Established in 1978, Characterist is a Singaporean law firm that is active in civil and commercial disputes. In addition to its expertise in commercial and construction disputes, the firm is also active in insolvency, criminal and insurance litigation. It has an active roster of arbitration matters with international and cross-border elements. The firm appears in the family and matrimonial table this year, having demonstrated its extensive experience in resolving complex family-related disputes involving cross-border assets and real estate, as well as structuring intricate family trusts and businesses.
Managing director Daniel Goh oversees the dispute resolution team with support from directors Dominic Chan and Noel Oehlers, who represent clients in commercial disputes and arbitration. Managing director Lie Chin Chin is responsible for the firm’s contentious family and matrimonial matters.
In a ground-breaking case, the team represented five plaintiffs against the Singapore Government in a highly novel and complex constitutional and judicial review challenge against Vaccine-Differentiated Safe Management Measures and Workforce Vaccination Measures.
Client feedback
“Characterist was able to negotiate/mediate for a satisfactory claim for our costs incurred to renovate the damaged roof caused by the termite infestation.” – Commercial and transactions
“Characterist did a very professional job in helping me by explaining the various options available for me to proceed with the demand of repayment. I was very informed and able to make clear decision based on their advice.” – Commercial and transactions
“Very professional, yet personable and relatable in client servicing.” – Commercial and transactions
“Characterist is good at listening to the problem, analysing it, and then recommending an effective solution that is practical and cost-effective. I particularly like how Dominic is always honest and upfront, never over-promising and always delivering.” – Commercial and transactions
“For litigation and dispute resolution work, they have a strong team that can stand toe to toe with the biggest firms in town.” – Commercial and transactions
“Very responsive and insightful.” – Commercial arbitration
“They managed to get us a good deal.” – Construction
“I would say they are good at reading the opponent well, considering the options available to us and devising strategy in timing the action the firm had to take. Characterist offered very sound legal advice and set out clearly the risks with each action the firm considered. Basically, they held my hand throughout.” – Construction
“Familiar with construction law in Singapore’s built environment.” – Construction
“Very competent in the advice they gave.” – Family and matrimonial
“Johnston, who was my lawyer, provided relatable and sound advice. He gave me a wide scope of possibilities and understood what I wanted.” – Family and matrimonial
“1) Shared the detailed process of marriage dissolution during the first meeting, allowing me to understand the whole procedure.
2) The lawyer was patient. He listened to my situation before providing me with the various options for my consideration and allowed me time to make my decision to appoint them to represent me.
3) Very fast turnaround. It only took them one week to finish the paper and submit it. I did hear from my friends that it took them about one month for their lawyers to complete their papers.” – Family and matrimonial
“The firm has assigned to me a very competent lawyer, Johnston Lee, to represent my case. The firm acted upon all matters with precise timing.” – Family and matrimonial
“They provided excellent and consistent communication that gave a helpful overview and legal insights that helped me understand intricacies of the situation/legal challenge. I thought Dominic, the main lawyer assisting me, was very sharp in his analysis and a strong, powerful communicator – a top-notch lawyer. I am impressed by the moral courage displayed by both Daniel Goh, the leader of the firm, and Dominic in taking up this legal challenge. I also appreciate the entire team’s moral support and personal investment in the legal challenge over and above their professional responsibilities. It was personally uplifting and encouraging.” – Government and regulatory
“Good communication and timely responses.” – Government and regulatory
“Able to prepare the claim report in a concise and professional manner.” – Insurance
“Caring and attention to detail.” – Insurance
“They are good at handling legal matters and giving advice and are knowledgeable about what they are doing.” –
Insurance
“They explored all the different options available to me and gave me a frank assessment of the commercial and time implications of each course of action. It was apparent they had my interest as their main priority. They also tried to be swift in their work, mindful that they charge based on their time.” – Labour and employment
“Dominic and Chang Jin were very professional and addressed my grievances well. They were also very quick to do their research and send the letter of demand promptly. I believe they were very honest with their billing, and their charges were also very reasonable.” – Product liability and recall
“Prompt response, logical rationalisation.” – Technology and telecommunications
“Detailed and builds relationships with clients.” – Trusts and estates
Dominic Chan
“Patient, clear, honest.”
“I am impressed by his moral courage, moral support and personal investment in the legal challenge over and above his professional responsibilities. It was personally uplifting and encouraging.”
“He communicated in a clear, cogent and direct manner on what each communication meant. He also made me aware of all the different implications of my decisions so that I made them in a fully informed manner.”
“Friendly and approachable. Extremely competent. Puts in his utmost to get the best for his client.”
Daniel Goh
“Attentive. Proactive. Efficient.”
Johnston Lee
“He is very knowledgeable and has a very good personality. He is patient and efficient in his work.”
“Listened to the situation before providing possible solutions. Very fast turnaround and great follow-up. After the proceedings were completed, he called to follow up on my situation and checked to ensure all was good. Helpful and approachable.”
“He is very personable and goes the extra mile to explain in detail to clients about their wills and LPAs.”
“He is able to build relationships with clients quickly and advise with confidence. He is competent in his work and responsible.”
“He was understanding throughout my entire ordeal. He broke things down simply for me and provided different alternatives and choices for me. He also discussed what I could do to ensure that legally I will be protected.”
“Johnston Lee had given me clear and sound advice throughout my case, and I had fully understood the process and procedures.”
Daniel Ng
“Daniel is very confident and knowledgeable and made us feel assured of the outcome of the case.”
“Always put himself in my shoes but with his legal expert’s hat to advise on my best interest – the lowest cost solution but best potential outcomes. Very responsive and professional.”
“Responsive, considered, diligent.”
“Knowledgeable, friendly, good at explaining his work. Able to suggest solutions and workarounds to problems.”
“Daniel listens empathetically and tries his best to understand what we are putting across. He will paraphrase and seek our clarification. Then he will propose solutions and recommend which is best for us in our situation, explaining the complications and implications (if any).”
“From our initial consultation to the resolution of the matter, Daniel's professionalism and expertise were evident at every step. He was able to advise us based on our best interests. His strategic approach, attention to detail, and effective communication ensured that I was well informed and confident in the decisions we made together. His responsiveness to my enquiries and the clarity with which he explained legal nuances were invaluable and greatly appreciated. Thanks to his efforts, the resolution of my legal matter was not only successful but also conducted with the utmost professionalism and integrity.”
Francis Wong
“Approachable and experienced.”
“His handholding. With his input, I am able to make informed decisions.”
“He is prompt and knows the construction industry well.”
