As Advocatus Law enters its 15th year, the firm’s dispute resolution offering remains a core pillar of its growth. The team has a strong track record in litigation, arbitration, ADR, restructuring and insolvency, white-collar crime and contentious matters involving labour, IP, insurance, technology and private clients. At the time of submission, the firm had nine reported High Court, and Court of Appeal decisions in 2022 involving a broad spectrum of issues such as insolvency, fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, professional negligence, employment law, misrepresentation, and crime. The firm is active in regional professional networks, such as the Asia-Pacific Legal Innovation and Technology Association, Alliot Global Alliance and the International Trademark Association. It has been a long-standing member of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The firm’s managing partner, Christopher Anand Daniel, is a key adviser on the panel of law firms for global private insurance provider Lockton. His team remains on the Singapore Medical Council’s panel of law firms for advice on disciplinary matters.
Daniel leads the disputes team, which consists of four other partners: Harjean Kaur, Ganga Avadiar, Eileen Yeo and Priyalatha Naidu.
A recent notable instruction for the firm was acting for Lim Oon Kuin and others as the applicants in a case to restrain law firm Rajah & Tann Singapore from advising Hin Leong and its liquidators on the basis that there is a risk of breach of confidence. The corporate insolvency of Hin Leong has given rise to numerous court proceedings involving complex legal issues of fraudulent trading, and including a novel issue of whether directors have any residual powers upon the appointment of judicial managers. This case touches on a general principle to be decided for the first time and highlights a question of importance upon which further argument and a decision of a higher tribunal would be to the public advantage: whether one or more parties to a joint retainer can restrain the law firm in the joint retainer from acting against them on the basis that there is a risk of a breach of confidence.
In another highlight, the team successfully defended Strategic Wealth Consultancy against the plaintiff’s claims for fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, innocent misrepresentation, and unlawful – and lawful – means conspiracy.
Client feedback
“They assisted in communicating with our customers and helped to revert them back to us to negotiate on their payment issue.” – Banking and financial services
“So far, well done on all the services provided to us.” – Commercial and transactions
“They provided good perspective and good advice on the case.” – Commercial and transactions
“What did they do well? Communication with the client, setting client expectations about probable outcomes, informing the client what is within their legal rights, and ensuring proper communication with the other party.” – Commercial and transactions
“Very professional, responsive and methodical in their approach. Made sure to understand our requirements and concerns, address them and incorporate them into the agreement. Also pointed out certain considerations that we had missed out on.” – Commercial and transactions
“Overall experience has been good.” – Energy
“Provides professional and competent strategies in a clear and proper way.” – Family and matrimonial
Christopher Daniel
“Highly knowledgeable, very approachable and able to strategise well.”
Harjean Kaur
“She is prompt in updating us on the status of our case. Gives good advice.”
“Responsible, responsive, affable, approachable and knowledgeable.”
Priyalatha Naidu
“She took time to understand our requirements and gave us the best resolutions.”
“She embodies empathy merged with strong legal knowledge. She is a strong communicator and provides excellent follow-up.”
