Prior to joining Asia Legal as head of Ho Chi Minh City, Lam Nguyen (David) accumulated over 17 years of extensive experience in commercial law, contracts, dispute resolution, and advisory services across diverse industries, including international trade, construction, renewable energy, maritime law, oil & gas, real estate, and insurance.
David previously held key roles in legal advisory and management for prominent corporations and organizations. He collaborated with leading enterprises such as ANABUKI, CHINT (Astronergy), PTSC, PETROSETCO, SNP, VINAMOTOR, and MITSUI, addressing critical legal issues related to foreign investment, labor law, corporate restructuring, export-import activities, and energy projects. His expertise spans both domestic and cross-border transactions, enabling businesses to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.
As an active member of globally recognized professional organizations, including the International Bar Association (IBA), Association of European Attorneys (AEA), and Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA), David has continuously advanced his knowledge and applied international best practices in his work. He is also a member of the Vietnam Construction Law Society (SCLVN), the Vietnam Independent Directors Association (VNIDA), and the British Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (BritCham), where he contributes to strengthening Vietnam’s legal and business communities.
In addition to his legal practice, David is deeply involved in community development and business leadership. He formerly served as President of the BNI Zen Platinum Chapter (15 & 16th term) and Vice President of the IPO Entrepreneurs Club, fostering collaboration and growth among entrepreneurs and enterprises across Vietnam.
David’s expertise in dispute resolution is widely recognized. He is a certified Commercial Mediator under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice, a member of the Vietnam International Commercial Mediation Center (VICMC), and a shareholder & an arbitrator with the Ho Chi Minh City Commercial Arbitration Center (Tracent). Additionally, he serves as the Chief Office Administrator of the Institute of Arbitration Legal Science (ARI). In these roles, he has handled numerous high-stakes disputes, providing strategic counsel and participating in mediation and arbitration panels across various industries. With his exceptional legal acumen and dedication to client success, David has become a trusted legal advisor for numerous high-profile clients and organizations, ensuring tailored, practical solutions for complex legal and business challenges. His work reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving legal landscape of Vietnam and beyond.
EDUCATION
- LLB, Hanoi Law University
- BA, Hanoi Open University
- Lawyer Training, Judicial Academy
- Arbitration, Vietnam International Arbitration Academy
- Accredited Mediator, Vietnam International Commercial Mediation Center
- Certificate of Participation of Dispute Board Administration & Practice Training Workshop
- Certificate of training Program on Enhancing Good Corporate Governance to Meet International Sustainability Practices
LANGUAGES
- English
- Vietnamese
- Corporate & Commercial
- Merger & Acquisition
- Shipping & Maritime
- Dispute Resolution
- Property & Construction
- Insurance
- International Trade
- Labour
- Energy
LAM’S RECENT TRANSACTIONAL WORK INCLUDE:
- Advised on legal and contractual matters for major oil and gas projects involving clients such as JVPC, KNOC, PVEP, PETROSETCO, and VIETSOVPETRO.
- Provided legal counsel to PVGas on the importation of Vietnam’s first LNG shipment, ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Supported the EPC contractor in executing the entire 50MWp solar energy project in Binh Thuan, including contract drafting and negotiation.
- Advised a Japanese investor on acquiring 65% ownership of a Vietnamese company specializing in the management and operation of buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Assisted a U.S. investor in acquiring 65% ownership of a precision engineering company in Binh Duong, including structuring the deal and drafting transaction documents.
- Represented and resolved disputes for a leading Vietnamese importer and processor in the cashew industry.
- Advised a top Iranian trading company on dispute resolution in Vietnam, ensuring favorable outcomes.
- Supported a leading Singaporean company in resolving high-stakes disputes in the cashew trade sector.
LAM’S RECENT NOTABLE LITIGATION/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) WORK INCLUDE:
- Advised and successfully assisted a client from Dubai, UAE, in negotiating and reaching a favorable settlement with a leading Vietnamese company renowned for manufacturing globally acclaimed custom vehicles.
- Advised and successfully mediated a labor dispute between an employee and a top logistics company in Vietnam, achieving a mutually beneficial resolution.
- Advised and successfully mediated a shareholder dispute among co-founders of a technology company, facilitating an amicable agreement on capital contributions.
- Advised and successfully mediated a dispute for a client against a leading Vietnamese petrochemical Corporation (NSRP), resolving issues related to commercial agreements.
- Advised and successfully mediated a commercial dispute involving a multi-billion USD transaction concerning the sale of goods, ensuring a favorable outcome for the client.
- Advised and successfully mediated a dispute among members of a company regarding capital contributions, enabling the company to maintain operational stability and unity.