Chambers Asia Pacific (2021)
Banking & Finance - Band 2
Banking & Finance: Regulatory - Band 2
Capital Markets - Band 2
Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives - Band 1
Competition/Antitrust - Band 1
Construction - Band 2
Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption - Band 1
Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 2
Dispute Resolution: Litigation - Band 1
Employment - Band 1
Insurance - Band 2
Intellectual Property - Band 2
Investment Funds - Band 1
Projects & Energy - Band 2
Real Estate - Band 2
Restructuring/Insolvency - Band 1
Shipping - Band 1
Tax - Band 3
TMT - Band 1
South-East Asia – International Trade/WTO - Band 1
Asia Pacific Region – Arbitration (International) - Band 3
Asia Pacific Region – International Trade/WTO - Band 3
Asia-Pacific Region – Shipping: Finance - Band 3
Asia-Pacific Region – Shipping: Litigation - Band 3
Ranked Lawyers:
Andre Yeap SC - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 4), Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 3)
Angela Lim - Banking & Finance (Band 2)
Anne Yeo - Investment Funds (Band 2)
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds (Band 1)
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets (Eminent Practitioner)
Chua Choon King - Shipping: Finance (Band 2)
Danny Lim - Capital Markets (Band 4), Corporate/M&A (Band 5)
Danny Ong - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 4), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 3)
Desmond Wee - Employment (Band 2)
Elaine Tay - Insurance (Band 2)
Evelyn Wee - Capital Markets (Band 3)
Francis Xavier SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 3)
Hamidul Haq - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Band 1)
Jainil Bhandari - Shipping: Litigation (Band 3)
Jasmine Chew - Investment Funds (Band 4)
Jonathan Yuen - Employment (Band 2)
Kala Anandarajah - Competition/Antitrust (Band 1), Employment (Band 3), South-East Asia: International Trade/WTO (Spotlight)
Kendall Tan - Shipping: Litigation (Band 3)
Larry Lim - Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Recognised Practitioner)
Lau Kok Keng - Asia-Pacific Region: Gaming & Gambling (Band 2), Intellectual Property: Litigation (Band 2)
Lawrence Tan - Corporate/M&A (Band 5)
Lee Eng Beng SC - Dispute Resolution: Litigation (Band 1), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Lee Weilin - Banking & Finance (Recognised Practitioner)
Leong Kah Wah - Shipping: Litigation (Band 1)
Lionel Tan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 4)
Lionel Tay - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 3)
Murali Pillai SC - Employment (Band 2)
Ng Kim Beng - Construction (Band 3)
Ng Sey Ming - Banking & Finance (Band 3)
Norman Ho - Real Estate (Band 2)
Patrick Ang - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Philip Yeo - Investment Funds (Band 4)
Rajesh Sreenivasan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 1)
Regina Liew - Banking & Finance: Regulatory (Band 1), Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives (Band 2)
Sandy Foo - Corporate/M&A (Band 3)
Shemane Chan - Construction (Band 4), Projects & Energy (Band 1)
Sim Kwan Kiat - Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 1)
Simon Goh - Insurance (Band 1)
Soh Lip San - Construction (Band 2)
Steve Tan - Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (Band 2)
Tan Chuan Thye SC - Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Band 4), Restructuring/Insolvency (Band 4)
Terence Choo - Banking & Finance (Band 4)
Thong Chee Kun - Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (Band 3)
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping: Litigation (Band 1)
Vikna Rajah - Tax (Band 3)
Winston Kwek - Shipping: Litigation (Band 3)
Banking & Finance
What the team is known for
Sought after by major banks and corporate borrowers, with an excellent track record in both large and mid-sized work, from traditional banking and syndicated lending to project and real estate finance. Capable of handling Shari'a-compliant financings and green financing. Additionally offers notable regulatory expertise regarding fintech issues and digital licence application mandates. Well placed to handle cross-border instructions due to its network of offices across the region, including in Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and China. Team roster also includes a high number of foreign jurisdiction experts.
Strengths
"They are immensely helpful," a client says, adding: "They are flexible, understand where we are coming from, and seek to find solutions."
Work highlights
Advised a syndicate of lenders on a USD1.2 billion facility for Mercuria Asia Group and Mercuria Energy Trading.
Acted as transaction counsel for the secured banks on the USD1.5 billion Ezion Group debt restructuring.
