Prominent Singapore-based law firm Allen & Gledhill has one of the largest dispute resolution teams in the market, with more than 130 experienced lawyers – including more than 50 active partners and senior counsel. The firm is universally praised by peers and clients for having one of the strongest disputes teams in the market, with noted senior practitioners leading the group, including two senior counsels. It has a proven
track record of
representing sophisticated clients in bet-the-company litigation. The firm’s specialisms include banking and commercial disputes, international arbitration, insolvency, intellectual property and white-collar crime. The firm also runs a comprehensive cross-border disputes service supported by its regional network. Key clients include DBS Bank, Credit Suisse, Noble Group, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Perennial Group, Sentosa Development Corporation, Singapore Tourism Board and SingHealth.
Senior leaders of the disputes group include Andrew Yeo for commercial disputes, Chien Mien Ho for construction, Edward Tiong for insolvency, Yee Leong Chong and Dinesh Dhillon for international arbitration, Yong Seng Tay on the employment side, Stanley Lai for commercial litigation and intellectual property, and Jason Chan for white-collar crime and investigations. William Ong co-heads the disputes department alongside Yeo and specializes in international arbitration and intellectual property.
In addition to its robust coverage, Allen & Gledhill has four
relatively new practice groups that were launched with the goal of helping organizations navigate the increasingly complex regulatory environment post-Covid. This included practices for cybersecurity and data protection and private wealth, and the expansion of two existing practices to enhance the scope of service in the areas of employment,
health and safety, and ESG and public policy. As struggling businesses were forced into bankruptcy litigation, the Allen & Gledhill team starred in various disputes linked to the high-profile insolvencies of Hin Leong Trading and
Agritrade Resources.
Allen & Gledhill is recognized for its strong focus on innovation. The firm is actively engaged in advising clients on emerging legal issues related to technology and digital transformation. This includes areas such as fintech, data protection, and intellectual property in the digital age. The firm’s market-leading fintech practice exemplifies this focus, providing legal guidance to startups and
established financial institutions navigating the complex regulatory landscape of digital finance.
In specific areas, such as construction and infrastructure, Allen & Gledhill has been involved in significant projects across southeast Asia, including Malaysia,
Indonesia and Vietnam. The firm’s lawyers have extensive experience working with clients on large-scale infrastructure developments, which often require navigating intricate regulatory frameworks and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
In one recent highlight, the commercial disputes team mounted a successful defence for CIMB Bank against claims of trading misconduct, where the court upheld the bank’s right to
terminate a former employee based on performance metrics. This case not only reinforced the bank's position but also set a precedent in the financial sector regarding employee obligations and performance standards. In a notable matter involving BGC Partners, the firm acted against a former senior broker, enforcing performance ratios and securing a favourable judgment that reinforced the bank's position in the competitive financial landscape.
In another significant matter, the insolvency team acted for the liquidators of Park Hotel CQ in its claims against a former director for breach of fiduciary duties. This case highlighted the firm’s ability to navigate complex asset recovery issues amid a backdrop of significant financial distress. The liquidators, led by partners William Ong and Lee Bik Wei, faced numerous challenges, including the need to address claims of fraudulent transactions and mismanagement. The team also represented Crédit Agricole in the liquidation proceedings of Hin Leong Trading, adeptly navigating complex interpleader actions to
determine competing claims related to significant cargoes pledged as security. The firm acted for the liquidators of Funtasy Island, successfully obtaining a judgment against the directors for their negligent actions, which had resulted in considerable financial losses for creditors. In yet another high-profile insolvency, the firm advised on proceedings involving the
Zipmex Group, addressing clawback claims and the complexities that arose from cross-border insolvency issues.
On the labor and employment side, the Allen & Gledhill lawyers successfully defended a major employer against claims of wrongful termination, reinforcing the employer’s right to enforce performance metrics as stipulated in employment contracts. The firm also
represented a high-profile individual in defamation proceedings concerning false allegations made during a public dispute, achieving a formal apology and damages for the client. Additionally, the firm acted for a leading company in a complex dispute involving employee performance ratios, successfully upholding the company’s rights under Singapore’s employment laws.
