At 15, MVGS soars to greater heights

The 15th anniversary of the prestigious law firm Martinez Vergara Gonzalez Sociedad, held on 14 October, at the Manila Polo Club, celebrated old and new triumphs that have made MVGS a force to reckon with in legal circles.

Brighter than the colors that popped out in a sea of dark business suits, the event was an auspicious time to meet some of the most respected lawyers in the Philippines and ASEAN region.

The MVGS anniversary party brimmed with goodwill and warmth as the lawyers thanked their partners and clients, spoiling them with fine drinks and sumptuous food. Most of all, they thanked their loved ones and family without whose wholehearted support they would not have achieved the milestone.

Amid music, dancing, and clinking glasses, the MVGS story was retold, its early challenges and victories, and special milestones in Philippine jurisprudence.

Senior partner and head of the Firm's Dispute Resolution Practice Group, lawyer Eduardo "Dindo" A. Martinez, said, "Fifteen years is a milestone for MVGS. When I look back to the day we started, we were laughing at each other's dreams. But later, I realized that we were headed in that direction year after year [with the law firm]. We realized our dreams."

He pointed out, joining MVGS has given him happiness, contentment, and satisfaction.

MVGS is a full-service law firm that provides a full range of legal services in the areas of Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Projects & Energy, Intellectual Property, Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Labor and Employment, and Immigration.

MVGS was nominated for the coveted "Philippines Firm of the Year" citation in the Asialaw Awards 2021. Asialaw features a comprehensive analysis of Asia's regional and domestic firms and leading lawyers from the region.

The celebration was more significant because the law firm had allowed itself to soar at greater heights than it realized, Martinez added.

"As we celebrate tonight, we must recognize the importance of this occasion," Martinez said. "What is important is that we have found not only a partner but another family. The forging of our partnership with the Drew Network Asia has not only provided us with an opportunity to expand our client base, but we treasure the solid bond with our new partner."

Expanding Reach

The law firm partnered with DNA, a network of premium legal firms, on 1 October 2021. Established 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 expands DNA's regional footprint in ASEAN, which now boasts more than 480 fee earners and 150 partners in: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Manuel Z. Gonzalez, managing partner of MVGS, commented on the partnership: "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, and 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 the ASEAN."

Lia Alizia, managing partner, Makarim & Taira S., said, "With MVGS joining DNA, we are now a stronger network than before. We believe that each DNA member firm's combined strength and capabilities stand 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 seamlessly handles complex and time-sensitive multi-jurisdictional transactions or disputes as a one-stop shop. While remaining independent, it operates 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.