Notable practitioners
Angela Lim maintains her position as a leading banking and finance lawyer, offering specific infrastructure expertise and heading the banking and finance team. A delighted client calls her "technically sound and very commercially astute," adding: "She is also very responsive and able to address clients' needs thoughtfully."
Regina Liew has a market-leading regulatory practice and receives praise from clients. "She understands things quickly and picks her position clearly. That's not common for a corporate counsel," one pleased client says.
Ng Sey Ming has built a strong reputation for cross-border transactions and acts for major banks and companies. "He is able to adopt a practical approach to resolve any impasse," a client says, and another adds praise for his "clear and concise" and "solution-based" advice.
Capital Markets
What the team is known for
Offering expertise across both debt and equity capital markets, the team is recognised for being involved in many complex transactions in the market. Highly regarded for advising on IPOs and listings, rights offerings and hybrid issuances, alongside multicurrency debt issuances. Its client roster includes issuers as well as underwriters. A network of offices across ASEAN and beyond adds to the team's ability to handle cross-border work in jurisdictions such as Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia.
Strengths
One client reports: "The team provides great advice" and "provides fast explanations on questions raised."
"They have been very responsive and proactive in providing advice throughout the process," observes another interviewee.
Work highlights
Acted for OUE Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust as trustee on the establishment of a SGD2 billion multicurrency debt issuance programme.
Notable practitioners
Danny Lim is recognised for his capabilities in a wide range of capital markets topics. He advises clients including Singaporean and foreign listed companies on rights issues and share placements.
Evelyn Wee is regarded by market commentators as "a very good and very competent practitioner." She is well placed to assist clients with IPOs, follow-on offerings and other equity issuances.
Chia Kim Huat is deeply experienced in capital markets transactions related to domestic listings and secondary issuances. He is also well versed in assisting Chinese clients with a wide range of listings and offerings.
Capital Markets: Securitisation & Derivatives
What the team is known for
Commands an excellent reputation for advising on listed and unlisted derivatives and structured products, as well as for providing a full suite of regulatory counsel. Experienced advising on margin requirements for OTC derivatives covering a full range of asset classes. Regularly assists with bespoke and innovative solutions. Notably offers experience in the establishment of exchanges. Clients include high-profile banks, clearing houses, regulators and exchanges.
Notable practitioners
Regina Liew possesses a strong reputation for her experience assisting financial institutions with a wide range of investment products, including securities, futures and derivatives. She often supports clients with regulatory and licensing issues as well as product structuring and documentation.
Competition/Antitrust
What the team is known for
Highly regarded team with in-depth experience advising international and local clients on merger control issues, cartel investigations and abuse of dominance matters. Often handles multi-jurisdictional merger control cases, in particular those relating to the ASEAN region. Boasts an impressive client list which includes major multinational corporates in the technology, manufacturing and food and beverage sectors.
Strengths
One client appreciates the team's capacity to "understand competition practices beyond Singapore," as well as their "familiarity with the CCCS and the way they conduct investigations."
Another source describes them as "super responsive and good on strategy."
Work highlights
Advised Pathology Holdings, Innovative Diagnostics and Quest Laboratories on obtaining merger clearance from the CCCS without the appointment of a monitoring trustee.
Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah is an experienced partner lauded by one source as having "unrivalled knowledge and understanding of the law and, uniquely, she is able to understand very complicated businesses and their likely reactions." Another interviewee praises her "broad knowledge of various agencies working together across the globe and strong connections to the CCCS." She advises across all areas of competition and antitrust law including merger control matters, leniency applications and cartel investigations.
Construction
What the team is known for
Respected disputes team with considerable experience advising on construction matters for project sponsors, developers and contractors. Has deep experience in negotiating EPC contracts for energy and infrastructure construction projects. Sought out for redevelopment mandates in real estate and infrastructure. Regularly acts on construction disputes across South-East Asia, including complex multiparty disputes. Dedicated construction project risk analysis and mitigation capability, able to assist in markets such as Malaysia and Taiwan. Recently active for clients on data centre construction projects.
Strengths
An interviewee is impressed by the team's "ability to capture the issues and have them on their fingertips, as well as their handling of negotiations with confidence."
Another source reports: "We get very good and quick advice that is concrete."
