Meritus Law is an experienced commercial dispute resolution firm in Singapore that frequently acts for local and international corporations, state-owned enterprises, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The firm's lawyers have litigated a wide range of contentious matters before the Singapore courts, including the Singapore International Commercial Court, as well as arbitration proceedings before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). As an independent firm, they are often briefed by international law firms and large local firms. The firm boasts a strong team of experienced lawyers, including managing director Alfred Lim, and directors Ushan Premaratne and Jaime Lye.
Meritus Law has handled notable cases that highlight its strengths across a spectrum of contentious practice areas. In the area of commercial disputes, the firm is currently involved in a significant legal matter where it is representing Fine China Capital Investment. The case involves a domestic Mareva injunction against a Chinese national for the misappropriation of funds, with high value claims due to fraudulent activities. The outcome of this case could set important precedents regarding asset recovery and fraud in international trade.
Additionally, the team is working on a dispute concerning the trade of gold bars that raises questions about ownership and market practices and are also representing a client in an appeal concerning misrepresentation and breach of duty of care against an expert witness. Other notable cases include disputes over shareholder rights, family business assets, and fraud committed by company directors.
On the insolvency side, the firm is engaged in a high-profile restructuring case involving USP Group, a public company facing significant financial challenges. The firm is advising a creditor in the ongoing judicial management proceedings, which involve restructuring liabilities valued in the millions. The case is notable for its complexity and the potential implications for corporate governance and creditor rights in Singapore.
For international arbitration, Meritus Law secured a multi-million-dollar award for a Malaysian company against a Timor-Leste company for breach of a commodities supply contract. It successfully enforced the award in Timor-Leste, marking the first foreign arbitral award recognized there after the New York Convention came into force. The lawyers also acted for the claimant in three related SIAC arbitrations pertaining to a sale and purchase agreement (SPA). This matter is involves a prolific public-listed company in Singapore and its valuation pursuant to the SPA and the complexities involved when majority and minority shareholders have differences in opinion in the business operations. This dispute has taken nearly seven years to conclude with numerous announcements made on the local bourse regarding certain outcomes of this arbitration.
In the area of private client work, Meritus Law is defending a HNWI against claims of conspiracy and fraudulent misrepresentation related to a failed private education company. The case involves complex issues of
locus standi for bankruptcy and the application of the reflective loss principle. It was also one of the rare instances where issues of proper assignments from the Official Assignee to undischarged bankrupts were examined.
Client feedback
"The main and support lawyer showed great empathy toward me. They were extremely patient and detailed from start to finish. They did not refuse or make it difficult for me to make an appointment face to face. Considering the efforts and time spent, their fees are very reasonable." – Banking and financial services
"They were able to communicate with the trustees in charge of my bankruptcy and the OAs office to get me discharged.” – Bankruptcy
"Helping me with a diverse array of challenges arising out of my whistleblower complaint, as well as other corporate matters. Giving a realistic perspective on the best course of action given my available funds (instead of pushing for the most expensive approach)." – Commercial and transactions
"They are very proactive and have a deep understanding of how cross-border commercial transactions work." – Commercial and transactions
"The lawyers of Meritus Law are very knowledgeable in the processes and actions required to be taken. They advise and guide every step of the way from approaching the matter to final resolution." – Commercial and transactions
"Extremely professional, thorough and knowledgeable" – Commercial and transactions
"They are exceptional at handling complex commercial disputes." – Commercial and transactions
"Fantastic work.” – Commercial and transactions
"Explained the practical challenges with the claim as well as the merits." – Commercial and transactions
"Effective communication, clear instructions and prompt response." – Commercial and transactions
"They successfully managed to get the judgment from courts" – Commercial and transactions
"They understand the implications of judicial management and liquidation." – Commercial arbitration
"Provide sound legal advice and assessment." – Commercial arbitration
"Provided sound advice on my case and understand client concerns." – Construction
"They offered good advice." – Construction
"The communication with our clients was excellent. They managed our expectations regarding the results of our cases and handled complex court procedures. They forecasted and advised us on the next steps of the case progress. Overall, well done!" – Construction
"They listen, advise, and follow up." – Family and matrimonial
"They are patient, knowledgeable, provide timely updates, and conduct themselves professionally with skillful execution." – Family and matrimonial
"Their expertise and proactive approach have made a significant difference in navigating this complex situation. We feel confident in their ability to handle the matter effectively." – Government and regulatory
"Proactive, prompt, strategic" – Insurance
"Responsive. Gives clear succinct advice.” – International arbitration
"Professional and knowledgeable on the laws of Singapore.” – Real estate
Shawn Choong
"He is detailed, empathetic, patient, and upfront."
