Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako is a professional law partnership based in the Philippines. Founded during the American colonial period in 1901 by two American lawyers, Charles Cohn and John Hausserman, it is the oldest law firm in the country.
The firm name reflects a long and proud history. The firm was associated with the New York City law firm Coudert Brothers from 1903 to 1907, until it merged with the Ortigas and Fisher law partnership. Mr. Hausserman later went on to found Benguet Consolidated, the pioneer in Philippine gold mining, and Mr. Fisher became a justice in the Philippine Supreme Court. Messrs. Kincaid and Perkins joined the partnership in 1923, followed shortly by Mr. Dewitt and Brady. The first Filipino partner, Alfonso Ponce Enrile - one of the most noted trial lawyers of his time - was admitted in 1936.
Leonardo Siguion Reyna and Manuel G. Montecillo became partners in 1948; both are two of the most senior practicing lawyers in the country today. Oscar R. Ongsiako passed away in 1995, and the third general partner, Romarie G. Villonco, assumed his place in 1996.
At present, the firm consists of 49 experienced lawyers (27 partners and 22 Associates) handling an extensive general practice in corporate and commercial law, labor and employment law, civil/corporate/labor/criminal litigation, banking, securities, insurance, intellectual property, tax, product liability, commercial real estate transactions, computer and internet law, aviation and maritime law.
The firm's expertise comes from having dealt with a wide range of clients and the legal challenges facing them. With a solid domestic client base consisting of the Philippines’ largest corporations as well as some of its most eminent individuals and families, the firm represents clients from all over the world. The firm counts many Fortune 500 companies from the United States, Canada, Europe (primarily the UK, Germany, Sweden and Italy), Japan and Southeast Asia (primarily Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong) among its international clients, together with a majority of the Philippines’ Top 200 corporations. The firm's clients have interests in various industries, including airlines, international banks, manufacturers, telecommunication companies, media, and power and utility companies.
Philippines
