Clifford Chance is one of few international firms to cover the full lifecycle of construction projects with dedicated front-end and contentious construction teams. The department has advised on a series of major developments across Asia Pacific, including large-scale offshore wind farms, airport developments and telecoms networks. It is also at the forefront of construction disputes, including Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) cases. The team is particularly known for representing banks and financial institutions. Matthew Buchanan is head of the Asia Pacific construction group and has an outstanding record in front-end projects across Asia Pacific. Paul Sandosham heads the energy, infrastructure, resources and disputes practice in Southeast Asia and is a recognised leader in construction disputes. Counsel Marcella Stokes is another experienced figure in drafting and negotiating project documents.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP consistently demonstrates a commitment to front-end and back-end construction and infrastructure matters. The Singapore team largely represents owners of assets, especially the large Japanese trading houses, along with a number of contractors and private equity investors. The group has experienced further growth in renewables and data centre projects and construction disputes connected gas-to-power projects. Alastair Henderson is an immensely experienced international arbitration specialist with a background in commercial and construction cases. Daniel Waldek specialises in construction and infrastructure disputes, particularly international arbitration disputes. Energy partner Ee Lynn Tan joined the firm in August 2024, bringing additional expertise in front-end construction expertise in the oil and gas sector. Additional expertise in front-end matters is provided by Adrian Wong, a director at the firm’s Formal Law Alliance Prolegis LLC who is a recognised construction specialist in data centre projects.

Nishimura & Asahi has outstanding connections to Japanese contractors and employers, which it represents on a regular basis on Asia Pacific projects and disputes. The Singapore office is particularly noted for large-scale construction projects in Southeast Asia and Japan, along with major arbitration proceedings in SIAC and other arbitral venues. Shintaro Uno splits his time between Singapore and Tokyo, focusing on infrastructure projects in Japan and around Asia Pacific; he is a specialist in FIDIC contracts and also supports employers and contractors in proceedings before adjudications boards, arbitral tribunals and in various courts around Asia. Lars Markert and Natalie Yap provide further senior expertise in construction disputes.