Chambers Asia Pacific (2015)
Asia Pacific Region – Arbitration (International) - Band 3
What the team is known for
Has a strong base in Singapore and can call on a comprehensive network of offices in the region to provide a pan-Asia service. Handles high-value matters and is particularly respected for conducting disputes emanating from a broad range of sectors, including construction, infrastructure, TMT and energy, plus bilateral investment treaty issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They have a very large number of arbitrations and seem to be able to build their team quickly. A dedicated arbitration group."
Notable practitioners
Singapore-based Andre Yeap heads the team.
Banking & Finance - Band 3
Ranked Lawyers: Angela Lim - Band 2, Terence Choo - Band 3, Sey Ming Ng - Band 4, Regina Liew (Banking & Finance – Regulatory) - Band 1
Basic facts about the department
- 8 partners
- 4 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Advises on a broad range of banking and finance transactions. Clients benefit from the firm's strong presence across the region, which furthers the team's ability to handle cross-border matters in jurisdictions such as Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, China and Malaysia.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The partners are experienced, well versed in their area of speciality, and able to provide practical advice."
"They are commercially minded in negotiations."
Work highlights
Advised DBS Bank, OCBC, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ as original lenders and mandated lead arrangers on the SGD2.6 billion refinancing of Senoko Energy.
Advised borrower Mapletree Greater China Commercial Trust on a HKD12.15 billion syndicated loan for the purpose of financing its acquisition of Festival Mall.
Notable practitioners
Angela Lim is praised by clients, one of whom highlights that "she's very responsive and detailed, and the quality of her work is very consistent." Recent work includes advising Mapletree Greater China Commercial Trust on a HKD12.15 billion syndicated loan.
Terence Choo is well regarded for his work in acquisition, project and real estate finance. Recently he acted for a syndicate of banks on the refinancing of Senoko Energy's existing debt.
Ng Sey Ming handles a range of banking and finance work, and is experienced in cross-border transactions, particularly those involving Indonesia. He is described by a source as being "extremely commercial" and "very diligent." Recent work includes advising borrowers China Minzhong Food Corporation on a secured term loan facility.
Regina Liew is well known for her financial services practice, advising major banks and financial institutions on licensing and regulatory matters. Market sources appreciate that she is "prepared to take a view" when giving advice, and commend her strong commercial awareness.
Significant clients
United Overseas Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB, ABN AMRO Bank.
Capital Markets - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Chia Kim Huat - Band 2, Evelyn Wee - Band 3, Danny Lim - Band 4
Basic facts about the department
- 18 partners
- 16 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Well-regarded team with impressive ability to handle cross-border transactions thanks to the firm's expanding network of offices, covering jurisdictions such as Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Highly experienced in advising on IPOs, MTN programmes and rights issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team's work is fantastic - they are very attentive and the turnaround of their response is very prompt."
"A reputable law firm with vast experience."
Work highlights
Represented Gallant Venture in a SGD676 million rights issue to fund the takeover of an Indonesian corporate.
Advised GLL IHT as issuer and GuocoLand as guarantor of a SGD3 billion multicurrency MTN programme and perpetual securities programme.
Advised United Engineers on a SGD490 million rights issue for the purpose of funding a takeover bid for WBL.
Notable practitioners
Regional head of corporate Chia Kim Huat wins praise for his experience in advising clients on IPOs and is particularly known for his work with PRC clients. One source says that he is "very sound technically," as well as being "very commercial," while another appreciates his "good project-management skills."
Danny Lim is noted as a "very professional and technical" practitioner. He often works with clients on Singapore IPOs and follow on offerings. Recently, he co-led as Singapore counsel to the guarantor of USD400 million senior capital securities.
Head of capital markets Evelyn Wee is highlighted for her ability to undertake a range of work, including IPOs, REIT-related matters, private equity and M&A. Clients describe her as someone who will always make an "extra effort" in transactions.
Significant clients
OCBC, United Engineers, KMP Private, CIMB, China Minzhong Food Corporation.
Competition/Antitrust - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Kala Anandarajah - Band 1
Basic facts about the department
- 5 partners
- 7 other qualified lawyers
- 1 economist
What the team is known for
Maintains a strong track record in merger notifications and CCS investigations. Offers regional expertise as well as experience of the European regime.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"It impressed us that they were able to synchronise with our requirements and keep pace with our aggressive timelines."
"They were well-versed in antitrust and knowledgeable about the region. They were able to come back to us quickly with very sound advice."
"They give advice that is very much attuned to changes in the business landscape and the client's industry."
What's new?
New clients include Media Development Authority, Samsung and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Work highlights
Acted for Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages during its investigation by the CCS for alleged anti-competitive clauses in its distribution agreements.
Assisted Quantas Airways in gaining approval from the CCS for its co-ordination agreement with Emirates.
Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah is known for her "wealth of knowledge" in behavioural and transactional matters. An interviewee described her as "one of the few practitioners who is truly at the cutting edge of Singaporean competition law."
Significant clients
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Singapore Airlines, United Overseas Bank, Holcim, Fresenius Medical Care.
Construction – Ranked Lawyers: Soh Lip San - Band 2
Soh Lip San of Rajah & Tann LLP regularly acts in a range of construction and energy disputes. A highlight saw him act for a party in arbitral proceedings related to an open-mouth mine project. He also represented a Chinese group in a dispute pertaining to the construction of a petrochemical facility in Shanghai, where claim values exceeded USD20 million.
Corporate/M&A- Band 2
Basic facts about the department
- 28 partners
- 24 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Offers expertise in high-value public and private M&A, with a strong track record on public takeovers. Recognised for its impressive capability to handle cross-border transactions, aided by the firm's network of offices across Asia.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Responsive, clever, sound and practical."
"Very hard working."
What's new?
In the third quarter of 2014, the firm launched legal alliance Rajah & Tann Asia, which connects eight firms across South-East Asia.
Work highlights
Advised Gallant Venture on its SGD1.6 billion acquisition of Indomobil Sukses Internasional, and on a SGD676 million rights issue to fund the takeover.
Advised United Engineers in its SGD780 million acquisition of WBL.
Advised New Oceana on its SGD1.37 billion voluntary conditional offer for People's Food Holding.
Significant clients
OCBC, AXA Singapore, Great Eastern Holdings, GuocoLand, CIMB Bank.
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 2
Basic facts about the department
- 11 partners
- 12 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Substantial, long-established bench, respected for its dedicated focus, active in matters originating across the region, including many arbitrated in Europe. Core expertise in public international law (PIL), construction, energy and resources, hospitality and telecommunications, readily supplemented for other business sectors by specialists from the firm's other practice areas.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"One of the best Singapore-based capabilities, with a consistent, quality product - and now developing an interesting and ambitious South-East Asian network."
"A formidable, experienced bunch of people, comprising a well-rounded practice."
What's new?
Avinash Pradhan was made a partner through an internal promotion.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC heads the practice.
Dispute Resolution: Litigation – Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Eng Beng Lee SC - Band 1, Andre Yeap SC - Band 2, Francis Xavier SC - Band 2
Basic facts about the department
- 20 partners
- 42 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Has a substantial international clientele and a network of law firms across Asia. Acts for blue-chip corporate clients, banks and other financial institutions in complex, high-value commercial and financial disputes, including many litigated at Supreme Court level.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Very competent lawyers with a good grasp of the law and commercial realities."
"One of the hard-hitters."
What's new?
Jonathan Yuen and Vikram Nair joined the commercial litigation team as partners through lateral hires.
Work highlights
Represented the liquidators of MF Global Singapore in complex proceedings concerning the extent to which its former customers can claim unpaid profits generated by principal-to-principal transactions. The case is of considerable significance with regard to the future treatment of segregated funds under Singaporean law.
Acted for one of the principal parties in a USD750 million joint venture dispute concerning a coal upgrading plant project in Indonesia. This complex, cross-border matter involved both an original action and a counterclaim in Singapore and related proceedings in Western Australia.
Notable practitioners
Managing partner Lee Eng Beng SC is an insolvency specialist with a growing practice in private client disputes. Clients describe him as an "excellent practitioner with good advocacy skills," and he is regarded by peers as one of their most "widely respected" competitors.
Head of the regional disputes practice, Francis Xavier SC is recognised as an "excellent lawyer." He recently represented the original claimants in an Indonesian coal upgrading plant dispute with multi-jurisdictional elements, including concurrent Australian litigation.
Andre Yeap SC focuses on insolvency disputes and is viewed as a busy and effective litigator. He recently acted for the liquidators of MF Global Singapore in a landmark case concerning principal-to-principal transactions and segregated funds.
Mohammed Reza is described by sources as "very smart and capable" and is best known as a specialist in commercial and banking litigation. He recently represented the defendants in a civil fraud case, complicated by the fact that parallel criminal proceedings were underway in Indonesia.
