Law Firm History

Founded in 2012 to help foreign investors and international businesses enter Vietnam, operate with confidence and protect their interests.

2012 · Foundation

Helping international businesses enter Vietnam

ANT Lawyers was founded in Hanoi in 2012 by Tuan Nguyen to help foreign investors and international businesses enter Vietnam and navigate the legal requirements of doing business in the country.

His legal training, commercial experience and business education shaped this purpose. In his Warwick Business School reflection, Tuan describes the mentoring and MBA experience that influenced his entrepreneurial path. His consulting venture preceded the establishment of ANT Lawyers.

Early work focused on corporate and commercial matters, from market entry and business establishment to ongoing compliance, connecting legal advice with the decisions facing owners and managers.

A wooden ANT Consultants and Lawyers sign hanging outside an early office
A sign from ANT Lawyers’ early years, now kept in the firm’s meeting room as a reminder of its beginnings.

The early years · Intellectual property

Protecting brands and commercial interests

By 2012, the firm was working with IP specialists on trademark matters. Its developing intellectual property practice complemented corporate advice for businesses seeking to establish a presence and protect their commercial assets in Vietnam.

2014–2018 · International relationships

Connecting with law firms around the world

International visits in 2014 and 2015, including Prae Legal meetings, helped Tuan develop relationships with overseas lawyers. Further cooperation followed at a Hong Kong meeting on December 7, 2018. These exchanges reflected the firm’s focus on supporting international businesses and working across legal and commercial cultures.

Delegates at a Prae Legal meeting in Doha, with Tuan Nguyen second from the left in the front row
Prae Legal meeting, Doha, September 2014. Tuan Nguyen is second from the left in the front row.

2016 · International trade

Early involvement in anti-dumping investigations

ANT Lawyers assisted foreign producers and exporters in AD02, Vietnam’s anti-dumping investigation into coated steel imports, initiated on March 3, 2016. Working with overseas counsel, the firm supported questionnaire responses, submissions and hearing participation—an early milestone in its international trade practice.

2018 · EU–Vietnam business dialogue

Taking part in the EuroCham Brussels mission

In October 2018, Tuan Nguyen represented ANT Lawyers, then a member of EuroCham Vietnam, on the chamber’s Brussels delegation. He attended European Parliament hearings and meetings concerning the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, taking part in discussions about trade, investment and Vietnam’s business environment.

Read ANT Lawyers’ account of the visit and EuroCham’s overview of the mission.

Tuan Nguyen outside the European External Action Service building in Brussels
Tuan Nguyen outside the European External Action Service (EEAS) during the EuroCham Brussels mission, October 2018. Photograph from ANT Lawyers’ archive.

2014–2023 · Mediation

Developing a commitment to mediation

A 2014 meeting with the World Mediation Organization in Germany helped shape Tuan’s interest in mediation as an alternative way to resolve commercial disputes. He later contributed to the commercial mediation chapters of EuroCham’s 2020 and 2021 Whitebooks.

Selected for the Weinstein JAMS International Fellowship in 2020, he subsequently undertook practical training in San Francisco as part of the 2023 U.S. fellowship programme.

Learning from experienced mediators reinforced his commitment to developing mediation in Vietnam and sharing practical knowledge with the next generation. This experience supports his work helping businesses evaluate negotiated solutions alongside arbitration and court proceedings. Read more about his mediation qualifications.

Tuan Nguyen receiving his Weinstein JAMS Fellowship plaque from Hon. Daniel Weinstein (Ret.)
Tuan Nguyen receiving his Weinstein JAMS Fellowship plaque from Hon. Daniel Weinstein (Ret.). Photograph from ANT Lawyers’ archive.

Geographic development

Building a presence across Vietnam

The firm developed its presence in Ho Chi Minh City, including its former office at Me Linh Point Tower overlooking the Saigon River. Its geographic development also included Da Nang. Today, ANT Lawyers has offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang.

Founder Tuan Nguyen beside the ANT office sign and a window overlooking the Saigon River
Tuan Nguyen at ANT Lawyers’ former Me Linh Point Tower office, overlooking the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City.

Our Hanoi office

Marking a new chapter in Hanoi

Relocating the Hanoi office marked another stage in the firm’s development. The opening celebration brought people together at the new premises and remains part of ANT Lawyers’ shared history.

Group photograph at the opening celebration of ANT Lawyers’ relocated Hanoi office
Opening celebration of ANT Lawyers’ relocated Hanoi office.

2024–2025 · Legal education

Sharing mediation knowledge with the next generation

ANT Lawyers supported the International Mediation Writing Competition in Vietnam in 2024 and 2025, alongside the Weinstein International Foundation and VEMC. The initiative gives law students opportunities to develop mediation advocacy and legal writing skills. Explore our community and legal education activities.

Today

Practical legal advice for the decisions ahead

Building on its earlier corporate, IP and trade work, ANT Lawyers continued to broaden its services after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its founding focus remains: helping clients enter Vietnam, operate their businesses, protect their interests and resolve disputes. The firm also shares practical legal knowledge through its Insights.

Contact us to request a meeting.

Our offices are in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Meetings are by appointment.

Email: ant@antlawyers.vn
Phone: +84 28 7308 6529
Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:30 (GMT+7)