Chambers Global and Asia-Pacific
Chambers Asia Pacific & Greater China Region Awards
Singapore Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 2022
2025 edition
Cavinder Bull, SC – Band 1 for 15 consecutive years
Jimmy Yim, SC – Band 2 for 6 consecutive years
Randolph Khoo – Band 5 for 2 consecutive years
Blossom Hing – Band 4 (Band 5 for 3 consecutive years 2022 - 2024)
Mahesh Rai – Band 4 for 2 consecutive years
Adam Maniam – Up and Coming
A leader in the litigation field, deftly handling the highest-profile matters before the Singapore and international courts. The team has a wealth of experience in cross-border cases, with expertise that covers the full range of litigation work, including fraud and general commercial disputes such as shareholder and joint venture disputes. The firm skilfully advises significant clients, such as governments, high net worth individuals and large companies. The department is involved in major cases in the finance sector, both for and opposite financial institutions. The practice acts for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Work highlights Acted for Hin Leong Trading's liquidators in a fraudulent trading case in Singapore, seeking recovery of over USD3.5 billion from the directors of the company, the Lim family.
"They have an experienced team with very good understanding and knowledge of the law and regulations, in addition to being very practical and pragmatic."
"Every question, enquiry or request has been attended to expeditiously and responded to in great detail."
"They are client-focussed, have sound judgement and are well resourced, with a depth of talent in the team that is unmatched in the industry."
An impressed client says: "The advice from Drew & Napier is in-depth with a backdrop of extensive experience, expertise and sound judgement".
Another client enthuses: "They have a good focus on the commercial sensitivities of the matter. We are delighted with their work".
Cavinder Bull SC is well known for his regular involvement in high-value mandates. He is a go-to litigator for high-stakes matters that are often international in nature. One market source praises him as " extremely good. He is a very good advocate, team leader and person".
Jimmy Yim SC is experienced before the High Court and International Commercial Court in Singapore. He is particularly active in shareholder and construction matters and one market source comments that he is "one of the best out there. He is a top lawyer with amazing client relationships.", while another client remarks that "knowledgeable on the law and very reliable", and "very much puts client needs ahead of his own and listens to what the client needs".
Randolph Khoo is experienced in cross-border litigation and is also considered an expert in family disputes. He is especially recognised for his China focus.
Blossom Hing has a specialism in financial services cases and is endorsed by market commentators for her expertise in insolvency.
Mahesh Rai regularly appears in the High Court, leading in a variety cross-border disputes. He is well versed in advising international clients on shareholder disputes. A client compliments him: "Mahesh is an excellent examiner, very good on his feet and very sharp. He is very solution-oriented".
Adam Maniam is well-regarded for his focus on criminal litigation and has been involved in multi-jurisdictional litigations involving financial investigations and claims of fraud. A markest source says "Adam is very good at what he does. He is very talented and meticulous and a person who carefully plans his strategies".
Cavinder Bull, SC – Band 1 for 13 consecutive years
Jimmy Yim, SC – Band 4 for 6 consecutive years
Mahesh Rai – Band 4 for 2 consecutive years
Randolph Khoo – Listed as foreign expert for China for 6 consecutive years
Singapore-based Drew & Napier's formidable line-up of disputes lawyers have an established reputation for handling complex, high-value arbitration. The team is active across a range of commercial cases, including construction, energy and technology disputes, with notable experience in investor-state arbitrations. The firm has argued before SIAC and ICSID, as well as the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. The department's impressive client base includes multinational corporations and state-owned entities, such as those involved in natural resources and telecommunications.
Work highlights Represented the respondent Daelim Industrial in a USD434.7 million arbitration against ONGC Petro Additions, arising out of the termination of an L+EPC contract for the construction of a petrochemical plant.
"Drew & Napier's lawyers are particularly strong commercial litigators because they are aggressive and creative at looking at alternative ways of winning cases for clients."
"They have a proven track record and the ability to simplify complicated matters."
"They have elite, talented attorneys with the business acumen to handle complex and sophisticated matters."
Clients commend Drew & Napier as "efficient, professional and always available. They provide very short turnaround time, understand clients' needs very well and are able to provide a good practical solution".
Clients say: "It is a pleasant experience working with them, and they are very effective in their strategy.".
Cavinder Bull SC is an esteemed arbitration specialist with particular expertise in energy matters before SIAC, as well as handling cases in a range of other sectors. A client praises him: "I have seen him in action and he is amazing".
