The 4 Most Competent Criminal Defence Lawyers in Kuala Lumpur to Help with Your Legal Issues
Kuala Lumpur is a lively city. Some say it doesn’t seem to sleep, so it’s understandable to see anything and everything happening in it.
Not all of it is good stuff, though, so to speak. And when life hits you with a lemon as heavy as a criminal charge, you’ll need the best criminal defence in Kuala Lumpur to help sort the way out of it (like your own trusty guide in a complicated escape room).
Let’s dive into the world of these defence lawyers for a bit, to find out which ones are the most driven, supportive, and skilled in their field. Read on!
How much do the services of a criminal lawyer cost in Kuala Lumpur?
One-off advice from a criminal lawyer could cost up to RM500, while full representation for criminal defence can cost between RM5,000 to north of RM30,000. The actual cost of services will ultimately depend on the severity of the matter and the actions taken by the lawyer to address it.
1. ALAN KANG & CO (AK & CO)
Location: 5.06, 5th Floor, Plaza Prima, Jalan Kelang Lama
Contact: 03-7972 7223, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Alan Kang & Co is a KL-based law firm established in 2018. Built on the core values of integrity and sincerity, we clearly see these principles in how its lawyers and staff deal with clients.
The firm handles a wide range of practice areas, focusing strongly on property-related matters. This is also where most client feedback stems from.
While AK & CO also has lawyers practicing criminal law, client feedback in this area is understandably limited. Criminal cases are sensitive matters, and most people tend to not share their experiences in public.
Nonetheless, the overall sentiment we’ve gathered about AK & CO remains positive. Clients consistently praised their timely, regular communication and their careful, detail-oriented approach to legal work.
We also appreciate how the firm takes its time in explaining legal processes in plain terms to clients, making it one of our best options for those seeking reliable legal support in the city.
Invaluable legal assistance in lawsuits
“Speechless and heartfelt gratitude.
Especially speechless thanks to Mr. Alan and Ms. Peggie, for their invaluable legal assistance in successfully settling my lawsuit case.
Mr. Alan, you have a General’s Demeanor style.”
– Allen Low, Google Review
Handled case with so much care
“Really thankful for all the help from Ms. Iwani, Ms. Lee Peggie, Mr.Alan and the team! They handled my case with so much care and got me a great outcome. They kept me in the loop all the time and gave me solid advice. Appreciate their assistance to solve my problem!”
– Edi Queh, Google Review
2. Ng Kian Nam & Partners
Location: C-6-8, Block C, Plaza Mon’t Kiara, No. 2, Jalan Kiara, Mon’t Kiara, 50480
Contact: 03-2704 7686, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Another generalist law firm that caught our attention is Ng Kian Nam & Partners, which has particular strengths in criminal law. It regularly handles remands, Section 39B offences, and AMLA matters, among other Penal Code issues.
Established in 2012, the firm has since expanded beyond KL with branches in Negeri Sembilan, Penang, and Johor, as well as an international presence through partnerships with firms in other countries.
This setup makes it a sizable operation that’s still efficient and trustworthy.
Clients we’ve talked to say that the firm’s edge goes beyond legal skills. Many appreciate the patience, humility, and empathy of its lawyers, regardless of the background of the person they’re talking to.
Even e-hailing and taxis love their service!
How the firm is today makes sense given the background of its founder, Ng Kian Nam. Before private practice, he worked as a policy researcher and public servant, which we think gave him and the firm he put up a more grounded perspective in law.
Impressive expertise and dedication
“The attorneys and staff are highly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to their clients’ needs. From my initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter, I was impressed by their expertise and dedication.”
– Tan SI Jia Nicole, Google Review
Trust them with the work
“Ng Kian Nam&associates lawyers are professional&knowlegeable. You can trust them with the work, they will help your case till the end. Lawyers of justice, will not hesitate to refer them to people who needs legal advice. Special thanks to Mr. Ng and Cindy for their professionalism, dedication and hard work. 🙏👍 …”
– Samie Zhang, Google Review
3. Messrs Goh Cia Yee
Location: 33-01, 33rd Floor, Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100
Contact: 012-223 0619, [email protected]
Business hours: 24/7
If you’re open to being represented by a young lawyer, Messrs Goh Cia Yee may be worth considering. The firm is still under five years old but is already making waves.
