Firm overview
Since its inception in 2010, Zharif Nizamuddin has emerged as a boutique law firm in Malaysia, known for its bespoke legal solutions and commitment to delivering exceptional value across a broad range of sectors.
With a foundation built on strategic thinking and a deep understanding of business dynamics, the firm has been instrumental in guiding government-linked companies, statutory bodies, high-net-worth individuals, small medium enterprises, and multinational corporations through complex legal landscapes.
The firm’s ethos, "Invoke the Bespoke," underpins its dedication to crafting tailored legal strategies that align with its clients' unique goals and challenges.
The firm runs four synergistic practice areas namely; Corporate Commercial, Financial Crimes & Asset Recovery, Dispute Resolution, and Conveyancing.
Corporate Commercial
Zharif Nizamuddin’s Corporate Commercial practice focuses on a wide range of corporate commercial matters including Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Joint Ventures, Private Equity and Venture Capital, Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Regulatory Compliance. The practice is led by Managing Partner, Amir Zharif Abdullah, whose experience spans both working in an international law firm and corporate in-house counsel roles in a global group of energy and petrochemical companies.
The firm is recognized for its ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and has experience in dealing with sophisticated industries such as renewable energy, oil & gas, mining, and pharmaceuticals. Its advisory services extend beyond traditional legal counsel, with a focus on facilitating strategic partnerships and long-term growth for clients. Notable transactions include the following:
• Advised on the acquisition of a public listed company subsidiary through a RM500 million asset transfer and debt restructuring program.
• Advised on the RM150 million acquisition of a strategic stake in a solar and renewable energy company for the purpose of participating in the large-scale solar programme in Malaysia.
• Facilitated the registration of a RM170 million venture debt fund, which was awarded by a government-backed entity to support Malaysia’s economic recovery and digital innovation initiatives.
• Advised a private equity fund on its ~USD10 million venture debt structure for an investment into an energy company, providing risk mitigation and flexibility for the investors.
• Advised a venture capital firm on a pioneering investment in Malaysia’s semiconductor IC design sector, with a combined transaction value of ~USD10 million.
• Advising on a multimillion private equity investment in a leading healthcare services provider through the issuance of Islamic Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares, ensuring Shariah-compliant investment structures.
The firm’s ability to provide business-driven legal counsel, combined with its agility in handling intricate regulatory and legal frameworks, makes it the go-to partner for clients seeking sophisticated legal solutions in high-stakes deals.
Other Key Practice Areas
A key differentiator of the firm is its Financial Crimes and Asset Recovery practice. Under the leadership of Nizamuddin Hamid, the firm has established itself as a trusted partner in handling high-stakes financial crime cases. The firm’s expertise spans corruption, fraud, tax evasion, and other schedule offenses under anti-money laundering laws in the jurisdiction. Notably, Zharif Nizamuddin played a significant role in assisting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) with the groundwork in relation to the recovery of assets related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal including preparing the money trail and mutual legal assistance documents, exemplifying the firm’s ability to manage multi-jurisdictional operations.
Zharif Nizamuddin’s Dispute Resolution practice is highly regarded for its expertise in handling complex corporate commercial, administrative, and constitutional disputes. The firm prioritizes early intervention and non-litigation solutions, but when necessary, its experienced litigators are prepared to represent clients at all levels of trial and appellate courts.
