Commercial Litigation
We have a team of about 100 lawyers who cover the full range of commercial litigation matters, including banking and finance, building and construction, constitutional law, debt recovery, defamation, fraud and white-collar crime, intellectual property, telecommunications, and media and technology.
Our Senior Counsel are widely regarded as amongst the best in the region. They command industry prestige and respect, and are favoured by clients for the most complex and significant matters.
We also represent Fortune 500 companies, multi-national corporations, and local organisations, such as Asia Pacific Breweries, DBS Bank, UBS, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Press Holdings, SISTIC, Creative Technology, and Singapore Exchange Limited.
We have been involved in many of Singapore’s landmark cases, such as SISTIC’s appeal against the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), MAS’ civil penalties for insider trading, and appeals by several coach operators against CCCS.
We also represent clients from several countries and industries in disputes before the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).
Practice Areas
- Administrative & Public Law
- Banking & Finance
- Building & Construction
- Civil & Commercial
- Corporate
- Corporate Restructuring & Workouts
- Competition Law
- Criminal Law
- Debt Recovery
- Directors’ Duties/Corporate Fraud & White Collar Crime
- Employment & Immigration
- Environmental Law
- Family & International Personal Relationships
- Information Technology
- Insurance & Reinsurance
- Intellectual Property
- International Trade
- Medical
- Real Estate
Accolades
Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards
Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2021 – 4th year
Singapore Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – 17th year
Singapore Managing Partner of the Year 2023 - Cavinder Bull, SC – 3rd year
Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year 2023 - Cavinder Bull, SC – 3rd year
Young Lawyer of the Year – Adam Maniam (2022), Foo Yuet Min (2021), Mahesh Rai (2019)
SE Asia Law Firm of the Year 2017
Chambers Asia Pacific & Greater China Region Awards
Singapore Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 2022 and 2024
The Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards 20/21 (inaugural)
Litigation Team of the Year 20/21
“Top class litigation practice - the advocates fight fearlessly on behalf of clients. We engage Drew & Napier to do a stellar job when we anticipate a tough fight on our hands.”
“They are thorough, cutting edge, and always several steps ahead of the opposition and good strategic thinkers. Very commercial minded. Very user friendly, and creative litigators. I would recommend them again in a heartbeat.”
Lexology Index Awards
Commercial Litigation Lawyer of the Year 2024 – Cavinder Bull, SC
Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyer of the Year 2024 – Blossom Hing
The Asia Legal Awards
Litigation Firm of the Year 2024
Litigator of the Year 2024 – Cavinder Bull, SC
asialaw Awards
Impact Deal and Case Award 2022/23: Winner – Hin Leong Trading Insolvency
Client Service Excellence Firm of the Year 2021 – Singapore
Client Service Excellence Lawyer of the Year 2021: Singapore – Jimmy Yim, SC
Asian Legal Business India Law Awards 2019 (inaugural)
India Practice, Asian Law Firm of the Year 2019
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards
Impact Case 2024 – Winners
QBE Insurance and another v Relax Beach
Yap Sze Kam v Yang Kee Logistics
Impact Case 2022 – Winners
Hin Leong Trading Insolvency
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore v former Group Financial Services Director/ PTMOC
Hall of Fame award 2022 – Winner – Cavinder Bull, SC
Commercial & Transactions Firm of the Year 2019
National Law Firm of the Year 2018 – Singapore
Disputes Star of the Year, Singapore 2018 – Cavinder Bull, SC
The Asian Lawyer Emerging Markets Awards 2016
Commercial Litigation Firm of the Year
Managing IP Asia-Pacific Awards
Singapore Patent Disputes Firm of the Year 2024
Singapore Trademark Disputes Firm of the Year 2024
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2025 – Ranked Tier 1 for 26 consecutive years
Hall of Fame:
Cavinder Bull, SC – 5consecutive years
Leading Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC – 24 consecutive years
Randolph Khoo – 8 consecutive years
Blossom Hing, SC – 8 consecutive years
Woo Shu Yan – 4 consecutive years
Meryl Koh – 4 consecutive years
Mahesh Rai – 5 years
Wendell Wong – 7 years
Kelvin Tan – 3 consecutive years
Gary Low – 3 consecutive years
Chia Voon Jiet – 3 consecutive years
Tony Yeo – 2 consecutive years
Benedict Teo – 2 consecutive years
Foo Yuet Min – 2 consecutive years
Daniel Cai
Emmanuel Aw
“Gold standard of legal firms. High level of integrity and professionalism. The team is thorough, through and through.”
