The work of AmerBON’s business and human rights team was commended by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific, following an earlier mention by The Legal 500. AmerBON’s review is reproduced below.

The Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2020 is a guide to the region’s leading dispute resolution law firms and lawyers. The lists of law firm and lawyer rankings are based on extensive interviews with litigators, dispute resolution specialists, and their clients, as well as analyses of the market’s most important cases and firm developments.

AmerBON, Advocates

Analysis

Review

Dispute resolution

AmerBON, Advocates is renowned for its civil and human rights, and criminal litigation practices. Particularly, its specialist business and human rights (BHR) team has been advocating with the Malaysian government to formulate a national action plan on business and human rights (NAP). The firm is also experienced in handling advocacy on a wide range of other legal issues, from international law, and constitutional and administrative law, to commercial and corporate disputes, and construction and land claims. The firm currently operates as a chambers where clients and solicitors can directly engage the team for expert advocacy in the courts. The firm spends nearly 40% of its time and income to pro bono work in public interest cases. 

Co-founders and partners Amer Hamzah Bin Arshad and Edmund Bon are leading and respected figures in the market, particularly for criminal law and human rights law, respectively.  

In an ongoing case before the court of appeal, Bon represented Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN), the National Water Services Commission Malaysia, in its battle against Hatimuda over the refusal of a renewal application for a water supply and sewerage permit. Bon also recently advised and successfully represented Pahang Cement against a prosecution by the department of occupational safety and health relating to the death of a contract worker at its plant. This case will serve as precedent in providing clarity and as guidance to the responsibilities of the employers and the corresponding duties on the employees to ensure their own safety and wellbeing at the workplace.  

Client feedback 

“Had a professional approach in reviewing the case, good presentation in the court and good feedback to us.” – Commercial and transactions  

“AmerBON is passionate about human rights and freedoms. They are knowledgeable about the laws in this area and they are well-connected to the rest of the industry and NGO groups.” – Government and regulatory 

Edmund Bon  

“Impressive depth of knowledge and strong court presentation skills.” 

New Sin Yew 

“Good experience and knowledge of my case and the laws involved.” 

Rankings

Benchmark Litigation also ranked AmerBON as Highly Recommended under the category of White Collar Crime.