As part of Law.com’s “How I Made It” series, Friven Yeoh, head of Skadden’s International Litigation and Arbitration Group in Asia, discussed his experience working in international arbitration, key priorities for the practice area and qualities that drive success as a practice leader.
In describing what drew him to international arbitration, Mr. Yeoh shared his interest in the way that law, strategy and global dynamics intersected with each other and the cross-border nature of legal disputes. “I was fascinated by how legal disputes transcended borders—it isn’t just about applying the law—it is about understanding different legal cultures, languages, and how businesses navigate complex legal frameworks in multiple jurisdictions,” he said. He also noted some key priorities for his practice area, including delivering exceptional client service, building deep sector knowledge and understanding market trends, collaborating across practice areas, and focusing on innovation and efficiency.
In addition, Mr. Yeoh detailed his path to becoming a practice leader and shared insights into which skill sets are essential to be an effective practice leader, including strategic thinking, strong communication and leadership abilities and an understanding of your practice’s performance.
Reflecting on his role, Mr. Yeoh offered advice for others looking to become practice leaders: “Leadership isn’t something that suddenly begins with a formal role—it’s built over time through how you take initiative, support your colleagues, manage relationships, and approach your work.”
Read the Q&A: “How I Made Practice Group Chair: ‘Delegation and Trust in Your Team Are Critical,’ Says Friven Yeoh of Skadden,” August 29, 2025.