Allen & Gledhill LLP has substantially grown its dispute resolution practice over the last decade. The firm’s geographic growth across Southeast Asia and into China has led to a substantial increase in cross-border dispute engagements, including those before the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). The firm traditionally acted for large Singapore corporates and financial institutions, and now has a much larger multinational client base. It remains especially active in restructuring and insolvency-related litigation, including cases linked to the Hin Leong scandal, along with white-collar crime, arbitration-related litigation and disputes connected to private wealth. It has two senior counsels in Stanley Lai SC, the head of intellectual property, and Jason Chan SC, who leads the white-collar crime team. Andrew Yeo and William Ong co-head the litigation and dispute resolution group, which includes Dinesh Dhillon, Vincent Leow, Tan Kai Liang and Tay Yong Seng.

Davinder Singh Chambers is a leading dispute resolution boutique in Singapore thanks to the presence of pre-eminent figure Davinder Singh SC, who is chairman of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and a member of the Senate. Prominent name Jaikanth Shankar and a range of impressive practitioners have also propelled the firm into a leading position. It continues to represent clients in a multitude of High Court and Court of Appeal cases, many of which involve significant values. Among a list of headline cases, the firm continues to earn accolades for its expertise in joint-venture, shareholder, real estate, intellectual property, construction, trade and trusts disputes. The firm is also noted for its high-profile engagements in SIAC cases. It represents a range of local and international corporates, along with senior executives, business people and high-net-worth individuals. Bryan Wong, David Fong, Navin Thevar, Sngeeta Rai and Timothy Lin are among a growing cohort of emerging practitioners.

Drew & Napier LLC, as a Big Four Singapore law firm, is widely recognised as a dispute resolution powerhouse, having an unrivalled depth of bench and more leading practitioners than any other firm in the jurisdiction. It devotes considerable resources to dispute resolution pursuits and is frequently selected to represent parties in the biggest and most complex cases. Over the 12-month research period, the firm handled litigation matters with a total value exceeding $16bn. It has seen its director (partner equivalent) ranks grow by 10%, continues to expand both its presence in regional disputes and its international client base, and continues to grow its arbitration-related practice. Among a multitude of headline and seminal cases, the firm acted for Hin Leong’s judicial managers in the largest reported fraudulent trading case in Singapore, seeking recovery of over $3.5bn from the directors of the company. CEO Cavinder Bull SC, who is ‘simply superb as a legal adviser, advocate and person’, is at the pinnacle of the profession, having been one of few senior counsels to be appointed before the age of 40, back in 2008. Siraj Omar SC and Randolph Khoo are also outstanding practitioners, along with seasoned practitioner and firm chairman Jimmy Yim SC, also elevated to senior counsel before turning 40 in 1998. Mahesh Rai, Kelvin Tan, Blossom Hing, Wendell Wong and Gary Low act for private clients as well as companies in the advertising, tech, transport and financial industries. Kevin Lee has joined Twenty Essex in Singapore.

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a deep and impressive dispute resolution team that covers a wide range of cases. It has eight senior counsel within its ranks and has taken key roles in 52 out of 140 SICC judgments as of June 2023. It has earned further accolades for cases involving stolen cryptocurrency, corporate succession, the enforcement of arbitral awards and the largest claim for fraudulent trading. Its wide-ranging industry experience includes headline cases in the real estate, energy and resources, fintech and shipping sectors. It has also demonstrated its expertise in commercial fraud, asset recovery and investigations. Francis Xavier SC is regional head of dispute resolution and has an outstanding record in large cross-border cases. Adrian Wong is head of commercial litigation. Vikram Nair is deputy head of the team and noted for South Asia disputes. Lee Eng Beng SC is rated for banking disputes and insolvency litigation. Murali Pillai SC is another seasoned figure with a fine record in employment and financial services disputes. Kevin Poon SC and Andre Yeap SC provide further senior-level expertise in international arbitration. Tan Chuan Thye SC, Kevin Tan and Jansen Chow also impress. Danny Ong left the firm to co-found Setia Law LLC.

