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 over 70 disputes lawyers. It is active in international arbitration and also in the construction, infrastructure and energy, medical, high net-worth individuals and financial sectors.
Its well-rounded 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.
In 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, successfully reducing 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 currently 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.
Other case highlights during the research period include the IP team acting for Lundbeck in a Medicines Act and patent infringement suit against Zyfas. The client is proprietor of multiple patents related to the drug Escitalopram. The son of a former president of Singapore and a famed architect has instructed the firm in a shareholder dispute concerning a top architectural firm in Singapore. On the maritime side, the team is acting for Enemalta in Singapore proceedings relating to an interconnector damaged by a vessel. It is also assisting Stigma Shipholding in relation to its vessel being arrested in Singapore on claims of an unpaid bunker.
The firm is busy defending Terraform Labs, Kwon Do-Hyung and Luna Foundation Guard against claims in the High Court commenced by two individuals in relation to purchases of TerraUSD stablecoin tokens (UST). The plaintiffs claim to represent a group of 377 individual claimants who contend that they have been fraudulently induced by representations made by the defendants to purchase UST.
China Railway Construction Corporation, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pacific Radiance, REC Solar and State Bank of India are among the firm’s other key clients.
Dentons Rodyk & Davidson takes a multi-faceted approach to managing its clients’ domestic and international disputes by utilising Dentons’ global platform. Five years ago, the firm combined with Hanafiah Ponggawa & Partners in Indonesia and Zain & Co in Malaysia in a bid to strengthen its foothold in the region. Together, the offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore form the Dentons ASEAN network.
Client feedback
“Excellent.” – Commercial and transactions
“Excellent client service and depth of knowledge. The lawyers are excellent strategists regarding dispute management, court hearings, arbitration and settlement. They are very proactive and responsive.” – Commercial and transactions
“They are very responsive and detailed in every aspect. For example, they will advise us based on several possible scenarios. They are also very empathetic towards our situation, be it financially or mentally.” – Commercial and transactions
“They provided an In-depth analysis of the case, clear articulation of our legal position and carried out the proceedings in an efficient, professional manner.” – Commercial and transactions
“They advised me very professionally and have given me a lot of advice and insights.” – Commercial and transactions
“They are meticulous and knowledgeable.” – Construction
“Excellent and very forceful lawyers.” – Construction
“They are very responsive and provide well-thought-through strategies. We worked with Dentons Rodyk & Davidson as co-counsel, and found them to be thoroughly professional, very commercially savvy and exceptional in providing solutions to address the clients' queries and issues.” – International arbitration
“They managed the process, explained the risks and potential outcomes whilst also making clear the potential opportunities and wins available.” – Labour and employment
“They have good knowledge and understanding of related laws and context. They are always in communication with clients and all parties, and take timely action.” – Product liability and recall
“They provided insightful advice on dispute resolution for a real estate contract.” – Real estate
“The team has a full understanding of IT knowledge and experience. They were able bring the case to out-of-court settlement.” – Technology
“Great service, value and responsiveness.” – Trusts and estates
“Dentons Rodyk has got very good teams. They are professional, polite, young, energetic and very attentive.” – White-collar crime
Huai Yuan Chia
“Responsive and knowledgeable of Singapore courts.”
“Very responsive, empathetic and detailed.”
“Huai Yuan Chia is the lawyer that worked for my case and he is very professional and knowledgeable. I gained many insights and he helped me look at my case from different perspectives to raise my chances of winning.”
“Very knowledgeable on dispute resolution, very patient in dispensing advice.”
“Huai Yuan Chia promptly attended to our urgent request regarding a potential breach of company law. In fact, he took the initiative to organise a zoom meeting immediately after receiving our request, even though it was already out of their office hours. The team was also very attentive to all our meetings afterwards. Huai Yuan is very professional and knowledgeable on his areas of interest. He goes the extra mile to think for his client. Recently he provided some valuable advice even though it was out of the scope of the case, and he did it on a courtesy basis. His understanding and supportive character makes me feel well taken care of. Huai Yuan is possibly one of the best lawyers I have ever met, I can say that Dentons Rodyk has given me a good, solid impression because of lawyers like Huai Yuan Chia. I will definitely recommend him and the firm.”
Hannah Chua
“Prompt responses. Clear communication.”
Herman Jeremiah
“Solution-focused.”
Rodney Keong
“Rodney is a very experienced disputes lawyer, with a keen sense of commercial reality, and he is able to break down complex matters in a way that clients and co-counsel appreciate. His keen sense of the commercial helps to ensure that the client achieves a commercially good result.”
Kia Jeng Koh
“He is capable and has clarity of thought. He is a good litigation counsel.”
Gilbert Leong
“He has vast knowledge on IT and the ability to understand the case without much explanation.”
Kia Meng Loh
“Excellent.”
“Solid business sense and understands risks very well. Able to adjust quickly and find the most efficient way to settle disputes.”
“Great client management and operational oversight.”
“He has a great understanding of legal matters, provides quick solutions and clear, concise communications. He is friendly and personable, understands the client's position and is very productive to work with.”
Edric Pan
“Friendly, calm, prompt; he knows his stuff and knows the insurance industry well.”
Mark Seah
“He is extremely knowledgeable on a wide range of matters, and is versatile and pragmatic in presenting client-centric solutions He is exceptionally diligent, a deep-thinking strategist guiding clients through complex legal situations.”
Kirindeep Singh
“Great construction law knowledge.”
