Bagus SD Nur Buwono: Solving Client’s Legal Issues Since Inception

Bagus Enrico & Partners, or BE Partners, is a boutique law firm that caters to domestic and international clients alike. The firm is made up of a collection of prominent individuals duly recognized for their expertise and professional experiences in handling various notable transactions in Indonesia. As a law firm, Bagus Enrico & Partners has received numerous accolades including being recognized as one of the leading law firms in Asia. The firm’s practice covers areas such as corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, technology media and telecommunications, insurance, energy and natural resources, construction, and litigation among others.

Bagus SD Nur Buwono is a founding partner of BE Partners. He has more than 25 years of experience in advisory works, spanning multinationals and domestic cross-border transactions, acquisitions, banking & finance, construction, energy & natural resources, and general corporate/commercial matters across different sectors throughout Indonesia. Bagus wanted to start a firm with the right idealism and purpose, to create a working environment that puts clients first, and be a safe space for young talent to develop. Teaching is a very pivotal aspect for him as a lawyer, so apart from mentoring the lawyers at the firm, he also lectures at universities, and teaches company law to share knowledge on current issues along with, the legal theories behind it for a more practical approach in applying their knowledge as lawyers.

The Spark

Bagus says, “I was inspired by this film I saw back in the day about a wrongfully convicted inmate who went on to study law remotely from prison and ended up defending himself until he was rightfully exonerated.”

Bagus believes that everyone should have access to proper legal representation, and in turn, make informed decisions on how to proceed with whatever issue they may face. He initially wanted to become a litigator and to defend the weak and marginalized, but considering the political and social climate at the time and how uncertain the justice system was, made it was impossible to go very far in terms of practicing within that area of law in an imperfect democracy. So, Bagus decided to switchgear and do corporate law instead but still to fight for his clients and provide the best possible solution for them, just from a different perspective. He also worked as an in house counsel and intended to keep doing so, but at one point in his career, Bagus sat down and had a think about whether he wanted to stay in this corporate system where everything was set and everyone did their tasks or if Bagus wanted to go out and start his firm – the latter option struck a nerve and that was what sparked the beginning of BE Partners.

Satisfied Clientele

BE Partners’ clientele mostly consists of corporate clients, both local and multinational. The firm always strives to go beyond just the legality of things and consult its clients in a variety of aspects; BE Partners advises and helps its clients develop and grow their business long term.

As a law firm, BE Partners always approaches its clients’ problems from a business perspective. Bagus and his colleagues at the firm put themselves in their client’s shoes and try to solve their problems in a way that mitigates risk and promotes efficiency. Bagus feels, he and his colleagues as lawyers should pave the way for their clients to move forward, not hinder their paths to growth and expansion. The firm walks hand in hand with its clients and goes beyond just legal services.

A People-Oriented Firm

BE Partners is a people-oriented firm and has seen lawyers come and go over the years, but as the founding partner of the firm, Bagus is very proud of the growth and level of professionalism that they take with them when they decide to pursue other passions. BE Partners trains its people and nurtures them to become the best that they can be, the firm is a teaching firm most of all and it is very proud of its alumni and their contributions to society wherever they may be today.

Bagus says, “I am also very proud of the reception our firm has had over the past few years, being an internationally recognized firm and recommended by our overseas partners as one of the top legal firms in Asia which is also reflected in our rankings. It shows that our work makes an impact and that we are moving in the right direction as a firm.”

Note to Younger self

Bagus believes, nothing in this world is constant; business conditions and circumstances are always changing. Plans change and we have to adapt with the times, things are never perfect but the courage to move forward means that we progress instead of just staying still.

When we requested Bagus to provide some tips for young entrepreneurs, he suggests Just go for it, give it all you’ve got and let it fall into place. Regardless of how much control you think you have; things will always take their course. Prepare as best you can, plan as best you can, but don’t be so stuck in your ways that you’re not able to redirect and take the necessary steps to move forward.