WongPartnership LLP‘s domestic and global reputation brings it a wealth of cases, including disputes that have no direct connection to Singapore. The firm continues to expand its caseload, including additional crypto-related disputes, insolvency cases and arbitration-related court proceedings, especially challenges to arbitral awards. The Singapore team has close connections to government-linked businesses, local and international banks, and numerous multinationals. Koh Swee Yen SC wins many accolades in arbitration-related court proceedings and other headline Singapore cases, having been elevated to senior counsel status in 2022 and gaining a prolific record in major disputes. Tan Chee Meng SC is a notable figure in white-collar crime and regulatory matters. Chou Sean Yu leads the litigation and dispute resolution group, and has a fine record in banking and finance disputes. Wendy Lin is another senior figure with leading expertise in asset recovery, fraud and other headline cases, while Melanie Ho heads the professional and enterprise disputes team.

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow has a deep bench of local dispute resolution lawyers that have extensive international experience and frequently engage and collaborate with colleagues in Asia Pacific and worldwide. Its rich local and global client base brings it a wealth of high-profile and complex engagements, including both litigation and arbitration. Within the team, there is strong specialisation mixed with versatility, notably a strong record in construction, employment and intellectual property cases, alongside a steady diet of commercial litigation, anti-corruption and fraud matters. Nandakumar Ponniya heads the Asia Pacific dispute resolution team and is widely known for his expertise in construction, technology and international arbitration cases, including the enforcement of arbitral awards. Celeste Ang is a strong litigator with a broad caseload, who also heads the Asia Pacific employment and compensation practice. Andy Leck specialises in intellectual property disputes, though is also active in wider commercial litigation. Local principal Pradeep Nair aids with litigation regarding injunctions and anti-corruption investigations.

Cavenagh Law LLP holds a Formal Law Alliance with Clifford Chance, notably targeting the premium end of the dispute resolution market with considerable success. Despite being somewhat smaller than most of its natural competitors, it has succeeded in building an outstanding reputation, particularly in banking and financial services disputes. Nish Shetty is a partner in the local firm and also heads Clifford Chance‘s Asia Pacific dispute resolution practice, having an especially strong record in energy and resources, infrastructure, and banking and finance cases. Paul Sandosham is widely rated for his expertise in construction and infrastructure cases, and is a market leader in international arbitration. Elan Krishna was promoted to partner in 2022 and is an emerging talent in international arbitration. Janice Goh is noted for contentious financial regulatory and corporate investigations. Paul Tan joined Gibson Dunn in September 2022 and Joan Lim-Casanova moved to K&L Gates Straits Law LLC in December 2022.

Dentons Rodyk has a large team of dispute resolution specialists covering a broad spectrum of cases, from clinical negligence defence to construction disputes; shipping, trade and commodities cases; and commercial litigation and arbitration. The Singapore team has an impressive array of local, regional and multinational clients. Clients recognise the breadth of team and its ability to handle cross-border and multi-jurisdictional cases. Siang Pheng Lek heads the litigation and dispute resolution practice and is a leading medical defence advocate. Kia Jeng Koh is deputy head of the team with an established record in building and construction disputes. Lawrence Teh is a senior name in commodities and trade cases, and Mark Seah and Paul Wong are experienced commercial litigation specialists. Ajinderpal Singh is noted for partnership and shareholder disputes, and banking and insolvency cases. Joint deputy managing partner Edric Pan takes on international disputes as well as insurance and aviation-related claims, while Huai Yuan Chia oversees proceedings involving fraud allegations and Jen Wei Loh focuses on the shipping sector, including insolvency and damages matters.

K&L Gates Straits Law LLC has continued to land a range of large-scale cases, including those in the insolvency and restructuring field. It acted for the judicial managers of Ocean Tankers in connection with the headline insolvency of Hin Leong. Financial services, white-collar crime and asset recovery are also fortes for the Singapore team. Sundararaj Palaniappan, Valerie Ang and Muralli Rajaram are prominent members of the team, the latter noted for his experience in banking and insolvency disputes.

