WHAT WE DO BEST

We are a boutique law firm in Malaysia best known for its vibrancy, innovation and excellent service standards.

Corporate & Commercial

Dispute Resolution

Employment Law

RECOGNITION

Legal 500 Asia Pacific

Leading Firm
– Labour & Employment

Chambers and Partners

Ranked Firm
– Employment and
Industrial Relations

Asialaw Profiles

Recommended Firm,
Labour and Employment

IFLR1000

Recommended
Firm, M&A

Benchmark Litigation

Litigation Star
(Donovan Cheah)

IN SOME OTHER WORDS

What sets Donovan & Ho apart from other law firms I have worked with is that personal touch. They not just specialise in giving sound legal advice, but they take pride in their work… It feels like it’s tailor-made to suit the needs of their clients. Much effort is made to understand their clients, their business and their needs.

G. Ramakrishnan, Senior Employment Counsel

From the get go, we were able to establish a professional, trusting working partnership with the firm. Donovan & Ho have been my “go to” employment and corporate lawyer… As well as providing the legal tools we needed, we received extensive support, guidance and advice … we go into situations with our eyes open, fully briefed on business ramifications from a legal perspective.

S. Baxendale, Founder

I appreciate Donovan & Ho’s timely and easy-to-grasp client updates, robust yet practical legal solutions, and their affable professional team of lawyers who understand and seek to address their clients’ needs. Their work is grounded on a strong foundation of the law, with a firm grasp of commercial reality and the empathy of experienced employment lawyers.

S.Y. Lee, Regional Labour Counsel

Donovan & Ho have not only been our legal counsel, but also our trusted partner in navigating complex legal matters in our business, and their dedication to client satisfaction is truly remarkable. Their unique blend of friendliness and professionalism sets them apart from others.

H.K, Manager

Provides clients with practical solutions built on a foundation of strong legal and cultural understanding of the employment landscape in Malaysia.

Chambers Asia Pacific

Excellent. The firm has always provided accurate and helpful legal advice. They are responsive to our needs and a true partner.

Asialaw Profiles

Advice is balanced against commercial considerations, with practical bent… Extremely cooperative, fast response, extra mile intention on getting the client fully knowledgeable of all pros and cons of every single term, patiently. Lastly, eager to help. No weaknesses… Has strong business acumen and industry knowledge. Considerate and fair in judgement… Value for money, great professionalism and good/pleasant user experience…

IFLR1000

(specialising) in employment litigation… the team is winning plaudits from the market for its labour expertise and is quickly climbing the ranks as a go-to firm for these matters.

Benchmark Litigation

Donovan & Ho might be young (launched 2014) and small, but the firm is hard to miss online thanks to its robust social media strategy… And by the looks of it, the approach is working.

Asian Legal Business’ “Firms to Watch”

ARTICLES

Overlapping Public Holidays for Federal Territory Day and Thaipusam (1 February 2026)

The Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) has released a statement announcing that 1 February 2026 (Sunday) is gazetted as a public holiday for both Thaipusam and Federal Territory Day. For private sector employers in the Federal Territories who observe...

2025 Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between Malaysia and the United States of America

President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump undertook an official visit to Malaysia on 26 and 27 October 2025, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.   The leaders discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation in the areas...

Startup Fundraising: The Dilution Abyss — Layering Multiple Convertible Instruments Without a Cohesive Strategy

In the early rush to raise capital, many startups issue a series of convertible securities including SAFEs, KISSs, convertible notes, side letters, discount agreements and valuation caps, often across different rounds, timings, terms, and involve different investor...

Special Penalty Waiver for Stamping of Phase 1 Instruments in 2026

Following the rollout of Phase 1 of the Stamp Duty Self-Assessment System (“STSDS”), duty payers are obliged to submit stamp duty returns and conduct self-assessments of the stamp duty payable for instruments or agreements relating to rentals or leases, general...

Case Spotlight: Salary Deductions

The Employment Act 1955 (“EA”) prevents employers from deducting from an employee’s wages unless allowed under the EA. A key provision to consider is Section 24, which breaks down the categories of authorised deductions into these broad categories: Deductions which...

Nike Global Trading BV, Singapore Branch v Pemungut Duti Setem, Malaysia [2025] MLJU 2768

Introduction The Court of Appeal in Nike Global Trading BV, Singapore Branch v Pemungut Duti Setem, Malaysia [2025] MLJU 2768 delivered a landmark decision that provides much-needed clarity on the application of stamp duty to novation agreements. The judgment...

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