Singapore

Advocatus Law has a strong pedigree in dispute resolution, known for tackling complex, high-profile cases across commercial, insolvency, and white-collar domains. Established just over a decade ago, the firm has grown beyond its boutique beginnings to offer a full range of contentious services, while preserving a nimble approach and hands-on partner involvement in every matter. Key practice areas include corporate and commercial litigation, international arbitration, restructuring and insolvency, employment disputes, and defence in regulatory and white-collar crime matters. The firm’s client base spans multinational corporations, financial institutions and prominent individuals, both local and foreign, attesting to the firm’s capability to handle cross-border disputes.  

Dispute resolution is at the heart of Advocatus’s practice. The litigation team is led by managing partner Christopher Anand Daniel, a seasoned advocate of over 30 years’ standing, and includes experienced partners such as commercial and white-collar disputes specialist Harjean Kaur and contentious commercial and labour cases expert Eileen Yeo. Under their guidance, the firm had an exceptionally active past year, with 11 separate High Court and Court of Appeal judgments issued, a testament to the breadth of its docket. These reported decisions spanned subjects from major corporate fraud and directors’ duties to insolvency, employment law breaches, professional misconduct, and criminal offences.  

In particular, the firm has been at the forefront of headline insolvency cases, including the collapses of Hin Leong Trading and Three Arrows Capital. The team has acted for key figures caught up in these crises, for example representing, the founder of Hin Leong in novel litigation to restrain a competing law firm from representing the company’s liquidators due to potential conflicts of interest. This matter raised unprecedented legal questions about law firm duties in the insolvency context. The firm also advised the co-founders of Three Arrows Capital in contesting court orders related to the fund’s massive insolvency. In September 2025, a Singapore appellate court issued a landmark decision clarifying liquidators’ examination powers under the new Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act, a legal question the firm helped to bring forward on behalf of its clients.  

The firm’s recent caseload also reflects a diverse mix of commercial and financial disputes. The lawyers represented directors of a Singapore real-estate investment trust (REIT) in defending complex investor litigation related to disclosures and corporate governance. This matter involved parallel applications on novel issues of joint privilege and confidentiality, and ultimately concluded after a favorable resolution. In the realm of international arbitration, the firm is advising a technology investor from China in an ongoing multi-million-dollar SIAC arbitration against Southeast Asian partners, arising out of a failed cryptocurrency venture. This high-value dispute saw the firm achieve a significant interim victory where the Singapore High Court stayed the local proceedings and lifted a previously granted injunction, steering the conflict to the contractually agreed forum.  

Within regulatory defence and white-collar crime, Advocatus has similarly been entrusted with weighty matters. The firm is currently defending a former director of Hin Leong in a unique prosecution for alleged obstruction of justice. This case, now before the courts, raises novel issues as it involves a stand-alone charge of perverting the course of justice without any underlying offence, an uncommon scenario in Singapore’s legal annals. The firm’s representation of the director grew out of the firm’s extensive involvement in the broader Hin Leong saga. More broadly, the firm’s lawyers frequently advise clients facing regulatory investigations or accusations of corporate misconduct. They are well-versed in guiding companies through internal investigations and regulatory self-disclosures, and have handled cases involving securities law breaches, employee fraud, and corporate bribery.

Allen & Gledhill’s dispute resolution practice is among the largest in Singapore, with a team of over 120 lawyers and more than 50 partners handling high-stakes cases across varied sectors. Led by co-heads veteran litigators Andrew Yeo and William Ong, the department integrates specialists in commercial litigation, international arbitration, insolvency, construction, employment, intellectual property, and white-collar crime, enabling a coordinated approach on complex matters. The firm’s extensive regional network amplifies its cross-border capabilities, making it go-to counsel for multi-jurisdictional disputes in South-east Asia.  

Last year, the firm maintained its position at the forefront of commercial and transactions disputes. It represented clients in some of the most significant Singapore court cases of this period, often involving international elements. For instance, the firm acted in major post-M&A and shareholder litigations before the Singapore International Commercial Court, achieving successful outcomes in disputes arising from cross-border investments and joint ventures. Another notable example was a high-value private equity share sale dispute spanning Singapore, Thailand and the Maldives, which a team resolved through a favourable settlement just ahead of trial, securing the client’s exit on near-original terms.  

International arbitration is a longstanding pillar of the practice, and the firm continued to excel in this arena. Last year the arbitration team, led by prominent practitioners like Chong Yee Leong and Dinesh Dhillon, handled numerous high-value arbitrations seated in Singapore and beyond. The team achieved full victories in several cross-border cases, including a multi-party infrastructure dispute and a billion-dollar media rights arbitration. The group’s deep regional experience in sectors such as construction, energy and telecommunications, coupled with team members’ prior stints at arbitral institutions, has been instrumental in navigating these complex cases.  

The firm also remained at the cutting edge of insolvency and restructuring disputes, often intertwined with fraud and asset recovery. It continued to play a lead role in litigation arising from one of Asia’s largest commodities trading collapses, coordinating multi–party proceedings on behalf of creditors to trace and recover assets across jurisdictions. Its lawyers have been heavily involved in the aftermath of this high-profile oil trading insolvency, managing Singapore court actions and cross-border injunctions to secure over US$200 million in contested assets. In parallel, the firm successfully represented bank syndicates in complex enforcement actions following the collapse of a major marine fuel trading group, navigating issues of fraud and competing claims in Singapore and abroad. These matters highlight the practice’s expertise in restructuring disputes, where Allen & Gledhill has helped shape precedent on issues like creditors’ rights and cross-border insolvency recognition. 

In the shipping and maritime arena, the firm’s dedicated team continued to advise on significant disputes across the shipping, trade and offshore sectors. The firm regularly handles high-stakes maritime litigation and arbitrations involving collisions, cargo failures, ship arrests and financing claims, often with parallel actions in foreign jurisdictions. Its maritime lawyers acted for clients in complex contentious matters ranging from vessel casualties in Asian waters to fraud-related commodity trade disputes connected to shipping contracts. Notably, the firm is lead counsel in ongoing Singapore court cases addressing allegations of bribery, money laundering and sanctions breaches in the shipping and oil trading industries. With senior practitioners like Kenny Yap and Yap Yin Soon anchoring this practice, the firm offers broad expertise that covers both wet admiralty incidents, and dry shipping and trade contract disputes. 

Allen & Gledhill continues to bolster its track record in construction and engineering disputes. The firm’s construction litigators have been engaged in a number of high-value infrastructure project disputes across the region. In 2025, the team successfully defended contractors and owners in separate ICC and SIAC arbitrations arising from delayed mega-projects in Southeast Asia, leveraging deep knowledge of technical construction issues and local law nuances. Domestically, the firm continued to act in complex building and engineering claims. In one highlight, the shipping disputes team advised on a high-profile industrial facility defect case that tested novel points of Singapore law on negligence and causation.  

Employee and labour-related disputes have been another area of notable activity. The firm secured a landmark ruling in a test case defining employers’ rights to enforce performance-based termination provisions. The firm represented two international brokerage firms in a Singapore High Court lawsuit against a former senior employee, in which the court upheld the employers’ right to terminate the employee for poor performance and to recover approximately US$2 million in advanced cash payments. The decision was one of the first of its kind in Singapore. It clarified crucial issues around bonus discretion and so-called “golden hello” payments, providing guidance for companies across the financial sector. The employment disputes team, led by partners with dual expertise in employment and litigation such as Sanjiv Rajan and Tay Yong Seng, has been sought after for complex cases involving restrictive covenants, mass retrenchments, and workplace misconduct investigations.  

The firm’s capabilities in intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes were equally in evidence last year. Under the stewardship of senior counsel and practice head Dr Stanley Lai, the group handled a range of contentious IP matters for blue-chip clients. For example, the firm represented a prominent US-based software company in a local technology dispute involving claims of misuse of confidential information, which was resolved on favourable terms via a global settlement. The team also continues to advise on patent infringement suits and trademark enforcement actions spanning multiple Asian jurisdictions, often coordinating closely with foreign counsel.  

White-collar crime and investigations remains a dynamic facet of the firm’s disputes practice. Its white-collar & investigations group, jointly led by former prosecutors Jason Chan and Aaron Lee, has been involved in many of Singapore’s headline investigations. The team has been engaged on the defence side of the city-state’s largest anti-money-laundering probe, a sweeping multi-agency investigation that made global news for uncovering over S$3 billion in illicit assets. The firm also continued to act for relevant parties in the ongoing 1MDB corruption scandal in Malaysia and related proceedings, drawing on its deep knowledge of financial regulations and cross-border enforcement. Additionally, the firm has represented executives and companies in a range of corruption, securities fraud and tax evasion cases locally, often achieving discreet resolutions.  

The firm’s recent caseload showcases a blend of scale, breadth and sophistication. It has demonstrated an ability to coordinate across practices and jurisdictions, solving complex disputes that cut across commercial and financial law, technical industries, and criminal enforcement. By handling a docket that ranges from multi-billion dollar arbitrations and insolvency workouts to precedent-setting court cases and government investigations, the firm affirms its position as a leader in dispute resolution. 

