The dispute resolution group at Tan Rajah & Cheah is led by acclaimed senior counsel Chelva Rajah. He is an active court lawyer, arbitration counsel of choice, former judicial commissioner, arbitrator and judge of the Qatar International Court since 2011. The firm is best known for its commercial litigation prowess and contentious family law expertise, and is a seasoned player in high stakes, long-running and complex litigations. It is also active in insolvency, international arbitration and white-collar crime.
Rajah leads an experienced team that includes Eusuff Ali, Moiz Haider Sithawalla, Megan Chia, and family law veteran Imran Khwaja. Consultant and insurance litigation and investigations specialist Nagaraja B Rao recently joined the team from Australian firm Emerald Law.
In one high-profile highlight, the government of Malaysia has instructed Rajah, Khwaja and their team for the recovery of seized 1MDB assets in Singapore. This is a very highly publicised matter, with the Malaysian government trusting the firm to represent them in legal proceedings to recover the monies embezzled. In another case, the team is acting for the plaintiff, Innovative Corporation, in a complex claim against an errant director and his company for appropriating the client’s maturing business opportunity. The outcome of the case is significant, given the substantial amounts involved and the High Court’s holdings on several key areas as the procedure of taking of accounts of profits, disclosure in such proceedings, expert’s duties, causation for account of profits and equitable allowance.
Client feedback
“Tan Rajah & Cheah is known for its diverse team of legal professionals who specialise in various practice areas, including corporate law, dispute resolution, employment law, intellectual property, and more. This breadth of expertise allows the firm to provide comprehensive legal services to clients across different industries.” –
Commercial and transactions
“They know what the client wants and needs – and they deliver. They are a gentleman’s firm, with strong values enshrined in the way they deal with everything. They have a strong matrimonial practice that uses therapeutic justice as its cornerstone.” – Commercial arbitration
“Tan Rajah & Cheah have been very clear, strategic and insightful in their counsel, often grounding their counsel in applicable case laws and strongly considering the human conflict aspects in relation to any decision to be made.” –
Family and matrimonial
“The excellent advice they provide and the legal process they set out in order to achieve the hoped-for outcome.” –
International arbitration
“They are great litigators, but very measured, commercial and practical, not pursuing litigation at any cost. Often negotiation and mediation are a better way forward. They are a very classy act.” –
Labour and employment
“In-depth and personal advice protecting our interests.” – Real estate
“Tip-top service with stellar intellectual ability.” – White-collar crime
Eusuff Ali
“Listening ear, analytical and very empathic at the same time.”
Megan Chia
“She is perfect, and she has an excellent human touch. She empathises.”
“Top-draw legal acumen, diligent and responsive.”
Sudhershen Hariram
“For matrimonial matters, including those of varying levels of acrimony, Sudhershen always provides children-centric counsel that is focused on de-escalation, finding quick and amicable resolutions, and, where possible, adopting a collaborative stance on matters. He often reminds me to always consider the longer-term wellbeing of the children and their interests, and I find that to be a critical strength in his professionalism. On that note, he also actively discourages the use of caustic language, having a litigious approach to matters (if matters could be bilaterally resolved), or having a provocative or inflammatory tone in communications with other parties, regardless of the acrimony. He demonstrates a very strong understanding of issues, trends and case law. Further, in all my communications with him throughout the years, he continues to be highly respectful of other lawyers. I have no qualms recommending friends and acquaintances undergoing matrimonial matters to him for counsel.”
“He prioritises what is best for his client and the family and does not let them get trapped in all that emotion. He is intelligent, succinct and practical.”
“Top-quality legal advice.”
“Very good lawyer. Knows exactly the advice you need and puts it very simply. Does not waste time and costs in arguing unimportant points.”
“He is a lawyer who prioritises what is best for you and your family in spite of all the emotion. He is intelligent, succinct and practical.”
Chelva Rajah
“Chelva Rajah is a distinguished lawyer and senior counsel, widely known for his exceptional legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice. With an illustrious career spanning many years, Rajah has rightfully earned a reputation for his meticulous approach to legal proceedings and his ability to navigate complex cases with precision. Serving with integrity and ethical practice, he is a respected figure in the legal community, often providing mentorship to aspiring lawyers. His dedication to pro bono work and his contributions to the development of legal education further underscore his positive impact on both the legal profession and society at large.”
Moiz Haider Sithawalla
“Excellent listener, very good summarizer. Sharp in the analysis of the matter at hand and in setting out the course of action. Excellent delivery in both word and speech.”
“Communicated well. Very understanding. Listens. Gives very sensible, commercial advice.”
