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

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...

Significant Impact for Stamp Duty on Loan Agreements [Court of Appeal Decision in Pemungut Duti Setem v Ann Joo Integrated Steel]

The Court of Appeal of Malaysia in Pemungut Duti Setem v Ann Joo Integrated Steel Sdn Bhd [2025] 1 MLJ 141 delivered a landmark judgment considering (i) whether a loan instrument qualifies as an instrument under Item 22(1)(b) of the First Schedule of the Stamp Act...

No Automatic Directors’ Retirement by Rotation — An AGM Still Required

In Dato’ Sri Andrew Kam Tai Yeow v Grandfoods Sdn Bhd & Anor and other appeals [2025] MLJU 819, the Malaysian Court of Appeal (“COA”) recently considered a specific legal question: whether a director scheduled to retire by rotation under the company’s Articles of...

Case Spotlight: Hospitalization Leave Covers Weekends and Public Holidays

Employees are entitled to sick leave and hospitalization leave under the Employment Act 1955 (“EA 1955”). However, the EA 1955 does not expressly state whether such leave should include rest days or public holidays when the period of illness or hospitalization spans...

Case Spotlight: Industrial Court is Empowered to Grant Cease and Desist Orders

If a party to Industrial Court proceedings takes steps to undermine the process or create further industrial unrest while a case is pending, can the Industrial Court step in to stop such conduct? The Industrial Court in Malayan Banking Berhad v National Union of Bank...

Case Spotlight: Employers Should Consult Trade Unions Even When the Collective Agreement Is Silent

Under most collective agreements, employers are required to consult the trade union before making key decisions that affect workmen. But what happens when the collective agreement is silent on the need for consultation in a particular situation? Should the employer...

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