LVM Law Chambers LLC has an established record in high-stakes disputes, acting for individuals and corporates alike in numerous domestic and cross-border cases. Joint managing directors Lok Vi Ming SC and Joseph Lee are formidable practitioners, who are frequently chosen for large-scale disputes in the insurance, aviation, commercial, transport, insolvency, white-collar crime, trusts and matrimonial fields. The firm’s emphasis on the China market has also won it a series of Chinese clients. Associate director Jonathan Muk is ‘a standout practitioner‘, who co-heads the shipping, trade and sanctions practice. Qabir Sandhu was promoted to associate director in January 2023 and assists with commercial and private client disputes.

Providence Law Asia LLC is another ‘top-tier conflicts-free boutique litigation firm‘, led by ‘true leader‘ and managing director Abraham Vergis SC. The firm receives a wealth of referrals from international firms, including those that have a presence in Singapore. It also has an established client base in its own right, including corporates and individuals that are based in Asia Pacific, Europe and the US; it is noted for its expertise in India-related disputes and its Indian client base. The firm has landed engagements in some of the biggest litigation and arbitration cases of recent times. Zhuo Jiaxiang is another leading figure with an outstanding record in engineering and construction disputes, including litigation and arbitration, and ‘excels in cross-border disputes‘. A ‘rising star in commercial disputes‘, newly promoted director Kenny Lau co-heads the fraud and asset recovery practice, while Vanathi Ray assists with international arbitration.

Shook Lin & Bok LLP has a fine history in dispute resolution, especially in banking and financial services disputes, insolvency and restructuring cases, and fraud and asset recovery. Along with its steady diet of banking and financial services cases, the firm has continued to land major engagements in the fraud segment, often cases stemming from large-scale insolvencies. It acted for the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in a claim of more than $80m against the ex-directors and ex-employees of Hin Leong Trading, concerning allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation, conspiracy by unlawful means, procurement of breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. Sarjit Singh Gill SC has more than 40 years of experience in big-ticket litigation and arbitration, including corporate and banking disputes. David Chan is another senior practitioner with an outstanding record in fraud and insolvency cases. Ng Yeow Khoon and Probin Dass are also key practitioners, along with Joseph Tay, Moses Lin and Daniel Tan, the latter being an emerging talent.

TSMP Law Corporation has a major presence in the dispute resolution field with a fine reputation in boardroom, investment and shareholder disputes, and is noted for its expertise in cross-border cases. It is also at the forefront of trusts litigation, construction and engineering disputes, employment cases and insolvency litigation, and is building its standing in crypto cases. The firm has a hugely impressive corporate client base and receives referrals from many of the top international law firms. Joint managing partner Thio Shen Yi SC is at the pinnacle of the profession, known for his expertise in big-ticket cases and for his outstanding advocacy. Melvin Chan, Kelvin Koh, Ong Pei Ching and Felicia Tan are also key partners. Former partner and Law Society president Adrian Tan passed away in 2023.

Audent Chambers LLC has made a significant impression on the market following its launch in 2019. Harpreet Singh Nehal SC is an established senior counsel and former partner of Clifford Chance, where his co-managing partner Jordan Tan was also a counsel. The Singapore firm has attracted engagements from a range of domestic corporates, multinationals and high-net-worth individuals. It defended BP Singapore against allegations of fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation brought by four banks, connected to transactions between BP and Hin Leong Trading for the sale and purchase of gasoil.

Bird & Bird ATMD LLP has a major emphasis on dispute resolution, from commercial litigation to TMT, construction, employment and intellectual property cases. With the firm’s tech sector focus, the Singapore office has successfully targeted the start-up sector, with numerous engagements relating to disputes over valuations, and is also at the forefront of crypto cases. The Singapore team has seen additional growth in cases connected to capital flows into Singapore from China. It is further noted for interlocutory relief and court applications related to arbitration proceedings. Jonathan Choo is Singapore and English qualified, and leads the Singapore arbitration practice with a particular focus on the TMT sector. Lijun Chui is also dual qualified in Singapore and England, and is especially active in the IT and pharmaceuticals sectors. The highly rated Shaun Lee was promoted to partner in 2022, adding to the firm’s senior bench. Akshay Kishore is a key figure for India-related disputes, while senior associate Mark Ng assists in cross-border matters.

