Jirawat Leelawanich

Profile SummaryLeelawanich, an administrative lawyer in thailand, serves as Principal Counsel at JIRAWAT & ASSOCIATES LAW OFFICE (now operating under the trading name J&A International Law), where he specialises in administrative law, public‑sector litigation and related white‑collar matters. The firm provides one‑stop legal support for Thai and international clients, combining court representation, regulatory counselling, licensing assistance and enforcement proceedings. Leelawanich is recognised across independent legal networks for his depth of experience in disputes involving government agencies and regulatory enforcement. This profile reflects recent developments over the past year while preserving the approved structure.Recent Developments & RecognitionOver the past year, Leelawanich has been appointed by Global Law Experts as Thailand’s exclusive Recommended Administrative Law Lawyer, and has contributed thought leadership on administrative reform and judicial review. In January 2026, Leelawanich joined IR Global as the network’s Thailand member, specialising in white‑collar crime and strengthening cross‑border regulatory and criminal referrals. The firm has also restructured its client‑facing offerings under the J&A International Law name to reflect its regional service model and partner network.Experience & SpecialtyThe firm delivers comprehensive legal services across court representation, legal advice, licensing assistance, demand letters and judgment enforcement. The team is committed to rigorous legal research and persuasive advocacy, supported by experienced paralegals, to secure high‑quality outcomes for clients. Leelawanich leads a client‑centred practice built on professionalism, integrity and teamwork, serving corporate clients, investors and individuals facing regulatory or administrative challenges. Leelawanich's practice encompasses Administrative Law and Public Sector Litigation, including administrative orders, public procurement disputes, official‑liability claims and licence refusals or cancellations. His work also covers sophisticated white‑collar defence, AMLO matters, anti‑corruption investigations and corporate internal investigations.Professional Background & CredentialsLeelawanich holds an LL.B. (Hons) from the Faculty of Law, Ramkhamhaeng University; an LL.M. (Merit) in International Human Rights and an LL.M. in Criminal Justice and Human Rights from the University of Aberdeen; is a Thai Barrister‑at‑Law and holds a practising lawyer licence with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. He has completed specialised training in Administrative Law and Administrative Court Procedure through the Foundation for Research and Development of Administrative Justice, underpinning his litigation and regulatory practice across Thailand.What Sets Him Apart as an Administrative Lawyer in ThailandLeelawanich, as an administrative lawyer in thailand, combines Administrative Court experience with practical transactional and compliance skills. He is routinely engaged to: challenge unlawful administrative orders, pursue damages against state officials, defend clients in administrative contract terminations and concessions disputes, and manage multi‑agency licensing and enforcement actions. His fluency in English and Thai enables clear bilingual pleadings and client communications for foreign investors and multinational clients. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach—integrating administrative litigation, criminal defence & regulatory compliance—enables anticipation of enforcement outcomes, pragmatic mitigation, and, where possible, negotiated administrative remedies. This integrated capability is particularly valuable where licensing, criminal exposure and commercial continuity intersect.Representative Matter Types & Sectors ServedTypical matter types include administrative appeals and judicial review claims, procurement and public contract disputes, licence applications and revocations (including foreign business and industry licences), enforcement actions under AMLO and related statutes, and official‑liability litigation. The firm serves clients in manufacturing, hospitality, real estate and infrastructure, as well as financial services and international trading businesses that require careful coordination between regulatory compliance and business operations.Context: Administrative Law in ThailandThailand’s administrative landscape is undergoing reform, characterised by multi‑agency licensing, evolving ministerial regulations and an expanding body of Administrative Court jurisprudence. Recent policy initiatives and draft reforms aim to streamline licensing in certain sectors, but they also raise questions about timelines, lead‑agency authority and grounds for refusal. These developments underscore the importance of engaging a specialist administrative lawyer in thailand early to preserve remedies and meet statutory time limits.Approach & Client ServiceClients can expect partner‑led ownership, with bilingual documentation where required. The firm emphasises clear scoping, early risk analysis, and a practical strategy balancing litigation, negotiation and regulatory engagement. Fee proposals are transparent after an initial assessment and can be structured on a fixed‑fee or hourly basis, depending on the matter and client preference.Publications, Speaking & Network ActivityIn the past year Leelawanich has contributed to Global Law Experts on judicial review and licensing reform, and remains active in professional networks supporting cross‑border referrals in administrative and white‑collar matters. These engagements reflect a commitment to elevating practice standards and advising clients on how regulatory change affects commercial operations.Languages & AdmissionsLanguages: Thai and English. Admissions: Barrister‑at‑Law (Thai Bar Association under the Royal Patronage) and practising lawyer licence, Lawyers Council of Thailand under the Royal Patronage. The firm is registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand and maintains appropriate professional registration for practice.Why Instruct an Administrative Lawyer in ThailandSpecialist administrative counsel is essential where government decisions affect business licences, procurement awards, public contracts or where enforcement carries criminal or financial risk. Leelawanich’s combination of Administrative Court practice, white‑collar defence experience and international network membership positions him to advise clients comprehensively and to manage matters that straddle public‑law and criminal/regulatory domains.