The dispute resolution group at Tan Rajah & Cheah (TRC) 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's standout strengths lies in its dispute resolution team. With extensive experience in litigation and arbitration, the team handles a wide array of complex cases, including commercial disputes, fiduciary duties, and negligence claims. Recently, TRC achieved significant success in a high-profile case involving the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council, where the court ruled in favor of the Town Councilors regarding alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. This landmark decision clarified the legal responsibilities of public officials and garnered considerable media attention.
Rajah leads an experienced team that includes Imran Khwaja, Moiz Haider Sithawalla and Megan Chia. Rajah’s reputation as a leading litigation counsel is complemented by Khwaja’s expertise in both commercial and family law, while Chia’s strength in white-collar crime matters and Sithawalla’s focus on arbitration and commercial disputes highlight the firm’s broad capabilities.
In the realm of commercial and transactions disputes, TRC is recognized for its expertise in advising clients on intricate business matters. The firm represents a variety of clients, including government entities and private companies. A notable highlight includes its ongoing work recovering seized assets linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, where TRC is representing the Government of Malaysia in efforts to reclaim approximately SG$240 million in misappropriated funds. TRC's lawyers are also adept at handling cross-border issues, as demonstrated by their representation of a public-listed Thai company in claims commenced in various jurisdictions.
The family and matrimonial law practice at the firm is another area of excellence. Led by Imran Khwaja, the team is well-regarded for handling sensitive family matters, including divorce, custody disputes, and guardianship issues. Recently, TRC successfully assisted a grandmother in obtaining guardianship of her grandchildren, navigating the intricate legal landscape of family law. The team’s compassionate approach ensures that clients feel supported during challenging personal circumstances.
The firm’s established white-collar crime practice is recognized for its expertise in handling complex cases involving fraud, financial misconduct, and regulatory compliance. Led Chia, the team has been actively involved in high-profile cases, including representing clients in the multi-billion-dollar Wirecard fraud scandal, where the lawyers are defending one of the accused against multiple charges of falsification of accounts. Additionally, TRC has successfully defended clients in cases related to false claims made to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore under the Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme, with significant sums involved.