Client feedback 

“Their legal expertise and commercial strategy, as well as their ability to evaluate cases from a holistic point of view that considers both the Claimant’s and the Defendant’s perspectives, stand out.” - Banking and financial services 

“They handled every aspect of the litigation process.” - Banking and financial services 

“The lawyers understand clients’ needs and ensure their legal advice addresses the client’s concerns. A&G is communicative and ensures we are kept well-informed of updates to our matters.” - Banking and financial services 

“The firm has top-drawer personnel and a highly professional setup. They are a pleasure to work with.” - Banking and financial services 

“They have good knowledge of the law and practice, and they are pragmatic.” - Commercial and transactions 

“The lawyers are extremely concise with their advice—sharp, succinct, and always solution-focused. Their turnaround time is extremely fast.” - Commercial and transactions 

“They are prompt and knowledgeable, and they can discern what is required at each stage of the debt or claim recovery process.” - Commercial and transactions 

“They expedited the drafting and review of documents provided by the bank.” - Commercial and transactions 

“A&G is able to break down the case into different parts, provide analysis from multiple angles and viewpoints, and offer options for clients.” - Commercial arbitration 

“They provide in-depth, comprehensive analysis and deliver timely responses.” - Energy 

“The team understood the intricacies of real estate regulations and delved deep into past records to establish a data-centric basis that bolstered the merits of our appeal. At the same time, they framed the content in a way that took into account the nuances of the competing needs of both the private and regulatory sectors, providing good guidance.” - Government and regulatory 

“Everything was excellent. A&G explained Singapore law and procedure to us every step of the way, met all deadlines, and worked in tandem with our U.S. counsel and us on a strategy that secured our desired outcome.” - Intellectual property 

“They are prompt and provide sound legal advice.” - International arbitration 

“The lawyers provide bilingual legal services, have an excellent commercial mindset, and offer very practical legal advice.” - International arbitration 

“They are responsive and knowledgeable.” - Labor and employment 

“Every lawyer has strong industry knowledge and provides prompt, practical responses.” - Labor and employment 

“They offered sound, professional support throughout the REIT listing process.” - Real estate 

“They quickly grasp the key points and communicate them clearly.” - Shipping 

“The team had a good understanding of our case and mounted a powerful defence for us. They provided timely progress updates and were easy to communicate with.” - Shipping 

Afzal Ali 
“He is prompt, a good litigator, and has sound legal knowledge.” 

Megan Chua 
“She demonstrates diligence and logical thinking, and she has the ability to look at a case from both the claimant’s and the defendant’s perspectives to craft either an offense or a defence.” 

Xinying Chua 
“She is very competent, highly professional, and more than sufficiently skilled.” 

Benjamin Koh 
“He is analytical, offers commercial solutions, and provides timely advice and updates.” 

Stanley Lai 
“Stanley is the premier IP legal counsel in Singapore; he wrote the textbook that is taught in law schools in Asia.” 

Pee Hua Long 
“She manages all aspects of her work and her team well, and communicates clearly.” 

Sanjiv Rajan 
“He is responsive and well-connected within the Singapore firm and its international affiliates.” 

Daniel Seow 
“He takes the time to explain our concerns and their solutions. He is patient when dealing with us, and he is always solution-oriented.” 

Xeauwei Tan 
“She is communicative and easily reachable. She provides very clear explanations for her suggested approaches and understands our business.”

“She has a very sharp and incisive mind and can understand the context and constraints very quickly, which is commendable because the industry requires a deep understanding of different administrative regimes across various departments. She is also very accessible, and communication is two-way. She understands the client’s concerns and limitations instead of being plainly and overly prescriptive.” 

Yong Seng Tay 
“He is very bright, energetic, street-smart, and very wise.”

“Yong Seng Tay has a refined intellect and is unafraid to be direct, exercising all rigour when dealing with counterparties. He sails a tight ship and is astute in reading changes in the wind and tides.”

“He has in-depth industry knowledge and provides prompt responses.”

“He is quick to respond, and his advice is pragmatic.”

Erik Widjaja

"He provides comprehensive advice."

"He provides bilingual legal services and very practical legal advice and solutions."

"Eric understands and clarifies the facts to the court, defending our position in the best possible way against unreasonable accusations."

"He made sure the case progressed in line with our expectations."

"He is knowledgeable and able to think outside the box to resolve issues. He is practical as well, considering the limitations we faced since the services had already been rendered, which meant we were not able to exercise our right to suspend work." 

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.  

Client feedback 

“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 Lee 

“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 Loh 

“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.” 

The dispute resolution group at CHP Law is known for its broad litigation and arbitration practice spanning commercial, insolvency, employment, and financial crime matters. Founded in 2018 by litigation veterans from established firms, CHP has quickly made a name as a conflicts-free firm delivering big-firm expertise with a boutique’s agility. The firm’s litigation team, now composed of three dispute resolution directors and a growing cadre of associates, has deep experience in high-value, complex cases across diverse sectors, including financial fraud, insolvency, employment, intellectual property, technology, construction, and white-collar crime.  

Key individuals anchoring CHP’s disputes practice include Danny Quah, the firm’s head of litigation and arbitration. He leads many of the firm’s headline matters, from high-value commercial suits to cutting-edge crypto-related cases. He joined the firm in 2023 after working at TSMP and Providence Law. He has since been instrumental in building a formidable disputes team, noted for taking on complex cases usually reserved for far larger firms. At the helm of the firm, managing director Christopher Huang and regulatory head Raj Mannar provide oversight and specialist support, ensuring clients benefit from cross-disciplinary insights. Under this leadership, the firm has assembled a cohesive unit of around 26 lawyers, including senior practitioners like IP and tech disputes partner Dixon Soh and private client specialist Kannan Nadarajan to handle the most challenging cases with a holistic approach.  

Last year, CHP significantly bolstered its bench with key lateral hires: Director Ang Ann Liang joined from Wong Tan & Molly Lim, and Chong Yi Mei from Tito Isaac & Co, where he was formerly the co-managing partner. They brought with them broad commercial litigation practices and niche expertise in employment, construction and criminal matters. These additions, along with younger recruits from other local firms, nearly doubled CHP’s size. 

Complex commercial disputes and insolvency cases constitute a significant portion of CHP’s workload. The firm is regularly engaged in high-stakes, cross-border litigation and restructuring matters, where it often opposes leading law firms. One headline example is the firm’s ongoing representation of Hong Kong–listed Link Holdings in a distressed, hostile takeover of a boutique hotel in Singapore. This multifaceted mandate involves two concurrent High Court lawsuits and a District Court action, as well as related disputes in Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong, reflecting the matter’s international reach. CHP’s team successfully fended off attempts by the hotel’s previous management to derail the takeover. They have so far prevented adverse interim orders and ensured the client’s control over the asset pending the disputes’ final resolution.  

Another significant matter saw the team defend a key shareholder in a rare parallel scheme of arrangement unfolding in both Singapore and Malaysia. The case, which involves a multi-million-dollar restructuring of a major Malaysian-owned group, required the CHP lawyers to work in tandem with local counsel to manage concurrent court processes in the two countries. The team’s efforts resulted in important conditions being imposed on the Singapore moratorium, including enhanced financial transparency and safeguards against asset dissipation. The ensured protection of their client’s interests while the restructuring proceeds.  

Employment and labour disputes are another stronghold for CHP, particularly those involving senior executives or novel legal issues. The firm’s employment disputes practice, co-led by Ang, handles cases ranging from high-value bonus and compensation claims to enforcement of non-compete clauses and workplace misconduct matters. For example, the team recently successfully represented a hospitality group in defending a former general manager’s multi-pronged claim for a substantial “discretionary” bonus and other benefits. The dispute, which included parallel proceedings in the Employment Claims Tribunal and the High Court, raised complex issues about the enforceability of oral agreements on bonus compensation and the interplay between separate legal forums for employment claims. The CHP lawyers mounted a robust defence that not only contested the employee’s entitlement to the bonus, but also advanced a counterclaim to recover nearly S$400,000 in overpaid salaries and unauthorized benefits based on alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. By meticulously combing through the company’s internal records and surfacing evidence of dubious transactions, the firm was able to turn the tables and put the former employee on the defensive. The proceedings resulted in the employee dropping a portion of the claims and agreeing to conditions favouring the firm’s clients as the case moved forward.  

In the realm of restructuring and insolvency, CHP has quickly gained recognition for innovative strategies and precedent-setting casework. Led by Director Danny Quah, the firm’s R&I team combines litigation prowess with financial savvy to tackle complex corporate collapses and insolvency workouts. Over the past year, the firm has been deeply involved in the aftermath of Singapore’s most publicized cryptocurrency failures. It is advising the co-founders of the ill-fated Hodlnaut crypto platform in an array of Singapore and Hong Kong proceedings following its 2022 collapse, working to secure judicial management protection, contest asset-freezing orders, and facilitate a potential sale of the business (client details confidential). In the course of this work, CHP’s lawyers have obtained three separate High Court decisions, including novel rulings on whether cryptocurrency liabilities constitute “debts” under insolvency law and how to resolve competing proposals for interim judicial management. Another representative engagement is the firm’s ongoing role in the cross-border restructuring of WazirX, India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, which suffered a hack in 2024. CHP represented the two biggest creditors and several others in opposing certain aspects of WazirX’s Singapore scheme of arrangement and related Indian proceedings, and it succeeded in carving out a special S$20 million fund to separately protect its clients’ claims in the rescue plan. This was achieved by resisting an initial broad moratorium and pushing for strict conditions on WazirX’s restructuring, an approach lauded as protecting creditor rights in a jurisdiction where retail investors’ voices are rarely heard in court.  

Yi Mei Chong 

“My lawyer was very professional, reliable, and genuinely caring. She took the time to explain each step clearly and provides practical advice that made complex issues easy to understand.”- Construction 

Danny Quah 

“He is able to solve complex problems.” 

Delta Law Corporation is a boutique law firm that launched in mid-2025 with a focus on business and technology law across the company life cycle, including a strong emphasis on dispute resolution. Founded by three former Aquinas Law Alliance partners – Cephas Yee, Sean Lee, and Joshua Tan – the firm’s philosophy is to combine deep expertise with innovative, tech-driven solutions, positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional practices. Together, the trio anchor a team that prides itself on being responsive, innovative, and client-focused in resolving disputes. In the past 12 months, they have grown the practice steadily to seven lawyers, and attracted a diverse clientele ranging from local SMEs and tech start-ups to foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals.  

In disputes, the firm prides itself on providing vigorous representation through litigation, arbitration and mediation, capable of handling high-stakes conflicts while striving for efficient resolutions. The team often deals with complex corporate and commercial disputes such as joint venture fallouts, shareholder oppression claims and investment fraud cases, reflecting co-founder Yee’s specialty in these areas. With Singapore’s legal landscape evolving, Delta Law has also attuned its practice to the rise in cross-border conflicts and international arbitrations, noting an uptick in cases involving overseas parties and even family trust disputes as Singapore grows as a private wealth hub. The firm frequently serves overseas clients, ensuring that multi-jurisdictional issues are navigated with agility and precision.  

