“He is outstanding, forthright and can turn things around quickly. He comes back with studied and considered advice and recommendations, and his analysis is first class.” – Chambers Asia-Pacific
Jonathan heads the top-ranked Commercial Litigation and Employment (Disputes) Practices at Rajah & Tann Singapore.
He is recognised as a Distinguished Practitioner by asialaw, a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation and is also ranked as a leading lawyer for Employment by Chambers Asia-Pacific and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
Chambers Asia-Pacific describes him as “outstanding, forthright“, “a joy to work with, with an immediate grasp of the issues, and depth of knowledge and expertise“, “not just good technically, he is also very savvy and understands international companies” while The Legal 500 Asia Pacific describes him as “a leader in his field of work“, someone who “deeply understands our business and that enables us to receive very quick yet targeted advice…his business acumen is what truly sets him apart from the crowd” and “has a strong record defending corporate clients in disputes.”
Clients say that he is “very perceptive and quick to understand our issues“, “very practical and responsive in relation to urgent work“, “sharp, thorough and solution-driven” and “someone you want on your side in a dispute“.
With over two decades of experience, he has successfully led and conducted trials in the State Courts and High Court as well as succeeding before the Court of Appeal.
Jonathan has an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business and was trained in negotiation at Harvard Law School. He is qualified as a Certified Mediator, the highest level of certification from the Singapore International Mediation Centre as well as with the International Mediation Institute.
EXPERIENCE
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Investment/Shareholder Litigation
Jonathan advises and represents clients in complex corporate disputes arising from M&A, management buy-outs, joint ventures, partnerships, investments, fund-raising and divestments. Jonathan represents institutional investors and private equity firms to identify and mitigate commercial and litigation risk in the course of fund-raising, deployment, process and leadership change management in target and portfolio companies and fund exit; and advises and acts for clients at commercial and contentious negotiations at all stages of the investment cycle — from angel/venture investments, to growth equity and to investments in distressed assets. He acts in matters relating to oppression of shareholders, shareholders’ disputes, breach of directors’ duties, negligence, fraud, conspiracy, misrepresentation, defamation and breach of contract.
Employment & Benefits Advisory and Litigation
Jonathan represents and advises employers and C-Suite/management level employees and stakeholders in a wide spectrum of employment matters, from engaging with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF) in respect of offences, employee complaints and investigations, to defending against claims made under the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) framework, hearings at the Employment Claims Tribunal (ECT), investigations pursuant to the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) and employment related claims in the State Courts and High Court. He also often acts for employers in negotiating with trade unions and statutory authorities.
He advises on the enforceability and breaches of non-solicitation, non-competition clauses and confidentiality agreements, and disputes relating to constructive dismissal, breach of employee obligations of loyalty and fidelity, unauthorised use or exfiltration of employer’s proprietary and confidential information, diversion of corporate opportunities, claw-back of salary, bonus, commissions and stock options.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Start-ups; Simplified Legal Solutions
Jonathan heads the firm’s Legal Basix practice which provides baseline and growth-stage legal advice, representation and documentation to businesses, from emerging enterprises, start-ups and SMEs to high growth companies by leveraging on the deep expertise and experience of Rajah & Tann’s many proven, industry-leading practice groups. He has been a finals judge of the OCBC Emerging Enterprise Awards since 2018.
MEMBERSHIPS / DIRECTORSHIPS
- Executive Committee, SAFRA Toa Payoh (2023 – 2025)
- Complaints Committee, Singapore Medical Council (2023 – 2025)
- Board of Directors & Audit Committee Chairman, Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (2013 – 2022)
- Governor, Anglo-Chinese School Board of Governors (2020 – 2022)
- Teaching Fellow, Singapore Institute of Legal Education (2007 – 2022)
- Member, Anglo-Chinese School Old Boys’ Association Management Committee (2012 – 2022)
- Board of Directors & Audit Committee Member, Civil Service College, Public Service Division, Prime Minister’s Office (2011 – 2013)
- Member, Law Society of Singapore Inquiry Committee