Jimmy Yim SC is an experienced lawyer who focuses on telecoms and construction-related issues. He is adept at working with clients from across the region. A client lauds him as: "an outstanding Singaporean litigator", and "puts client needs ahead of his own and listens to what the clients need".
Mahesh Rai represents companies in natural resources, construction and other commercial disputes. He has represented clients in disputes involving corporates and government entities. Industry sources lauds him as: "extremely commercial and pragmatic".
Randolph Khoo is highly rated for his expertise assisting with China-related arbitrations, including those run under CIETAC rules. He is head of the firm's Greater China desk and is a highly experienced arbitration counsel.
Dispute Resolution: Most in Demand Arbitrators
Cavinder Bull, SC – Band 1 for 2 consecutive years
Cavinder Bull SC of Drew & Napier brings decades of experience handling high-profile international arbitration to his work as an arbitrator. He has an excellent reputation in the market for his work on investor-state matters.
A client says "He was incredibly efficient. He was a very good chair and was capable and very fair procedurally." while another mentions "Cavinder was masterly. He had a very sensitive approach. He controlled the dynamics of the arbitral process really well."
Lim Chong Kin – Band 1 for 18 consecutive years
David N. Alfred – Band 4
Grace Chong – Up and Coming
Houses a first-class team assisting blue-chip international companies, service providers and regulatory authorities from across the region with the full range of TMT matters. Its areas of strength include transactional support, advice on telecoms and media regulation and data protection issues. The law firm is also well versed in competition mandates pertaining to TMT, with additional experience in the drafting and negotiation of technology contracts.
Work highlights Advised he Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam on the development of a new legal and regulatory framework for the postal sector.
Clients appreciate that "They have a good depth and breadth of expertise and experience in their teams so can handle complex and sophisticated matters".
A client remarks: "Drew & Napier has an understanding of intricacies of data protection requirements, and an ability to come up with pragmatic solutions".
Lim Chong Kin is a distinguished lawyer with a broad TMT practice, including notable expertise advising on telecoms and data regulatory matters. He remains a popular choice amongst multinational and start-up clients. Impressed clients applaud Chong Kin for his "excellent guidance and in-depth legal analysis to us, so that we are able to assess various factors, risks and commercial benefits before making the balanced commercial decision", and he has "expert knowledge in his areas of practice and is always contactable and approachable".
David N. Alfred debuts in the rankings thanks to his notable expertise in data privacy regulatory matters and data breach incident cases. His clientele includes entities from private and public sectors. Clients commended him for "[h]is strength lies in his deep understanding of the regulatory processes. He also provides strong support on contentious matters.", and another client thinks "very highly of David, he knows his stuff very well."
Tony Yeo – Band 1 for 7 consecutive years
Yvonne Tang – Band 3 for 4 consecutive years
Meryl Koh – Band 3 for 4 consecutive years
A large and established IP law department in Singapore with in-depth experience in contentious IP matters across patents, designs, trade marks, copyrights, licensing, franchising and confidentiality agreements. The firm acts for high-profile clients across a range of sectors, including food and beverages, luxury retail, technology and media. The team is particularly adept at handling passing-off actions. The group houses a deep bench of lawyers with cross-border expertise spanning China, Malaysia and further afield.
Work highlights Successfully represented IIa Technologies, a manufacturer of lab-grown diamonds, in a patent infringement lawsuit commenced by Element Six Technologies in the Singapore High Court.
A source praises: "Not only are they very good in their legal knowledge, but they are also able to provide value-added advice and services with an appreciated understanding of our business and our trade marking needs".
A pleased client says: "When it comes to responsiveness, we hold Drew & Napier in high regard. We can always rely on a quick response to any queries, despite being in different jurisdictions".
Tony Yeo is widely recognised as a market leader in Singapore for contentious IP mandates, especially for trade mark and patent litigation. Clients assert that, "Tony is very commercial, assured and experienced. You really feel in safe hands with him.", and "Tony is the lawyer you want to have for complex IP matters where the odds are not in your favour".
Yvonne Tang is recognised for her trade mark litigation practice in Singapore. Her experience covers acting for leading brands in the fashion, pharmaceutical and entertainment industries."She gives that personal touch. She knows me and my company very well and anticipates my needs."
