Our name
Shaped in Asia. Grounded in Westphalia.
The name straitly.legal reflects who we are: our mindset, our character, and the way we work.
Strait of Malacca and the “Can Lah” Mindset
The Strait of Malacca is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors and a vital artery of global trade. For our firm, this region holds particular significance. Our founder, Pascal Brinkmann, began his legal career in Singapore, spent many years in Southeast Asia, and was shaped by the markets surrounding the strait. The way business is conducted there has left a lasting influence: dynamic, pragmatic, fast, fearless – but also respectful, polite, and always ready to learn from one another. It is exactly this blend that defines “straitly.”
Westphalian Roots …
At the same time, our origin is unmistakable: Westphalia. We are as much Bielefeld as we are Singapore, as much Hamm as Kuala Lumpur.
Westphalia stands for a clear, grounded way of doing things: uncomplicated, direct, honest, helpful. The Ruhr region is synonymous with hard work, no fuss, and real talk. People deal with each other openly and reliably, without complicating things. Simply put: straight. This straightforwardness shapes our firm just as strongly as the international outlook of Southeast Asia.
Strictly legal. There is no other way.
Strictly legal reflects an attitude that is essential in emerging markets. Investors entering these environments often encounter complex administrative procedures and opaque processes and may quickly gain the impression that things must be handled “flexibly” simply because everyone else seems to do so. Such shortcuts may look tempting, but they rarely lead to success.
We believe that a business needs a stable foundation before it can grow. Especially in markets with low regulatory maturity but demanding administrative environments, a clean and structured approach pays off in the long run. That is why our principle is clear: strictly legal, no shortcuts, no grey zones. So what you build lasts.