Work highlights
Advised Ikano Johor Jaya on its construction of a new shopping centre in Johor Bahru in Malaysia.
Notable practitioners
Ng Kim Beng often handles construction and engineering disputes, including international arbitration. He earns recognition from market commentators, who confirm that "he knows his stuff."
Soh Lip San is a respected name in the market, acting on construction disputes involving projects in Singapore and abroad. An interviewee attests: "I am happy with how he navigates the documents and comes up with advice."
One client reports that Shemane Chan "has extensive knowledge and expertise in the construction field and is able to offer solutions to address key concerns." She handles non-contentious construction matters, including in relation to hospitality, shopping centre and data centre projects.
Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption
What the team is known for
Prominent team known for handling investigations in the energy and financial sectors. Frequently assists with high-profile cases relating to fraud, bribery, asset recovery and market manipulation. Several members of the team offer the benefit of their former experience as government prosecutors. Involved in a wide range of cross-border investigations, drawing upon the support of the firm's network across South-East Asia.
Strengths
One interviewee reports: "Their advice is practical-minded and sound, and they are prompt and responsive."
A source asserts: "They would be my first port of call as they are more than likely to know regulators or have worked with them in the past."
Work highlights
Assisted Alfa Bank of Russia with the investigation into and prosecution of a recovery action arising from a USD130 million fraud action.
Notable practitioners
Impressed clients describe Thong Chee Kun as "clear and concise in his articulation of the issues," and also note: "Hedispenses practical and all-rounded advice." He is especially knowledgeable in money laundering, fraud and financial investigation.
Clients say Hamidul Haq is "the real deal - he's practical, down to earth and understands the system." He is considered an authority on white-collar criminal cases and anti-corruption mandates, frequently acting for both multinationals and private clients in litigation and investigation.
Corporate/M&A
What the team is known for
Highly regarded team that leverages the strength of its network of Asian offices to handle complex cross-border M&A mandates. Active in a range of sectors, including property, manufacturing, education and healthcare, acting for major banks and corporate clients on public and private M&A transactions as well as private equity deals. Effectively leverages the firm's wider practice areas on related issues, including capital markets, finance and real estate.
Strengths
An interviewee appreciates that "they have a specialist for just about any conceivable challenge" and "have an eye on the client's big picture."
Another source notes: "The team provides great advice" and "provides fast explanations to questions raised."
Work highlights
Advised Gaw Capital Partners on its SGD1.6 billion acquisition of the entire share capital of Ophir-Rochor Commercial.
Notable practitioners
Danny Lim is recognised for his capabilities in both public and private M&A, with particular expertise in corporate restructuring and exit offers. He is experienced in advising multinational companies, as well as Singaporean entities.
Lawrence Tan co-leads the firm's M&A team and is recognised for his experience in M&A deals. He is active on takeovers relating to public companies, alongside general corporate issues.
Sandy Foo regularly advises corporate clients from a wide variety of sectors on sophisticated commercial transactions, including real estate and healthcare. She is additionally experienced in supporting private equity funds with investments.
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
What the team is known for
Impressive line-up of experienced arbitration practitioners with deep connections throughout the Singapore and Asian markets. Very good slate of work in energy and shipping disputes, and recent involvement in BIT arbitration. Involved in UNCITRAL arbitrations in Singapore, as well as matters before the ICC and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Clients include companies, states and government-linked organisations. Firm's strong reputation for court litigation also makes the team a popular choice for arbitration-related litigation. Well placed to provide specialist advice on construction-related disputes.
Strengths
The firm has a reputation for being "easy to work with, collaborative and effective."
It is also stated: "They are always on standby to be consulted every step of the way and offer substantive feedback throughout."
Work highlights
Provided advice to Vedanta in a BIT arbitration seated in Singapore relating to India's retrospective use of legislation to impose capital gains tax on the proceeds of certain sales.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is a recognised name and "very good," according to interviewees. He has defended breach of contract arbitrations for sovereign states and also sits as an arbitrator.
Tan Chuan Thye SC is acknowledged as a senior lawyer with a "court-focused practice." He has worked on ICC arbitrations.
Dispute Resolution: Litigation
What the team is known for
Prolific litigation team with plentiful expertise in big-ticket domestic and cross-border disputes. Represents clients at all levels of the Singapore courts. Has particular experience in financial disputes, including those relating to cryptocurrencies, while it also possesses expertise in contentious joint venture, shareholder and insolvency matters. Well placed to act on multi-jurisdictional matters due to its network of offices and alliances in the wider region. Members of the team have notable expertise handling cases connected to the Indonesia, India and China markets.
Strengths
Rajah & Tann is praised for approaching matters from the perspective of a corporate client. It is said to "excel at providing guidance on probable or likely shades of grey, thereby assisting the in-houser who has to make the final call on the relevant shade of grey."
It is also noted by an interviewee to have "a specialist for just about any conceivable challenge that an in-house counsel team may face."
Work highlights
Represented Prudential Assurance Company Singapore in an action against one of its agency leaders, on claims of breach of contract and fiduciary duties.
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC has acted on cross-border issues before the High Court, including those relating to investment treaties and against sovereign states.
Clients turn to Danny Ong for advice on fraud litigation and breach of contract. He is particularly sought out by companies in the finance sector.
Lee Eng Beng SC has long been an esteemed figure in the market. He continues to be seen as a "very capable advocate" and is active on complex business law disputes before the Court of Appeal.
Francis Xavier SC has experience before the SICC and the Court of Appeal, acting on cross-border disputes concerning alleged breach of obligations.
Employment
What the team is known for
Market-leading reputation for contentious employment matters, with further expertise in non-contentious work. A large team able to provide a full-service offering, with notable expertise in handling company and internal investigations, trade union issues and workplace harassment cases. Well placed to assist with regional work due to the firm's network of offices throughout Asia. Acts for multinational corporations from a range of sectors, including technology, insurance, finance and food and beverage. Also advises clients on employment policies and contracts.
Strengths
One source comments that "I have found their team to provide high-quality service. This includes prompt responses, even at odd hours given time-zone differences, in providing thoughtful and practical advice."
Another interviewee attests that "I keep going back to them because they are so quick and concise. They are amazing at responding and very thorough, without being overly legalistic."
Work highlights
Acted for the Singapore subsidiary of a large Indian business services provider on a dispute with an ex-director of the company, in relation to the ex-employee's alleged misappropriation of company data in order to start a rival company.
Notable practitioners
Desmond Wee has a well-regarded practice handling non-contentious employment work, with experience in multi-jurisdictional retrenchment exercises as well as formulating and implementing employment policies. A client describes him as "very practical and clear, explaining how best to approach an issue, with guidance on dos and don'ts."
Jonathan Yuen is a notable practitioner who acts on contentious matters, with particular expertise working on investigations. Clients describe him as "very perceptive and quick to understand our issues," whilst another interviewee notes that he is "very practical and responsive in relation to urgent work."
Kala Anandarajah is respected and experienced, with particular strengths advising on multi-jurisdictional matters, including employee transfers and redundancies. One interviewee praises her as being "a great operator who is practical, responsive and has her finger on the pulse, always knowing what is going on in Singapore."
Murali Pillai SC is a highly regarded employment lawyer who specialises in contentious matters. One interviewee praises him for being "always available, reading the client very well and delivering exactly what you need, with advice that is both on point and practical."
Insurance
What the team is known for
Longstanding local firm with strength in both contentious and non-contentious insurance matters. Regularly acts for major international general and life insurers as well as domestic companies. Especially active assisting clients with regulatory and corporate insurance work. Local law capability and rights of audience before Singapore courts allows for a full-service offering.
Strengths
Clients comment on the team's tailored approach to client service, one noting: "They work with us in understanding the requirements and providing us with clear advice, offering us advice on what would work and what won't."
The breadth of the firm's coverage also draws praise, one interviewee reporting: "Being a large firm is useful since we can tap into the network of lawyers from different areas of practice to provide us with support based on what we are looking for."
Work highlights
Assisted a multilateral organisation with the launch of the South-East Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility.
Notable practitioners
Elaine Tay wins plaudits on account of her "perennial availability, relevant and practical advice, and ability to think ahead to address issues which are not immediately apparent." She is able to assist global insurers with a range of contentious matters, including financial lines and professional indemnity claims, and can also offer transactional and regulatory advice.
Influential senior adviser Simon Goh sits atop the Singapore insurance market with a broad practice encompassing claims work and insurance-related corporate matters. He is lauded for his robust sector-wide contributions by clients, who observe that he is "able to advise with a strong understanding of regulatory intentions or expectations due to the good rapport" that he enjoys with regulatory bodies.
