Our People
21 November 2008

Chris Lai


Direct dial: 020 7822 1952
Email: chris.lai@weightmans.com
Chris Lai

Chris qualified at the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1968, in England.  Following his call to the English Bar, he practised as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia and Singapore and was a partner in several reputable legal practices.  During this time he undertook corporate commercial, banking and property work.

He has advised numerous offshore investment companies in their investment into Malaysia, under the Malaysian Pioneer Industry (Tax incentives) scheme.

In England, Chris re-qualified as a solicitor and advised overseas investment groups and high net worth individuals, investing in the United Kingdom and Europe.  He acts for various International hotel groups from the United Kingdom, Europe, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and India.

Chris has been involved in the acquisition of a public company (Abwood PLC) for a Malaysian group, acted for a major bank in a £25 million loan to a residential developer for their Chelsea development, the purchase and sale of numerous substantial hotels in London, the sale of a shopping centre for £18 million, and in the bulk sales and purchases of many high value residential units in London.   He has also acted for most of the Far Eastern banks with branches in London, including Bank Negara, Malaysia (The Central Bank of Malaysia) Malayan Banking, Berhad and United Overseas Bank Limited, Singapore.

On spring 2008, Chris joined Weightmans from niche litigation and criminal firm Saunders Solicitors LLP, where he was Head of Property.