Braddell Brothers LLP is another boutique dispute resolution practice with a steady pipeline of litigation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) engagements. The firm represents a large number of Indonesian conglomerates and private clients, along with further clients from across Asia Pacific and worldwide. It is also frequently brought in by international law firms as Singapore counsel or as co-counsel on significant disputes matters. It has built an impressive record in challenging arbitral awards and maintains an active presence in medical negligence cases. Managing partner Edmund Kronenburg has over 26 years’ experience in litigation and arbitration, and has wide-ranging expertise across multiple sectors. Angelia Thng is also noted for contractual and shareholder disputes. Joanna Chew has left the firm.

CNPLaw LLP has a sizeable team dedicated to litigation and arbitration, including commercial litigation, construction cases and employment disputes. The firm has continued to develop its standing in fraud and white-collar crime, contractual and shareholder disputes, trusts litigation, and real estate cases. Subramanian Pillai has vast experience in litigation and arbitration, including construction and engineering cases. He heads the team along with Venetia Tan and Soo Ling See Tow. Sharleen Eio  left the firm to become in-house counsel.

Harry Elias Partnership has a large and established dispute resolution team with deep levels of specialisation. The firm has gained additional recognition in white-collar crime and fraud cases, and has extensive expertise in construction, contractual, banking and financial, and land disputes. It has a long list of local and regional corporate clients, along with a number of individuals. Philip Fong is managing partner and head of the litigation and dispute management practice group, with a leading reputation in business crime cases. S Suressh is noted for corporate and shareholder disputes, and employment cases, while Yvonne Foo specialises in construction and engineering disputes. Andy Lem, Francis Goh, Tan Chau Yee and Justin Chia are also key partners. Conrad Campos joined from RHTLaw Asia LLP in April 2023, following Tan Weiyi's departure to Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore in 2022.

Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC has a relatively small but impressive dispute resolution practice that has wide-ranging expertise in a variety of disputes, including those in the finance, energy, mining and resources, projects and infrastructure sectors. The team has a notable list of domestic and Asia Pacific corporate clients. Wendy Tan is a versatile practitioner with a solid record in shipping, trade and commodities, energy, insurance and logistics. The highly rated Pardeep Khosa joined the firm in October 2022 from Davinder Singh Chambers, providing further expertise in commercial and civil litigation, international arbitration and corporate crime. Former department head Daniel Chia has joined Prolegis LLC.

Oon & Bazul LLP has a formidable background in international trade disputes and has a thriving fraud and asset recovery practice, developing a body of experience in protective injunctions and freezing orders. The firm has an impressive mix of domestic and Asia Pacific based corporate and financial institution clients, along with a number of high-net-worth individuals. Bazul Ashhab is managing partner and head of dispute resolution, with an impressive standing in fraud and asset recovery, including bulge-bracket freezing orders. Kelly Yap is the head of the litigation and China practices, with a focus on international trade and shipping cases. Lionel Chan is noted for cross-border commercial disputes, along with restructuring and insolvency cases, and fraud and asset recovery. Priscilla Lua is another key partner, along with highly rated head of shipping Prakaash Silvam. Jerald Foo joined Selvam LLC in 2022.

Pinsent Masons MPillay has a major presence in the construction, infrastructure, energy and engineering sectors. The firm is frequently engaged in large-scale construction arbitrations and related court proceedings. Mohan Pillay is hugely experienced in construction disputes and court proceedings, and also frequently sits as an arbitrator. Toh Chen Han is noted for energy and infrastructure arbitrations, with Frédéric Gillion having a fine record in dispute board and arbitration proceedings in the construction sector. Sam Boyling was appointed global co-head of construction disputes in 2023, splitting his time between Singapore and Beijing, and continuing to represent a wealth of Chinese contractors. Newly promoted legal director Andrea Clark also impresses clients.

RPC Premier Law is a disputes-focused practice led by experienced litigators Swee Siang Boey, Navin Joseph Lobo and Yuankai Lin. The team is well known for its abilities in corporate and commercial disputes, white-collar crime, fraud, regulatory compliance and investigations. Technology, communications and media are key areas for the team, which has widespread industry experience. It has achieved further prominence through a number of headline cases, including high-value shareholder disputes and damages actions. It is also noted for its representation of Chinese corporates and high-net-worth individuals. Nicholas Lauw provides further expertise in intellectual property, tech and digital assets disputes.

Selvam LLC acts for clients including financial institutions, private individuals and telecoms companies in proceedings regarding family law, fraud and corporate disputes. Managing director Sarbjit Singh Chopra oversees the practice, with a focus on private client and construction matters, while Daniel Soo takes on international insolvency disputes. The firm recently hired the well-rated Jerald Foo from Oon & Bazul LLP.

Simmons & Simmons JWS has built a formidable reputation in Singapore high-stakes litigation, especially cases involving financial institutions, asset management and investment funds, and commodities and trading firms. The Singapore team has acted for clients in a series of cases linked to high-profile restructurings, including representing a number of creditors in actions connected to the headline restructuring of Hin Leong Trading. The Singapore team has demonstrated its expertise in a series of cases involving allegations of fraud and breach of directors’ duties, as well as enforcement proceedings. It further expanded its small team at supervising associate and associate level in 2022 and 2023. Mohammed Reza heads the Singapore dispute resolution team and is a seasoned figure in commercial and banking disputes. Associate Darren Low provides support in high-value restructuring and enforcement matters.

Tan Kok Quan Partnership is part of the Singapore dispute resolution fabric, frequently appearing in the High Court, Court of Appeal and SICC. The Singapore firm is also noted for arbitration and mediation. It acted for Sengkang Town Council in three appeals arising out of a decision relating to claims brought by Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council against several current and former town councillors, as well as officers of the town councils. The firm represents a range of domestic corporates and financial institutions, along with a large number of high-net-worth individuals. Marina Chin SC, recently appointed senior counsel in 2022, is noted for cross-border disputes, including arbitrations and SICC cases. Eddee Ng is another key contact in the group.

Tan Rajah & Cheah is a big player in the market thanks to the presence of the immensely experienced and highly-rated Chelva Retnam Rajah SC, who was appointed senior counsel back in 1998 and is ‘among the top choices for any serious white-collar crime matter‘. The firm continues to be appointed in significant cases including defending five former town councillors in a headline action brought by Aljunied-Hougang Town Council and Pasir-Ris Punggol Town Council. The wider team also has significant big-case experience including those before the Court of Appeal and the SICC. Megan Chia is also rated.

Virtus Law LLP has an established dispute resolution team with expertise across multiple disciplines, from commercial litigation to restructuring and insolvency disputes, employment cases and arbitration. Stemming from its increased focus on private wealth, the Singapore group has continued to build its practice in fraud, regulatory and investigations engagements. The group is also able to tap into the global resources and expertise of its Formal Law Alliance partner Stephenson Harwood LLP. Daryll Ng remains best known for shipping litigation, along with broader expertise in white-collar crime, restructuring and insolvency, and arbitration-related court proceedings. Terence Seah is another key figure for white-collar crime, including fraud and corporate investigations. Lauren Tang is rated for insolvency and restructuring cases. Kaili Ang and Christine Ong were elevated to the partnership in February 2023.

Withers KhattarWong LLP has dispute resolution at the heart of its Singapore practice, with Deborah Barker SC, a senior counsel since 2001, at the helm. The Singapore office has a major focus on private capital, resulting in a steady pipeline of commercial and personal disputes engagements. The team is also rated for employment, white-collar crime and tax cases. Moreover, it is building its standing in tech, crypto and blockchain-related disputes. Chenthil Kumarasingam is an experienced commercial litigation and arbitration specialist, with Shaun Leong providing further senior-level arbitration expertise. Ushan Premaratne departed the practice in September 2023 to join Meritus Law LLC.