KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian lawyer Joanne Vengadesan has made history after being elected chair of Multilaw, a global network of law firms spanning over 100 countries.
The United Kingdom-based practitioner, who has 25 years of legal experience, was elected at Multilaw's Global Conference in Prague earlier this month.
She will serve a two-year term starting in September 2027, succeeding Australian lawyer Paul Kirton.
She began her career when she was called to the Malaysian Bar as an advocate and solicitor in 1997, initially practising intellectual property law in Kuala Lumpur.
Currently a partner at leading international firm Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, Joanne is the daughter of retired Malaysian diplomat Datuk R. Vengadesan, who served as ambassador to several nations, including Italy and Namibia.
In a statement, Joanne said it was an honour to be named chair-elect and that she looks forward to assuming the role of chair next year.
"I love the perspective that being a Malaysian and working in the UK gives me. Malaysia is so multicultural that we grow up being so comfortable and at home with all our communities and cultures," she said.
Joanne said her international upbringing played a significant role in fostering her interest in being part of a global legal community, adding that her legal practice in the UK regularly handles cross-border matters.
"Multilaw has played a huge role in my career, and I am excited about the new challenges and opportunities to come. I could not be more proud of this network, which continues to go from strength to strength.
"The depth of the relationships and layers of connections between Multilaw member firms enable us to leverage the significant trust between us for the benefit of our respective clients. I am also very proud of my firm, Penningtons Manches Cooper's, continued commitment and active engagement across the network," she said.
Meanwhile, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP chief executive officer Helen Drayton congratulated Joanne, describing her appointment as a testament to her talent, dedication, and close collaboration across the firm and the network.
Multilaw chief executive officer Adam Cooke, who has known Joanne for nearly 20 years, said he had witnessed first-hand her energy, insight, and warmth, adding that she understood the network's emphasis on strong relationships, mutual trust, and shared ambitions.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd