Gloria Catches up with Tony at Magna Carta
When someone’s name is Anthony Justice, you might assume he is destined to work in a law firm. Yet, as Tony himself will be the first to tell you, he is not a lawyer. What he does is fulfill a vital role as Director of Sales and Foreign Affairs at Magna Carta Law Firm in Pattaya. Acting as the key liaison between non-Thai-speaking clients and the firm’s legal team, Tony ensures that communication is smooth,and as he says “that everyone is on the same page.” I first interviewed Tony back in 2023 on the occasion of Magna Carta’s 20th anniversary and that interview is still available on the Expat Living page of our website, pattayatrader.com.
Now, as we sit together once again in Magna Carta’s impressive offices on South Pattaya Road, it’s clear that Tony’s position remains as essential today as it was when he first joined the firm in 2003. Having lived in Thailand for nearly 30 years,he has witnessed Pattaya’s transformation firsthand and has helped guide more than 600 clients through the ever-evolving legal landscape.Tony brings a unique perspective and extensive local knowledge to his work. Often the first point of contact for new clients, he discusses their needs before connecting them with the most suitable lawyer from Magna Carta’s team
Outside the office, Tony is a devoted family man, deeply proud of his wife and all his children, although I can’t resist asking about his daughter Helen, who recently achieved an impressive 4th place in Miss Universe Thailand. Tony beams with pride as he talks about her and also tells me about his son David, who’s followed her into the modelling world and now is a recognised actor, appearing in Thai TV dramas, including a recent vampire series.
Many Discover Pattaya readers will also recognise Tony as one of our regular contributors, writing informative articles on topics such as pre-nuptial agreements, estate administration, and other key legal issues. These can also be found online at pattayatrader.com. I asked what subjects clients are most frequently asking about lately and Tony mentions frozen bank accounts.
He’s quick to clarify that this
isn’t because “Thai banks want to take our money,” as some expats have said, but because in the past, non-Thais were sometimes able to open bank accounts using only a tourist visa, something that is actually illegal.
“The solution,” Tony explains, “is simple. If you now have a long-term visa: retirement, work permit, etc.,go to your bank and ensure they’ve updated your records. Your account will then be unfrozen. If not, you can withdraw your funds and close the account.”
Another frequent topic is nominee shareholders in foreign-owned businesses. This is a more complex issue that often requires expert help to ensure full compliance with Thai law. It is especially important now that the Department of Business Development (DBD) is actively investigating such arrangements, particularly those involving property held under company names. The importance of having a Thai also remains a constant subject of discussion. When I ask Tony about the typical cost, he tells me that in 98% of cases, it’s around 9,000 baht which I think is a remarkably small price for something so fundamentally important.
Magna Carta is a well established law firm that offers an extensive range of services, including litigation, civil, criminal, family, labour, and immigration law, as well as property conveyancing, business planning, accounting, and even the arranging of loans against property. Tony points out that some people assume because of the impressive offices and large staff that the firm will charge higher fees. However, Magna Carta have recently carried out cost comparisons that show they are extremely favourable with most other Pattaya law firms.
From my perspective, having known the Magna Carta name for as long as I’ve lived here, their reputation is exemplary and with Tony’s approachable expertise helping clients navigate Thailand’s often complex legal system, it’s easy to see why.