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Meet Founder

Dato' Haji Zainul Rijal Bin Abu Bakar

It is with great pleasure that I present the Chambers of Zainul Rijal (CZAR), a firm that stands as a testament to a lifelong commitment to the law and the pursuit of justice. Having founded Messrs Zainul Rijal Talha & Amir in 1996, I have witnessed the evolution of the legal landscape in Malaysia, and it is with this experience and foresight that CZAR was established in 2020.

CZAR represents a continuation of the values that have guided my career: unwavering integrity, a commitment to excellence, and a deep compassion for those we serve. We believe in upholding the highest ethical standards while providing our clients with the best possible legal representation. But more than that, we believe in a holistic approach to justice, one that recognizes the complexities of human relationships and the need for solutions that go beyond the adversarial.

Muhammad Akmal bin Abu Bakar as Managing Partner brings a fresh perspective and a dynamic energy to the firm. His dedication and keen legal mind complement our established foundation, ensuring that CZAR remains at the forefront of legal innovation.

At CZAR, we understand that the law is not merely a set of rules, but a powerful instrument for positive change. We are committed to using our expertise to serve our clients, to mentor the next generation of legal professionals, and to contribute to a more just and equitable society. We see the law differently, and we invite you to experience the difference that this vision makes.

Founder & Partner Principal

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Hallmarks of His Legal Career

His distinguished career is marked by a deep commitment to justice, a breadth of expertise, and an unwavering dedication to the legal profession.

Demonstrating his mastery of civil law and his right to represent clients in the highest courts of the land.

Expert Islamic legal counsel across Peninsular Malaysia, serving Johor, Melaka, KL, Putrajaya, Labuan, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kelantan, Pulau Pinang, and Perak with specialized Shariah jurisprudence.

Testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his vision for a modern, forward thinking legal practice.

A recipient which carries the title Dato', an honor bestowed by the Sultan of Perak in recognition of his significant contributions to society.

Regular contributor to Malaysia's prominent national newspaper, offering expert legal analysis on contemporary Shariah issues for public education.

Providing strategic guidance and Islamic legal expertise to Malaysia's premier Muslim legal association, supporting ethical advocacy within the nation's dual legal framework.

Led the prestigious association of Syarie legal practitioners in Malaysia's Federal Territories, advancing professional standards and Shariah legal excellence.

Provided national leadership for Malaysia's premier Shariah legal organization, driving professional excellence and advancing Islamic jurisprudence across the country.

Led Malaysia's principal Muslim legal organization, enhancing professional standards and advocating for Islamic jurisprudence in Malaysia's legal landscape.

Contributed expert guidance in harmonizing Malaysia's dual legal system, shaping national legal policy and legislative frameworks.

Helped develop and refine procedural frameworks for Malaysia's Shariah courts across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring judicial efficacy.

Professionally qualified to facilitate dialogue and guide disputing parties toward mutually beneficial resolutions within Islamic legal contexts.

Specialized in reconciling differences through structured dialogue, with particular expertise in family and matrimonial dispute resolution.

Authorized to render binding decisions in disputes, combining Shariah principles with international best practices in alternative dispute resolution.

Leading expert developing Malaysia's next generation of dispute resolution professionals through comprehensive training programs.

Serves in advisory capacity to Malaysia's national emergency response organization, bridging legal expertise with civil defense initiatives.

International legal consultant providing expertise to Thailand in developing Shariah judicial frameworks based on Malaysian best practices.

Expert Witness and International Speaker

Globally recognized legal authority serving as expert witness in European and Commonwealth courts while delivering influential presentations at prestigious conferences across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Dato' Zainul Rijal's expertise is recognized internationally.

He has served as an expert witness in courts in Australia, Denmark, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. He is also a sought-after speaker, having presented papers in various countries including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and the United States.

Academic Leadership

Appointed Adjunct Professor at Multimedia University while serving on the Advisory Council for multiple law faculties and as Industry Advisor across six prominent Malaysian universities. Active member of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP).

Providing strategic guidance on religious and legal matters affecting Malaysia's capital region. These distinguished appointments highlight a career dedicated to advancing legal education, shaping policy, and establishing the foundational expertise that drives CZAR's commitment to excellence in legal practice.