In its first year, the dispute resolution team handled a number of notable matters. In one case, the firm represented an Australian investment company in a multi-million-dollar cross-border dispute before the Singapore High Court. The case centered on a S$4.5 million loan-for-shares transaction where the claimant had lent funds in exchange for an option to acquire billions of shares in a Singapore-listed company. There was a disagreement over whether a subsequent share transfer satisfied the debt obligations. This complex commercial suit, which involved conflicting accounts of contract execution and performance across Singapore and Australia, proceeded to a full trial. Yee acted as advocate for the claimant and he rigorously advanced the client’s position on the loan repayment mechanics. In the end, the High Court dismissed both the claim and a related counterclaim, finding that the share transfer did discharge the loan in question, while not allowing the defendants’ additional compensation claim.  

Another highlight for the team was an insolvency-related proceeding where it acted for a distressed company. Late last year, restructuring expert Lee and his team acted for a Singapore energy trading firm seeking a court-sanctioned moratorium under section 64 of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018. The company was attempting to restructure unsecured debt owed to 29 creditors and had lined up a potential rescue investor as part of its plan. The firm’s role was to petition the High Court for a four-month stay on creditor enforcement, allowing breathing space to organise a debt compromise and injection of new capital. The application involved coordinating with numerous stakeholders and presenting evidence of the company’s proposed restructuring terms. While the High Court ultimately declined to grant the moratorium, citing concerns about the sufficiency and bona fides of the plan, the case demonstrated the firm’s capability in complex insolvency disputes.  

Key individuals driving the firm’s dispute practice bring both experience and a forward-looking mindset. Yee, who heads the dispute resolution side, is highly regarded in Singapore for his effective advocacy and pragmatic counsel. His background spans shareholder and investment disputes, as well as prior work in restructuring and insolvency matters, which gives him a broad base for handling contentious cases. Alongside him, Lee contributes a complementary strength in cases at the intersection of disputes and corporate distress. Lee has been recognised as a rising star in the restructuring and insolvency field, and his involvement in matters like the above-mentioned moratorium case shows his ability to shepherd clients through legally and financially complex proceedings. Tan, the third co-founder, specializes in corporate and technology law. 

Client feedback 

“We appreciate their courtesy, availability and clarity in explanations” - Commercial and transactions 

“They are commercial, smart, and delivers practical results.”- Commercial and transactions 

“They always proactively advise us on which part of the litigation we should pay attention to. They act in our best interest.”- Trusts and estates 

Cephas Yee 

“Cephas listens to our concerns and is able to provide solutions. He is also very proactive in helping us to identify any blind spot and advising us on the next course of action.” 

“I have worked with Cephas on various civil matters. He can think out of the box and put his points across to clients in a persuasive manner.” 

“He is smart, legally sound, and delivers practical solutions.” 

“Cephas provides incisive and strategic advice to clients.” 

Dentons Rodyk & Davidson’s dispute resolution practice sustained strong momentum last year, handling many of the country’s most complex litigation mandates while expanding its cross-border caseload. The firm’s large, full-service team – one of Singapore’s “Big Five” – was especially active in high-stakes commercial litigation at home and in multi-jurisdictional disputes. In local courts, the firm scored a notable victory for PNG Sustainable Development Program in a protracted cross-border case concerning governance of a mining-linked trust fund. Led by senior partner Mark Seah, the team successfully defended the client against challenges in the Singapore High Court and on appeal, preserving a judgment worth over A$7 million and coordinating enforcement across Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Australia. This matter, which also saw related proceedings in multiple jurisdictions, showcased the firm’s effective cross-office strategy and technical prowess in complex, high-value litigation.  

The firm consistently features in headline-grabbing international disputes. In one highlight, the firm represents the Government of Sri Lanka in a landmark claim before Singapore’s International Commercial Court arising from the 2021 X-Press Pearl maritime disaster. This high-profile case involves coordinating proceedings in Singapore and England and novel issues of environmental and maritime law. The firm’s role as lead counsel for Sri Lanka underscores its ability to helm ultra-complex cross-border litigation. This one in particular  involved a panel of international judges and saw the firm advise on parallel English limitation actions while driving the SICC proceedings.  

The international disputes team kept active last year in major international arbitration matters. It handled big-ticket arbitrations spanning Asia, Europe and the Americas, including technology and energy sector disputes, often drawing on the extensive Dentons international network for multi-jurisdictional support. In one ongoing arbitration, for example, the firm is defending a blockchain technology company in Singapore against investor claims stemming from a cryptocurrency crash.  

The practice’s strength is anchored by a cadre of veteran litigators and arbitration specialists. Senior partner Lawrence The, the global co-head of Dentons’ international arbitration, is widely respected by peers and clients, with decades of experience handling complex commercial, maritime and trade disputes. Experienced and veteran practitioners like Kirindeep Singh augment the firm’s capabilities across civil litigation and arbitration. Their leadership is bolstered by a deep bench of talent. The firm elevated several next-generation lawyers to partnership in 2025, underscoring its investment in new talent.  

The firm’s dispute resolution practice has demonstrated both breadth and momentum in the past year. It handled everything from high-value domestic trials to multi-jurisdictional arbitrations, often involving novel legal questions or urgent injunctive relief. It also maintained a busy caseload in areas like insolvency litigation and white-collar defence. Clients benefit from the firm’s ability to deploy specialists across disciplines – for example, seamlessly integrating shipping law expertise in a cargo loss litigation, or tapping regional Dentons offices for coordinated strategy in cross-border enforcement. Backed by Dentons’ global platform, the Singapore disputes team is well-positioned among local firms.  

Client feedback 

“The team was supportive, insightful and responsive”- Banking and financial services 

“They are responsive, take a commercial approach, and provide practical advice.”- Banking and financial services 

“The team always provides real world, practical legal and tactical solutions to solve legal issues and challenges on both the domestic and cross-border fronts.  Dentons never proffer textbook advice, and even their associates are very impressive to legal professionals, and amongst the world's best.  The lawyers are always very responsive and proactive, and as a client, I am always assured I am in safe legal hands regardless the nature and monetary quantum of the matter at hand.”- Commercial and transactions 

“Lawyers provide detailed advisory.”- Commercial arbitration 

“Fast and practical.”- Construction 

“They are strong at explaining the legal framework in a clear and easy to understand manner. 
Most importantly, they could suggest an overall strategy which allowed the judge to see a valid angle for point of submission for the judge's consideration.”- Family and matrimonial 

“Dentons Rodyk's arbitration team could speak bilingual both in English and Chinese, and they know Asian culture which gives them a unique advantage to provide their professional service to Chinese and Asian customers. Not to mention their flexible fee plan, high professional ability and long-term society channel in Singapore community.”- International arbitration 

“The lawyers proposed and explained the various alternatives to dealing with the issue and thereafter executing them well.”- Technology and telecommunications 

“They spend the time to listen and master the brief, leading to tailored solution.”- Trusts and estates 

Koh Kia Jeng 

“Responsive and tries to find a practical solution.” 

Kia Meng Loh 

“Kia Meng is very consultative, yet forthcoming with very good suggestions. He has good foresight and assessments.” 

“Always delivers practical solutions and never textbook advice.  Down-to-earth, and always ready to get his hands dirty - he is not one to simply delegate to associates nor junior partners.” 

“Excellent business acumen and good understanding of the commercial perspectives.” 

“Extremely analytical. Able to extract a valid angle for the judge's consideration, while keeping the interest of the principal.” 

“Mr. Loh is smart and understands our need. He could easily catch our point and provide his suggestions to deal with our issue.” 

“Understood our issues and proposed viable solutions. Easily contactable and responsive to messages/emails.” 

Manfred Lum 

“Possesses a subtle mind capable of greatly nuanced thinking together with an always calm and helpful demeanor.” 

Melissa Thng 

“Very responsive, takes a commercial approach and provides practical advice.” 

Incisive Law is a boutique renowned for its shipping and international trade disputes practice. Established in 2010, the firm has been instrumental in shaping Singapore’s modern maritime jurisprudence while providing practical, commercially grounded advice across the full spectrum of maritime and trade conflicts. With expertise spanning dry shipping, commodities, marine insurance, and admiralty law, the firm is equipped to handle everything from charterparty and cargo claims to major marine casualties and ship-arrest litigation. The firm complements this sector focus with support in related areas, such as trade finance, regulatory compliance, and insolvency, giving clients a holistic disputes offering across the broader supply chain.  

Incisive Law has featured as counsel in some of the most consequential shipping and trade disputes in the region. It regularly acts for blue-chip clients like Unipec in multi-faceted litigation connected to global trading failures, and for leading marine insurers like The Swedish Club in complex collision and limitation-of-liability cases. The firm’s lawyers also engage frequently in international arbitrations on commodities, charterparty, and shipbuilding disputes, providing strategic advice under both Singapore and English law when contracts call for foreign governing law or overseas forums.  

The disputes team is led by Joint Managing Director Wai Yue Loh, a senior accredited maritime law specialist, and John Seow, its Head of Litigation and a former marine engineer turned lawyer. Both are accomplished advocates who regularly represent clients in the Singapore courts and international arbitrations. They are joined by admiralty law expert Augustine Liew, who came on board in 2024 after decades at a rival boutique to expand Incisive’s blue-water capabilities, and Davis Tan, who was recruited in early 2025 as Deputy Head of Litigation from a leading firm to strengthen the practice’s cross-border reach (including Greater China work). Under this leadership, the firm has seen a surge in high-profile mandates over the past year, navigating headline-grabbing cases that have tested new points of law. Notably, in 2024 Incisive Law formalized an association with DAC Beachcroft, a global firm, to broaden its Asia-Pacific network, and earned appointment as Singapore counsel to a major International Group P&I Club. 

Recent case highlights demonstrate the team’s prowess in complex, high-value disputes. In a marquee engagement stemming from the collapse of oil trader Hin Leong Trading, the firm represented Chinese petroleum giant Unipec’s Singapore subsidiary in defending its title to S$300 million worth of marine fuel cargoes. Led by Loh, the team successfully guided Unipec through urgent steps like obtaining a worldwide cargo freeze and preparing for a complex multi-party trial. The legal issues are novel and wide-ranging, from questions of title to goods under bills of lading to tricky intersections of shipping law, secured financing, and insolvency rules.  