In the intellectual property space, the contentious IP team successfully represented Pfizer in patent linkage proceedings against a competing pharmaceutical company, securing a favorable ruling that protected its patent rights. The firm also acted for a technology firm in a significant trademark dispute, achieving a positive outcome that affirmed the client’s brand rights against infringement claims. The firm provided legal counsel in a high-profile copyright enforcement case, successfully recovering damages and protecting the client’s intellectual property interests.
Allen & Gledhill
represented a high-net-worth individual in contentious family law proceedings, successfully navigating complex asset division and custody arrangements to achieve a favorable resolution. In another case, the firm acted for a client in a dispute over the validity of a will, securing a positive outcome that upheld the client’s inheritance rights. Additionally, the firm provided legal counsel in a high-profile divorce case, facilitating a settlement that ensured
equitable distribution of assets while addressing sensitive family matters effectively.
In the white-collar crime sector, the team defended a former executive director against allegations of market manipulation, successfully challenging the prosecution’s claims and securing a favorable verdict for the client. The firm also
represented a financial institution in a complex fraud case involving significant sums, successfully recovering
assets and mitigating potential reputational damage. A corporate client enlisted the firm for a high-stakes investigation involving alleged misconduct, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding the client’s interests throughout the investigative process.
"They demonstrate professionalism, offering a broad range of advice and perspectives along with strategic abilities." – Banking and financial services
"They are professional, attentive, and client-focused, working effectively with counterparties." – Banking and financial services
"The lawyers provide very clear explanations and valuable advice for deal considerations." – Banking and financial services
"They deliver excellent service, clear advice, and bold, brilliant strategies." – Commercial and transactions
"The team provides professional advice on complex legal matters related to Singapore." – Commercial arbitration
"Firm has hard-working lawyers with knowledge, professionalism, integrity, efficiency." – Commercial arbitration
"They have experience in the subject matter and ability to navigate the unexpected with good solutions." – Commercial arbitration
"They ensure clear and concise communication between lawyers and clients, providing sound advice through their knowledgeable understanding of the law and applicable acts."– Construction
"They prepare cases thoroughly, explaining their planned actions and executing their professional legal work effectively."– Government and regulatory
"Allen & Gledhill
conducted thorough research on cases, providing strong representations and mitigations."– Government and regulatory
"Allen & Gledhill are extremely responsive and proactive in their approach to matters. They are always looking for innovative ways to resolve matters and have a unique way of being able to dissect a matter to get to the root cause of the dispute" – Insurance
"Very good with communication and prompt at work delivery.” – Intellectual property
"A&G provides excellent advice and execution." – International arbitration
"The international arbitration team can be highly recommended for their exceptional expertise, professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding results." – International arbitration
"They excel in client management, delivering top-quality written and oral advocacy." – International arbitration
"The lawyers respond quickly and understand the law well, demonstrating strong strategic planning and integrity." – International arbitration
"Allen & Gledhill has a very good standing as a firm and the lawyers that I have dealt with are honest, reliable and subject experts who give valuable input for my business decisions. Their network within Singapore and the region is excellent.” – International arbitration
"Technically brilliant yet commercially savvy, with a strong team across all levels of seniority." – International arbitration
"Their team includes highly skilled lawyers who provided a tailored solution that effectively addressed the client's needs throughout the proceedings." – International arbitration
"Allen & Gledhill has never lost a case for us. They are a truly excellent litigation firm." – Labour and employment
"Diligent, commercial and always ready to assist.” – Labour and employment
"Responsive and provides practical legal advice." – Shipping
"Allen & Gledhill are very responsive and are technically very strong lawyers. One can be confident that they will provide the correct advice quickly." – Shipping
"Forensically extremely thorough." – Shipping
"Extremely professional, efficient, concise, with in-depth legal and market knowledge." – Shipping
"They are fast in response, professional, know the law well, adapt to the industry and capable to accommodate clients’ needs." – Shipping
"The lawyers have deep expertise and great client-servicing skills." – Shipping
"Technically sound, thorough and commercially savvy." – Technology and telecommunications
"She is a ferocious forensic lawyer."