A British-educated Malaysian lawyer leads the practice and operates with a small team. Its sole specialisation is criminal law, which may look lacking, but is actually its strongest advantage.
That sharp focus allowed the firm to handle around 150 cases in the last three years. Clients we’ve chatted with consistently described the firm as professional and genuinely committed to their cases from start to finish.
Mr Goh Cia Yee himself is often praised for his courtroom prowess, even before tough judges. He is also known for prioritising clients’ interests before fees, which we gathered from our interviews.
Lastly, we won’t forget the firm’s business card, seemingly inspired by Monopoly’s “Get Out of Jail” card. Fitting and a little humorous, it perfectly reflects the personality and confidence of this law practice.
Even when the judge threatened his business, he stood by us
“We got the services from Mr Goh and his team for a criminal charge. The full duration of the 3 day process Mr Goh was highly supportive, making appeals, court appearances, bringing food to the detained and much more. He never asked for more money or anything during the whole process.
He was highly responsive at all hours (we first made contact at 11pm for a hearing next day at 8am), kind and informative. He did everything possible for our case the at the end got all solved in the best scenario possible. Even when the judge made personal threats to his business, he stood by us.
We highly recommend his services, could not imagine a better experience”
– Mafalda Oliveira, Google Review
Kind and just souls, much needed by the Malay Justice system
“Mr Goh represented me after I got detained at KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT during a layover for the possession of spear fishing equipment. After being detained he got a call from my wife at mid night and was in court with me at 8am the next day. He fought for my release and anticipated my hearing greatly as I would have been in lock up otherwise. When the judge denied the appeal he went didn’t hesitated in going to higher court to help me. He worked and updated my wife constantly and I was released the next day. I also worked with Mr Brian which was great and fought tirelessly for me. He strategized my defense which was a success. They were even kind enough to drive me to the airport so I could leave. Kind and just souls which are much needed in Malay Justice system. I felt everybody was playing against my case and god know what would had happened without them. I pray for you and wish you keep doing good like to did for my family 🙏”
– Pedro Videira, Google Review
4. Grace S. Nathan Advocates & Solicitors
Contact: 16-261 6727, 03-7717 4851, [email protected]
Business hours: 24/7
Grace S. Nathan is a UK-educated Malaysian lawyer who set up her own practice in 2018. It focuses primarily on criminal defence for individuals and entities.
Beyond criminal law, her firm also handles matters involving FinTech, data privacy, and immigration—somewhat similar to what a business consultant does, but better because of the added legal aspect.
Given Ms Nathan’s background and the firm’s case wins and industry opinions openly published on the firm’s website for everyone to review, we think their motto, “Where expertise meets results,” feels apt.
We truly find this level of openness reassuring, since it gives prospective clients real examples of how the firm approaches cases.
Further chats with clients also support our view. For instance, some clients even noted that the firm goes above and beyond by offering simple explanations and thoughtful advice, sometimes even to those based outside of KL.
Made a stressful criminal situation easier to manage
“Grace was exceptionally professional in handling my criminal case. They were always prompt, thorough, and clear in their communication, which made a stressful situation much easier to manage. Their expertise and dedication were evident, and I felt confident with them representing me. I highly recommend Grace to anyone in need of a top-notch criminal defense lawyer. ❤️❤️”
– Su Xian Te, Google Review
Professional, attentive, and compassionate lawyer
“I recently had the privilege of working with Grace, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. She is highly professional, attentive, and compassionate. Grace took the time to thoroughly understand my case and provided assistance in a remarkably short time-frame.
What really distinguishes Grace is her dedication. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a criminal lawyer who is both knowledgeable and deeply committed to her clients’ well-being.
Thank you, Grace and team, for your exceptional service!”
– Roshini J, Google Review