Dentons Rodyk & Davidson operates under a verein structure that enables it to support cross-border dispute management and resolution. The disputes team is sizeable, with more than 75 lawyers. It is active in international arbitration and in the construction, infrastructure and energy, medical, high-net-worth individuals and financial sectors.
The practice’s portfolio of work includes cross-border enforcement litigation, joint venture disputes having multiple touchpoints around the globe, trust and equity, economic torts, corporate and shareholder disputes, fiduciary obligations, trade finance, admiralty, construction, high-profile defamation cases, complex cases in claims defence, medical malpractice litigation, defence of medical practitioners in professional misconduct, defence of professionals in professional negligence claims, and white-collar criminal defence representation cases involving corruption and securities offences for domestic and international clients.
The firm takes a multi-faceted approach to manage its clients’ domestic and international disputes by utilising Dentons’ global platform. The Dentons ASEAN network is the first global pan-ASEAN law firm. The network comprises established firms in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and, most recently, the Philippines. For the Philippines, Dentons formalised a combination with PSJ Law in early 2024. There are plans to expand into Thailand and other jurisdictions in the near future.
The well-rounded disputes team includes construction specialists Kia Jeng Koh and Kirindeep Singh, commercial litigation heads Mark Seah and Siang Pheng Lek, international arbitration specialists Lawrence Teh and Herman Jeremiah, insolvency veteran Ajinderpal Singh, and IP expert Gilbert Leong.
Key clients include Bank of China, China Railway Construction Corporation, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pacific Radiance, REC Solar and State Bank of India.
For commercial disputes, the firm successfully defended PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) against the State of Papua New Guinea before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. PNGSDP has vindicated its position that it was established to promote sustainable development in Papua New Guinea under an independent structure free from state control. The firm also represented UniCredit Bank as a creditor in the liquidation of Hin Leong Trading.
The team successfully defended Jurong Primewide (JPW), a Temasek-linked company, on several contractual issues and successfully reduced the period of culpable delay alleged by the plaintiff and employer, Crescendas Bionics (CB). On appeal, JPW substantially succeeded before the Singapore Court of Appeal. An appeal on the second tranche pertaining to quantum matters is pending. Both parties have appealed against the decision of the High Court on issues of remoteness, causation, and the factors adopted by the High Court in quantifying damages for loss of rental.
In another highlight, the team acted for QBE Insurance and MS First Capital Insurance in Singapore’s first Covid-19 business interruption claim lodged in the High Court. The case hinges on the interpretation of an infectious disease extension clause in relevant insurance policies. The court’s interpretation of the clause will have far-reaching consequences for other insurance industry businesses.
The white-collar crime team represented a former director of Envy Asset Management and Envy Global Trading who faces numerous allegations of cheating, money laundering and fraudulent trading. The case has been reported in the local and foreign media to be the biggest “alleged ponzi scheme” in Singapore’s history and many of the alleged victims are persons of standing, including lawyers. This is one of the few white-collar crime cases in Singapore to be transmitted to the General Division of the High Court for trial.
Client feedback
“They have advised the client well and know the subject matter properly. They are also patient in addressing the client’s multiple queries.” – Construction
“Very professional in all fields, careful advice and considerate.” – Family and matrimonial
“Dentons stands out in providing a well-rounded suite of services, well-though-through and strategic advice, depth of knowledge in multiple areas of the law, quick return times, and very competent advocacy skills.” – Insurance
“Very professional, timely and good value for the service provided. Legal advice and knowledge were excellent.” – Trusts and estates
“Won a wrongful lawsuit against me in Singapore and currently still actively defending against my husband’s estate.” – Trusts and estates
Kia Meng Loh
“Leadership in team of lawyers – namely, Lynn Cheng and Ooi Shu Min.”
“Excellent knowledge, great customer-oriented service and great value. Approachable and professional.”
Navin Naidu
“Exceptional legal expertise and dedicated to the case.”
“Navin Naidu, my lawyer, has demonstrated exemplary legal expertise and unwavering commitment to my case. His meticulous preparation and keen attention to detail have yielded a favourable outcome.”
Edric Pan
“Delivers thorough and well-thought-through advice. Skilled and experienced in areas of law pertaining to insurance and insurance-related litigation. Works efficiently, understands clients’ concerns. Strategic thinker, flexible in the area of costs. Consistently delivers work of high quality, which fosters confidence and trust.”
Kirin Singh
“Good knowledge.”
Terence Wah
“Very knowledgeable in estate and trust law.”
