The Firm is fortunate to have in its roster of lawyers accomplished individuals who have served senior government positions. Serving in the civil service has afforded the Firm a unique perspective and invaluable insights into the workings of government, particularly as the government deals with the private sector in forging infrastructure and development projects, including public utilities.

 

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Public Utilities Department greatly benefits from this experience.

 

The peculiar nature of contracting with government, constricted as it is with special legislation such as the Government Procurement Act, the BOT Law and the recently issued Joint Venture Guidelines, among others, has made it indispensable for project sponsors and other players to resort to specialists in this field of law in order to navigate the intricacies of the bureaucratic process. In this respect, we are able to provide legal and strategic advice. We counsel on matters relating to the tender or procurement process, project finance, government regulatory monitoring and compliance, and contract negotiation and documentation.

 

We have represented, advised and dealt with local and international project sponsors, lenders, contractors and other industry players on a myriad of project related issues. We have been or are currently involved or are assisting in the pursuit of various projects on mass transport, bulk water supply, distribution and treatment, (telecommunications and power), toll roads, landfills, aviation (airports), shipping and logistics.

 

Conscious of the legal and commercial aspects and implications of a project, as well as industry trends and government policy, we are able to wed governmental and private sector concerns to find and strike-out mutually beneficially arrangements, be it in crafting or negotiating a concession agreement, a joint venture or cooperation memorandum among sponsors, a turnkey engineering, design, procurement or construction for contractors, or a performance undertaking or guarantee for private or multilateral financing.

 

Ultimately, the Firm believes that the best and most stable government contract is one that from its inception complies with all legal and regulatory requisites, fairly and reasonably distributes and manages project risks, and allows the public and private parties to achieve their respective developmental and business goals.