Blue-chip law network DNA expands with the addition of Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS)

Drew Network Asia (DNA), a network of premium legal firms, expanded on 1 October 2021 with the addition of prominent Philippine law firm Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS).  

Formed in March 2020, DNA is an alliance of some of the most influential and well-established South East Asian law firms, namely Drew & Napier LLC from Singapore, Makarim & Taira S. from Indonesia and Shearn Delamore & Co. from Malaysia.  

The addition of MVGS further expands DNA’s regional footprint in ASEAN which now boasts more than 480 fee earners and 150 partners in four countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. 

Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS) is a leading full-service law firm in the Philippines established in 2007 by recognised elite lawyers Eduardo A. Martinez, Mark O. Vergara and Manuel Z. Gonzalez. With the combined experience of the firm’s partners, MVGS has established itself as a highly-respected and leading law firm in the Philippines, providing a full range of excellent legal services in the areas of Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Projects & Energy, Intellectual Property, Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Labour and Employment and Immigration.

Manuel Z. Gonzalez, Managing Partner of MVGS said, “We are very excited to be a pillar firm of DNA as its vision certainly aligns with MVGS. Joining the alliance enables us to expand our professional services in the region. We look forward to a great partnership with the finest lawyers in the region.”

“We are delighted that MVGS has joined DNA,” said Cavinder Bull SC, CEO of Drew & Napier. “In spite of the ongoing pandemic, we have moved forward with our vision for growth, driven by our desire to meet the needs of our clients. DNA is increasingly a network of choice for any client looking to have representation of the highest quality throughout ASEAN.”

Lia Alizia, Managing Partner, Makarim & Taira S. said, “With MVGS joining DNA, we are now a stronger network than before. We believe that the combined strength and capabilities of each DNA member firm stands us in good stead with the growing competition in the region.”

Dhinesh Bhaskaran, Managing Partner, Shearn Delamore & Co said, “We welcome MVGS to the DNA family and look forward to serving our clients more seamlessly now that we have a network firm in the Philippines, giving us a wider reach in the region.”

DNA operates as a united collective, bringing international perspective, strong local expertise and impeccable service standards. DNA operates as a one-stop shop in handling complex and time sensitive multi-jurisdictional transactions or disputes seamlessly. While remaining independent, we operate as a “firm of firms”.

Each DNA firm has a track record of a client-focused approach, high quality legal advice, and cutting-edge solutions. All the firms consistently win client recognition and prominent accolades in the world’s most prestigious international legal publications.