Significant clients
AXA, Bank Julius Baer & Co, BNP Paribas, China Construction Bank, Commerzbank.
Employment - Band 1
What the team is known for
Large team with recognised strength in contentious employment mandates. Active in non-contentious work, including the drafting of employment policies, advising on executive compensation arrangements, and handling the employment aspects of corporate transactions.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"I'm very impressed by their advice and the way they navigate issues."
"They put their advice in layman's terms, and made it very easy to understand."
What's new?
Cindy Seah was promoted to the partnership.
Work highlights
Advised the Provisional Liquidators of MF Global Singapore on employment issues arising out of the collapse of the MF Global Group. This involved the potential transfer of more than 300 employees as part of the sale of the business, and claims made by former traders for the payment of large bonuses.
Advised AstraZeneca on the Singapore employment aspects of their acquisition of business assets from Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Notable practitioners
Francis Xavier SC and Desmond Wee lead the department.
Significant clients
A. Menarini IFR, Unicos Partners, Robert Walters, Julius Baer, Thomson Reuters.
Gaming & Gambling - Asia-Pacific Region - Other Notable Practitioner – Lau Kok Keng
Insurance - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Simon Goh - Band 1, Elaine Tay - Band 3
Basic facts about the department
- 6 partners
- 6 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Has a long-standing reputation in this space and acts for a large client portfolio of insurers. Experienced in representing local and international insurance groups before the courts in disputed issues, and in policy development and transactional issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Well recognised in Singapore for handling regulatory insurance matters."
"Technically very sound; they obviously understand what they are talking about."
Work highlights
Represented the UK P&I Club in the establishment of its new Singapore office, obtaining a marine mutual insurer licence and approval for a scheme of transfer in relation to its marine insurance business.
Defended MSIG Insurance (Singapore) in a property damage and business interruption case, with losses amounting to more than SGD10 million in the High Court.
Notable practitioners
The "very commercially minded" Simon Goh moves into the top band following a wealth of praise from key clients. Market commentators point out his impressive knowledge of the regulatory framework: "He's got a good understanding of what regulators want to see." He is also experienced in handling disputes, recently representing United Overseas Insurance in a subrogated recovery action in the High Court.
Elaine Tay is lauded for her straightforward and balanced approach in handling contentious insurance matters. Recent work highlights include defending MSIG Insurance (Singapore) against property damage and business interruption-related losses.
Significant clients
Tokio Marine Insurance Singapore, QBE, China Taiping Insurance (Singapore), Great Eastern Life Assurance, ACE.
Intellectual Property - Band 3
Basic facts about the department
- 3 partners
- 4 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Wide-ranging practice with expertise in contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Regular advisers to clients in the entertainment, IT, sports, gaming and media industries. Increasingly involved in patent litigation.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Very professional, competent and timely. We have not had any negative experience with them, nor have they ever failed to meet our expectations."
"The team is excellent; I found the team to be efficient and very effective in my experience. They always provided sound advice on the best course of action."
Work highlights
Defended Verizon Global in a trade mark infringement claim brought by Verizon Communications, which related to the client's company and domain names as well as the mark 'Verizon'.
Notable practitioners
Partner Lau Kok Keng heads the IP department.
Significant clients
Lenovo Singapore, Taiyo Seiki Iron Works, ST Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong, Adobe Systems.
Investment Funds - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Arnold Tan - Band 1, Anne Yeo - Band 3, Lu Yueh Leong - Up and Coming
Basic facts about the department
- 5 partners
- 5 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
An established name in the market, especially recognised for advising clients on the formation and operation of private investment funds. Noteworthy regulatory practice that represents fund mangers in licensing issues and advises on relevant developments in Singaporean law.
What's new?
Value Partners Asset Management (Singapore) is among the firm's latest client gains.
Work highlights
Advised RV Capital Management on the formation of a US feeder fund.
Notable practitioners
Arnold Tan is a trusted adviser to a multitude of fund managers, who endorse him as "a perfect choice - the top of the recommendation list." In addition to his "wealth of experience" in this area, sources state: "He is very commercial, knows the regulatory side well, and can tell you what you can or cannot do."
Anne Yeo is highlighted by market commentators for her specialism in offshore funds and has handled a number of significant launches over the past year. She is appreciated by clients for her clear explanations on the impact of regulatory changes.
The "excellent" Leong Lu Yueh advises fund managers on regulatory and compliance issues. Interviewees praise her "knowledge of regulations" and her grasp on the impact of legislative developments on fund management.
Significant clients
Maybank Asset Management Singapore, Havenport Asset Management, Tahan Capital Management, BlueCrest Capital Management (Singapore), Whitefield Capital Management.
Private Client/Wealth Management - Band 1
Basic facts about the department
- 7 partners
- 5 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Provides a well-rounded service for private clients seeking Singapore law advice on estate, tax and trust structuring, business succession planning and immigration. Also houses a strong dispute resolution offering.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They have thoroughness and efficiency, and are economically and commercially sensible."
"They give very practical advice, and are very tuned into the market and current practices."
Work highlights
Advising an individual on their position as trustee and executrix of their father's estate following a SGD200 million claim on the assets of the estate by the trustee's siblings.
Projects & Energy - Band 1
Ranked Lawyer: Shemane Chan - Band 2
Basic facts about the department
- 11 partners
- 12 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
An enhanced offering across the region, through a recently augmented presence in key South-East Asian countries. Demonstrates significant capabilities in respect of international projects, advising a range of clients in different industries and in relation to projects in varying jurisdictions, including Malaysia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"R&T performed an excellent job and did well in negotiating the agreement."
"Professional and swift in responding."
"Very well experienced in the sector."
Work highlights
Advised the selected bidder for the development, financing and operation of build-operate-transfer airport projects in Vanuatu. The concession agreement for the project is valued at approximately USD350 million.
Acted for Phu Bia Mining in negotiating transport contracts pertaining to copper ore mines in Laos. Contracts cover subcontracting and pricing and have significant cross-border elements in relation to Thai and Vietnamese ports.
Notable practitioners
"Great communicator" Shemane Chan has a rapidly growing profile in project development and significant experience in acting on major regional projects. She recently advised Panca Amara Utama on the development and financing of a USD750 million ammonia plant. One source enthused: "Shemane is a very intelligent lawyer who thinks through the myriad aspects of the project and drafts the agreement accordingly to best protect her clients."
Significant clients
Thiess Contractors, Downer Engineering, PEC, T-Systems Singapore, Obayashi.
Restructuring/Insolvency - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Eng Beng Lee SC - Band 1, Patrick Ang - Band 1, Lionel Tay - Band 2, Kwan Kiat Sim - Band 3
Basic facts about the department
- 16 partners
- 13 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Pre-eminent practice with a strong ability to undertake work across South-East Asia thanks to an expanding network of regional offices. Frequently handles both contentious and non-contentious work, with sector specialisms spanning the shipping, aviation and financial industries. Increasingly active on maritime insolvency cases.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Very decisive and capable. They have a strong history in terms of R&I; I think they're head and shoulders above others."
"One thing that sets them apart, really, is that they're very commercial with regards to challenging issues."
Work highlights
Advising liquidators on ongoing matters pertaining to the insolvency of Lehman Brothers in Asia. This has included handling the winding-down and disposal of various assets, as well as managing disputes with external parties.
Acting for the bank lenders on the restructuring of a USD480 million loan granted to FSL Trust Management, the trustee-managers of First Ship Lease Trust.
Notable practitioners
Deputy managing partner Patrick Ang has 20 years' experience acting for shareholders, receivers, judicial managers and creditors on a range of international matters. He continues to advise liquidators on various matters arising from the insolvency of Lehman Brothers, including disputes and disposal of assets. Clients describe him as "friendly, persuasive and excellent at working with creditors on schemes of arrangement." One particularly impressed interviewee cited him as "a real guru in the restructuring space; he has a holistic approach, offering a very sound legal assessment and looking at matters commercially."
Managing partner Lee Eng Beng advised on the Singaporean aspects of the multi-jurisdictional restructuring of TT International. This has involved handling debts totalling between SGD400 and 500 million. One source noted that he is "a very impressive practitioner; commercially and academically he is in the upper echelons."
Lionel Tay has been active in this area for 24 years now, and is regularly instructed by major Singaporean financial institutions, plus international accounting firms and listed companies. He is currently advising PwC on its investigations into major accounting discrepancies at Sinopipe Holdings.
Sim Kwan Kiat is the head of the business finance and insolvency practice. He is currently active on a number of matters, including the ongoing work for the liquidators of MF Global Singapore, an insolvency case with USD400 million in proprietary funds. Interviewees say: "He's extremely competent, he knows his rules and laws inside out and he is easy to negotiate with."
