Listings

Professional Directory Listings

The Asia Pacific Legal 500, the Guide to Asia's Commercial Law Firms (2003 edition), states as follows at page 466:

"The leading firms overall in Sri Lanka, remain the oldest and most established such as F. J. & G De Saram, Julius & Creasy and Murugesu & Neelakandan."

The Asia Pacific Legal 500, the Guide to Asia's Commercial Law Firms (2005 edition), states as follows at page 490:

Since Murugesu & Neelakandan was formed in 1962 it has garnered a reputation as one of the foremost IP practices in Sri Lanka. The firm was recently instructed on a major trade mark infringement case".

Chambers Asia Pacific, Asia-Pacific's Leading Lawyers for Business, (2010 edition) states as follows at page 557, 558, 559, 561 & 562 as follows:

"This four partner firm is highlighted for its strength in banking, where it has extensive experience of working with multinational players. Clients say that they especially appreciate the personal approach that the firm adopts. Kandiah Neelakandan is particularly noted for his work on behalf of foreign banks. Sources describe him as "very strong - one of the leaders in this market……………

"This firm continues to do well in banking, corporate and IP matters, its key areas of expertise. Sources admire the team for its "understanding of the way that transactions are run in Sri Lanka." The firm notably advises leading tea and rubber plantation company Horana Plantations on a range of corporate matters. It also acts as company secretary for domestic conglomerates and publicly listed companies. Kandiah Neelakandan is the key figure here for corporate matters. He offers a "refilled and carefully considered approach" to a range of local and international clients ……………

This team is renowned for its knowledge of this area, expressed through its much respected Compendium of Law. It offers expertise in IP litigation and in copyrights, designs, patents and trademarks.

"This esteemed firm has a long track record of working with Sri Lankan telephone Operators. It has particular expertise on the corporate side of the sector, including project financing and the incorporation and development of telecoms ventures. Kandiah Neelakandan is the first port of call for the practice."

Asialaw Profiles, the Guide to Asia-Pacific's Leading Law Firms, (2011 edition) states as follows at page 497:

"With over half a century of experience, the firm provides responsive service to a number of esteemed clients, such as banking entities HSBC, Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank. A highlight banking transaction was its role of local counsel to Korean institution Shinhan Bank with regards to a project loan to a local Sri Lankan interest."

The Legal 500, the Client's Guide to the Asia Pacific Legal Profession (2012 edition), states as follows at page 474:

"Murugesu & Neelakandan's team is appreciated for its 'excellent response times', and has 'sufficient depth to handle complex situations'. The group acts for clients such as Citibank, Indian Overseas Bank, The 'Meticulous' Kandiah Neelakandan is the key figure in the group.

IFLR 1000, the Guide to the World Leading Financial Law Firms (2012 edition) states as follows at page 2/219:

"The team of lawyers at Murugesu & Neelakandan provide excellent legal counsel to us. The firm has applied its broad legal knowledge pertaining to company law to provide practical business solutions to any legal issues we have faced," says a client. The firm remains an important stalwart in the Sri Lanka legal market and consolidates its position in the rankings this year.

Preeminent partner Kandiah Neelakandan is well respected by clients: "He has demonstrated his ability as a vastly knowledgeable and very proactive legal counsel. His time management skill to make himself available to us at the shortest notice stand out in particular".

Chambers Asia Pacific, Asia-Pacific's Leading Lawyers for Business, (2012 edition) states as follows at page 971:

"The Firm is a popular choice with major domestic financial institutions who value its dynamic approach. Peers note that the team is especially strong in inbound investment and regulatory issues. Of note was its representation of Shinhan Bank as local counsel in a project loan to a Sri Lankan company. Other key clients include Citibank, Indian Overseas Bank and Public Bank. Murugesu & Neelakandan act for a range of domestic and international clients on corporate matters. Of note was its representation of Debanhams in a franchise agreement with a Sri Lankan company and its advice to a Singaporean company on the proposed acquisition of a biomass plant. It also assisted a foreign company with the planned acquisition of a property development company.

