Vietnam’s legal market is dynamic and crucial, acting as the legal guide for the vast amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flowing into the country. The top firms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City specialize in large infrastructure projects, M&A, complex corporate structuring, and cross-border finance.
The top-tier firms comprise a mix of elite local independent firms and major international and regional firms that have established strong, full-service presences. This list reflects firms consistently top-ranked by international legal directories for expertise in Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, and Projects.
Top 10 Law Firms in Vietnam
| Rank (Approx.) | Firm Name | Structure / Standing | Key Specialties/Focus |
| 1 | VILAF (Vietnam International Law Firm) | Elite Independent Vietnamese Firm | M&A, Energy & Infrastructure Projects, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets. |
| 2 | YKVN LLC | Elite Independent Vietnamese Firm | M&A, International Arbitration, Capital Markets, Corporate Advisory. |
| 3 | Frasers Law Company | Leading Independent Foreign Law Firm | M&A, Banking & Finance, Projects & Infrastructure. (First foreign firm to receive a law company license). |
| 4 | Baker McKenzie | Global International Firm | M&A, Corporate, Intellectual Property, Tax (Long and dominant history in the country). |
| 5 | Tilleke & Gibbins | Regional Powerhouse (SE Asia) | Intellectual Property (IP), Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution. |
| 6 | Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers | Singapore Big Four Affiliate | Dispute Resolution, Projects, M&A, Banking & Finance (Leveraging a strong regional network). |
| 7 | DFDL (Vietnam) | Regional Specialist (Legal & Tax) | Projects & Energy (Renewables), Tax Advisory, Foreign Investment. |
| 8 | LNT & Partners | Prominent Independent Vietnamese Firm | M&A, Infrastructure, Competition, and Litigation. |
| 9 | Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer | UK Magic Circle Firm | High-End M&A, Private Equity, Corporate Restructuring (Singapore-led, deep local experience). |
| 10 | A&O Shearman | UK Magic Circle Firm (Post-Merger) | Cross-Border M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Finance. |
🇻🇳 Characteristics of the Vietnamese Legal Market
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The Local Elites: Firms like VILAF and YKVN are the gold standard for navigating complex Vietnamese law. VILAF, in particular, is consistently ranked for its role in the country’s largest infrastructure and energy projects.
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International & Regional Presence: The list shows a heavy influence from regional firms (Rajah & Tann, Tilleke & Gibbins, DFDL) and global giants (Baker McKenzie, Freshfields, A&O Shearman). These firms are vital for international clients, combining local legal expertise with a global perspective and compliance standard.
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FDI and Projects Focus: Given the continuous flow of manufacturing and technology investment, the top firms excel in:
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M&A and Corporate Structuring: Essential for foreign market entry and joint ventures.
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Energy and Infrastructure: Driven by renewable energy and major public projects.
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IP Strength: Firms like Tilleke & Gibbins are regional leaders in Intellectual Property, crucial for the large manufacturing and tech sector base in Vietnam.
These top law firms are the cornerstone of Vietnam’s continued economic integration, guiding businesses through the country’s rapid development and increasingly complex regulatory landscape.