Below mentioned are the types of law firms operating in Thailand:
International Law Firms
There are several law firms in Thailand that are either indirectly or directly affiliated with some big multinational law firm. These firms normally help multinational corporations that have substantial overseas legal issues or provide support on transnational cases that involve one of their branches. These firms generally do not look out for new clients because they already have an existing clientele through their own offices located in various countries.
Local Law Firms
Local law firms are expert in handling local litigation and are more effective in managing cases that fall within the Thai jurisdiction. Most of the law firms operating in Thailand are local law firms. They generally serve Thai individuals and organizations. Consequently, these local law firms do not seek business from the foreigners. They generally don't have fluent English speaking staff. Although they may be quite skilled in Thai legal issues, they may be unfamiliar with the issues which are important to foreigners residing, working, or conducting business in Thailand.
Thai Law Firms with Foreign Partners or Supervisors
A number of Thai law firms have a foreign partner or associate who acts as a liaison between foreign customers and the local attorneys. These firms may be useful for foreigners who can only communicate in English. These organizations usually specialize in problems important to foreigners (both individuals and businesses) in Thailand.
Pseudo Law Firms
Apart from traditional law firms, there are several less costly options often known as "pseudo law firms" or "legal service providers". These firms don't normally fall under the category of "law firms" and are generally operated by Thais or foreigners who may not be lawyers.
Typically, pseudo law companies can be distinguished from conventional law firms by the fact that the person supervising the firm is a non-attorney. Nevertheless, the supervisors of such law firms can sometimes misrepresent themselves as certified lawyers. These organizations may also operate other businesses in addition to providing legal services, including virtual office leasing, business brokerage, mail order brides services, or website designing just to name a few. In certain extreme cases, pseudo law companies may have a staff of foreigners who are working illegally in Thailand.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Law Firm
Is the man that will represent you a licensed attorney?
If your principal contact is a non-Thai, is that man a licensed attorney in his home country?
Is the man you will be contacting fluent in both Thai and English?
Does the law firm have legal counsel as their principal business, or do they engage in other business deals that are unrelated to law including mail order bride services or business brokerage?
Does the lawyer make unreasonable and unsubstantiated claims? Or do they provide proof of their qualifications to serve you?
How long has the firm been established? (As a principle, a law firm with at least five years of experience is much more likely to remain in the business than other shorter establishments)
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