In the first major event marking DFDL’s 20th Anniversary, the Lao PDR office held a reception on September 30th with senior government officials, valued clients and representatives from embassies, international organizations and the business community joining in the celebration. Also attending were many current and former DFDL staff members, demonstrating the firm’s long history in Laos.
The DFDL story began in a modest shop house in Vientiane in 1994. We all know now DFDL has since expanded to 12 offices in 8 countries with more than 130 local and foreign legal professionals and over 300 staff.
“DFDL is a wonderful regional success story, not only for our firm, but also for Laos,” said the Managing Director of DFDL Lao PDR, Rupert Haw. “I am sure we are one of the few businesses that started in Laos and have gone on to have such a significant presence in ASEAN and beyond. I am truly proud of our Lao roots.”
DFDL Partner and Chairman David Doran and Managing Partner Martin Desautels, also attended the function. David spoke to the gathering about the history of DFDL in the Lao PDR, reminiscing about how 20 years ago Todd Dirksen, one of the founders, lured him away from a new job in Seattle, USA, to join the firm in the emerging market of Laos.
To download to article on Vientiane Time, please click here.
Some photos of DFDL’s 20th Anniversary in the Lao PDR:
