Shook Lin & Bok is known for its work in complex, high-profile insolvency matters, commercial disputes, construction disputes and alternative dispute resolution. The firm is also active in fields such as banking, shipping, real estate, and oil and gas. It is particularly recognized for its niche expertise in banking and financial disputes, including advising on financial product claims, restitutionary claims, security enforcement and regulatory investigation. Its insolvency practice is widely known by market observers, having played leading roles in the country’s most high-profile matters, acting for Hin Leong, Envy Global Trading, Pacific International Lines, Gulf Petrochem and Zenrock. Additionally, it has been involved in a number of restructuring deal “firsts”, such as the first pre-packaged scheme of arrangement to the first foreign company to be placed under judicial management in Singapore. The firm has long-standing and dedicated China and India practices.
David Chan and senior counsel Sarjit Singh Gill are key contacts in the firm’s disputes team and were the lead partners on a number of the highlighted cases during the research period. Other key names at the group include finance litigator Yeow Khoon Ng, construction specialist Joseph Tay, shipping expert Moses Lin and IP and technology specialist Jevon Louis.
In commercial disputes, the firm acted for Standard Chartered Bank in a claim against Winson Oil Trading. The case involved allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and was significant due to the high-profile nature of the parties involved. The firm successfully defended the claim in a five-week trial, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal, establishing important precedents regarding fraud in banking transactions. In another recent matter, the team acted for Huber’s in a dispute involving a redevelopment project at Chin Bee Avenue. It successfully obtained a court-ordered easement to allow access to a neighboring property for construction purposes.
On the international arbitration front, the team successfully represented a domestic Singaporean bank in a complex arbitration claim against credit insurers. Involving cross-border elements, the firm is also assisting the Hong Kong subsidiary of a listed Chinese company to reclaim a $10 million deposit placed with a Seychelles-incorporated company in relation to an infrastructure project in Indonesia.
In a seminal instruction, the firm continues as lead counsel for KPMG Services as the liquidators of the Envy Group of Companies. The legal proceedings commenced by the clients involve several complex issues of law and fact and will probably set important precedents for the recovery of investors’ funds in fraudulent schemes. The suit against the alleged perpetrators of the fraud involves causes of action founded on, inter alia, the various statutory insolvency clawback provisions. Similar issues are engaged in the suit against the employees and originating application against the over-withdrawn investor. A central issue in each of the proceedings is whether the liquidators are entitled to recover or clawback over-withdrawn sums. This is a novel issue in Singapore law and the court’s decision will shape the legal landscape in relation to Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent entities for creditors, debtors and insolvency professionals alike.
The firm additionally represented Industrial Bank of Korea in a high stakes restructuring case involving Antanium Resources. The application sought to enforce a moratorium against creditors while the company reorganized its debts, which the court granted to allow the company to stabilize its operations and work towards a viable restructuring plan. The insolvency team was also kept busy representing the joint liquidators of Kyen Resources. The team dealt with complex issues surrounding the adjudication of creditors’ proofs of debt. The matter involved disputes regarding the validity of claims made by related companies and highlighted the challenges faced by liquidators in navigating competing interests among creditors.
The intellectual property litigation team, led by Louis, defended Natco Pharma Asia in a patent litigation matter against a major pharmaceutical company. The case centered on the validity of a patent and the enforcement of rights under the Health Products Regulations.
On the shipping side, the firm represented a commodities trading company in seeking to recover losses from a shipping company over the non-delivery of cargo. The case raised important questions about the enforceability of contracts and liability in shipping transactions. In another complex arbitration case, the team acted for a major shipping firm on its dispute over charter agreements and the delivery of goods. This case involved multiple parties and was significant for its implications on shipping contracts and the responsibilities of charterers and shipowners.
Client feedback
"We appreciated how well they handled our case." – Banking and financial services
"The lawyers provided practical advice and an effective approach. Their services are very cost-effective." – Bankruptcy
"The firm is known for its meticulous preparation and thorough research." – Government and regulatory
"They were great at understanding the details in a very complex dispute that involved different jurisdictions. They grasped the complexities quickly and we always felt they understood deeply our position." – International arbitration
"They were deeply involved in the case, knowing even the smallest detail of the evidence, the accusations, and each document we prepared and submitted. They guided us with great confidence throughout the arbitration process, which was completely new to us, especially in Singapore. They worked incredibly hard, adapting to time zone differences – myself based in Uruguay and my partner in San Francisco. It was common for them to take calls or meetings at midnight." – International arbitration
"The team is professional and responsive, providing good legal input in all the work done." – Labour and employment
Jevon Louis
"Jevon is great at finding the right way to explain and/or express a complex situation by distilling to the facts and what is useful for each particular argument in a dispute. He always keeps his cool.”
"He has extensive knowledge of our case and consistently anticipates the moves of the opposing party. He is highly protective of processes and ensures strict adherence to legal procedures and regulations. He has an exceptional ability to analyze and consider all aspects of the case."
Yeow Khoon Ng
"Provided practical advice and effective solutions."
Jamal Siddique
"He is very dedicated and meticulous."
Joseph Tay
"Joseph is very composed, empathetic and responsive. He is well-versed in employment laws and has given us realistic expectations."
