Characterist is a well-respected Singapore law firm with a rich history dating back to 1978. The firm is known for its expertise in civil and commercial litigation and arbitration, including complex cross-border matters. The firm is highly experienced in disputes relating to commercial, insolvency, construction, matrimonial and insurance matters. The firm's approach to dispute resolution is to leverage its diverse skill sets to provide comprehensive solutions. Characterist has been recognized as one of Singapore's top law firms in various surveys.
The firm’s disputes group is led by director Dominic Chan. Other key individuals include firm managing director Daniel Goh, an insurance and personal injury specialist, and directors Noel Oehlers and Vicki Loh. Managing director Lie Chin-Chin heads up the family and matrimonial practice.
Characterist's commercial disputes practice handles a wide range of local and international cases, from fraud and trust issues to minority oppression and lifting the corporate veil. The firm has been involved in high-profile public interest cases on administrative and constitutional law, including challenges against government policies. For example, the team acted for five plaintiffs against the Singapore government in a novel and complex constitutional and judicial review challenge against vaccine-differentiation safe management measures and workforce vaccination measures. In another notable matter, its lawyers were enlisted by charity The Ngee Ann Kongsi on its high-profile dispute related to the iconic Teochew Building.
Characterist also has extensive experience in insolvency, judicial management, and schemes of arrangement for large companies, and has represented major insurers and individuals in personal injury claims. For example, the team recently represented a car accident victim's surviving dependents as claimants in making dependency claims against the estate of the driver that caused the accident. In the construction space, the Characterist team is respected for its expertise in complex, high-value disputes. Key areas of focus include construction defects, time-delay analysis, and security of payment adjudication.
The firm worked with Vallianz Shipbuilding & Engineering in a landmark case that touched on the definition of a "ship" under a section of the High Court. With the unique facts involved in the matter, it was the first time the threshold question of what a ship is had been considered and conclusively determined in Singapore.
Client feedback
"They provided prompt and efficient service, along with sound and balanced advice." – Commercial and transactions
"Once there are any updates or information available, they immediately update the client without delay." – Family and matrimonial
"They were knowledgeable and provided good advice on the required proceedings. The case was handled with excellent customer service and empathy." – Family and matrimonial
"The entire process – from the initial inquiry and meeting for fact-finding to the explanation of divorce proceedings and the actual handling of the divorce – went very smoothly." – Family and matrimonial
"The lawyer has been extremely helpful in answering all their queries and guiding them through the divorce proceedings step by step from beginning to completion. They are very thankful for the realistic expectations and explanations provided during meetings and phone calls." – Family and matrimonial
"They clearly outlined an overview of the situation and potential outcomes to prioritize effectively." – Intellectual property
"The team provided sound legal advice relevant to their company's highlighted issues, along with prompt follow-up." – Labour and employment
Daniel Ng
"Daniel gave prompt responses, sound analysis of the case, and clear explanations, along with cost-effective solutions."
Johnston Lee
"I am truly blessed and grateful to have Mr Johnston Lee as my lawyer for my case. During our first meeting, he explained everything to me and allowed me to understand the whole procedure. He is patient and listened to my situation before providing me with his professional advice; even though sometimes it might not be the answer which I want to hear. When I have any doubts, he will make sure to give me a call to clear my doubt even if it is after his working hours."
"His communication was good; he provided a clear explanation of the entire divorce process and offered updates at each step. Extra effort was made to expedite the process. While a divorce is never easy, the procedure was handled with a high level of customer care and empathy, which they truly appreciated, especially compared to other competitors.”
"He possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. He provided an in-depth understanding of the divorce processes and set realistic expectations."
"There was clear and timely communication, along with good knowledge of the required proceedings. The case was handled with empathy and excellent customer service."
Vicki Loh
"She was transparent and clear in her communication, patient in listening to clients' concerns, and knowledgeable and confident in providing appropriate advice accordingly."
Francis Wong
"Francis summarized the pros and cons of various outcomes and demonstrated a willingness to think outside the box."
