About First Counsel
A strategic legal partner –
not just a law firm
First Counsel was built on the belief that legal counsel should be a lever for growth, not a barrier to it. From Ho Chi Minh City, we partner with businesses and investors across Vietnam and beyond.
Get in touch2021
Year FoundedBased in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
250+
ClientsDomestic enterprises and FDI companies
17+
Team membersLawyers, advisors & specialist support staff
3
Advisory languagesVietnamese · English · Mandarin Chinese
Our Story
From a vision
to practice
to practice
“The best legal counsel does not resolve disputes – it prevents them from arising in the first place.”
— Attorney Duong Van Quy, FounderFirst Counsel was founded in 2021 with a clear purpose: to build a different kind of legal advisory practice – proactive, strategic and genuinely connected to the commercial objectives of its clients.
At a time when most of the market was still delivering legal services reactively, First Counsel chose to position itself as a strategic partner – one that does not simply answer legal questions, but places every issue within the broader commercial context of the client’s business.
Our team of over 10 professionals – lawyers, advisors and specialist support staff – brings together strong academic foundations, multi-disciplinary practical experience and multilingual advisory capability, making us particularly well-suited to serve international businesses and investors operating in Vietnam.
Our Values
What we commit to
Integrity & Transparency
Fees are agreed in writing before any work begins. No hidden charges. We give honest advice – even when the truth is not what a client wants to hear.
Your Time is Our Priority
Every matter receives a response within 24 business hours. We proactively update clients on progress – no one is left waiting without knowing where things stand.
Long-term Partnership
We build lasting relationships – not just handle individual matters. We invest in understanding your business so that our advice becomes more precise and valuable over time.
Our Team
The people behind First Counsel
Founder & Managing Attorney
Attorney Duong Van Quy
Jeremy Duong
Founder and Managing Attorney of First Counsel. With over 10 years of experience in corporate legal advisory, investment and dispute resolution, Jeremy is recognised as a legal professional who combines strategic thinking with genuine academic depth – a rare combination in the Vietnamese legal advisory market.
Education & Qualifications
PhD Candidate in Law – Pursuing doctoral research in business law
Master of Economic Law (LL.M) – University of Economics and Law (UEL), Vietnam National University HCMC
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) – Hanoi Law University
Practising Certificate – Vietnam Bar Federation
Roles & Appointments
Managing Attorney & Founder – First Counsel Law Firm (2021 – present)
Arbitrator – TGAC International Commercial Arbitration Centre
Director & Legal Representative – First Counsel Law Firm LLC
Areas of Practice
Legal retainer services & outsourced in-house counsel (FDI and domestic businesses)
Employment law advisory & labour dispute resolution – mediation, court and arbitration
Investment advisory, cross-border M&A & legal services for foreign investors in Vietnam
Legal audit, due diligence and ESG/EHS compliance to international standards
Advisory Languages
Vietnamese – Native language
English – Proficient: advisory, negotiation and bilingual contract drafting
Mandarin Chinese (普通话) – Professional working proficiency
International Network
Connected globally
from Ho Chi Minh City
from Ho Chi Minh City
First Counsel maintains a network of legal partners across multiple jurisdictions – enabling seamless cross-border advisory for clients engaged in international investment and M&A transactions.
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VietnamHeadquarters – Ho Chi Minh City
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SingaporeLegal partner – Investment & M&A
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United StatesPartner – Investment & Immigration
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United KingdomAcademic & legal connections
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China / Hong KongChinese-language business advisory & investment
Licence & Registration
First Counsel Law Firm – Lawfully registered and operating in Vietnam
Operating Licence No. 41.02.4716/TP/ĐKHĐ, issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice on 14 January 2025. Registered address: Room 2B5, 2nd Floor, Fimexco Building, 231-233 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Ready to work
with us?
Book a free consultation – we respond within 24 business hours.
