rising Star Lawyer in Asia Law 2018 & 2019 (respectively) for Corporate, M&A, and Dispute Resolution; and
• Corporate & Commercial Lawyer of the Year by Finance Monthly Global Awards 2018 Edition.
Rory is:
- Widely published in various legal journals;
- The recipient of various awards for his Pro-Bono achievements, and is also heads the Firm's Pro-Bono Practice;
- A former director of AustCham, Mongolia, where he was also the Chair of its Charity Committee; and
- A member of the Law Society of Western Australia.
Rory can be contacted via email at the following address [email protected]
Rory Lang is a lawyer and Managing Director of Asia Pacific Legal (APL), where he heads the firm's corporate, commercial, employment, energy, and resources practice. With over 14 years of experience in Australia and Asia, Rory is widely published in various legal journals and has been cited as a rising star lawyer by Asia Law and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific. Connect with Rory on LinkedIn and visit Asia Pacific Legal to learn more about the firm.
Source:
Asia Pacific Legal. (n.d.) Asia Pacific Legal. Retrieved from https://www.asiapacificlegal.com.au/
Leveraging extensive experience, skilled local counsel, and a commitment to open communication, Asia Pacific Legal (APL) delivers exceptional legal services in complex mandates across both developed and emerging markets. With a tailored approach to meet clients' needs and an unwavering commitment to ethical practices, APL has demonstrated its ability to navigate regulatory challenges and provide first-class counsel to international clients. Whether it's helping a client enter a challenging Asian market or advising on a complex restructuring project, APL consistently delivers value and maintains the highest quality of service.
General Regulatory Challenges and Solutions in APAC:
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in Indonesia: Legal due diligence and regulatory approvals are crucial for M&A deals in Indonesia. Firms like Ice Miller's Asia-Pacific Practice Group help clients navigate these complexities by providing strategic advice and insights.
- Energy Transition Regulations: APAC countries are introducing legislation to support the energy transition, creating opportunities for companies to invest in renewable energy.
- Antitrust Laws in China: China has been enforcing antitrust laws more rigorously, including targeting individual liability. Companies must ensure strict compliance with these regulations to avoid penalties.
- Balancing Innovation and Privacy: APAC countries are developing frameworks to balance financial innovation with privacy protection. Markets like Singapore and Australia offer models for responsible innovation and consumer-centric data management.
In the complex landscape of business, APL leverages its extensive experience and skilled local counsel to deliver tailored solutions in various markets, ensuring exceptional results for clients. When faced with regulatory challenges, such as those encountered by a client entering a challenging Asian market, APL goes the extra mile, screened business activities with skilled local counsel through numerous meetings, eventually finding a viable solution. APL's commitment to open and honest communication serves to manage client expectations and set realistic timelines. In order to maintain a balance between cost-effectiveness and first-class counsel, the firm provides accurate cost estimates and adheres to them, ensuring clients receive excellent value for their investments. Furthermore, APL's "Giving Back" initiative demonstrates its dedication to using legal skills to make a positive impact on communities across Australia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries.