"Professional and has a good understanding of client needs."
"We appreciate her legal expertise, vast experience, immediacy, speed and attention."
"He is very hands-on and firm with his advice, approachable regarding fees."
"She is a highly strategic thinker who
emphasizes
minimizing risks and overall risk management, showcasing professionalism, competency, and efficiency."
"Dinesh is a brilliant lawyer, always on top of the facts and highly responsive."
"Very capable and safe pair of hands."
"He is extremely easy and flexible to work with, approaching cases in a solution-oriented manner, with excellent communication skills."
"Kelvin Kek is one of those rare breeds of lawyers who are both academically brilliant and commercially savvy. He has a healthy book in construction disputes. He is the go-to lawyer for a second opinion or as a sounding board for the most suitable litigation strategy to adopt."
"Highly responsive and commercially savvy, considering his seniority."
"He is very approachable and affable, has a
strong and deep understanding of the law, and is very sound and measured.”
"He is a good litigator, well-respected by peers and the judiciary, navigating the unexpected effectively and providing practical solutions."
"She exemplifies professionalism with fast responses and efficiency."
"Wei Munn has an ability to
analyze a matter which is second to none. She has an immense legal knowledge coupled with a practical streak which means that her solutions are always pragmatic and lead to swift resolutions."
"He is calm, professional, and detailed on what to do."
"Ramesh Selvaraj is a dedicated lawyer and an expert in his field of work. A client's interest is at the forefront when it comes to Ramesh. He listens very attentively to the subject matter, provides valuable feedback on the various possible
outcomes and recommends the best way forward. He stretches out to use all his resources and network across the globe to get the most desired recommendations for his clients."
"He is meticulous and skilled in written representations."
"Corina is responsive and has deep subject-matter expertise on all shipping-related matters."
"Kai Liang is articulate and technically very impressive. He is commercially savvy and can always be counted on to provide an excellent strategic steer to matters. He is altogether intelligent, always quick on the uptake, and not afraid to go the extra mile and aggressively push for his clients, all while being fair and nuanced in his assessment of the merits. Most impressively, he has a strong following and has therefore attracted extremely talented lawyers to work for him. I have found his entire team outstanding."
"Tay Yong Seng is a superlative lead counsel and powerful court advocate. He is excellent in oral submissions and deadly and incisive in cross-examination. He is Oxford-educated and technically brilliant. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and legal process in Singapore. He has never lost a case that my company has instructed him on, and my company is very litigious and demanding as a client."
"Yong Seng is always ready and on hand to assist. His in-depth knowledge of our specialized industry is unmatched with any other external counsel we instruct."
“Crisp intellect, excellent advocacy skills, highly detailed and responsive.”
"Yong Seng is an exceptional litigation attorney. He has meticulous attention to detail and thoroughly prepares for every case. His excellent communication skills allow him to clearly explain complex legal concepts. Tom is dedicated to his clients, strategically thinking through every move to achieve the best outcomes. He is reliable, trustworthy, and consistently exceeds expectations."
"He is an absolute class act.
A very powerful advocate and one of the strongest advocates in his generation. Bold, brilliant,
disciplined and precise in his legal arguments. He combines a razor-sharp Oxford-trained intellect with immense energy. He won a groundbreaking Court of Appeal case involving Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act, setting new legal standards in this novel and complex area of law.”
"He is 24/7 responsible for clients' needs, delivering excellent work within tight timelines, flexible in billing, and providing complimentary services like in-house talks."
"Erik is very personable, has great legal knowledge and is extremely responsive. I know that if I instruct Erik, all deadlines will be met and the advice I receive is correct and well considered. Erik is my go-to lawyer in Singapore."
"He is very responsive and will try to think out of the box to resolve the client's need, especially difficult and innovative issues, and dispute resolution strategy. He
is able to understand the industry and practice, and able to deliver work product fast, of good quality, and useful for the client.”
"She's excellent at communications and problem solving. She is very polite and respectful as well but aggressive where the need arises. She is an excellent disputes lawyer.”