In marine insurance, the firm recently scored a significant win with a judgment in the Teras Lyza liftboat sinking case. The lawyers acted for a syndicate of insurers, led by MS First Capital, defending against a US$70 million claim after a newly built offshore vessel capsized on its maiden voyage in 2018. The insurers denied the claim on grounds of alleged non-compliance with policy warranties and argued the policy was effectively void; the insured owners and mortgagee sued in the Singapore High Court. After a full trial in late 2024, the judge ruled in the insurers’ favour in a landmark decision. Notably, this was the first Singapore judgment to apply provisions of the UK’s Insurance Act 2015 and to revisit century-old principles from the Marine Insurance Act 1906. The case has now gone up on appeal, but the High Court’s findings that addressed issues such as the effect of extended vessel lay-ups on policy coverage and the enforceability of policy warranties have been hailed as a watershed in Singapore’s marine insurance law.  

Another showcase matter for the firm was the high-stakes collision dispute between the bulk carrier Sea Justice and the vessel A Symphony. The Incisive team represented the Sea Justice’s owners and their P&I Club, the Swedish Club, in Singapore proceedings that raised delicately balanced questions of jurisdiction and international maritime comity. The firm’s clients won a precedent-setting judgment in the Singapore Court of Appeal which confirmed that once a shipowner establishes a limitation fund in its chosen forum, Singapore courts should stay any duplicative local actions and disallow claimants from retaining security from an arrested vessel. This appellate victory provided clarity on an unsettled point of admiralty law, that a shipowner’s right to limit liability in a jurisdiction of its choosing will be respected, preventing claimants from using Singapore’s higher liability limits to circumvent foreign limitation proceedings.  

Client feedback 

“For shipping and marine insurance, they offer clear advice, guidance and suggestions on actions to be taken to safeguard one's interest.” -  Insurance 

“Lawyers are knowledgeable and offer a quick turnaround time.” - Intellectual property 

“The team is commercially minded and possess a mastery of legal technicalities.” - Shipping 

“Very responsive, commercial and cost effective.” - Shipping 

Augustine Liew 

“He is a very experienced lawyer that can advise on both Singapore and English law disputes. He's also very cost-effective and commercial. I highly recommend him.” 

“He always provides sound commercial and legal advice.” 

“Augustine Liew really needs no introduction.” 

Shanen Nanoo 

“He is approachable, knows his stuff and offers a clear presentation and framework to solutions or proposals.” 
 
“Shanen has the ability to cut the crux of a matter, which gives him an edge in finding the silver bullet for clients who want a swift, favorable, commercial resolution of a matter.”  
 
“Devastatingly clever, Shanen is the natural successor of admiralty heavyweight Augustine Liew, and I have no hesitation in endorsing him.” 

Lighthouse Law is a boutique law firm known for its white-collar crime and commercial disputes practices. Founded in 2022, the firm quickly positioned itself as a go-to for complex criminal defence, regulatory investigations and high-stakes civil litigation, often with cross-border elements. The firm joined the global Aliant network in 2023, bolstering its international reach and linking its lawyers with a network of offices on five continents. Last year, the team expanded by bringing on board the litigation practice of Muslim Albakri, a veteran white-collar and commercial litigator who specialises in economic crime and fraud cases. Today, under the leadership of managing partner and highly regarded criminal defence lawyer and litigator Adrian Wee, and key partners Rachel Soh and Albakri, the firm fields an agile dispute resolution team adept in white-collar crime, regulatory enforcement, commercial litigation, international arbitration, real estate and trust disputes, and asset recovery. This broad yet focused expertise has fueled strong momentum over the past 12 months, as Lighthouse Law took on several prominent matters of public interest in Singapore while continuing to advise corporate clients on confidential investigations and cross-border disputes. 

White-collar criminal defence has been a particular bright spot for the firm’s growth. Following the arrival of Albakri and his team, Lighthouse Law has been instructed on a number of high-profile prosecutions and investigations, especially those involving alleged fraud, corruption, money laundering and securities offences. In a headline-grabbing case the team defended a former police officer who was accused of helping a global scam syndicate launder S$10.3 million through a shell company. The ex-police staff sergeant claimed trial and was convicted on nine charges of acquiring and transferring criminal proceeds on behalf of foreign fraudsters, who had tricked a French company into paying for non-existent pandemic supplies. After a dramatic trial that revealed how Singapore was used as a conduit for international scam funds, the High Court sentenced the defendant to eight years and eight months’ imprisonment. The Lighthouse team immediately filed an appeal against the conviction and sentence on its client’s behalf. The case, which saw the firm vigorously contest the prosecution’s evidence and legal theories, has been closely watched as one of Singapore’s largest money-laundering prosecutions in recent years, underscoring the firm’s skill in navigating multi-jurisdictional financial crime cases involving millions in illicit funds and novel points of law.  

The firm has also been active on the regulatory and investigations front. The firm was engaged to represent the chief financial officer of a technology company at the centre of a US-led export control probe involving Nvidia computer chips. The CFO is under scrutiny for allegedly helping arrange sales of high-end GPUs to entities in China in circumvention of US sanctions. This matter, which spans Singapore, the US and China, highlights the firm’s ability to advise clients caught in global enforcement actions, coordinate with foreign counsel and manage the delicate interplay between different jurisdictions’ laws. The firm has been guiding the client through investigative interviews and evidence reviews, and providing strategic counsel on Singapore’s mutual legal assistance obligations to US authorities, all while protecting the client’s rights.  

On the commercial litigation side, the firm has represented a mix of corporates, SMEs and individuals in contentious matters ranging from shareholder and director disputes to property and trust litigation. The firm has been involved in a string of crypto-related disputes as Singapore grapples with fraud and failures in the digital assets space. Earlier this year, the team acted in the first prosecution against the leaders of A&A Blockchain Innovation, a collapsed cryptocurrency mining scheme that raised S$1.8 million from investors and turned out to be a Ponzi scam. The firm defended the startup’s Chief Technology Officer, who faced multiple charges for his role in the fraud. This matter, involving the intersection of traditional fraud charges with novel digital assets, positions the firm at the cutting edge of Singapore’s emerging cryptocurrency enforcement landscape.  

Client feedback 

Adrian Wee 

“He is innovative, solution-focused, and has deep knowledge.” 

“Adrian is adept at managing issues that arise in the course of proceedings, especially dealing with multiple parties and counsel.” 

Established only a few years ago, Meritus Law has a robust and broad-based dispute resolution practice. It has quickly built a reputation for handling complex insolvency, restructuring, international arbitration, commercial litigation, and private client disputes. Its lawyers represent a diverse clientele, from local and multinational corporations and state-owned enterprises to high-net-worth individuals. They act as veteran counsels in matters before all levels of the Singapore courts, including the SICC, and in arbitration proceedings at forums such as SIAC. The firm is often entrusted with cases referred by global law firms and major local practices that are conflicted from acting, reflecting the confidence of peers in the firm’s capabilities.  

Key individuals driving the firm’s disputes practice include Alfred Lim, the managing director and a seasoned litigator with over 15 years’ experience, who leads many of the firm’s significant cases. Lim is frequently instructed on commercial and insolvency litigation, and he serves as counsel for clients ranging from corporations to liquidators in contentious matters. Working closely with him is fellow director Jaime Lye and newly-joined associate director Damien Chng. Lye is a dual-qualified disputes lawyer with particular focus on restructuring and commercial litigation.  

Recent casework demonstrates the firm’s strengths across multiple dispute domains. In the insolvency and restructuring arena, the firm played a leading role in the high-profile collapse of a Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading platform, AmazingTech. Meritus represented a group of seven creditors in obtaining an urgent interim judicial management order against the insolvent crypto exchange after regulators shut it down and its CEO was charged with fraudulent trading. The team then successfully petitioned the High Court to convert the interim judicial managers into full liquidators for the company. The resulting judgment is regarded as a landmark ruling affirming that appointing the judicial managers as liquidators can be in the best interests of creditors. In another major restructuring dispute, the team acted for an individual creditor of USP Group, a listed company under judicial management, challenging a proposed restructuring plan. The firm secured a first-of-its-kind High Court decision setting aside votes of related-party creditors that were deemed improperly counted in a creditors’ meeting. Although the Court of Appeal later declined to remove the judicial managers, the case broke new ground in clarifying voting rights and safeguards against vote manipulation in insolvency proceedings.  

Meritus has also been active in international arbitration matters with cross-border impact. Notably, the firm is counsel to a Malaysian energy company in a dispute against a Timor-Leste state-owned entity over a fuel supply contract. The firm’s client won a US$5.3 million SIAC arbitration award against the Timorese company. Meritus then coordinated with local counsel in Dili to enforce the award, achieving the first-ever recognition of a foreign arbitral award in Timor-Leste after that country’s 2023 accession to the New York Convention. This outcome, a precedent-setting enforcement in a new jurisdiction. 

Closer to home, The firm also acted in a significant commercial litigation involving a Singapore and Cambodian joint venture. It successfully defended a client in a shareholder dispute over a Phnom Penh hotel by defeating a minority shareholder’s attempt to bring a derivative action. The Singapore High Court agreed with the team’s arguments that the suit was not brought in good faith, a rare finding given the normally low threshold for such applications and dismissed the claims as an abuse of process. This High Court decision was followed by a further ruling on a novel point of company law permitting a “protective writ” via derivative action, another first in Singapore jurisprudence.  

In the private client and trusts sphere, Meritus handles sensitive, high-stakes disputes for wealthy individuals and families. The firm is currently representing a family member in a S$50 million estate and trust dispute involving a prominent business family, where it has raised complex issues about executors’ duties to account for intergenerational assets. In a separate high-profile matter, Meritus defended a notable investor against claims by former business partners alleging conspiracy and fraud. The firm achieved a complete victory in the High Court. 