Meryl Koh receives praise for her trade mark and copyright disputes expertise in Singapore. "Her ability to distill complex technical information into actionable legal strategies, combined with her pursuit of excellence, ensured our case was approached with deep commercial awareness.", and "I commend Meryl for working hard and long and intelligently to get into the heart of our matter", report impressed sources.
Sushil Nair – Band 1 for 18 consecutive years
Julian Kwek – Band 2 for 5 consecutive years
Blossom Hing – Band 1 for 10 consecutive years
Chan Wei Meng – Band 3 for 4 consecutive years
Mohan Gopalan – Band 4 for 4 consecutive years
An outstanding Singapore-based legal team with an excellent track record of representing debtors, as well as liquidators and creditors, in complex restructurings and insolvency cases. The firm is highly active on contentious and non-contentious restructurings, particularly those with a cross-border element. The team is active on behalf of clients from a range of industry sectors, including shipping, energy, oil and gas, and construction. The lawyers are well placed to advise clients on asset recovery, as well as schemes of arrangement and judicial management.
Work highlights Represented two statutory boards, the Public Utilities Board and the National Environment Agency on the debt restructuring of Hyflux and its subsidiaries, including Tuaspring and TuasOne.
One source comments: "I strongly commend D&N’s exceptional capability of navigating intricate legal landscapes. Their profound knowledge of restructuring laws is evident, ensuring comprehensive and effective solutions".
"The Drew & Napier team has extraordinary lawyers at all levels and they bring great experience and knowledge to all matters that they handle", notes an interviewee.
Sushil Nair is a lawyer in Singapore with extensive experience working on high-profile insolvencies and restructurings, acting on behalf of creditors and companies in distress. He is particularly active in the shipping and energy sectors, and highly capable in cross-border matters. One commentator says, "working with Sushil has been an exceptional privilege. His unparalleled depth of understanding, knowledge and expertise in restructuring laws surpassed all expectations". Another client remarks that "he is well-known and respected in this area. He is the go-to for restructuring and insolvency".
Julian Kwek is an experienced lawyer in Singapore with particular expertise in matters relating to Indonesia and China. He acts for creditors and shareholders on insolvencies and company restructurings, especially within the shipping and oil industries. According to sources, "Julian is extremely hardworking, smart and creative", and "He's been effective in Singapore and Southeast Asian markets. He has a great ability to gain the trust and confidence of his clients".
Blossom Hing remains a market-leading lawyer in Singapore, working for debtors and creditors on high-value contentious restructurings and liquidations. One interviewee comments that, "I have always been impressed with the first-rate quality of Blossom's work and her dedication to helping clients work through and emerge from difficult times".
Chan Wei Meng is a respected lawyer in Singapore. He acts for debtors and lenders on significant restructurings, often involving corporations in the shipping, engineering and energy sectors. A source distinguishes him for his "unwavering dedication to comprehending our unique needs. He tailors strategies that are not only feasible but also exceed our objectives", and another commends him as "achiev[ing] excellent results for Drew & Napier's clients, often in extremely complex restructuring matters".
Mohan Gopalan has a broad practice acting for a full range of clients on debt restructuring and investments. He is active in the energy and shipping industries, among others. "He's well liked and very clever when it comes to restructuring/insolvency matters", and "Mohan Gopalan consistently provides excellent services in helping clients navigate successfully through complex restructuring matters", report impressed sources.
Tax
Singapore – Band 1 for 3 consecutive years
Ong Ken Loon – Band 1 for 2 consecutive years
Ong Sim Ho – Band 1 for 14 consecutive years
Yang Shi Yong – Up and Coming
Widely recognised as a go-to group for tax disputes and is well placed to represent clients in investigations initiated by tax authorities as well as subsequent appeals in all levels of court. The firm provides support on a range of tax matters arising from corporate transactions. The team offers further expertise in stamp duty and goods and services tax and houses legal specialists with extensive knowledge in finance and accounting. The lawyers are experienced in advising families on private wealth matters, including wealth succession and asset protection.
A client describes: "The team at Drew & Napier are always on top of their game. We received advice that was digestible, practical and executable. The whole delivery was very clear and concise".
"Drew & Napier has a very competent and experienced team. Work is completed effectively and on time, and they offer a very responsive service", reports one pleased client.
Ong Ken Loon heads the firm's tax practice and has impressive experience representing clients in tax litigation disputes. She regularly handles matters involving the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore. "I find Ken Loon Ong to be not just technically savvy but well-connected within the Singapore government. She continues to bring the same level of talent and expertise and the same sense of urgency", and "Ken Loon Ong was brilliant, on time and on point. She was very knowledgeable and responsive", commented deeply impressed clients.