“The team has broad and in-depth knowledge and experience in disputes and litigation.”
“The firm should be commended for its effective and high quality legal representation, exemplary professional conduct from everyone regardless of rank and most distinctly, its dedication and commitment to pro bono work.”
“Besides its proven capabilities to solve problems in a quick and efficient manner, they are also open and transparent to go through their billings with you.”
“Comprehensive full-service firm with depth of expertise in a range of critical areas that are indispensable for our day-to-day operations, whether during a growth cycle or a downward trend, such as construction, corporate, insolvency & restructuring, security of payment matters and dispute resolution.”
’Drew & Napier LLC always provide professional and strategical advice on dispute resolution and all advices
are provided with high efficiency. The law firm is rich in resources in different countries.’
‘Reputable, professional, resourcefulness, diligence, tactical, knowledgeable. They made me, as their client, so easy to undertake my role & responsibilities as the plaintiff acting on behalf of my company.’
‘Absolute experts in terms of local legal issues coupled with valuable global/cross-border experience. Very high commercial acumen and general intellect across the entire team, not just leaders. Multi-language capability. These practitioners are genuinely pleasant to work with. Collaborative and not adversarial in terms of dealing with any legal team issues.’
Sources say: “The firm has been the gold standard for litigation for a long time and remains at the forefront.”
“The firm is honest, astute and organised. It is clinical in its efficiency and runs rings around the opposition.”
“It invests resources into best-of-class, decent and efficient lawyers able to support clients to the absolute best of their abilities.”
‘“Top of the class” and a “clear leader in litigation”’
Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global
Dispute Resolution: Litigation: Domestic Firms 2025
Ranked Band 1 (19 consecutive years)
Leading Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC – Band 2 (16 years ranked)
Cavinder Bull, SC – Band 1 (15 years running)
Randolph Khoo – Band 5 (8 years ranked)
Siraj Omar, SC – Band 3 (4 years ranked)
Blossom Hing – Band 4 (4 years running)
Mahesh Rai – Band 5 (3 years running)
Adam Mainam – Up and Coming
"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."
"The advice from Drew & Napier is in-depth with a backdrop of extensive experience, expertise and sound judgement."
"They have a good focus on the commercial sensitivities of the matter. We are delighted with their work."
"Drew & Napier have a great wealth of experience coupled with in-depth legal and commercial knowledge that enables them to give wise and practical advice and guidance".
"Drew & Napier is altogether exceptional. First-class service with the brains and tactics to match."
"Drew & Napier is an excellent firm - they're well organised, disciplined, and their performance is good and consistent, a fantastic organisation overall."
Clients are superlative in their discussions of the team. They speak of its “exceptional in-depth understanding of the law” and hold it to be a go-to name, even among the top international firms.
Drew & Napier's team is further highlighted for being prompt and dedicated in approach and “particularly good in analysing the various legal options available”.
Clients praise the quality of the team's advice: "They are very responsive, diligent and responsible in the legal work carried out. Most importantly, they are straightforward in giving assessments of the case."
Sources say: "They are very proactive and they can think outside of the box. They do the work well, which means they are able to move things on quickly."
"Their reputation is well deserved: they are the top firm overall in Singapore, unlike a lot of multinational firms. They really are focused on operating from Singapore, but they work all around the world."
"They are among the top at their game in Singapore and they have a good network of solid friendly firms in other jurisdictions that they work very well with."
"They have hands-down the best litigation team in Singapore. If I needed to recommend a client to a litigation team in Singapore other than my own firm, I'd recommend Drew & Napier. I think they have good lead partners, lots of experience and a good mid tier as well. The quality is good across the levels because they train them well."
