Established in 2015, Cecil Abraham & Partners continues to win praise from the market as one of the leading commercial disputes firms. Its eponymous senior partner is revered as one of the top advocates in the country, a familiar name on many landmark cases. The firm handles complex, novel contentious issues across a wide swathe of financial and corporate practice areas and provides the full suite of dispute resolution services, from advisory and strategy to litigation and arbitration. It also has experience in environmental, media, property and telecommunications matters. The firm’s arbitration practice is extensive, with Abraham having sat as chair, sole arbitrator and co-arbitrator in more than 100 commercial arbitrations under a wide variety of international rules. The firm advises and acts for Fortune 500 companies, media conglomerates, government-linked companies and high-net-worth individuals as well as not-for-profit entities, charities, private individuals and private limited companies.
Abraham heads a leadership team that includes partners Rishwant Singh, Sunil Abraham and Aniz Ahmad Amirudin.
In an ongoing commercial and transactions case sample, the firm is acting for Lynas Rare Earths and Lynas Malaysia in two judicial review applications in relation to a rare earth mining operating licence with a total matter value of $3 billion. The matter is significant as it involves the operation of the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (LAMP) located at Gebeng, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, which has attracted significant media coverage. The LAMP plant is one of the world’s largest, rare-earth plants and contributes eight percent of the world’s supply of rare earth products. To date, Lynas Malaysia has invested in excess of $3 billion in Malaysia, and Lynas Rare Earths a further A$700 million ($448.8 million) in constructing a cracking and leaching facility in Kalgoorlie, Australia.
In a notable construction case, the firm is representing construction company Zelan in initiating arbitration proceedings against NRY Architects. The claim amount at stake is RM305.4 million ($63.7 million), pertaining to the construction of buildings for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuantan. This dispute stands out as one of the largest construction disputes, involving the development of academic buildings and college accommodations that are integral to the Centre of Foundation Studies at the IIUM. The IIUM is a prominent public university in Malaysia, emphasising the significance and scale of this case.
Ireka Engineering & Construction, Kining Exeton, TechnyGroup Holdings and Tropicana Aman are some of the firm’s publishable clients.
Client feedback
“Cecil Abraham & Partners demonstrated exceptional proficiency and skill in their recent work on our behalf. Their adept handling of legal matters especially their representation in an arbitration case with a claim sum of RM30 million, showcases their commitment to excellence. Being a reputable law firm, they consistently provide valuable advice. Throughout our engagements, they have demonstrated a commitment to offering sound guidance and maintaining open lines of communication, fostering a positive and effective working relationship.” – Construction
Aniz Ahmad Amirudin
"Consistently impressed us with his exceptional legal acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and proactive communication."
Sunil Abraham
"Responsive, provides timely updates, and is easily accessible."