Ong Sim Ho is a highly regarded contentious tax lawyer. His work covers both domestic Singaporean and international tax dispute resolution.
Yang Shi Yong is an up-and-coming practitioner known for his extensive knowledge of Singapore tax law, specialising in enterprise tax risk management, tax audit and tax investigation matters. Clients commended that "Shi Yong Yang has a very strong commercial perspective while rendering legal advice.", and "Shi Yong Yang has been great. He is responsive and his team makes us feel important. We appreciate the personal service they provide."
Competition/Antitrust
Singapore – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years
Lim Chong Kin – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years
Corinne Chew – Band 2 (Band 3 for 4 consecutive years 2024 - 2021)
Seasoned in handling complex merger filings and competition investigations by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS). The firm frequently assists competition regulators as well as multinational conglomerates in a variety of sectors, including the TMT, healthcare and transportation industries. The team notably offers competition dispute resolution capability, while also regularly advising clients on antitrust compliance.
Work highlights Drew & Napier advised the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalamon the development of an improved competition regulatory framework for the postal sector.
"They have been extremely knowledgeable about antitrust matters and developments across the APAC region, which gives us a lot of confidence in their ability to handle complex work."
"We receive swift responses to our enquiries, and the needs of our business are taken into consideration when rendering advice."
Lim Chong Kin is experienced in handling complex merger filings with the CCCS and also serves as co-head of the antitrust team of Drew & Napier. He has particularly strong expertise in the TMT space. A client comments that, "He's pretty remarkable. He's very intelligent, knows the law very well and is good with people. He is also very acute", while another commends, "When there are queries on the legal provisions or licensing framework, he can explain it in layman's terms to make sure it is understandable".
Corinne Chew maintains a robust practice handling abuse of dominance investigations and seeking leniency measures from the CCCS. She also assists with distribution agreements and merger filing issues. She has experience advising clients in a wide range of sectors including life sciences, healthcare and technology. She wins praise for her "connections, understanding and know-how in the antitrust space is world-class and her ability to deliver practical commercial advice across a broad range of jurisdictions is excellent". Another market source commends: "She is very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. We also found that she is really good and established".
Corporate/M&A
Singapore – Band 3 for 5 consecutive years
Steven Lo – Band 4 for 7 consecutive years
Gary Pryke – Senior Statespeople for 8 consecutive years
Tan Teng Sen – Band 5 for 2 consecutive years
The team continues to handle complex corporate transactions, including public and private M&A, joint ventures and privatisations in Singapore. The lawyers are also well versed in handling mergers via schemes of arrangement. The team acts mainly for corporates in a range of sectors, especially real estate, healthcare and TMT, as well as investment management companies. The department is also active in corporate restructuring and can effectively draft Master Service Agreements. The team is particularly noted for its Indonesia focus but is also able to advise on issues across the region. Clients include family offices, financial institutions, government-linked groups, multinationals, private and public companies, and private equity funds.
Work highlights Acted as Singapore counsel to Aboitiz Equity Ventures in connection with the joint acquisition with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners of all the issued shares in the capital of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, at an enterprise value of USD1.8 billion.
Market sources note: "The firm demonstrates strong commercial acumen for closing a deal and an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and considerations of all the commercial parties involved", and "The team were able to balance all the perspectives and interests of various stakeholders and decision-makers and navigate towards optimal outcomes".
Steven Lo is a respected lawyer in Singapore. He is well versed in assisting both domestic and international clients with cross-border M&A and private equity deals. "He provides well-rounded and good advice. He tries to understand the commercial intentions and helps achieve the commercial goals."
Gary Pryke is a seasoned lawyer in Singapore with a long track record in corporate law, and is deeply experienced in advising clients on M&A and securities law, acting for domestic and foreign clients.
Tan Teng Sen is well-versed in advising public and private corporations on complex M&A transactions, including mergers and spin-offs. A client remarks: "Tan Teng Sen is an extremely sharp lawyer who is able to spot the crux of the matter amid a deluge of information."
