About Us
Sylvester & Co. Advocates is a law firm based in Kuching, Sarawak, undertaking civil, commercial and criminal matters before all levels of the Malaysian Courts.
About Sylvester & Co.
Sylvester & Co. is a law firm based in Kuching, Sarawak. The Firm is established by Sylvester Lai Tze Yang, an Advocate of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak, following close to a decade of practice in civil and commercial litigation, construction law, arbitration and other contentious matters.
The Firm undertakes civil, commercial and criminal matters before all levels of the Malaysian Courts. We also advise and represent clients in arbitration, statutory adjudication under the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 (“CIPAA”), mediation and other forms of dispute resolution.
Practice Areas
Our practice includes construction and commercial disputes, company and shareholder disputes, insolvency, land and property matters, compulsory land acquisition, probate and estate administration, matrimonial matters, judicial review, criminal litigation, and corporate and commercial transactions.
Clients We Act For
We act for individuals, companies, contractors, developers, financial institutions and other business entities. The Firm also advises foreign investors who intend to establish, acquire or carry on businesses and projects in Sarawak and other parts of Malaysia.
Our Approach
We recognise that no two matters are the same. A dispute or transaction may involve not only questions of law, but also financial, commercial, reputational and personal considerations.
Accordingly, we begin by understanding the facts and the client’s objectives. We identify the material issues, explain the available options and provide practical advice on the appropriate course of action. Where proceedings are necessary, we place importance on thorough preparation and clear, focused advocacy. Where a satisfactory resolution can be achieved without prolonged proceedings, we assist the client in exploring negotiation, mediation or other suitable means of settlement.
Clients are kept informed of material developments and the practical consequences of each available option. We believe that a client should be in a position to make an informed decision at every important stage of the matter.
Direct Principal Involvement
As a focused legal practice, the Firm provides direct principal involvement in every matter accepted by the Firm. This enables the legal issues, evidence and strategy to be considered from the outset and ensures continuity throughout the conduct of the matter.
Where a matter requires expertise outside the Firm’s own practice, we may work together with suitable counsel, accountants, tax advisers, company secretaries, valuers, engineers or other professionals, subject to the client’s requirements.
Our Connection with Sarawak
The Firm is established and based in Kuching. We are familiar with the laws, procedures, commercial environment and practical considerations relevant to matters arising in Sarawak, including land, construction, infrastructure, housing, probate and estate administration.
This local understanding is complemented by experience in proceedings before the Malaysian appellate courts and in domestic and international arbitration-related matters.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
- providing clear and practical legal advice
- preparing every matter carefully and thoroughly
- dealing with clients candidly and professionally
- keeping clients reasonably informed of material developments
- considering the legal, financial and reputational implications of each course of action
- protecting the client's interests through effective representation
Where we are
Consultations are generally by prior appointment. Please write before coming to the office.
Registration
- Registered name
- SYLVESTER AND CO. ADVOCATES
- Registration No.
- 215630776942
- Ordinance
- Business Names Ordinance (Cap. 64), Sarawak
- Registered on
- 8 July 2026
- Firm name
- Certificate S040/KCH, 11 August 2026