Significant clients
PwC, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, HSBC, Maybank
Shipping - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Kah Wah Leong - Band 1, Kian Sing Toh SC - Band 1, Winston Kwek - Band 1, Ian Teo - Band 3, Jainil Bhandari - Band 3, Kendall Tan - Up and Coming
Basic facts about the department
- 13 partners
- 15 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Widely recognised, market-leading practice with a strong focus on shipping litigation and arbitration. Has a good reputation in the market for its commercial awareness and fast turnaround times. Notable presence across the region, with offices across South-East Asia and in China.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"One of its strengths is its ability to listen to its clients, adopting and adapting strategies that meet client needs."
"First-rate firm with strength and depth in various aspects of shipping law. It provides excellent service with a reliable eye on commercial reality."
What's new?
Winston Wong and Juliana Yap became partners through internal promotions.
Work highlights
Acted successfully in the Singapore courts in securing the dismissal of all claims brought against shipowner Pacific International with regard to the grounding off Hong Kong of the vessel 'Kota Kado'. The matter involved over a hundred cargo interests and their insurers in numerous jurisdictions.
Successfully represented a Singapore shipbuilder in a High Court action against a marine engine supplier with regard to the provision of defective marine propulsion assets.
Notable practitioners
Department head Toh Kian Singh SC has vast experience of cross-border contentious shipping matters, acting both as litigator and arbitration counsel, being particularly familiar with financial and insurance issues. He recently advised charterers Sea Consortium with regard to the collision of the 'Tiger Spring' with another vessel in India's Hooghly River.
Partner Winston Kwek is particularly adept at dealing with charter party disputes, marine insurance and shipping finance work, and recently advised Alpha Bank on a loan default by the owners of the vessel 'Sea Urchin' and ensuing court proceedings.
Partner Leong Kah Wah heads the disputes practice and is characterised as "a likeable and impressive lawyer" by interviewees, who also appreciate that "he is a pragmatic person and commercially aware, which makes his advice more realistic." He recently advised the owners and P&I club insurers of container vessel 'MOL Comfort' on Singapore law issues arising from its loss at sea.
Partner Jainil Bhandari is described by clients as "a very good Malaysia and Singapore-qualified lawyer." He acts across the full range of contentious shipping and trade issues and has some 25 years' experience.
Partner Ian Teo "has the ability to handle cases quickly and is a commercially sound lawyer," clients testify. A specialist in shipping and trade disputes with extensive litigation and arbitration experience, he recently successfully represented a Singapore shipbuilder in a highly technical High Court dispute with an engine supplier.
Partner Kendall Tan's "thoroughness and doggedness in examining all the evidence to pursue the client's case is exemplary for all lawyers," enthuse clients. They also praise his accessibility, clarity of expression and commerciality. His expertise in shipping disputes extends across both wet and dry issues.
Significant clients
ANL, Britannia, Itochu, Marubeni, Trafigura.
TMT - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Rajesh Sreenivasan - Band 1, Steve Tan - Band 3
Basic facts about the department
- 6 partners
- 5 other qualified lawyers
What the team is known for
Top-tier firm with a strong focus in the data protection and TMT regulatory space. Growing client base includes state authorities and key commercial market players. The team has seen significant activity in M&A transactions over the past year.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They are all experts in their own fields, and we are very happy with their services."
"We have been impressed with their timely and practical advice on all relevant issues."
What's new? Latest client wins include Groupon, Konami Gaming and Lucasfilm.
Work highlights
Advised the Election Commission of the Government of Bangladesh on implementing the Identification System for Enhancing Access to Services project.
Notable practitioners
Peers highly recommend Rajesh Sreenivasan for his strong regulatory expertise. He is deeply involved in various TMT mandates in Singapore and across the region. For example, he represented the Election Commission of the Government of Bangladesh during the implementation of the IDEA Project, a framework designed to regulate various identity verification services, including the issuance of ID cards. Interviewees also highlight Sreenivasan's knowledge of data protection laws.
Steve Tan is acknowledged for his hard-working attitude and commercial acumen. A client adds: "He offers very good input on legal developments and knows the laws of the surrounding region, making him an invaluable asset." Tan heads the team advising the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AiTi) on the development of media regulatory framework in Brunei.
Significant clients
Citibank, Facebook, IDA International, Singapore Technologies Electronics, Singapore Post.