The legal market in Brunei Darussalam is specialized, primarily focused on advising local and international clients on General Business Law, Banking & Finance, Corporate transactions, and Litigation. Given the country’s economic focus, the top firms are all local or regional specialists with a deep understanding of Bruneian law, which is based on English Common Law principles and Sharia law.
The following list comprises the most highly-regarded and consistently top-ranked law firms in Brunei, based on recognition from key international legal directories like Chambers and Partners and IFLR1000.
Top 10 Law Firms in Brunei Darussalam
| Rank (Approx.) | Firm Name | Standing & Structure | Key Specialties/Focus |
| 1 | Abrahams, Davidson & Co. | Top-Tier Local Firm (Band 1) | Banking & Finance (Conventional & Syariah), Corporate & Commercial, Litigation, Conveyancing. |
| 2 | AIP Law (formerly Ahmad Isa & Partners) | Top-Tier Local Firm (Band 1) | General Business Law, Infrastructure Projects, Intellectual Property (IP), Employment Mandates. |
| 3 | CCW Partnership | Top-Tier Local Firm (Band 1) | Full-Service Commercial Law, Litigation & Arbitration (Construction, Banking), Property Law. |
| 4 | Pengiran Izad & Lee | Top-Tier Local Firm (Band 1) | High-Calibre Corporate Advisory, Banking, Dispute Resolution, General Commercial Law. |
| 5 | HEP Law (Harry Elias Partnership LLP Affiliate) | Regional/Local Hybrid (Band 2) | Corporate, Banking, Property, and Regulatory Matters (Leveraging Singapore regional ties). |
| 6 | Raed Lim Advocates & Solicitors | Highly Regarded Local Firm (Band 2) | Banking, M&A, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution, Advisory Services. |
| 7 | YC Lee & Lee | Reputable Local Firm (Band 2) | Corporate, Commercial, and Litigation matters, known for long-standing presence. |
| 8 | Dr Colin Ong Legal Services | Specialist International Arbitrator (Band 3) | International Arbitration, Oil & Gas, Banking, and Insurance sectors. (Focus on contentious and transactional work). |
| 9 | HLR Law | Growing Local Firm (Band 3) | Civil Litigation, Banking, Conveyancing, and Advisory work for startups and corporations. |
| 10 | Yusof Halim & Partners | Reputable Local Firm (Band 3) | Dispute Resolution practice, Corporate, and Commercial Litigation. |
🔑 Defining the Top Tier
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Dominance of Local Firms: Unlike larger Asian markets, the Brunei legal landscape is dominated by sophisticated, large local firms (Bands 1 and 2), such as Abrahams, Davidson & Co., AIP Law, CCW Partnership, and Pengiran Izad & Lee. These firms are the essential guides for any international client entering the market.
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Banking and Finance Expertise: Given Brunei’s financial sector, expertise in Banking and Financial Services is a key differentiator, particularly in advising on both conventional and Syariah (Islamic) finance products.
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General Business Law: The top firms are all recognized for their strong General Business Law practices, advising on corporate structuring, joint ventures, and regulatory compliance.
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Regional Connections: Firms like HEP Law (an affiliate of Singapore’s Harry Elias Partnership) provide a bridge, offering clients both local knowledge and the backing of a major regional firm.
These firms are crucial for navigating the regulatory environment in Brunei Darussalam, particularly in high-value sectors like energy, infrastructure, and financial services.