Client feedback  

“They kept us well informed and provided the best guidance.” – Class actions 

“The lawyers are cooperative, commercially savvy, and quick to respond to enquiries. They are easy to work with as co-counsel.” – Commercial and transactions 

“The team demonstrated a prompt response time and proposed an excellent solution that ultimately won the case.” – Commercial and transactions 

“Their follow-up is excellent, and they are always willing to put in extra effort when needed. Working with them has been smooth, reassuring, and very valuable for my business.” – Commercial and transactions 

“They provided sound advice and legal letters.” – Commercial arbitration 

“The lawyers provided clear instructions and demonstrated a good grasp of the quantum details. They also showed strategic thinking in respect of legal issues.” – International arbitration 

“They provided step-by-step guidance and all relevant and necessary information for the case.” – White-collar crime 

Alfred Lim 
“He has a deep understanding of legal issues and is excellent at arguing cases.”

“He is commercially savvy, responsive, and easy to work with. He manages clients well.”

“He maintains excellent client relationships, demonstrates excellent legal knowledge, brings a wealth of experience across various sectors, has a strong track record of winning cases, and provides excellent leadership.”

“He is meticulous, quick to understand industry-specific issues, and excellent at explaining the relevant legal position.”

“Nothing is too much trouble for him; he has solved every legal problem I have had.” 

Jaime Lye 
“She is well informed and provides good knowledge and support.”

“She is cheerful and gives clients positive reassurance about how the case should be fought.” 

“Jaime and her team have provided deep legal expertise, sound commercial judgment, and an impressive level of responsiveness that sets them apart. She is very professional, which has given me a lot of confidence in all the work that we have done together. No matter how simple or complicated the issue is, she has handled it clearly, and I always feel things are in good hands.” 

Nine Yards Chambers is a specialist firm with a sharp focus on complex civil and commercial disputes, often involving governance, shareholder rights, and urgent relief. The boutique was founded in 2020 by Nichol Yeo, a sought-after litigator and trial advocate, and has since grown to four directors: Managing director Yeo, Clement Tan, Qua Bi Qi, and Allan Tan, each a recognized name in their fields. The firm’s litigators regularly handle high-stakes cases requiring crisis management, urgent injunctions, freezing orders, and asset preservation, and they are known for acting with precision and speed to protect client interests.  

Yeo leads Nine Yards’ dispute practice and is frequently engaged in critical matters for listed companies, multinational investors, directors, and high-net-worth individuals. His practice centres on shareholder disputes, urgent injunctive relief, boardroom and corporate governance battles, and trust litigation, often in situations where swift legal action can be decisive. Supporting him are seasoned litigator Tan, who brings the depth of perspective of a former District Judge to complex commercial cases, and Qua Bi Qi, a director highly regarded for her steady advocacy in trials across the Supreme Court and State Courts. Together, the team offers specialist expertise across a range of contentious arenas, from company and shareholder conflicts, to financial fraud and white-collar defense, to family trust and estate disputes.  

In the past year, the firm has been at the forefront of several novel and high-profile cases. A recent highlight was when the firm successfully invoked the privilege against self-incrimination to resist a pre-action discovery application in a high-profile cryptocurrency dispute. By asserting their client’s right not to produce potentially incriminating information, Nine Yards set an important precedent on the limits of pre-action disclosure in civil suits that intersect with criminal allegations. The court’s decision in this matter, which attracted significant industry attention, confirmed that a person facing possible criminal liability may, in certain circumstances, lawfully decline to hand over documents even before a lawsuit is filed.  

The team has also distinguished itself in company law and corporate governance disputes, frequently involving shareholder showdowns and board control. For instance last year, the firm obtained an urgent injunction within 24 hours to halt a contentious extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of a small and medium-sized enterprise, thereby maintaining the existing board’s control. The speed and efficiency with which the firm acted, securing an injunction on exceptionally short notice, protected the client’s management from a potentially hostile take-over attempt by a rival faction. In a related vein, the firm scored a victory late last year when it defeated an attempt to strike out a client company’s court action to invalidate an EGM notice, both at first instance and on appeal. This paved the way for the Nine Yards team to ultimately secure a favourable judgment declaring the disputed EGM notice void, thereby averting an illegitimate change of control in the company.  

The firm’s disputes practice also extends into private wealth and property litigation, often involving complex trust and statutory issues. In a highlight case, the firm’s lawyers successfully struck out a suit by multiple claimants who claimed a share of a Singapore private residential property. The team, representing the property owner’s estate, marshaled intricate arguments under the Residential Property Act and invoked procedural trusts law to show the claim had no legal basis. The court agreed and dismissed the claim entirely, preventing an unwarranted dilution of the estate’s interests. In another matter last year, the firm defended an estate executrix sued personally for an account of rental income from a coffee shop, successfully arguing that neither a resulting trust nor a common intention constructive trust arose in favor of the plaintiffs. By demonstrating the absence of any trust over the rental proceeds, the firm protected the executrix from personal liability and preserved the estate’s assets. 

PKWA Law Practice is a full-service domestic firm with deep roots in personal and civil dispute resolution. Established in 1988, the firm has grown to over 100 employees and is especially known for its family and matrimonial litigation, while also handling general civil disputes such as inheritance and commercial claims. Led by Lim Chong Boon, a veteran litigator with nearly four decades of experience and a reputation as one of Singapore’s leading family lawyers,  the practice provides representation in all levels of the Singapore courts, including the Appellate Division of the High Court, and in international forums. The team comprises several dedicated family law specialists, including Low Jin Liang, Charlene Nah, and Mark Cheng.  

High-net-worth divorce and family disputes form the cornerstone of PKWA’s caseload, and the firm is regularly involved in matters that push the boundaries of Singapore family law. Recently, its lawyers have handled a series of complex matrimonial cases that resulted in published High Court decisions clarifying important legal principles. For example, the firm represented a husband in a cross-border divorce spanning Singapore and Papua New Guinea that raised challenging issues of jurisdiction, asset tracing and valuation. In this case, the team achieved an unusual outcome: the Singapore High Court awarded the husband an approximately 72% share of the marital assets, and, in a rare move for a private company asset, accepted the firm’s proposal to let both parties retain their shares in the family business rather than forcing a sale. This solution preserved the company’s continuity while dividing economic value, and the court’s decision was noted as a forward-looking precedent for handling entrepreneurial assets in divorce cases.  

In another landmark matter, PKWA acted for a wife in a protracted divorce that involved a 20-year marriage with a decade-long separation before the divorce proceedings. The husband argued that assets acquired after the separation, around 90% of the total wealth, should be excluded from division, but the firm successfully convinced the courts otherwise. The Appellate Division of the High Court ultimately ruled that all marital assets up to the divorce should be considered for division despite the long separation, thereby securing a multi-million-dollar asset pool for the firm’s client. This Appellate Court decision has since been cited for its guidance on how to treat post-separation assets and what constitutes the effective length of a marriage when assessing a fair split. The outcome provided clarity on an unsettled area of family law, confirming that even wealth accumulated by one spouse well after a marital breakdown can be deemed part of the matrimonial estate.  

PKWA’s lawyers are also adept at tackling evidentiary challenges and asset recovery issues in matrimonial cases. A notable High Court family appeal handled by the firm last year dealt with an intense custody and asset division battle featuring voluminous modern evidence and allegations of hidden assets. Acting for the wife, the firm successfully defended the original custody arrangement, ensuring she retained care and control of the children, and persuaded the court to increase her share of the marital assets as a penalty for the husband’s concealment of wealth. The judgment in that case, which was covered in the local media, reinforced the child-centric approach in custody decisions, emphasising the substance of parental care over tactics like surveillance, and confirmed the courts’ willingness to draw adverse inferences when a spouse fails to fully disclose assets. By bolstering the law on evidence and fair division, the decision has contributed to a more equitable framework for future matrimonial disputes.  

While family law is a flagship specialty, PKWA’s dispute resolution work extends to other contentious areas as well. The firm’s general litigation team represents individuals and businesses in civil lawsuits. In one recent high-value probate dispute, PKWA advised an overseas family in a bid to secure a sizable inheritance from a Singapore estate, which required the Singapore High Court to interpret foreign probate documents and local statutes in a novel way. After careful legal maneuvering by the firm’s team, the court was ultimately persuaded to issue a fresh grant of letters of administration, an uncommon but effective remedy. This enabled the clients to access funds exceeding S$25 million from the estate.

Quahe Woo & Palmer’s dispute resolution practice has built a reputation for “punching above its weight” in Singapore’s legal market. From its origins as a four-lawyer boutique in 2009, the firm has grown into a mid-sized outfit with a 15-lawyer civil litigation team handling a broad spectrum of cases. It is valued for efficient, integrity-driven advocacy across commercial litigation, international arbitration, insolvency, construction disputes and more. Clients range from local entrepreneurs and family businesses to multinational corporations and liquidators, many of whom turn to the firm for complex or cross-border matters that demand hands-on attention.  

The firm’s litigation department is helmed by three veteran directors with decades of combined experience. Christopher Woo, the firm’s co-founder and managing director, is a regular advocate in Singapore’s High Court and Court of Appeal. He is noted for handling complex commercial, corporate insolvency and IP cases, and is qualified in multiple jurisdictions. Michael Palmer, another lead director, maintains a broad disputes practice spanning corporate & shareholder suits, employment and defamation, and has represented professionals in negligence and disciplinary proceedings. A former Speaker of Singapore’s Parliament, Palmer is known for clear, succinct advocacy and an ability to distill issues for tribunals. He also serves as an arbitrator and tutors advocacy to junior lawyers. Melvin Lum, who joined as a director after 16 years at top band firms, brings over 20 years’ experience in litigation and arbitration. Lum has acted in high-value SIAC, ICC and LMAA arbitrations opposite global law firms, and he complements his courtroom work with mediation expertise.  

Over the past year, the group has handled some of Singapore’s most significant disputes, often against far larger firms, reinforcing its standing as a formidable presence in contentious matters. In the commercial litigation arena, the firm is defending Universal Group Holdings (UGH), former majority owner of one of Asia’s largest oil storage terminals, in a suite of multi-party suits arising from the collapse of Hin Leong Trading. Two separate creditor groups allege that UGH conspired with Hin Leong’s directors to injure them by misdirecting valuable fuel cargoes. Palmer led a team that mounted UGH’s defence alongside multiple top-tier law firms representing co-defendants. After a 20-day trial in the High Court last summer, the team achieved a partial win even before judgment: the second claimant, Sembcorp, abruptly discontinued its S$50+ million claim against UGH. These proceedings raised novel questions about corporate attribution and directors’ knowledge in a conspiracy context.  

