KUALA LUMPUR: The Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill 2012, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, allows foreign law firms to practise in Malaysia either on their own or in partnership with local firms.
Local law firms would also be able to employ foreign lawyers subject to certain conditions.
One of the proposed amendments states that foreign law firms that practise here or form a partnership with a local firm will have to pay the Bar Council a licence fee “at such times and in such a manner as may be prescribed.”
It also allows the Bar to impose any new or additional conditions, vary and revoke the conditions on the license.
The bill states that illegal foreign firms shall be liable to a maximum fine of RM100,000.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong tabled the bill.
Source: The Star Online
By: Yuen MeiKeng
Published: Wednesday April 18, 2012
THE CHAMBERS OF LEE & CHONG 