Leading ASEAN law firm providing legal, tax and accounting services across Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar — helping investors, enterprises and institutions manage complexity, risk and compliance.
McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers (MPAL) is a registered foreign law firm with offices in Australia and Lao PDR, operating since 2008. We are the only Australian law firm registered in the Lao PDR.
We provide international-standard legal and tax advice for foreign investors operating in, or looking to invest in, the Lao PDR. With extensive commercial legal experience, our senior foreign legal and tax advisors take a practical, problem-solving approach whilst maintaining the highest level of integrity.
Our diverse client base includes global financial institutions, multinational corporations, government authorities, private investors, NGOs, small businesses and individuals.
We work across foreign investment, banking and finance, energy and mining, corporate and commercial, taxation, infrastructure, employment and real estate.
Local counsel on hydropower, mining, oil & gas projects. Due diligence, concession agreements, project financing, and government negotiations.
Learn More →Project financing, secured and unsecured lending, loan documentation, security registration, debt restructuring and financial leasing.
Learn More →Commercial contracts, M&A, joint ventures, company registration, market entry advisory, special economic zone investment and IPO preparation.
Learn More →Complex tax analysis, international structuring, double taxation treaties, customs duties, tax due diligence and compliance reviews.
Learn More →Land title due diligence, ownership rights, lease arrangements, mortgage documentation, and property finance across all zones.
Learn More →Employment agreements, compliance with Lao Labour Law, work permits, foreign employee secondment, and social security registration.
Learn More →McDonald Patafta & Associates Lawyers is most noted for handling projects and energy mandates, often acting as local counsel on all aspects of various hydro-power and infrastructure projects, as well as concessions in the mining, oil and gas sectors.Legal 500, Leading Firms, 2023
Lao PDR counsel to GSK plc (NYSE & LSE listed) in relation to its global separation and corporate restructure.
CorporateM&ALao PDR counsel on a non-recourse refinancing facility for the lender of a prepayment facility for the Sepon Gold Mine.
Banking & FinanceMiningAdvised KLSE-listed Axiata and edotco on acquisition of a telecommunications tower and infrastructure enterprise in Lao PDR.
M&AInfrastructureLao counsel for ADB, JBIC, Bangkok Bank, Thai Exim & Sumitomo Mitsui on financing and security documentation.
EnergyProject Finance
Barrister & solicitor. Energy, infrastructure, M&A, project finance. Legal 500 Leading Lawyer. IFLR1000 Highly Regarded.
Lao qualified lawyer. Government liaison, hydropower and mining project documentation, investment frameworks.
Former Director General, Ministry of Justice. 20+ years legislative and policy reform experience.
Experienced Lao legal advisor specialising in commercial law, due diligence, and regulatory compliance.
Whether you're entering the Lao PDR market, structuring a transaction, or need ongoing legal support, our team is ready to help.
Reach out for a free initial consultation. We respond within 24 hours.
Unit 10, House No. 245, Saphanthong Road
Ban Sapanthong Kang, Sisattanak District
Vientiane 01030, Lao PDR
Ask about our services