In the field of insolvency and restructuring disputes, the firm has been at the cutting edge of recent developments. The firm represents Java Asset Holding and UBS in pursuing a S$580 million debt recovery against Malaysian tycoon David Sin, a matter encompassing parallel bankruptcy proceedings and High Court litigation. Last year, the lawyers succeeded in invoking a never-before-used expedited bankruptcy process to seek a personal bankruptcy order against Sin, raising novel points of law on the criteria for such fast-track relief. The Singapore High Court’s judgment, which allowed the expedited procedure, is believed to be the first decision of its kind in the Commonwealth.  

On the construction and infrastructure disputes front, the firm has expanded its profile under associate director Keith Lim, who took charge of the practice in 2023. The firm is one of the few in Singapore offering dedicated construction law expertise, handling both major project claims and related arbitrations. In the past year, the team represented a specialist subcontractor in a S$15.3 million claim against a listed main contractor over a large industrial building project. The dispute, which raised tricky questions about overlapping contracts and payment claims under Singapore’s Security of Payment Act, was heading for arbitration. However, the firm achieved a favourable settlement for the client last summer, avoiding further delay and cost. The firm has also handled contentious construction cases with cross-border elements: for instance, acting as Singapore counsel in a multi-forum infrastructure dispute involving parallel ICC and Philippines arbitration proceedings, and successfully resisting an attempt to set aside a domestic arbitral award on grounds of alleged breach of natural justice.  

In international arbitration, the Quahe Woo & Palmer lawyers serve both as counsel and arbitrators, adept at handling cases under SIAC, ICC, and other rules. Both Palmer and Lum have led high-value SIAC arbitrations in sectors ranging from energy and commodities to technology and hospitality, often coordinating with foreign co-counsel and witnesses across Asia, Europe and the U.S. In one recent notable SIAC case, the firm represented a private Singaporean company in a bitter joint venture dispute with a European multinational, centring on a thwarted IPO of their shared business. The matter spanned four consolidated arbitrations and multiple related court actions, testing the enforcement of detailed contractual obligations in a cross-border JV context. The team ultimately helped negotiate a global settlement that allowed the client to exit the venture on acceptable terms.  

The firm also recently advised a Singapore fintech investor in an ongoing SIAC arbitration against a Thai counterparty over a failed rehabilitation project in Bangkok and a resort venture in Phuket. In this highlight, the firm coordinated closely with local Thai counsel while pursuing the Singapore arbitration, navigating issues of misrepresentation, breach of directors’ duties, and overlapping court litigation abroad.  

The firm’s caseload often intersects with financial and regulatory controversies, including elements of white-collar crime and fraud. It has been advising stakeholders entangled in the aftermath of Singapore’s $1.46 billion nickel trading fraud, the Envy Global saga. The firm acted for liquidators of several companies linked to the scheme in pursuing claims against the perpetrator’s estate. Last year the lawyers filed applications on behalf of those liquidators to reverse a court-appointed trustee’s rejection of their multi-million-dollar proof of debt claims, successfully arguing for recognition of inter-company set-offs despite novel legal issues and minimal available records.  

Client feedback 

“They provided timely reminders on important legal deadlines.” – Banking and financial services 

“The lawyers provided quick advice and support.” – Banking and financial services 

“They combine strong technical expertise with clear, practical advice. Communication is consistent and timely, and they are excellent at breaking down complex procedural steps into manageable decisions. I particularly valued their strategic thinking, steady guidance during stressful developments, and the high level of care they showed throughout. They gave me confidence at every stage and delivered a successful outcome.” – Commercial and transactions 

“They have been helpful in advising on contracts and on liability claims and resolutions.” – Commercial and transactions 

“The team understands the needs of businesses.” – Commercial and transactions 

“The lawyer we engaged is well versed in the construction business and provides clear and justifiable solutions in assisting with our cases.” – Construction 

“They demonstrate strong communication and efficiency.” – Government and regulatory 

“The firm has consistently been excellent in handling all of my matters.” – Intellectual property 

Melvin Lum 
“Melvin is calm, methodical, and highly reassuring in the way he handles complex situations. He has a strong instinct for strategy and presents options clearly, together with the likely consequences. He is measured in tone, thoughtful in his advice, and excellent at keeping the bigger picture in focus even when matters become pressured or unpredictable. Throughout my matter, he showed sound judgment, steady leadership, and an ability to distil complex legal issues into practical next steps. His presence alone inspires confidence.” 

Michael Palmer 
“He is responsive and trustworthy.”

“He is friendly, approachable, and responsive.”

“He demonstrates strong attention to detail.” 

Reuben Tan 
“Reuben is easy to communicate with and has a strong understanding of business priorities, allowing us to align easily on the best course of action.”

“He listened to my concerns and provided valuable feedback. He was excellent at keeping me updated on my case, and I could reach out to him whenever needed in a timely manner.” 

Boon Tat Yeo 
“Boon Tat is an experienced lawyer in the construction business, whom I have known for more than 10 years. He is able to analyse complex problems and provide clear and well-considered proposed solutions.” 

RCLT Law Corporation (RCLT) is a conflicts-free law firm that has built a strong reputation specializing in dispute resolution. Established in 2019 by co-founders Remy Choo Zheng Xi and John Lo, the firm focuses on commercial, civil and criminal trial and appellate work at all levels of the Singapore Courts, as well as international and domestic arbitration. Unencumbered by institutional conflicts, RCLT prides itself on fearless advocacy, often representing clients against powerful institutions, major corporations and even state entities when necessary. The firm’s practice marries “Big Four” law firm pedigree with the agility of a boutique, led by a new generation of litigators who left established large firms to create a dynamic, independent outfit. In mid-2025, the firm rebranded from its original name (RCL Chambers) to RCLT Law Corporation as it expanded its leadership and scope, adding former senior state prosecutor Navin Thevar as a director and launching a corporate practice under Valmiki Nair. Despite this broadening of services, RCLT remains best known for its dispute resolution prowess, providing clients with first-rate expertise in areas such as fraud and asset recovery, international arbitration and enforcement, company and trust litigation, and financial crime and investigations. 

Commercial and financial disputes lie at the heart of RCLT’s practice. The firm regularly handles complex, high-value cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal, achieving significant results for both corporate and private clients. In one standout victory, a team led by Choo secured a High Court judgment after a full trial on behalf of a Singapore investment firm. The decision not only awarded RCLT’s client the full sum claimed with interest, but also clarified an important point of evidence law: the judge held that even where a written contract exists, an oral condition precedent can be proven by extrinsic evidence, carving out an exception to the usual parol evidence rule.  

The firm also excels in multi-faceted shareholder and equity disputes. Its lawyers have successfully guided shareholders through contentious buyouts and minority oppression claims, often resolving these delicate matters via creative settlement structures or, when needed, by obtaining favourable court orders. For example, RCLT recently represented majority shareholders in a drawn-out family business conflict that spanned multiple lawsuits, culminating in a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed the opposing party’s dilatory applications as an abuse of process, allowing RCLT’s clients to enforce their rights at long last. This outcome reinforced the courts’ intolerance for vexatious tactics. 

International arbitration is another key forte for RCLT, despite the firm’s compact size. Its lawyers have acted as counsel in major arbitrations under SIAC, ICC and even ICSID rules, representing clients from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and beyond. Recent examples include advising on a US$15 million SIAC arbitration over a real estate fund joint venture involving Middle Eastern investors, and a US$14 million SIAC case concerning a complex technology implementation dispute between an Indonesian manufacturer and an Indian IT consultancy. The firm’s partners are adept at managing international disputes that straddle multiple legal systems. They have, for instance, handled a cutting-edge IP and cryptocurrency arbitration between a Chinese publicly listed tech company and a Belarus-based digital asset firm, and are currently representing a Singaporean investor in a high-profile investor–state arbitration against the People’s Republic of China for the expropriation of high-value property assets. The latter is an extremely rare investor–state case, being heard under the World Bank’s ICSID rules.  

The firm’s criminal and regulatory defence practice regularly advises corporations, executives, and public figures entangled in white-collar investigations or facing criminal charges. With Thevar’s experience in high-profile financial crime and regulatory matters, RCLT has quickly become a sought-after adviser for cases involving fraud, corruption, securities offences, and corporate misconduct. In a recent trend-setting High Court case, RCLT’s team defended a foreign construction company’s Singapore branch that was prosecuted under anti-graft laws for an employee’s bribe-taking. The company was ultimately acquitted on appeal, with the High Court declining to attribute the rogue employee’s guilt to the company due to a lack of evidence that top management was aware of the corruption. This ruling clarified the standard for corporate criminal liability in Singapore by affirming that firms are not automatically responsible for an individual worker’s crimes unless the wrongdoing can be tied to the “directing mind and will” of senior management. The decision has provided much-needed assurance to businesses about the limits of their liability for staff misconduct. 

RCLT’s lawyers are also known for their willingness to champion public interest litigation, bringing cases that test constitutional principles and hold public authorities to account. The firm has been involved in several of Singapore’s most significant public law cases over the past decade. A recent example was its representation of one of the appellants challenging the constitutionality of the colonial-era criminal ban on consensual gay sex under Section 377A of the Penal Code. In a 2022 judgment by a rare five-judge Court of Appeal, RCLT’s client achieved a partial victory with the court formally holding that Section 377A was “unenforceable” as a result of government policy and acknowledging, for the first time, the doctrine of substantive legitimate expectations in Singapore law. Although Parliament went on to repeal Section 377A in 2023, the Court of Appeal’s statements, secured through RCLT’s advocacy, were a historic step in Singapore’s LGBTQ+ rights discourse and constitutional development.  

RCLT’s dedication to causes of public importance is further evidenced by its role in other landmark cases. For instance, its lawyers acted for the complainant in disciplinary proceedings against two public prosecutors implicated in the high-profile Parti Liyani domestic worker case, a matter which resulted in formal findings of misconduct against the prosecutors. The firm has also defended activists and journalists in constitutional and contempt of court cases, including representing the social worker and free-speech advocate Jolovan Wham in the first prosecution under Singapore’s new contempt law, where they challenged the law’s constitutionality before a five-judge apex court.  

