RPC Premier Law’s Singapore disputes practice continues to gain traction as a cross-border platform for complex commercial litigation and international arbitration, combining strong domestic court capability with the international reach of RPC’s global network. The firm is particularly noted for its ability to manage high-value, multi-party disputes with a cross-border dimension, often involving parallel proceedings and complex contractual or fiduciary issues. Operating through its joint law venture structure, the team delivers coordinated strategies across Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK, positioning it well for disputes that require seamless multi-jurisdictional execution.
Key partners Navin Joseph Lobo and Yuankai Lin anchor the firm’s commercial disputes offering, with extensive experience across litigation, arbitration and employment-related mandates. The bench is led by Navin and Yuankai, and has been significantly bolstered by the arrival of Ankit Goyal. He is a seasoned practitioner in high-stakes international investment and commercial arbitrations, with a distinguished track record of representing multinational corporations and government entities in investor-state disputes. Notably, Goyal also leads the firm’s India Desk, providing a dedicated gateway for Indian clients and those with South Asian interests navigating complex arbitrations in Singapore and beyond. Partner Nicholas Lauw leads the firm’s intellectual property and technology disputes capability in Asia, and the team’s combined strengths are further boosted by partner Jeremiah Chew, where he has strong advisory and transactional IP, technology and competition experience, alongside his contentious practice.
Commercial litigation remains a central pillar of the practice, with the team regularly engaged in high-value and multi-party disputes before the Singapore courts. Its recent work includes acting for BR Metals and its director in a substantial dispute involving claims of non-payment, dishonest assistance and conspiracy. The matter involves multiple defendants and raises intricate issues relating to fiduciary duties, contractual authority and alleged misconduct, requiring careful navigation of overlapping proceedings and evolving claims. The practice is also recognised for its ability to manage interconnected proceedings, including parallel claims, counterclaims and shifting procedural dynamics. This requires a coordinated approach to litigation strategy, balancing detailed legal arguments with broader commercial considerations, particularly in disputes involving multiple parties and complex contractual relationships.
International arbitration is an equally important component of the firm’s disputes offering. Supported by an integrated team across Singapore, Hong Kong and London, the firm has experience acting in arbitrations under leading institutional rules including SIAC, ICC, LCIA and HKIAC, across sectors such as construction, financial services and technology. Its capability extends beyond arbitral proceedings to related court applications, including interim relief, enforcement actions and asset recovery, enabling a cohesive strategy across jurisdictions. The firm’s cross-border capability is particularly relevant in disputes involving multi-jurisdictional investments, joint ventures and complex financing arrangements. Its lawyers frequently coordinate with foreign counsel and manage disputes involving multiple governing laws, drawing on the firm’s international platform to ensure consistency in strategy and execution.
The firm maintains a steady employment disputes practice that complements its broader commercial offering. For example, the team continues to advise multinational corporates such as QBE Insurance Singapore on a wide range of contentious and advisory employment matters. This work often involves sensitive issues requiring careful handling, risk mitigation and a pragmatic approach to resolution.
Alongside its core strengths, the firm is continuing to develop its intellectual property and technology disputes capability as a complementary area of growth. In one of the few patent litigations in the Singapore market, its representation of Salutica Allied Solutions in an infringement dispute against Apple before the Singapore High Court highlights its ability to handle technically complex litigation in a specialised area of the market. The team has also advised on brand protection matters, including acting for a large European automobile club in securing amendments to a competing trademark through negotiation.
Client feedback
"The team is very hands-on, demonstrating a clear legal strategy and executing with high quality." – Commercial and transactions
"Navin and his team provide good advice and quality service. They are prompt and responsive, and Navin is particularly good with complex matters and trials. He is sharp and insightful. " – Government and regulatory
"They offer clear and concise advice with a commercial focus." – Labor and employment
"The advice is concise and practical, tailored to our specific needs and circumstances." – Labor and employment
Kenneth Leong
"He provides practical and comprehensive advice that is friendly and accessible."
Navin Lobo
"Navin Lobo is responsive, pleasant, and effective."
"He is sharp and insightful, very pleasant to work with, and excels at problem-solving."
"He demonstrates a very strong work ethic and is hands-on in finding solutions."