How to Choose the Right Corporate Lawyer in BD

In Bangladesh’s fast-evolving business ecosystem driven by RMG exports, tech startups, and FDI inflows legal missteps can cost millions in fines, delayed approvals, or lost deals. The right corporate lawyer isn’t just a service provider; they’re a strategic partner who speaks both law and business. With over 15,000 registered advocates and growing boutique firms in Dhaka and Chattogram, choosing wisely is critical. Follow this 10-step framework to secure counsel that aligns with your goals, budget, and culture in 2025.

1. Identifying Your Business Legal Needs

Start with a legal health check:

  • Startup? Need incorporation (RJSC filing), shareholder agreements, IP registration.
  • Scaling? Require FDI approvals (BIDA), joint ventures, or BSEC compliance.
  • Manufacturing? Focus on labor (BLA 2006), environmental permits (DoE), and export contracts.
  • Tech/Digital? Prioritize data privacy (Digital Security Act), fintech licensing (BB), and e-commerce terms.

Map your short-term (e.g., contract drafting) and long-term (e.g., IPO readiness) needs. A clear brief prevents overpaying for irrelevant expertise.

2. Checking a Lawyer’s Experience and Expertise

Look beyond years in practice:

  • Corporate track record: Ask for case studies—e.g., “Have you structured a 51:49 JV under BIDA rules?” or “Handled a BDT 50 crore M&A with tax structuring?”
  • Sector exposure: RMG firms need BLA audit defense; pharma needs DDA approvals.
  • Court vs. transactional: Pure litigators may lack deal-structuring finesse.

Top firms like Dr. Kamal Hossain & Associates, Rahman’s Chambers, or BFDL publish deal lists—verify claims.

3. Evaluating Reputation and Client Reviews

  • Peer recognition: Check Chambers Asia-Pacific, Legal 500, or IFLR1000 rankings (2024–2025 editions).
  • Client testimonials: LinkedIn, Google Reviews, or direct references. Ask: “Would you rehire them?”
  • Bar Council standing: Confirm no disciplinary actions via Bangladesh Bar Council portal.

Red flags: Consistent complaints about delays or opaque billing.

4. Understanding Fee Structures and Costs

Bangladeshi corporate fees vary widely:

 

Model

Typical Range (2025)

Best For

Hourly

BDT 5,000–25,000

Complex litigation

Fixed/Project

BDT 100,000–5,00,000

Incorporation, due diligence

Retainer

BDT 50,000–3,00,000/month

Ongoing support (SMEs)

Success Fee

1–3% of deal value

M&A, fundraising

Demand itemized invoices. Negotiate caps on disbursements (e.g., BIDA filing fees). Avoid “all-you-can-ask” retainers without scope limits.

5. Assessing Communication and Responsiveness

Test in the pitch:

  • Do they explain Section 46 of the Companies Act in plain Bangla/English?
  • Respond to emails within 24 hours?
  • Use secure portals (e.g., Clio, PracticePanther) for document sharing?

Poor communication = delayed RJSC filings = stalled operations.

6. Looking for Industry-Specific Knowledge

Generic lawyers falter on nuances:

  • RMG: Must know Accord/Alliance remediation, GSP+ compliance.
  • Fintech: Familiar with PSDP licensing, EMI regulations.
  • Real Estate: Expert in RAJUK approvals, land mutation (porcha).

Ask: “What was the last regulatory change in my sector you advised on?”

7. Ensuring Compatibility with Your Business Culture

A solo founder needs agile counsel; a family conglomerate wants formal protocols. Assess:

  • Language fluency: Bangla for local filings, English for FDI docs.
  • Tech-savviness: Uses e-signatures (compatible with ICT Act), cloud NDAs.
  • Values alignment: ESG focus? Women-led firms (e.g., Legal Circle)?

Meet in person—chemistry predicts long-term success.

8. Verifying Professional Licenses and Credentials

Mandatory checks:

  • Bar Council Enrollment: Active license number (searchable online).
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN): For billing compliance.
  • AIC designation: For international arbitration (rare but valuable).

Beware “consultants” without advocacy licenses—cannot appear in High Court.

9. Considering Availability for Ongoing Support

One-off deal lawyers vanish post-closing. Prioritize:

  • Retainer bandwidth: Max 3–5 active clients per partner.
  • 24/7 emergency access: Labor raids, BIDA queries don’t follow 9-to-5.
  • Junior coverage: Supervised associates for routine filings.

Ask: “Who handles urgent DIFE inspections at 11 PM?”

10. Making the Final Decision Based on Trust and Confidence

Shortlist 2–3, then:

  1. Reference calls (speak to CFOs, not just CEOs).
  2. Mock scenario: “Draft a non-compete for a departing CTO.”
  3. Gut check: Do you trust them with your cap table?

Sign an engagement letter with:

  • Scope of work
  • Fee schedule
  • Termination clause (30-day notice)
  • Conflict waiver