Malaysian firm Zul Rafique & Partners has appointed veteran Lukman Sheriff Alias as its new managing partner.
“My focus is on expanding and strengthening our practice areas to keep pace with the evolving needs of our clients in today’s dynamic legal and business environment. We have already made strides in this direction by introducing new practice areas, such as shipping and maritime, environmental, social and governance (ESG), and shariah law,” Alias told Asia Business Law Journal.
Alias, who has been working with the firm for more than 24 years, is a veteran in corporate, energy and utility transactions, leading the firm’s energy and utilities practice group. Prior to his appointment, Alias served as the co-managing partner of the firm alongside P Jayasingam in 2024. The promotion follows the retirement of Zulkifly Rafique, who stepped down after more than 24 years of leadership as managing partner. Alias took up his new role on 1 January.
Alias’ portfolio includes contributions to projects in Malaysia, such as the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kwasa Damansara. In 2005, Alias’ work for the Malaysian government in restructuring the nation’s water industries led to the amendment of the Federal Constitution, the drafting and enactment of the Water Services Industry Act 2006, and the establishment of Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara, where he served as commissioner.
The new managing partner’s growth strategy is driven by the increasing complexity of legal frameworks globally. “As businesses face new challenges in areas like sustainability, digitalisation and regulatory compliance, they require sophisticated legal advice to navigate these complexities. We see these shifts as opportunities for Zul Rafique & Partners to enhance our role in supporting our clients through these challenges,” he said.
