Blumenthal Richter & Sumet (BRS) has acquired Bangkok-based firm Legal ASEAN to strengthen its capabilities in cross-border investments, real estate, foreign direct investment and regional legal consultancy across Southeast Asia.
“This acquisition forms part of BRS’ broader growth trajectory, which includes the firm’s upcoming relocation to its new office at One Bangkok,” BRS’ senior partner Robert Schuler told Asia Business Law Journal.
As part of the acquisition, Legal ASEAN’s founder Mark D’Alelio, joins BRS as a partner. D’Alelio brings two decades of experience at multinational law firms across Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar.
Schuler said that with the addition of D’Alelio as the firm’s ninth partner and the full Legal ASEAN team, BRS’ headcount had now surpassed 40 associates. The integration supported the firm’s strategic vision to expand capacity while maintaining its focus on a partner-led, commercially grounded service, said Schuler.
D’Alelio is known for his advisory services to international and Thai clients on market entry strategies, real estate development, FDI and cross-border structuring. His practice also extends to dispute resolution, where he has handled real estate and labour disputes, represented clients in high-stakes matters before Thailand’s Department of Special Investigations, and advised on corporate and regulatory matters.
His portfolio includes securing Board of Investment promotions, delivering strategic counsel to IT and technology firms entering Asian markets, and structuring management agreements between Thai developers and global hotel brands.
Accompanying D’Alelio to BRS are Legal ASEAN’s senior associates Sasathorn Dharakasem and Teerapun Jiamton, and associates Sireethorn Ruksachart, Pranchalee Maneerat and Pitchayapa Rungrueng.
BRS is a Bangkok-based firm that has been providing international and domestic clients with legal services for more than 45 years. The firm has a team of licensed Thai, European and US lawyers, and is the exclusive Thailand representative of Interlaw, a global network of independent law firms with over 7,500 lawyers across more than 150 cities worldwide.
