We are pleased to welcome Jeff Leong as a consultant to BR Law, and are looking forward to a strong partnership serving clients across ASEAN and beyond.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Jeff Leong has established himself as one of the most respected corporate lawyers in the region, known for navigating complex, high-stakes transactions and resolving critical business challenges across industries and jurisdictions. His expertise spans IPOs, M&A, and cross‑border deals across sectors including banking & finance, oil & gas, shipping & logistics, and technology.
Foundations of a Cross‑Border Career
A distinguished alumnus of the National University of Singapore (Class of 1985), Jeff was admitted to the Singapore Bar in 1986 and the Malaysia Bar in 1991. His early career included pioneering work as part of Singapore’s first cross‑border legal team in a large Singapore law firm (1993–1999), where he played a key role in establishing affiliate firms in Hong Kong and Malaysia. This formative period gave Jeff a unique perspective on regional business dynamics – skills that would define his practice in the years to come.
From Crisis to Opportunity
In 1999, during the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, Jeff co‑founded Messrs Jeff Leong, Poon & Wong (JLPW) with two partners. The Asian Financial Crisis had left banks, insurers and stockbrokers in distress, and seeing the urgent need for skilled legal and strategic guidance, Jeff stepped in to play a pivotal role in major corporate rescues and mergers, helping to stabilise businesses, preserve livelihoods and restore confidence in Malaysia’s financial system. From these beginnings, JLPW has grown into a premier full‑service law firm, now in its 26th year, with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone.
A Regional Vision
Jeff’s strategic outlook led to affiliations with Deacons Graham & James (2001–2012) and Dacheng (now Dentons China) (2012–2016). In 2012, he founded JLPW CROSSBORDER ASIA, a regional law firm network connecting clients with trusted legal expertise across Southeast Asia. Jeff now also leads JLPW’s Japan Services Group and China Services Group, advising Japanese and Chinese companies on market entry, investment, M&A, and Belt and Road projects in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. His work bridges business cultures and legal systems, enabling clients to expand confidently into the region.
Shaping Standards in Capital Markets
In 1999, Jeff developed the due diligence system that became the standard framework for capital markets transactions in Malaysia, and is still widely used by investment bankers, accountants, and lawyers today. In 2020, he was part of the industry review panel for Malaysia’s updated Due Diligence Guide.
Global Leadership and Recognition
Beyond practice, Jeff holds prominent roles in international legal bodies:
- Co‑Chair, Corporate, Securities & Investment Law Committee, LAWASIA
- Co‑Chair, Belt and Road Initiative Standing Committee, LAWASIA
- Council Member, Belt and Road International Legal Services Association (China)
- President, RCEP Business Leaders Forum
- Accredited Mediator, Malaysia International Mediation Centre and leading Chinese mediation institutions
- Arbitrator, Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation, Nanning Arbitration Commission, and others
His accolades include:
- Malaysia’s Top 100 Lawyers (Asia Business Law Journal’s A‑List)
- The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for Corporate and M&A
- Private Practice Powerlist 2024 (M&A Asia Pacific)
- LegalOne Stellar Accolade 2024 (Southeast Asia)
Looking Ahead, Together
We are pleased to welcome Jeff as a Consultant to BR Law. His deep regional expertise and extensive experience complement our existing capabilities, and we look forward to working together to help our clients navigate opportunities and challenges across ASEAN and beyond.
