Characterist is a well-established firm with a history dating back to 1978 and a strong focus on dispute resolution. Its multidisciplinary team has deep expertise in civil and commercial litigation and arbitration, including complex cases with international and cross-border elements. The firm is highly regarded for work in commercial disputes, insolvency and restructuring, construction and infrastructure conflicts, and insurance litigation.
In the commercial disputes arena, the firm handles a wide variety of matters, from domestic contract and shareholder lawsuits to multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration. Their cases often featuring novel points of law or complex fact patterns. The team is well versed in obtaining urgent and worldwide injunctions, litigating fraud and asset recovery actions, tackling trust and estate contests, and pursuing or defending shareholder claims such as minority oppression and derivative suits. The firm is also one of the few in Singapore to take on major public interest litigation. For example, it acted for a group of citizens in a constitutional challenge to the government’s COVID-19 vaccine-differentiation measures, a legally and logistically complex judicial review testing the limits of administrative law during the pandemic. In another highlight matter, the firm represented The Ngee Ann Kongsi in a headline dispute over control of the S$400 million Teochew Building, an iconic community asset. In this matter, the firm helped navigate complex questions of trust and governance law in a highly publicised clash within the charity’s management.
In the field of corporate insolvency, the firm’s lawyers have guided clients through the judicial management and restructuring of large private and listed companies, and have engaged in court proceedings involving high-profile corporate collapses and debt schemes.
Among the firm’s recent cases, one notable example was a High Court probate dispute in 2025 concerning a $150 million international estate. The firm represented a family member seeking removal of two estate executors on grounds of conflict of interest and failure to properly administer the estate. After examining evidence of the executors’ self-dealing and delays in distributing assets, the High Court agreed to revoke their grant of probate – a rare outcome in Singapore’s courts. Another matter exemplifying the team’s cross-border acumen was a complex international arbitration where the firm acted for two Central Asian entrepreneurs in a Singapore-seated defamation claim within a shareholder dispute. That arbitration, which resulted in a favourable award for the clients, involved defamatory statements posted online by a former partner and required the tribunal to assess cutting-edge issues like the misuse of artificial intelligence tools in publishing false allegations. This arbitration was one of the first in Singapore to engage with the role of AI in evidence and advocacy.
Construction and infrastructure disputes are another core strength for Characterist. Led by director Francis Wong, an experienced construction litigator and arbitrator, the construction group is known for handling substantial disputes involving engineering and design defects, delay and cost overrun claims, and adjudications under Security of Payment regulations. The team regularly advises contractors, developers, and insurers in technically demanding cases that require mastery of construction contracts and coordination with expert witnesses on issues like structural integrity and delay analysis. For instance, in an ongoing case, the firm is acting for two construction companies in a dispute with a property owner arising from a halted design-and-build project. The litigation has raised an unprecedented question in Singapore: whether a landowner’s inability to secure planning approval can be treated as a “frustrating event” that voids a construction contract and excuses performance. This is a novel point of law that has not previously addressed in any reported case.
While Characterist’s focus is firmly on commercial and civil disputes, it also fields a respected matrimonial and family disputes practice, headed by managing director Lie Chin Chin known for taking on contentious divorces involving substantial cross-border assets, family businesses, and intricate trust structures. The firm’s senior lawyers in this department regularly handle sensitive cases featuring multi-jurisdictional asset tracing, complex valuation of matrimonial property, and high-conflict custody or personal protection issues.
The continued growth and activity of Characterist’s disputes team have been marked by a steady flow of significant matters and some internal transitions. The firm’s litigation and arbitration practice is co-led by Managing director Daniel Goh and Head of Dispute Resolution Dominic Chan, both of whom are veteran advocates with three decades of experience. Goh and Chan are recognized by peers for their work across a broad range of disputes. Goh is a former deputy public prosecutor who brings particular expertise in insurance and personal injury claims as well as general commercial litigation, while Chan specialises in high-value corporate, shareholder, and construction cases and is frequently sought after as lead counsel in trials and arbitrations. They are supported by a core team of directors including Noel Oehlers, Vicki Loh, and Francis Wong, each of whom has over 20 years of litigation experience and distinct specialties ranging from general commercial disputes to building and engineering claims.
“They communicate clearly, respond promptly, and offer reliable and well-structured legal advice. Their experience in family law is evident and reassuring.”- Family and matrimonial
“Their advice, follow-up and procedures of my divorce were very well-explained and expedited.”- Family and matrimonial
“Characterist provides clear, pragmatic legal advice and handles matters with professionalism and discretion. Their team is responsive, detail-oriented, and takes the time to ensure I fully understand each step of the process.”- Family and matrimonial
“I had many issues in dealing with my ex-wife and could not communicate with her to come to terms. I engaged my lawyer from Characterist to represent me to reach a mutual term in the settlement with her. The results were very satisfactory and much time was saved.”- Family and matrimonial
“They are very good at explaining the case and giving advice.”- Family and matrimonial
“The firm delivers professional, practical legal advice. They also connect very well with clients, making them feel understood and supported throughout the process.”- Trusts and estates
“Professional and reliable service.”- Trusts and estates
“I use them for general civil, commercial litigation and advisory work, inter alia in the areas of insurance, shipping, construction, employment, banking, tenancy and contentious probate. The legal team has often provided excellent and professional services and advice to us.”- Trusts and estates
“Johnston is patient, steady, and clear in his explanations. He listens carefully, gives practical and realistic advice, and helps me understand the implications of each option before making decisions. He is calm, measured, and reassuring, especially when the case becomes emotionally or procedurally complex. His ability to simplify the legal process and communicate in a grounded, straightforward manner is something I appreciate.”
“Johnston Lee’s explanation is very clear. He’s an honest, patient, friendly, and capable lawyer. He responds very quickly to questions in emails, phone calls or WhatsApp.”
“Johnston Lee is highly professional, thoughtful, and meticulous in his approach. He takes the time to explain legal complexities clearly and provides sound, pragmatic advice that balances both legal precision and client priorities.”
“Johnston listens very carefully to my needs and offers me the best solutions to approach my desired outcome in a reasonable manner. He does not hesitate to point out to me if something that I had wanted was not in the best interest of myself or the people around me involved in the case.”
“He is empathetic that the client feels comfortable in talking about the case to him.”
“He is the one who provides professional legal advice and strong client engagement. He makes clients feel comfortable and well-guided.”
“Very good client relationship management and responsible.”
“Vicki is highly knowledgeable in the law and offers sound legal advice. She not only looks after her clients’ best interests but also demonstrates the qualities every lawyer should have: breaking down complex issues, evaluating problems, assessing risks, and creating effective, often creative strategies for favorable outcomes. She demonstrates integrity and respect for the rules of court, which is dedicated and thorough in preparation. She is reliable and has a strong work ethic. Whilst interacting with her regarding another challenging familial issue, she is empathic and compassionate.”
