Yusmadi Yusoff is a distinguished lawyer, public policy practitioner, and former legislator with extensive experience in criminal litigation, constitutional law, governance, public interest advocacy, and international affairs. As our Senior Partner, he leads the firm’s Criminal Defence and Strategic Litigation Practice, bringing together courtroom advocacy, policy insight, and strategic counsel developed over decades of legal and public service experience.

Widely recognised for his involvement in high-profile and complex matters, Yusmadi has represented political leaders, public officials, professionals, activists, corporations, and individuals in significant criminal, constitutional, and public interest cases before all levels of the Malaysian courts.

His litigation experience includes involvement in some of Malaysia’s most notable cases, including the landmark acquittal of the Reformasi-era Kesas Highway Assembly case involving approximately 100,000 participants, the Al Maunah arms heist and national security case, capital punishment matters under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, and various politically sensitive and public interest litigations involving constitutional liberties, governance, and abuse of power. He was also part of the legal team representing Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in facing highly contentious and politically significant criminal charges, widely regarded as among the most consequential legal and political trials in modern Malaysian history.

Apart from political and public interest litigation, Yusmadi has also represented prominent personalities and public figures from the entertainment industry, including members of the legendary Malaysian rock band Search, reflecting the breadth and diversity of his litigation practice.

Beyond legal practice, Yusmadi served as Member of Parliament for Balik Pulau and later as Senator in the Dewan Negara. During his parliamentary service, he was appointed as Special Parliamentary Advisor on Anti-Corruption by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and played an active role in debating and approving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. He was also involved in parliamentary deliberations concerning governance, financial crime, and institutional reform, including debates related to the National Financial Crime Centre framework.

Yusmadi is also active in international policy and leadership circles. He currently serves as a Member of the Consultative Council on Foreign Policy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia and is the Founder and Chairman of RIGHTS Foundation, an independent regional think tank focusing on governance, justice, leadership, and strategic dialogue.

He was awarded the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship under the Fulbright Program and completed his LL.M at the American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C., specialising in law and human rights. He is also a Democracy and Development Fellow at Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), and among the first cohort of Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellows in Public Service at the National University of Singapore.

Yusmadi is currently pursuing his PhD at the Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), focusing on cyber warfare law and national security legal frameworks. His broader professional and intellectual interests include strategic leadership, governance reform, cyber law, international affairs, and dialogue-based approaches to justice and peace.

• Former Member of Parliament for Balik Pulau
• Former Senator, Dewan Negara, Parliament of Malaysia
• Former Chairman, Senate Reform Committee
• Former Special Parliamentary Advisor on Anti-Corruption appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
• Member, Consultative Council on Foreign Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia
• Founder & Chairman, RIGHTS Foundation
• Chairman, Encorp Berhad
• Member, Board of Governors, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Yusmadi has extensive experience representing clients in complex legal disputes involving regulatory frameworks, governance issues, development matters, and public accountability.

Early in his career, he was actively involved in defending civil liberties and public interest cases during the Reformasi period in Malaysia. These experiences shaped his long-standing commitment to the rule of law and institutional integrity.

In addition to his legal practice, Yusmadi has served in senior leadership roles in Malaysia’s public institutions. He was elected as Member of Parliament for Balik Pulau (2008–2013) and later appointed as Senator in the Dewan Negara (2018–2021). During his tenure in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Reform Committee, leading initiatives aimed at strengthening parliamentary governance and legislative processes.

He currently serves as a Member of the Board of Governors of the International Islamic University Malaysia, contributing to the strategic governance and global engagement of one of the leading universities in the Muslim world.

Beyond legal practice and public service, Yusmadi is also active in corporate leadership and public policy initiatives. He is the Chairman of Encorp Berhad, a public-listed property development and investment company in Malaysia. He is also the Founder and Chairman of RIGHTS Foundation, an independent regional think tank focusing on governance, human rights, and emerging challenges in cyber governance, technology policy, and digital transformation.

• Represented individuals, corporations, and communities in complex litigation involving governance, regulatory frameworks, and development disputes.
• Acted in public interest and civil liberties cases during the Reformasi period in Malaysia, contributing to the defence of constitutional liberties and access to justice.
• Advised institutions and corporate clients on governance, regulatory and policy-related legal matters.
• Provided strategic advisory on legal issues involving public institutions and regulatory frameworks.