In a significant triumph for the Malaysian legal fraternity, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza Abdulla has been officially appointed as the Global Chair of LAWorld, a prominent international network of independent law firms. The appointment, confirmed during the network’s Annual General Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, on 8 May 2026, marks the first time a Malaysian has ascended to the top leadership position in the organization’s 30-year history. As the Managing Partner of Mohamed Ridza & Co, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza’s election by a unanimous vote reflects the high regard for Malaysian legal expertise within the international commercial arena.
LAWorld serves as a strategic alliance of approximately 70 independent, mid-sized law firms, encompassing over 1,500 legal professionals across more than 100 major commercial centers worldwide. The network’s primary mission is to provide clients with immediate, high-quality local legal counsel while maintaining the boutique, partner-led service that independent firms offer. Dato’ Mohamed Ridza’s journey to the chairmanship spans nearly two decades, having previously served as the network’s Treasurer and the Chair of the Asia Pacific region.
Dato’ Mohamed Ridza Abdulla, Managing Partner of Malaysian law firm Mohamed Ridza & Co
Under his new global mandate, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza aims to drive an ambitious expansion strategy, with a particular focus on increasing the network’s footprint in the Gulf and African regions. His vision for the next term includes the digital transformation of the network’s governance and a robust scaling of the “NextGen” programme. The latter is a dedicated initiative to develop emerging legal talent, which will now be overseen in the Asia Pacific region by Muhammad Akhlil, a senior associate at Mohamed Ridza & Co. This dual representation ensures that Malaysia plays a pivotal role in shaping both the current and future leadership of the global network.
Speaking on the appointment, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza highlighted the strategic advantages this brings to the Malaysian economy. He noted that the firm’s involvement in LAWorld aligns with Malaysia’s long-standing DNA as a trading nation, allowing the firm to function as a seamless “one-stop center” for local businesses looking to expand into global markets. Conversely, the network provides a trusted gateway for international investors seeking to navigate the Malaysian legal landscape. This relationship-driven model ensures that legal advice is not only expert but personal, facilitating faster decision-making for cross-border transactions.
The appointment of Dato’ Mohamed Ridza as Global Chair takes effect immediately, ushering in a new era of international connectivity for Malaysian law. With a focus on raising quality benchmarks and fostering deeper regional collaboration, his leadership is set to enhance the global visibility of Malaysian legal services while providing local clients with unparalleled access to a worldwide professional ecosystem.
