Papan Charoenpao

After graduating from Kent Law School, Papan Charoenpao completed an LLM at Cornell University before beginning his legal career at Baker McKenzie. He is now a Partner at PDLegal, where he leads the Bangkok office in driving innovative solutions in an evolving market. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After earning my LLB from the University of Kent, I pursued an LLM at Cornell University, where I deepened my expertise in corporate and finance related areas of law.

I began my professional career at Baker McKenzie’s Bangkok office in the Capital Markets practice group. Over seven years with the company I worked on public mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and security law matters before transitioning to focus on Fintech, Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Tax Structuring practices.

My diverse experience culminated in achieving my role as Partner at PDLegal, where I now lead the Bangkok office in continuing to drive innovative legal solutions in an evolving market.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My typical workday begins by reviewing emails and prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance. Mornings are often filled with client meetings, with a significant portion of my day spent working on strategies and deliverables.

The afternoon may involve collaborating with my team on specific cases or leading training sessions with junior lawyers. I also allocate time for business development activities such as attending industry networking events and reaching out to potential clients.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the most significant highlights of my career was the privilege of being able to lead complex transactions in a high volume during my time at Baker McKenzie.

The long hours were all worth it in the end and the experience enabled me to build an extensive knowledge base across multiple jurisdictions and practices. The work required a deep understanding of legal and business nuances and provided me with the opportunity to work alongside esteemed colleagues and business owners/founders as clients.

Additionally, moving to my current role as a Partner at PDLegal has been a transformative experience. Watching my colleagues thrive and contribute to our clients success has been incredibly rewarding

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent was instrumental in shaping my career. The LLB program opened my eyes to the world of law and provided me with a strong foundational understanding. The emphasis on critical thinking and the analytical skills I honed were particularly beneficial in preparing me for the complexities of legal work in a global context.

I met and was under the pupillage of a number of great professors and lecturers whilst at Kent and I still firmly recall their teachings and ideologies in practice today.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

My key piece of advice for current and prospective students looking to enter the legal field, is to cultivate a strong foundation in both legal principles and business acumen.

It is also important to seek out internships and practical experiences as early as possible. These opportunities will provide invaluable insights into the workings of the legal industry and help you build a professional network.

Finally, the legal landscape is constantly evolving so being open to learning and embracing new technologies will set you apart in your career. Always stay curious and adaptable.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I was involved with the Kent Thai Society and served as President in my final year. I was also involved with the Golf Team.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

The friendship that I made whilst at Kent were a blessing.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Play more golf. I’d also have liked to get involved in other extra-curricular activities. I think at times I hesitated due to academic endeavours, but in retrospect, I could have done more.

But mostly, I’d play more golf!

What are your future ambitions?

I aspire to mentor the next generation of legal professionals. I want to share my experiences and insights to help them navigate their own careers successfully.

I also hope to contribute to thought leadership in the industry in Thailand to equip business owners to be able to grow their business internationally.