Setia Law is a specialist high-stakes disputes and crisis management practice in Singapore with an unswerving focus on complex litigation and arbitration. Co-founded in 2023 by veteran advocates Danny Ong and Yam Wern-Jhien, the young firm has swiftly become a prominent conflicts-free hub for major commercial, financial, and technology-related disputes. Setia’s lean, senior-led team is prized for its ability to deliver big-firm expertise through a nimble platform, a combination of technical excellence and pragmatic strategy. Its lawyers are known for cutting through complexity at critical moments, drawing on decades of collective experience and a record of guiding clients through global crises and unprecedented legal challenges. Notably, Ong was elevated to the rank of Senior Counsel in January 2026, one of the youngest lawyers to receive this honour in Singapore. 

Cross-border, high-value disputes are at the core of Setia’s practice. The firm has particular strength in matters involving finance, technology, and digital assets, from banking and securities litigation to high-tech intellectual property and fintech controversies. The firm is especially recognised for its thought leadership in the blockchain and cryptocurrency domain, where it has handled multiple crypto-related disputes in and beyond Singapore, leveraging pioneering experience in obtaining court relief over digital assets. Its lawyers have also represented leading global technology companies, such as Microsoft, Nokia, Rakuten and STMicroelectronics, in a range of disputes, underscoring the breadth of their expertise beyond purely financial cases.  

Setia Law’s capabilities have been put to the test in landmark disputes over the past year. Last summer, the firm acted for global pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk in obtaining and defending a US$730 million worldwide freezing injunction from the Singapore International Commercial Court. The injunction was granted in support of an ICC arbitration against a Chinese biotech company accused of fraud in a US$1.3 billion drug acquisition, and was upheld despite a vigorous challenge by the defendants. In the same case, the firm also secured Singapore’s first-ever “anti-anti-suit injunction” to stop parallel proceedings in Denmark that were aimed at undermining the Singapore court’s orders. These unprecedented measures helped preserve the client’s rights and assets across multiple jurisdictions. They also demonstrated the Singapore courts’ willingness to grant robust interim relief in aid of foreign arbitrations and to prevent vexatious litigation abroad. 

In another groundbreaking highlight, the Setia team acted for a UK claimant which produced Singapore’s first reported validation of a third-party litigation funding agreement in a standard court proceeding. The firm’s client, a financially distressed individual enforcing £31.2 million in UK judgments against a Singapore-based debtor, would have been unable to pursue her claims but for a professional funder stepping in. The defendant sought to strike out the enforcement action as “champertous,” arguing that litigation funding outside of insolvency or international arbitration was unlawful in Singapore. The High Court rejected that challenge, holding that the funding arrangement was permissible and not an abuse of process. This precedent-setting decision opened the door for broader use of third-party funding in general commercial cases in Singapore.  

Trident Law Corporation is a specialist criminal law firm best known for its focus on white-collar crime and high-stakes criminal defence. Led by principal R Thrumurgan, a veteran litigator with over 30 years’ experience, and senior consultant SB Thangavelu, the firm’s crime team has been at the forefront of several landmark judgments and “firsts” in Singapore’s legal history. Trident’s lawyers are respected for their tenacity and rigorous attention to detail, traits that have underpinned successes in lengthy, complex cases. The firm prides itself on being able to mobilise quickly in crisis situations and on having team members with finance and technology expertise, a valuable asset when handling modern financial crimes.  

White-collar criminal defence is Trident’s marquee practice. For over a decade, the firm has regularly been instructed by clients in Singapore and abroad on cases involving bribery and corruption, money laundering, tax fraud, insider trading, and market manipulation. Many of these matters are multi-jurisdictional: Trident’s lawyers have been active in investigations and proceedings not only in Singapore, but also in Hong Kong, Australia, India and other jurisdictions. The firm often works in tandem with foreign counsel through its network to coordinate cross-border strategy. A hallmark of the firm’s approach is early and proactive engagement in investigations. The team deploys significant resources to conduct internal fact-finding, review large volumes of documents and digital data, and preserve evidence, enabling them to advise clients from the very outset of a government inquiry. By presenting authorities with a balanced narrative and exculpatory evidence early on, the firm has on numerous occasions persuaded investigators not to bring any charges against its clients. Some of the firm’s most noteworthy victories are precisely these quiet ones, cases in which large-scale probes were closed with no prosecution, sparing the client the publicity and risk of a trial. 

When charges are filed, the Trident team is known for mounting vigorous defences in court. In the past year, the firm handled several of Singapore’s most prominent white-collar cases. A standout example was the so-called “S$32 million luxury goods scam”, one of the largest fraud cases in recent Singapore history, involving over 160 victims and extensive media coverage. Trident acted as defence counsel for one of two accused masterminds behind the scheme in which advance payments for high-end watches and bags were allegedly misappropriated. Throughout the high-profile proceedings, the lawyers navigated complex evidence tracing the flow of funds and worked to mitigate the outcome for their client.  

In another headline-making matter, the firm is defending a former chief executive of a listed electronics company who is under investigation by the white-collar police unit for allegedly making unauthorised transfers of about S$1 million of company funds into his own accounts. The ex-CEO maintains that these transfers represented unpaid salaries rather than fraud. Trident was retained soon after the company lodged a police report, and the case is ongoing without any charges yet filed. This matter highlights the firm’s role in representing corporate executives caught in the crosshairs of internal investigations and potential criminal allegations, often helping to clarify misunderstandings or legitimate explanations before things escalate. 

The firm’s expertise is frequently sought in multi-jurisdictional regulatory and tax investigations as well. In one ongoing engagement, the firm is advising a Singapore-based director of a commodities group who is under scrutiny for alleged tax evasion and false accounting spanning four countries. The investigation involves an eye-catching sum and required the firm to analyse a decade’s worth of inter-company transactions across various jurisdictions. The team provided the client with a comprehensive assessment of potential liabilities in each country and devised a strategy for possible cooperation with tax authorities to mitigate criminal exposure.  

In another cross-border matter last year, Trident represented a Singaporean businessman in challenging a disciplinary action by an overseas regulator, specifically, a prohibition order issued by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission that arose after the client’s name surfaced in a major Singapore money-laundering case. Acting as lead counsel, Trident worked with local Isle of Man lawyers to file a rare judicial review in the Isle of Man High Court, contesting the regulator’s decision-making process.  

Beyond white-collar crime, the Trident team also handles general criminal defence and related civil litigation, though these are smaller parts of its portfolio. The firm’s lawyers have defended clients in serious non-financial crimes and have notched notable wins. For example, it secured full acquittals in cases ranging from molestation charges in a military court to traffic-related prosecutions. The firm is also occasionally involved in asset recovery and enforcement matters that dovetail with its criminal cases, such as helping victims of fraud recover funds or advising on restraint orders under Singapore’s anti-money-laundering laws.  

To support this broader dispute resolution work, the firm expanded its bench last year into contentious IP with the addition of partner Suhaimi Lazim, a veteran intellectual property litigator, and brought on board Gerald Yee to strengthen its practice in shipping, commodities, and insurance disputes.  

Client feedback 

“All the lawyers are experienced and articulate.” – White-collar crime 

Thiru R Thrumurgan 

“As the managing partner, he is very hands on. He is dedicated, experienced and thinks out of the box.” 

Watershed Law is a boutique disputes practice that has quickly gained traction in complex litigation and international arbitration. Established in December 2024 by managing director Christian Teo and counsel Esther Yong, the practice delivers specialist expertise in commercial litigation, international arbitration, and maritime and shipping law. Both lawyers were previously at Oon & Bazul. The team advises on shipping and commodities matters, from charterparty and bill of lading disputes to marine insurance, ship sale and purchase, and sanctions issues. It also handles a wide range of court cases involving alleged fraud, breaches of directors’ duties, defamation and contract disputes. Watershed’s clients span shipping and international trade, energy and commodities, and financial services, including state-owned enterprises, multinationals, local SMEs and high-net-worth individuals. Strong referral alliances with overseas firms and experience across major arbitral institutions like SIAC, LCIA, HKIAC and LMAA help the firm manage multi-jurisdictional disputes despite its lean size. 

In its first full year of operations, the firm has handled over 20 significant disputes and proven able to punch above its weight in high-profile cases. The firm’s most notable mandate to date is the Hao Mart litigation, a widely reported multi-party High Court suit involving a prominent grocery chain and its landlord, a major property agency and multiple subtenants. The firm represented Hao Mart in a dispute arising from the termination of the chain’s flagship store lease, a case featuring claims of misrepresentation and breaches of lease agreements, as well as overlapping indemnity claims by subtenants. The litigation’s complexity, with concurrent proceedings against the landlord and the leasing agent alongside related actions by several subtenants, underscores the firm’s capacity to coordinate strategy across multiple defendants and claims.  

Beyond local litigation, Watershed has been active in cross-border disputes and international arbitration. The firm’s workload includes multi-jurisdictional shipping and trade matters where its lawyers have acted swiftly across forums. For example, the team is advising a Singapore-based shipping company in an urgent charterparty dispute requiring coordinated vessel arrests in multiple countries, a matter involving a highly valuable oil cargo. The firm has also guided clients through complex commodities arbitrations seated overseas, often collaborating with foreign co-counsel on sanctions compliance and parallel proceedings.  

The firm’s rapid ascent is driven by the hands-on leadership of its founders. Teo brings deep sector knowledge and a track record of managing high-stakes cases for shipping lines, commodity traders and insurers. Yong is a versatile litigator with a meticulous approach, whose background includes insolvency disputes, white-collar fraud cases and major cross-border litigation, and who has appeared before all levels of the Singapore courts. Together, they provide strong senior oversight on every matter.  