Employment
Singapore – Band 1 (Band 2 for 11 consecutive years 2014 - 2024)
Kelvin Tan – Band 2 (Band 3 for 4 consecutive years 2024 - 2021)
Benjamin Gaw – Band 3 for 5 consecutive years
Renowned for its prowess in dispute resolution in Singapore, Drew & Napier comes highly recommended for employment law investigations and litigation relating to terminations, discrimination and misconduct cases. The firm is active on trade union relations and collective agreements and advises on cross-border employee transfers. The team has additional experience advising employers on employee fraud cases. Drew & Napier assists companies operating in a wide range of sectors, including consumer goods, technology and healthcare.
One source remarks that "Drew & Napier are able to understand and distil the issues involved and render their advice and next steps in a timely and practical manner."
Another source mentions: "Drew & Napier are able to understand and distil the issues involved and render their advice and next steps in a timely and practical manner."
Kelvin Tan is an established lawyer in Singapore. He has expertise advising on contentious employment matters, including investigations, employee fraud and whistle-blowing incidents. A client commends Kelvin for being "practical and focused on the issues at hand and yet forward-looking." and another client says that he is "extremely experienced and is always able to deliver sound and commercially astute advice."
Benjamin Gaw is "certainly a rising star in his field." says a deeply impressed client. Another client applauds Benjamin for having "depth and breadth knowledge on employment and labour laws, and he is very responsive."
Investment Funds
Singapore – Band 3 for 2 consecutive years
Ron Cheng – Band 3 for 2 consecutive years
Regularly instructed to provide advice to managers and trustees on fund formation and structuring, including private equity funds and recognised business trusts. The team offers notable expertise in tax incentive approval for investment funds and also conducts regulatory research reports. It advises local and international clients on the establishment of funds in Singapore and the region.
A client describes the team as being able to "recognise the commercial aspects that may affect the legal approach. They understand that deals need to get done and clients need to consider relative risks."
Another client remarks that "Drew & Napier proactively respond to my requests and are able to guide me through the process in a thorough and helpful manner."
Ron Cheng is a respected investment funds lawyer in Singapore who regularly advises on REIT and VCC structures, including fund establishment. A source describes: "Ron Cheng is very transparent. He has really built up a strong level of trust with us. He always provides high-quality advice.", and another client feels "blessed to have an attorney like Ron who truly cares for his clients and is extremely dedicated."
Wendell Wong – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years
Gary Low – Band 3
Respected for its capabilities in advising multinational and domestic companies on investigations in addition to potential litigation. The firm is well placed to assist with false trading, corruption and fraud mandates. It benefits from the expertise of its adjacent practices in acting for clients on tax, competition and banking-related investigations. The firm's broad industries expertise ranges from board of directors, energy, leading financial institutions, listed companies, MNCs, and Technology.
Clients say: "They are quick in providing sharp advice to their clients and are incredibly responsive."
"They pay attention to detail and provide client-focussed solutions."
Wendell Wong is recognised for his experience in commercial litigation and corporate investigations. He is well-placed to advise on potential litigation arising out of investigations and anti-corruption matters.
Gary Low regularly acts for both international and domestic clients on a range of matters, with a particular focus on issues pertaining to banking and finance. "We have confidence in the way he manages matters and deals with tricky situations."
Banking & Finance
Singapore – Band 3 for 3 consecutive years
Pauline Chong – Band 4 for 4 consecutive years
Julian Kwek – Listed as Foreign Expert for Indonesia
Drew & Napier's lawyers often handle significant deals for both domestic and offshore clients. The practice is particularly visible assisting financial institutions and corporate borrowers with project, real estate and acquisition financing. The team offers further expertise in debt refinancing, restructuring and litigation as well as regulatory compliance. The firm's broad industries expertise ranges from the financial institutions, major domestic banks, offshore banks, and well-known local and multinational companies and developers.
Work highlights Advised the Public Utilities Board on the debt restructuring of Hyflux and its subsidiaries, including Tuaspring.
A source says: "The team is able to provide comprehensive advice concerning risk, alternatives and best practices."
A market source notes: "They are able to address every issue and they understand client needs well."
Pauline Chong leads Drew & Napier's banking and finance practice, with experience advising lenders and borrowers on loan facilities as well as debt restructuring. Her clientele includes corporate and development banks. A clients praises her for being "as cool as a cucumber when handling the most stressful situations with extremely tight deadlines. We always feel at peace with her on our cases". Another praises her for being "highly skilled in her field of work. The thing I like most is her professionalism. She is also highly responsive and delivers with quality."
Julian Kwek co-heads the firm's Indonesian practice from Singapore. His practice encompasses restructures, debt workouts and M&A.
