Quahe Woo & Palmer is a dynamic and rapidly growing law firm based in Singapore, known for its strong capabilities in various contentious practice areas, including arbitration, commercial and transactions, insolvency, construction, and family law. Established in 2009 as a small four-person litigation-focused firm, it has grown into a mid-sized powerhouse with a dedicated team of 15 dispute resolution lawyers, including multiple directors and associates. The firm is well-versed in handling complex and high-value cases, often punching above its weight. Its lawyers are experienced in litigation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
The firm's litigation department is helmed by senior dispute resolution practitioners Christopher Woo, Michael Palmer and Melvin Lum, who have decades of combined experience. Woo is a formidable advocate in the courtroom, regularly appearing in the Singapore Supreme Court on complex commercial disputes, insolvency matters, and intellectual property cases. Palmer maintains a diverse practice covering corporate and commercial litigation, defamation and contentious employment law. Lum has nearly 20 years of experience and he covers all forms of dispute resolution, from litigation to arbitration and mediation. Family law specialist Michelle Woodworth is another name to note.
In the area of arbitration, the firm has advised on and represented parties in complex, multi-jurisdictional commercial arbitrations before major institutions like SIAC, UNCITRAL, and ICC. The team has been involved in significant cases, such as representing Universal Group Holdings in a high-stakes dispute following the collapse of Hin Leong Trading. The case involved complex claims related to conspiracy and has significant implications in the oil and gas sector.
The firm also excels in commercial disputes, recently acting for Yuk Tung Energy in a substantial claim against an oil trading company. In another high-profile case, the lawyers represented Java Asset Holding in a large sum claim against an individual. On the construction side, the team provided legal counsel to a hotel development project facing encroachment issues.
Underscoring the firm’s contentious insolvency prowess, the firm is acting for the liquidators of Sunmax Global Capital Fund 1 in a complex matter involving the investigation of alleged misconduct by the company's former officers and the recovery of misappropriated assets.
In 2024, the firm resumed its operations in Hong Kong to better serve its clients in the Greater China region. It continues to be the Singapore member firm for Multilaw and recruited a highly regarded Malaysian litigator, Hayden Tan, to broaden its service offerings to Malaysian clients.
Client feedback
"They give a very supportive opinion." – Banking and financial services
"I appreciate their communication and honesty." – Banking and financial services
"They are able to empathise, explain and understand concerns of the client from our view." – Commercial and transactions
"The team provides practical advice, follows up diligently and is cost-effective." – Commercial and transactions
"They provide timely and frequent updates on all communications with our debtor client. They were able to settle our case in a fast and efficient manner." – Commercial and transactions
"The team possesses a good understanding of issues and provides practical advisory solutions." – Commercial and transactions
"The team delivers overall professional advice and drafts letters effectively." – Commercial arbitration
"The construction team specializes in litigations related to construction disputes and security of payment." – Construction
"They focus on solutions and resolutions rather than the dispute." – Family and matrimonial
"They get value-for-money results, they understand the client and are a pleasure to work with." – Family and matrimonial
"The team offers a prompt turnaround and great customer service, provides comprehensive and sound advice, and formulates effective strategies to advance matters." – Insurance
"Conducts detailed and prompt follow-ups with clear explanations of terms and consequences." – Real estate
"They provide friendly, professional advice and solutions to address concerns." – Trusts and estates
"The team conducts comprehensive assessments of issues and implications." – White-collar crime
Shiao Hong Ho
"Penchant for detail."
Keith Lim
"Very responsive and provides good insights and advice."
"Communicates well and provides timely updates.”
"He is patient, understands issues, and comes up with practical solutions."
"He is calm, patient, friendly and professional."
"Keith Lim is known for his professionalism, strong attention to detail, and client-focused approach. He has a remarkable ability to understand complex issues quickly and provide clear, practical solutions tailored to his clients' needs. Additionally, Keith is highly responsive and proactive, ensuring that clients are well-informed and confident throughout the process. His dedication to delivering quality outcomes and building strong client relationships sets him apart, making him a valuable asset in any engagement."
"He provides great follow-up, demonstrates professionalism, and possesses in-depth knowledge."
Melvin Lum
"He is highly intelligent and very well-tuned to the client's needs. You can tell he really cares about the client and does his best to achieve good results."
Michael Palmer
"Provides personalized service and has an eye for detail."
"Michael is technically strong, especially in handling challenging cases. He has a very strategic mindset in handling any case assigned to achieve an excellent outcome."
"Responds very fast."
Reuben Tan
"He's a relatable fella. He's cautious and follows up diligently, addresses concerns and thinks for the client in terms of costs."
"Reuben is very detailed when explaining the situation to me. He has shown compassion and patience. He replies to my queries promptly, and even when he is on a tight schedule, he acknowledges my messages and assures me that he will respond."
"He is prompt and efficient, able to provide sound advice and effective solutions to resolve matters. His communication is clear and effective."
"He is efficient, effective, result-driven, and a quick communicator. He provides honest feedback and offers very helpful advice.”
Michelle Woodworth
"Michelle is a brilliant legal counsel who provides exceptional family law-related advice."
