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 recognised 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 touted by market observers, having played leading roles in the country’s most high-profile matters, such as with regards Hin Leong, Envy Global Trading, Pacific International Lines, Gulf Petrochem and ZenRock. In addition, it has been involved in a number of “firsts” in restructuring deals, such as the first pre-packaged scheme of arrangement to the first foreign company to be placed under judicial management in Singapore.
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 of the 17 partner-strong group include Yeow Khoon Ng, Probin Dass, Joseph Tay, Moses Lin and Jevon Louis.
In commercial disputes, the firm is acting for HSBC against the ex-directors and ex-employees of Hin Leong Trading in claims of fraudulent misrepresentation, conspiracy by unlawful means, procurement of breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. It has also been instructed by the Independent Panel of the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council in an action filed on behalf of the town council against its current members and elected members of parliament over alleged improper payments
In international arbitration, the team is representing the Singapore arm of a prominent Chinese company in respect of a dispute arising from a global master repurchase agreement made with a major Russian bank. It is also acting for a domestic Singaporean bank in an arbitration claim against credit insurers. Involving complex cross-border elements, the firm is assisting a South Korean commodities trading firm against two Bangladeshi commodities trading firms in an arbitration in relation to the non-delivery of cargo.
In insolvency, the team is counselling the interim judicial managers of three entities in the Envy group of companies. This is the first investment fraud in Singapore's history to hit the billion-dollar mark.
The intellectual property litigation team, led by Louis, represented Zenyum against allegations of trademark infringement and breach of common law trademark rights. This case will be the first in Singapore dealing with whether the use of a hashtag constitutes trademark infringement, which is a growing concern to businesses given the prevalence of social media and online advertising. The case will also deal with what is material to a consumer in the dentistry space in assessing the issue of whether the advertisements run were fair under the comparative advertising defence.
Client feedback
“Excellent preparation of a case on the facts, law, and strategy and tactics.” – Government and regulatory
“They do everything well! They are superb when it comes to finding meaningful and workable commercial solutions within the parameters of the law.” – Insolvency
David Chan
“David personifies the firm. He is a great thinker and solution provider; he’s creative, empathetic and highly market savvy.”
Jamal Siddique
“Excellent preparation on the facts and law, and responsiveness.”