Intellectual Property
What the team is known for
The firm’s established IP department is involved with contentious and non-contentious cases concerning patents, trade marks and copyrights. Well known for advising clients on IP licensing and brand protection, and advises on transactional deals in relation to the transfer and licensing of IP rights. Demonstrates strong knowledge of media, sports and technology industries through multi-jurisdictional IP litigation cases.
Strengths
A client comments: "Rajah & Tann's IP team is a great asset to my company for our Singapore operations."
Work highlights
Represented Sunseap Group, Sunseap Energy and Sunspea Leasing in two patent infringement cases brought by Sun Electric.
Notable practitioners
Lau Kok Keng has considerable market standing and regularly acts on piracy and copyright infringements. He also offers experience acting on patent renewals and handling enforcement mandates.
Investment Funds
What the team is known for
Frequently advises a variety of leading global funds groups that encompass a broad spectrum of strategies including hedge, venture capital, private equity and real estate funds. Adept in offering advice to major investment groups on corporate reorganisation and M&A. Particularly distinguished for its work on the creation and management of private funds. Particularly well placed to advise institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds.
Strengths
A client describes the firm as "efficient, reliable, responsive and able to provide sound advice," going on to add that they appreciate that "they have the depth of industry knowledge as well as breadth of experience to advise on novel issues."
Another client adds: "They are very responsive and have lots of expertise, especially when it comes to regulatory issues."
Notable practitioners
Anne Yeo is a "very experienced lawyer who is incredibly responsive and has an ability to see the business side of things," according to one client who adds: "She has great contacts in the field which come in very handy." She has a considerable reputation in the investment funds space with a broad practice, often acting for sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.
Arnold Tan is a pre-eminent investment funds lawyer who is particularly well placed to advise on the formation of major offshore funds as well as Singaporean-domiciled funds. A source describes him as a "market leader."
Jasmine Chew has a strong practice and regularly handles fund formation work. She also offers regulatory advice relating to hedge fund and hybrid funds. One client reports: "She is so knowledgeable in the hedge fund space. She always knows what the regulator means and is very pragmatic."
Philip Yeo "does great work," according to a client who reports: "His writing skills are amazing, his drafting is truly excellent and his depth of knowledge is impressive." He has a broad funds practice with particular strength in venture capital mandates.
Projects & Energy
What the team is known for
Well known for its comprehensive regional network, with an established presence in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Often instructed on notably unique deals in the Singapore market. Highly sought after for its expertise in power and strong experience on PPP infrastructure projects. Also experienced in the oil and gas sector. Noted for its focus on the construction and development aspects of projects, with additional expertise regarding project finance.
Strengths
Clients say: "They understand the local laws well and are very thorough and detailed."
One source praises their subject matter expertise related to an infrastructure project and adds: "I am very impressed with their extensive knowledge and special insights."
Work highlights
Advised the master developer on the development of One Bangkok, which includes a waste water treatment plant, a district cooling plant, an electricity distribution facility and ICT infrastructure.
Notable practitioners
Shemane Chan is praised by interviewees for her "adaptability during negotiations with tough counterparties." Clients also appreciate that she is "meticulous and able to provide practical advice." She specialises in energy, utilities and infrastructure project development and SPAs, with notable recent involvement in renewable energy mandates.
Real Estate
What the team is known for
The real estate team is noted for its deft handling of work for major developers, financial institutions and REITs. Covering the full suite of real estate issues, the team is adept at handling acquisitions, lease agreements and conveyancing issues for both domestic and foreign clients. Active on collective real estate sales and advice relating to data centre projects. Also has experience in real estate financing.
Work highlights
Acted for GCREF Acquisitions XVIII on its acquisition, as part of a consortium, of the entire issued and paid-up share capital of Ophir-Rochor Commercial.
Notable practitioners
Norman Ho is well regarded for his experience handling a range of real estate transactions. He advises property developers, investors and institutions.
Restructuring/Insolvency
What the team is known for
Stellar practice, noted for its deep bench of lawyers. Assists clients involved in high-value restructuring matters, including debtors, creditors, judicial managers, committees of noteholders, and liquidators. Also well placed to advise on the enforcement of creditors' rights. Draws on its regional network to advise on cross-border matters, and offers specialist expertise from within the firm in areas such as shipping, energy and financial services.