Grace Chong – Up and Coming
Grace Chong is known for her activity in the fintech and crypto space, advising international clientele on compliance, licensing and regulator notification matters. She heads the firm's financial regulatory practice. A client says, "I know Grace Chong very well. She is very active in the crypto space". Another client applauds her for being "very up-to-date with the latest in the industry, and she is very responsive. She goes above and beyond to serve the needs of the client, which is much appreciated". A market source notes "It is a pleasure working with Grace. She is knowledgeable, commercial and provides sound and reasonable advice."
Construction
Singapore – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years
Christopher Chong – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years
Mahesh Rai – Band 3 for 2 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – Band 4
Represents a range of contractors, subcontractors and developers in construction disputes, including international arbitration. The team draws on the firm's wider disputes strength to handle big-ticket construction cases. The firm is regularly engaged in matters in the Middle East, as well as across Asia-Pacific, and is also active in disputes in Singapore, such as adjudication proceedings, with expertise in the Security of Payments Act.
Work highlights Acted for Daelim Industrialin a dispute concerning an aborted L+EPC contract for the construction of a petrochemical plant in India.
A client says Drew & Napier are "just very user-friendly and very sharp. They are extremely good lawyers. It's also important that they are easy to work with. These qualities really make them stand out from the crowd."
A market source holds Drew & Napier's lawyers they have engaged so far are "able to guide me in complex situations and provide constructive ideas. They have a group of professionals who ensure that my files are properly looked after."
Christopher Chong handles a full range of litigation, adjudication and arbitration and is a highly rated expert in this field. A client notes he is "very knowledgeable, experienced and able to deal with matters in an expeditious manner. He is able to think on his feet when responding to questions." while another market commentator remarks that he is "oa very experienced construction lawyer, thoroughly dependable in handling difficult and complex construction disputes and managing client expectations".
Mahesh Rai has an emerging reputation in Singapore's legal market. He often handles local construction disputes, as well as matters within the wider South-East Asia region. A client commends that "Mahesh has excellent skills and a professional approach", while another praises that "He shows a keen awareness of the client's needs and guides us well on matters".
Kelvin Teo specialises in resolving complex construction disputes arising out of delays, defects and other contractual breaches. A market source tips him as "articulate, highly competent and takes great care in evaluating issues and formulating options for the client's consideration".
Real Estate
Singapore – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years
Lau Sok Hiang – Band 3 for 2 consecutive years
Acts on a range of real estate matters in Singapore, including offering notable experience on development and investments. The firm regularly advises clients on the sale and acquisition of residential and commercial properties. Drew & Napier's real estate lawyers regularly assist both domestic and international developers and lenders.
Work highlights Acted for the collective sale committee and the consenting subsidiary proprietors in the collective sale of Far East Shopping Centre in Singapore's Orchard Road shopping district.
A client notes that the Real Estate team "very knowledgeable and renowned legal corporation with abundant resources and expertise", while another says that the team is "easy to communicate with, offer excellent client relations and have in-depth knowledge about the law and the industry."
Lau Sok Hiang is active for a range of clients, including property developers and high net worth individuals, on real estate sales, acquisitions and tenancy agreements in Singapore. A client commends that "she provides sound advice and is always one step ahead before issues arise", while another praises that "Sok Hiang provides exceptional value and dedication to her work. She is highly responsive and practical".
Ho Soo Lih and Lau Sok Hiang are key contacts for Drew & Napier's real estate department.
Arbitration: International
Asia Pacific Region – Band 3 for 15 consecutive years
Renowned Singaporean dispute resolution specialists Drew & Napier are active on both commercial and investor-state mandates on behalf of a multinational clientele and increasingly sought after for the arbitration of matters of international public law. The firm's clients include prominent participants in the energy and construction sectors, leading financial institutions and government agencies. The firm is extensively engaged on arbitrations with connections to virtually all parts of the Asia-Pacific region, handling all stages of the arbitral process, including enforcement, and is extolled for intense preparation and powerful advocacy.
Work highlights Represented a group of investors in a collective investor-state treaty action valued at over USD200 million against the Swiss Confederation. The dispute relates to the Swiss government’s unprecedented decision to write down Credit Suisse’s Additional Tier-1 bonds.
A source mentions: "They have a full range of lawyers with different expertise, each with their own unique approach to solving complex matters.", while another notes, "Drew & Napier develop innovative legal strategies and solutions tailored to client needs and provide practical advice that aligns with our goals and objectives." and "Drew & Napier have extensive experience in treaty arbitration and an exceptional team of counsel dedicated to this area of the law".
