PK Wong & Nair formed a JV with international firm Mayer Brown at the beginning of 2023. It houses an experienced team of dispute resolution and insolvency lawyers. The firm is staffed with 23 lawyers and its disputes team is led by the well-respected Suresh Nair. Its dispute resolution strengths continue to be rooted in corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency and employment disputes, with peers noting that the firm punches above its weight for complex contentious insolvency matters. This is due, in part, to having three seasoned R&I lawyers leading the team, which is bigger than some of its largest competitors in the market. Its international arbitration practice has a particular focus on regional commercial and commodities-related disputes. Other key disputes lawyers include Andrew Ang, Basil Ong, Bryan Tan, Joel Yeow and Nicole Foo.
In a high-profile matter, the team is representing British and Malayan Trustees on seeking directions of the court on a bond trustee’s powers and duties in a bond default. There was a landmark decision on the calculation of trustee votes, since there was a lack of clarity in the law pertaining to trustees’ obligations in the event of a bond default. This case brought to the forefront the issue of the scope of a trustee’s duties and liabilities during a bond default, which at the time of the application was a live issue, given the number of bond defaults in recent years.
The team continues to act for Antanium Resources in a proposed restructuring of its debts. It is also assisting the client to obtain a moratorium, and thereafter an application to convene a meeting for a scheme of arrangement to restructure the company’s debts, amounting to around $750 million. This case has raised a number of novel issues, such as the super-priority application in respect of arbitration funding which appears to be the first of its kind, as well as whether a scheme of arrangement may impose new obligations on scheme creditors
– an issue that has been adjourned to be decided at the sanction hearing, if necessary.
PK Wong & Nair is a member of First Law International, an international legal network of independent law firms covering more than 80 jurisdictions across Asia Pacific, the US and the UK.
Client feedback
“The team prepared the groundwork and understood the disputes well.” – Construction
“The firm is very responsive and takes its role seriously.” – Insolvency
“Provides sound and practical advice.” – Insolvency
“I have a well-established working relationship with Suresh Nair. This firm would be my first stop because they are hungry, excellent at what they do and always on top of their game.” – Insolvency
“Attentive and professional. Competent and knowledgeable.” – Insolvency
Suresh Nair
“He has a practical understanding of issues and is able to formulate solutions.”
“Very responsive and great attention to detail.”
“Dispenses practical advice.”
“He is among the best insolvency practitioners in Singapore. An exceptional advocate, he is razor-sharp and precise and provides timely and practical advice in the most personable way possible.”
“He’s competent, knowledgeable, approachable and understanding.”