Strengths
One interviewee reports: "The firm's ability to deal with complicated corporate insolvency and litigation matters is their biggest strength. I have found them to be very results-oriented, and their team members are able to effectively manage clients' expectations."
Another commentator notes that "they are incredibly responsive, commercial and not afraid to take a tough position on points of law," adding that "they have a good read of the jurisdiction and the courts, giving sound advice as to strategy and tactics."
Work highlights
Acted for Hin Leong Trading on the Hin Leong Group restructuring of over USD4 billion of debt.
Notable practitioners
Tan Chuan Thye SC has a solid practice in the restructuring and insolvency sphere, with experience acting for debtors on restructurings and liquidations. He is known broadly for his work in contentious insolvencies.
Danny Ong has a robust practice with experience advising consortiums of banks and liquidators on insolvency mandates. One interviewee reports: "He has significant intellectual horsepower and is very client-friendly. He is driven, thoughtful in his advice and prepared to take courageous steps to argue difficult points. He is proactive, responsive and demonstrates that he cares about the quality of work and delivering results."
Lee Eng Beng SC remains a market-leading figure with notable expertise in restructuring and insolvency matters. He has particularly notable experience on restructuring litigation and arbitration mandates. He often works on behalf of creditors as well as judicial managers and debtors.
Sim Kwan Kiat is a highly esteemed practitioner who is renowned for working on high-value restructurings. He acts on behalf of lenders, noteholders, judicial managers and liquidators.
Lionel Tay is an experienced lawyer with a well-established contentious practice. He acts for steering committees of noteholders, judicial managers and lenders in insolvency proceedings.
Patrick Ang is praised by clients for being "very responsive and crystal clear in the advice he gives; there is no ambiguity or hedging." He is a pre-eminent practitioner with extensive experience acting for major banks and judicial managers on restructuring mandates.
Shipping
What the team is known for
Pre-eminent shipping practice which is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises major banks and commodity houses as well as P&I clubs, shipowners and charterers.
Strengths
One client comments: "They know exactly what we need and are very responsive. We are extremely happy with their service and deliverables."
Another interviewee adds: "I have always been very impressed by the quality of work delivered by the shipping partners and associates. They are thorough, well strategised and able to get to the nub of the commercial interests at play; avoiding being technical or legalistic in nature."
Work highlights
Defended Agritrade International against allegations of fraud from ING Bank relating to its alleged misrepresentation of its financial position, including suggestions it issued multiple overlapping bills of ladings and lists of shipment goods.
Notable practitioners
Chua Choon King has well-established experience in the area of shipping finance, and regularly acts for notable banks. He offers clients knowledge of ship sale and purchase agreements as well as leasing work.
Jainil Bhandari is a distinguished practitioner with substantial experience in shipping disputes, assisting clients with ship safety and cargo damage matters.
Leong Kah Wah is labelled "excellent" by clients and he is widely viewed as a prominent litigator in the market. He assists clients with both wet and dry shipping disputes as well as arbitration matters. Clients say: "I have been impressed with his professional working and the favourable results achieved."
Kendall Tan has longstanding experience on shipping disputes, regularly advising clients on wet matters including shipping arrests. One client reports: "Kendall has a sharp grasp of the commercial issues at the core of disputes and more often than not can quickly unsheathe the underlying issues at stake with proposals for resolution."
Toh Kian Sing SC 's clients laud him as a "highly respected Senior Counsel" who is "knowledgeable, practical and a strategist." He offers significant expertise in the full range of shipping disputes, from charter party and bills of lading cases to ship repair and marine insurance matters. One client reports: "He is extremely hard-working and is able to give practical advice. His seniority and status as an SC belies his attention to detail. He reads every document and does not depend on his colleagues or juniors to summarise documents for him. He really adds value to the file in terms of his advice and insights."
Winston Kwek offers clients a wealth of experience across a range of different matters including major restructuring-related litigation. He regularly assists corporate clients in the shipping industry and also offers knowledge of tax matters.
Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT)
What the team is known for
Highly regarded outfit, well placed to provide expertise on telecoms and technology regulatory matters, as well as licensing, data protection, broadcasting and distribution issues. Acts for an impressive roster of high-end domestic and multinational social media, electronics and telecoms companies. Often provides advice in relation to cybersecurity issues, including drafting of cyber-breach readiness and response plans, and in ensuring compliance with the provisions of Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act. Well placed to handle cross-border mandates and offers clients support in the wider region through the firm's extensive network of offices and associated firms.