Jimmy Yim SC is the Chairman and Randolph Khoo the deputy managing director of the firm's dispute resolution department.
Arbitration International: Global Market Leaders
Cavinder Bull, SC - Band 3 for for 3 consecutive years
Singapore-based Cavinder Bull, SC has an exceptional international arbitration practice. As the Chief Executive Officer of Drew & Napier, Cavinder advises on cross-border arbitrations across a wide range of areas including the oil & gas, shipping, and telecommunications sectors. Cavinder is admitted to practice in Singapore, New York and England & Wales.
Foreign Desk - Indonesia
Indonesia: Corporate & Finance (International Firms) – Band 4 for 13 consecutive years
Indonesia: Banking & Finance (International Firms) – Spotlight Table for 6 consecutive years
Julian Kwek - Expertise based abroad in Singapore for 3 consecutive years
Drew & Napier is a Singaporean law firm, well known for handling high-profile disputes in the region and particularly in Indonesia. The practice also offers substantial expertise in banking and finance, M&A, energy and natural resources, and real estate issues. Drew & Napier is considered a go-to firm for major restructuring and insolvency matters, with an especially established reputation acting for Indonesian debtors. The team regularly assists Indonesian and Singapore-headquartered corporates as well as public sector entities and individuals. The firm provides Indonesian law expertise through Makarim & Taira S, which is part of Drew Network Asia.
Julian Kwek has a very active Indonesia practice from his base in Singapore, including natural resources, restructuring and financing work.
Foreign Desk - India
India: Dispute Resolution (International Firms) – Band 3 (9 years ranked)
Cavinder Bull, SC – Listed as Singapore Expertise based abroad for 2 consecutive years
Mahesh Rai – Listed as Singapore Expertise based abroad for 2 consecutive years
Drew & Napier is a notable Singapore-based firm advising corporate clients on domestic and cross-dispute matters, offering both litigation and arbitration capabilities, including in inter-state arbitrations. It is trusted by businesses in a wide range of industries, including those in the power, finance and technology sectors.
Cavinder Bull, SC is a renowned Singapore-based dispute resolution professional. A versatile lawyer, he is regarded as equally proficient in litigation as he is in commercial and investment treaty arbitration. He has notable India experience.
Mahesh Rai focuses on international arbitration from Singapore. He has handled a range of commercial arbitrations with an India element, and has notable expertise in construction disputes.
A market source says "Cavinder Bull is a standout who is very bright.", and another says that Mahesh is "very prominent and very aggressive."
"An able and seasoned team. The team was responsive and we worked seamlessly" observes an impressed client.
Cavinder Bull SC in Singapore is a key contact for the dispute resolution practice.
Foreign Desk - China
China: Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms)
Randolph Khoo – Listed as Singapore Expertise based abroad for 8 consecutive years
Randolph Khoo serves as managing director of the dispute resolution department at Drew & Napier LLC. He is widely recognised for his experience in multi-jurisdictional disputes. Based in Singapore, he frequently acts for Chinese clients in arbitration proceedings in Singapore, India and China.
International & Cross-Border Capabilities (Singapore & South East Asia)
Band 2 for 5 consecutive years
Drew & Napier sits within the top ranks of homegrown practices in Singapore, offering extensive cross-border expertise across a broad scope of practice areas. In order to support clients in multi-jurisdictional proceedings, the law firm maintains close links to local counsel practices across the region and internationally. The team is accustomed to playing a coordinating role on matters throughout ASEAN, and is frequently sought out by international firms to work on the local or regional elements of substantial international mandates.
The team performs highly on cross-border M&A mandates, adeptly advising on deals that encompass a number of Asian jurisdictions for both Singaporean and international clients, supported by one of the leading competition teams in the jurisdiction. Drew & Napier also maintains a pre-eminent TMT practice which is international in scope, advising a diverse clientele made up of international corporations, state entities and homegrown companies. The law firm's cross-border strength extends to contentious mandates; members of the team skilfully quarterback international arbitration and litigation proceedings that have cross-border elements.
"Drew & Napier is a one-stop shop for regional work in South-East Asia, one of the few Singapore-based firms that offer such seamless service."
"The firm has a strong ability to consider various legal jurisdictions with their extensive network."
"Drew & Napier has a strong international network and a full service across multiple practices."