Alfred Lim
"He grasps issues well and is always willing to assist."
"His client-management skills, depth of knowledge, and problem-solving abilities are commendable."
"He is knowledgeable, precise, quick, swift, and very effective."
"He is an excellent listener and always has innovative solutions."
"He is very knowledgeable, clever, and highly responsive. He can clinically dissect matters and provide effective, practical solutions."
"He is very knowledgeable, clever and very responsive. He can clinically dissect the matter and come up with effective, practical solutions."
"He is quick to grasp issues and plan several steps ahead, able to clearly explain the possible courses of action so clients can make the best decisions."
"He listens, gives constructive advice, follows up, and has a genuine interest in ensuring that clients are satisfied with his services."
"He is knowledgeable and attentive to detail, offering sound advice."
"Lead lawyer Mr. Alfred Lim conveys his ideas well without using too much legal jargon and can easily be understood by people who are not legally trained."
Jaime Lye
"She is very knowledgeable."
"Jaime Lye provided exceptional support throughout my case. Her attention to detail and dedication made a significant difference in navigating complex issues and providing clear guidance to alleviate my concerns."
"There was clear communication with our clients, and she provided timely updates and advice."
"She is strategic, confident, and prompt in her responses."
"She is well-equipped with the skills and knowledge to advise us on our cases, offering timely updates and effective cost-control measures. Her willingness to understand our story and case files demonstrates a clear passion for her job and commitment to her clients."
"She is communicative, innovative, and contrarian in her thought processes, yet realistic."
Ushan Premaratne
"I have known Mr. Ushan from his previous firm, where he successfully obtained a judgment in my favour in a very short time. For my current case, he has been guiding me promptly and helping me understand the nature of the case. Most importantly, he understands how to handle corporate matters and navigate them effectively."
"His ability to understand business operations, practical challenges in bringing a claim, and his focus on resolution rather than litigation are commendable."
"He is a hands-on arbitration counsel with strong attention to detail and a strategic mindset."
"He is professional and excels in execution."
"Ushan is forward-thinking when it comes to breaking down difficult and complex problems and providing solutions, always considering practical and business aspects alongside the black letter law."
"I have known Mr. Ushan from his previous firm, where he successfully obtained a judgment in my favour in a very short time. For my current case, Mr. Ushan has been guiding me promptly and helping me understand the nature of the case. Most importantly, they understand how to handle corporate matters and navigate them effectively"
"He can advise and conduct litigation across a wide scope of issues, primarily due to his experience in successfully handling multiple cases that resulted in landmark decisions. His expertise lies in formulating and executing strategies aligned with client objectives. His ability to balance litigation risk is impeccable, and his deep knowledge of the law and analytical skills enable him to simplify complicated matters, assisting court officers in making sensible decisions. In short, I have never seen someone more comfortable than Ushan in a courtroom representing his clients."
"He provides to-the-point, realistic advice while keeping the overall budget in mind, rather than recommending an overly aggressive or expensive approach. He has a solid understanding of the client's overall goals beyond the immediate issue and possesses a strong multidisciplinary understanding, including transactions, dispute resolution, and the potential impact of decisions on other jurisdictions."
"He is very focused, strategic, and has a broad reach of knowledge. He is also easy to work with."
"He communicates very well with others and is able to achieve desired outcomes."
"Mr. Ushan Premaratne is quick, sharp, objective and formulates simple strategies for complicated matters with finesse.”