Strengths
A client appreciates the firm's "excellent and practical legal advice."
Another interviewee notes that the firm's "service is of very high quality."
Work highlights
Advised Bytedance and its subsidiaries, TikTok and Lark, on regulatory and contractual matters relating to their expansion into South-East Asia.
Notable practitioners
Lionel Tan is a well-regarded litigator with a solid TMT practice, often representing clients in data protection disputes and contract breaches relating to IT systems. He also advises clients on non-contentious issues relating to blockchain technology and cybersecurity.
Rajesh Sreenivasan is a pre-eminent TMT lawyer with broad expertise and is particularly adept at handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. He is best known for his work on cybersecurity and data protection mandates. He is also active advising clients on regulatory aspects of major transactions as well as IT procurement work.
Steve Tan is a well-reputed lawyer with notable expertise in data protection, frequently advising on data breaches, conducting investigations and internal audits of compliance with data protection law, including formulating compliance manuals and breach management plans. He also offers clients advice on GDPR issues. His clients include multinationals in a range of sectors from cosmetics companies to digital service providers.
South-East Asia – International Trade/WTO
What the team is known for
Offers in-depth expertise in trade matters concerning South-East Asian countries. Excels in a range of areas, including anti-dumping, export controls, safeguards and the structuring of trade flows, as well as handling customs regulatory compliance for international companies operating across a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the hi-tech, healthcare and agrifood spaces. Also works on matters involving free trade agreements and tariffs. Maintains a strong reputation for its handling of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia-related matters.
Strengths
A client reports: "The team has been a great resource for us, and we appreciate its business-oriented approach, prompt service and great work product, as well as its extensive network."
Work highlights
Advised adhesives provider HB Fuller on the tax implications and anti-avoidance rules relevant to a share transfer within its Indonesian subsidiaries.
Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah is described by a client as a "business-focused and client-oriented attorney who balances her expertise with practical experience." The same client reports: "She's helped our company navigate several difficult trade issues, and her support has been invaluable to our operations in Singapore." She advises extensively on customs issues and trade remedies across the region.
Melisa Uremovic enters the rankings after demonstrating a strong South-East Asia-focused trade practice from her base in Thailand. Her recent work spans anti-dumping issues, WTO proceedings and free trade agreement disputes.
Asia Pacific Region – Arbitration (International)
What the team is known for
Leading Singapore firm, highlighted for its specialist arbitration practice and impressive regional range, extending to the Middle East, including especially notable coverage of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and maintaining an acknowledged profile in Philippines-related matters. Particularly noted for handling investor-state and energy cases, regularly instructed in matters involving the operations of Chinese companies in other Asian jurisdictions and highly active in disputes generated by regional construction projects. Additionally well placed to act on arbitration-related litigation in the Singapore courts, where it often provides assistance to international firms.
Strengths
One interviewee observes: "It's a classy outfit in its understanding of arbitration and in ensuring that nothing is left to chance and that both the process and the outcome are as good as possible."
Clients appreciate that team lawyers are "always on standby to be consulted every step of the way and offer substantive feedback throughout."
Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is head of the firm's international arbitration department.
Asia-Pacific Region – Shipping: Litigation
What the team is known for
Pre-eminent shipping practice in Singapore which is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises major banks and commodity houses as well as P&I clubs, ship owners and charterers.
Strengths
One client comments: "They are able to handle the entire spectrum of shipping work. They are, quite simply, outstanding. They are very client-friendly, with quick and accurate turnaround time. They know exactly what we need and are very responsive. We are extremely happy with their service and deliverables."
Another interviewee adds: "I have always been very impressed by the quality of work delivered by the shipping partners and associates. They are thorough, well strategised and able to get to the nub of the commercial interests at play, avoiding being technical and legalistic in nature."
Work highlights
Defended Agritrade International against allegations of fraud from ING Bank relating to its alleged misrepresentation of its financial position, including suggestions that it issued multiple overlapping bills of lading and lists of shipment goods.
Notable practitioners
Kah Wah Leong and Kian Sing Toh SC are key contacts for the firm.