This mid-sized practice acts on trademark, industrial design and patent applications for both domestic and international companies. The team is also recommended for its strength in general trade mark matters. Key clients include Research In Motion, Rolls-Royce, Google, Audi and Levi Strauss"

Asialaw Profiles, the Guide to Asia-Pacific's Leading Law Firms, (2012 edition) states as follows at page 471:

"Murugesu & Neelakandan provides excellent legal advice," says one client. Name partner Kandiah Neelakandan is highly regarded by clients. "He is demonstrably a vastly knowledgeable and proactive lawyer," says one. One client says: "The lawyers know they're good but are open-minded at the same time, which makes it a pleasant and insightful experience working with them."

The Legal 500, the Client's Guide to the Asia Pacific Legal Profession (2013 edition), states as follows at page 504, 505, 506 & 507:

"Neelakandan & Neelakandan is 'very highly' thought of in the profession, and advises foreign clients on the formation of joint venture companies and offshore companies based in Sri Lanka. Managing partner Kandiah Neelakandan is currently advising Samsung C&T Corporation on its potential entry into the Sri Lankan market. Neelakandan is 'very thorough, and one of the best in the country on company law' The 'excellent' Neelakandan & Neelakandan acts for local and foreign clients in arbitration disputes. Saravanan Neelakandan is currently advising Taisei Corporation in relation to a dispute with the Sri Lankan government

Neelakandan & Neelakandan recently provided advice to Google on illegal registrations of its domain name. The firm continues to act as correspondent for a number of international law firms, including Bird & Bird and HallMark IP Limited. Clients include Panasonic, Hermes International and Victoria's Secret"

Neelakandan & Neelakandan advises local and international clients on projects and energy matters. Saravanan Neelakandan is leading a team in providing advice to Chinese and Japanese contractors in relation to the Southern Transport Development Project. The firm is also currently advising Taisei Corporation of Japan on phase one of the Greater Colombo Urban Development Project, involving the construction of the outer circular highway.

Neelakandan & Neelakandan provides advice on a range of property development and infrastructure projects.......Other highlights include advising the Keangnam Corporation of Korea on its US$ 60m condominium development project.

Neelakandan & Neelakandan is noted for its 'dedication to the client's cause'. The firm advises shipping companies, P&I clubs and international law firm, including Clyde & Co and Jackson Parton. The firm has recently advised on the possibility of bunker arrests.

The 'excellent' team at Neelakandan & Neelakandan continues to provide tax advice to Taisei Corporation (International) of Tokyo in relation to the Bandaranaike International Airport development project".

IFLR 1000, the Guide to the World Leading Financial Law Firms (2013 edition) states as follows at page 2/243:

"The corporate practice was highlighted by clients: "Murugesu & Neelakandan has the best corporate lawyers. Kandiah Neelakandan has a very good understanding on corporate matters and his team is also supporting him well. It's our preferred firm for corporate work," says one and another agrees: "Murugesu & Neelakandan is straight ahead of anyone else in the mergers and acquisition space in terms of giving practical and accurate advice. They have strong expertise in company law and they apply that to give clients commercial solutions."

Asialaw Profiles, the Guide to Asia-Pacific's Leading Domestic Law Firms, (2013 edition) states as follows at page 613:

"The firm has seen an increasing involvement in the corporate space in recent years. A client praises the firm, saying, "Neelakandan & Neelakandan" is streets ahead of anyone else in the mergers and acquisition space in terms of giving practical and accurate advice. They have strong expertise in company law and they apply themselves to give clients commercial solutions." Saravanan Neelakandan and Kandiah Neelakandan head the mergers, acquisitions and corporate practice of the firm. The firm acted as Sri Lankan counsel to an overseas telecommunications group in their US$ 34.9 million bid to purchase a local telecommunications company. The firm carried out due diligence and advised on the share purchase agreement and structuring of the local special purpose vehicle".