Client feedback 

“The team goes above and beyond and ensures our needs are well taken care of.” - Commercial and transactions 

“They made sure to have a firm grasp of the dispute and every element of the case. They considered all angles and aspects of the matter when making their advisory.” - Commercial and transactions 

“Watershed Law provides clarity and practical ways on protecting our interests and the remedy process.” - Commercial and transactions 

“They do well in conflict disputes and commercial disputes. They can also sympathise which really helps.” - Commercial arbitration 

“Their analysis of issues is thorough and considered. They are also commercially-minded and their advice proved helpful in navigating the potential dispute.” - Construction 

“Very responsive and practical.” - Labor and employment 

“It does well in client management and understanding objectives, as well as providing reassurance that the matter is being handled.” - Shipping 

Christian Teo 

“Christian actively listens and understands our needs. He is extremely reliable, dedicated and thorough.” 

“His consistency in ensuring my concerns is taken care of, and my objectives are achieved. He approaches all problems without prejudice and without any preconceived notions.” 

“I appreciated his patience and professionalism.”  

“He is well-spoken and empathetic. He is quick and knowledgeable, clearly a veteran in conflict resolutions and mitigations.” 

“He is very thorough in his analysis, and he takes the effort to properly understand the nature of the business notwithstanding that it might not be necessary to properly advise on the contractual dispute.” 

“He is very responsive, responsible and takes the time to understand the client's needs.” 

“He is very responsive and attentive to the needs of the client.” 

Withers KhattarWong (WKW), the Singapore arm of international firm Withers, has a broad dispute resolution practice known for its cross-border focus. The firm handles high-value commercial litigation, international arbitration, restructuring and insolvency disputes, white-collar defense and employment cases. Its client base ranges from corporations and financial institutions to high-net-worth individuals and executives, often dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues. The practice is led by veteran litigator Pardeep Khosa and prominent criminal lawyer Shashi Nathan, alongside senior counsel and managing partner Deborah Barker, and employment disputes co-head Amarjit Kaur. International arbitration matters are steered by Chenthil Kumarasingam, while Justin Yip leads on insolvency and restructuring engagements.  

Over the past year, the firm has represented clients in a number of significant, often cross-border, commercial disputes. For instance, the firm defended a Singapore director in a complex fiduciary-duty claim arising from digital token trading losses. The case involves a worldwide freezing injunction of around US$68 million on the client’s assets, raising novel legal questions about cryptocurrency assets in litigation and proceeding through the Singapore courts as a test of cross-border enforcement. In another high-stakes matter, the team acted for a businessman to successfully discharge parallel asset-freeze orders that had been obtained against him in both the British Virgin Islands and Singapore. That case, stemming from a long-running shareholder dispute, underscored the firm’s strength in coordinating multi-jurisdictional strategy to protect client assets.  

The firm’s international arbitration practice also saw positive outcomes. A notable example was its representation of a Singapore gas supplier in a SIAC arbitration against a Korean buyer over a “take-or-pay” contract. The dispute involved voluminous evidence and arguments on whether the contract’s penalty clause was enforceable. The WKW team prevailed, securing a favourable award for the client in March 2025.  

In the restructuring and insolvency arena, the group has been at the forefront of major proceedings. The firm continues to act for KPMG, the appointed liquidators of ZenRock Commodities Trading, in the aftermath of one of Singapore’s highest-profile corporate collapses. This engagement involves chasing asset recoveries and unraveling fraudulent transactions across a web of jurisdictions, including Malaysia, China, South Korea, Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands. The team has dealt with complex issues such as parallel government investigations and contentious litigation by creditors. Notably, their work on ZenRock produced significant court rulings in 2023 and 2024 clarifying points of trade finance law and the enforceability of letters of indemnity in an insolvency context. The firm also advised in the restructuring of the Xihe Holdings shipping group, where it represented liquidators of six special-purpose companies owning 15 vessels. That matter saw the team navigate novel legal issues at the intersection of maritime law and insolvency, including obtaining a groundbreaking court order to sell arrested vessels and hold the proceeds pending resolution of competing creditor claims.  

On the white-collar crime and investigations front, WKW has been involved in some of Singapore’s most high-profile cases of late. The firm is advising multiple individuals connected to the ongoing anti-corruption probe involving former Cabinet minister S. Iswaran and hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng. In this case, which has dominated local headlines, a government minister was charged and recently sentenced to prison for accepting bribes, and investigations into other figures are continuing. By representing directors and officers linked to the matter, the firm has been at the centre of this closely watched proceeding and is helping clients navigate intense regulatory scrutiny. The team is also defending a former chief executive of an SGX-listed company, KTL Global, who faces prosecution for alleged market manipulation and cheating offenses.  

In the field of labour and employment disputes, the team is distinguished for its representation of senior executives and contentious employment matters. Barker and Kaur co-lead this practice, which has seen a notable ongoing case in a multi-jurisdictional claim by a C-suite client. The firm represents the former Global President of Sales of outsourcing giant Teleperformance in a lawsuit seeking millions in unpaid bonuses. The dispute, which spans Singapore, the United States and France, involves unique contractual issues and jurisdictional challenges, including proceedings against a US affiliate of the employer and questions of Singapore court jurisdiction. The seasoned team guided the client through complex discovery and successfully resisted attempts by the defendants to strike out parts of the case, keeping the claim on track in the Singapore High Court. Beyond high-level contract disputes, the firm is also known for advising individuals in sensitive matters. A recent example had the team act for a whistleblower, whose revelations helped expose the global Wirecard fraud scandal.  

Client feedback 

“They are responsive, friendly, approachable, and give solid legal advice” - Intellectual property 

“They are meticulous in their work and respond promptly. They have been helpful in offering advice as well.” - Intellectual property 

“Lawyers provide concise and easy to understand instructions.” - Intellectual property 

“Withers Khattar Wong consistently delivers excellent work in trademark and IP matters. The team combines strong technical expertise with clear, practical advice, and is highly responsive and commercial in its approach.”- Intellectual property 

“The team represents clients with a high degree of conviction.” - Labor and employment 

Amarjit Kaur 

“Strong industry knowledge and easy to work with.” 

Jonathan Kok 

“He is friendly and responsive and provides clear advice that is legally sound.” 

“He is a community leader. He gives clear and concise advice” 

Joyce Lee 

“She is friendly, helpful and meticulous.” 

In Hae Lee 

“In Hae is very responsive and consistently delivers work of the highest quality.” 

Yuen Law boutique firm with a growing reputation in dispute resolution, particularly in complex commercial litigation and arbitration. The practice is led by Director Amos Cai, a litigator known for a strategic, methodical approach to high-stakes disputes. He is supported by Director Denise Teo, and together they have expanded the team’s capabilities over the past few years, cementing Yuen Law’s position as a trusted partner for contentious matters. Apart from Cao and Yeo, another noteworthy team member is Lim Yun Heng, a litigation counsel who has led multiple successful matters and is regarded as a rising talent within the firm. On the private client side, the firm also maintains a well-regarded family disputes practice headed by veteran Lim Fung Peen. Last spring, the firm further bolstered its bench by hiring P Padman as a consultant. He is a seasoned litigator with over three decades of experience in commercial and banking disputes and insolvency, and a long-serving appointee on the Law Society’s disciplinary panels.  

A hallmark of Yuen Law’s dispute practice is its client-centric, pragmatic approach. The team emphasizes practical, tailored solutions that align with each client’s commercial objectives, rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. It represents a broad spectrum of clients, from high-net-worth individuals and tech start-ups to local SMEs and multinational corporations. The clients span industries such as construction, food & beverage, real estate, finance, and technology. This diverse exposure allows the firm’s lawyers to craft sector-specific dispute strategies, drawing on insights into industry practices and regulatory nuances.  

Despite its boutique size, the firm has developed strong cross-border capabilities. In the last couple of years, its lawyers have handled disputes involving parties and assets in China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Europe, seamlessly coordinating with foreign counsel and navigating overseas court procedures. Notably, the firm recently managed a cross-border intellectual property and contract dispute requiring parallel proceedings in Singapore and China, including the first-ever use of the Hague Service Convention to serve court papers in Mainland China. The Yuen Law team successfully protected its client’s interests in Singapore by fending off the opposing party’s attempts to derail the case The firm also frequently advises on matters requiring overseas enforcement or foreign law elements, working within networks of correspondent firms to ensure a seamless multi-jurisdictional strategy for its clients. 

Over the last 12 months, Yuen Law’s disputes docket has been especially active, reflecting its growing profile. The practice handled roughly 250 contentious matters in the past year, a significant volume that includes everything from contract claims and shareholder feuds to insolvency disputes and enforcement actions. In one highlight, the firm advised a corporate client in quietly resolving a banking dispute by invoking a contractual termination clause. This led to the swift release of about US$12 million in frozen funds by an international bank, with no lawsuit needed.  

When litigation is unavoidable, the team has demonstrated the tenacity and skill to prevail in complex cases. Recently, the firm achieved a significant victory in a decade-long shareholder dispute that had seen the opposing party use every tactic to delay justice. Representing the majority shareholder in a Singapore company, the firm’s lawyers fended off a series of vexatious applications filed by the minority shareholder to avoid bankruptcy. The matter culminated in the Appellate Division of the High Court, which dismissed the minority’s final appeal and agreed that the litigation was nothing but an abuse of process designed to frustrate the creditor. By putting an end to these stalling tactics, the firm cleared the way for its client to enforce a long-pending debt, a result that also set an example that the courts will not tolerate misuse of judicial processes by recalcitrant debtors. In another notable case, the team successfully defended a local hospitality company in a construction suit. The claimant, a contractor, had sued for unpaid work and alleged losses, but the Yuen Law team exposed critical gaps in the contract and the claimant’s evidence. The High Court not only dismissed the entire claim but also upheld the client’s counterclaim for wrongful termination of contract, enabling the client to recover damages instead.  

The disputes team also emphasises adaptability across dispute forums. Beyond courtroom litigation, the firm handles international arbitrations and urgent injunction or enforcement actions. In the past year, for example, its lawyers have represented clients in expeditious SIAC proceedings, as well as advised on overseas asset recovery after foreign judgments. The firm’s readiness to deploy different dispute resolution mechanisms is evident in a matter involving a Singapore project management firm: the firm guided this client through mediation to settle a S$1.2 million construction dispute on favourable terms, avoiding what could have been a lengthy trial.  

Client feedback 

“Yuen Law provided good advice and recommendations related to my case.”- Family and matrimonial 

Lim Fung Peen 

“He was able to analyse the problems and the situation, then provide best possible solutions.”