"They are exceptionally bright and engaging, and prepared to tailor advice to our specific needs."
"What I appreciated about Drew & Napier is that they were quick at delivering work"
They were very responsive and able to get back to us quickly."
"They are THE litigation firm in Singapore."
"Drew & Napier is our first choice for this work."
"It is an outstanding litigation firm. Not only have they demonstrated their advocacy prowess, and their know-how from a civil procedure standpoint, they also have strong ability to understand the internal workings of the clients"
"quality services and sensible, practical advice"
"clear strategies on how to secure your objectives."
India - Dispute Resolution (Desk based abroad in Singapore) 2025
Leading Individuals:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Expertise Based Abroad (2 years running)
Mahesh Rai – Expertise Based Abroad (2 years running)
asialaw Profiles
Dispute Resolution 2024 – Outstanding firm for 15 consecutive years
“Took the additional effort to understand the case, including the case notes, did a walkthrough of the cause of the matter, looked out for the true cause of the matter before forming their own conclusions prior to advising on the appropriate steps to take.”
“First and foremost, they advise you if it makes sense to fight or not to fight. As per Sun Tzu, that's the most important and fundamental question. Drew doesn't shy away from a fight to maximise value for the client but they are also very mindful if it makes sense to fight to begin with! They then ask you what you want to achieve and give you good counsel in a clear and transparent way. As a busy CEO, this is exactly what I need, and Drew does this very well.”
“Very collaborative. Sharp thinkers who understand the issues, even when they are new areas.”
“Without doubt, the best litigation outfit in Singapore. Timely, reasoned, commercial and effective.”
“They are very focused and committed. From day one they created a clear strategy which led us to win our case against the claimants. The team members involved have taken accountability. The deliverables during ongoing arbitration were outstanding.”
“Excellence in advocacy, excellence in knowledge of law, practical advice, timeliness, responsiveness, commercial sensitivity. Most impressive aspect is their ability to work around our confidentiality and commercial concerns.”
“They are responsive and their advice is well thought out, succinct and clearly backed by years of experience in litigation. They are also happy to accept feedback and consider the legal opinions of their clients' in-house teams.”
“Their experience, customer service and legal expertise are exceptional. They have the ability to lead with the local lawyers and the clients. The legal advice they have provided is practical and tailored for the specific legal disputes. They work tirelessly for any urgent matters without hesitating a bit, even if it takes the entire night. Despite the differences between the two jurisdictions, their cooperation on the matters has been top-notch. We have learnt so much from them in terms of their knowledge, practice, attitude, management, leadership, professionalism and customer service skills.”
“They have a dedicated and experienced professional team that creates a successful outcome.”
“Customer-focused.”
“They go a long way to understand the nuances of the business which gives them the edge in any kind of dispute resolution process.”
“Great legal advice and extremely responsive. They think around issues and provide answers which are not obvious to their peers. The team is very personable.”
“We value Drew & Napier’s experience, depth of both legal and commercial knowledge, and understanding of a client’s needs and wants. How it utilises all of these attributes to aggressively yet reasonably pursues the client’s interests is class-leading. Hence it has a stellar and fearsome reputation amongst its peers and the courts, giving its clients an advantage.”
“Reliable and efficient.”
“Prompt responses, very practical and commercial advice.”
“They provide timely, commercially useful and clear advice. They are also very user-friendly, and are proactive in proposing solutions that are creative and strategic in nature. They know arbitration and court work well. They are also very professional, polished, and give a very high quality of service.”
“It is a comprehensive full-service firm with depth of expertise in a range of critical areas that are indispensable for our day-to-day operations, whether during a growth cycle or a downward trend, such as construction, corporate, insolvency and restructuring, security of payment matters and dispute resolution.
“Consistently high level of effectiveness, professional and well organised.”
“They go deep into the root of the problems. They can engage linear and lateral thinking, and have good knowledge of laws. They have good people skills, preparing clients and witnesses well before trials.”
“Very good knowledge of the law, markets in Asia, cultures and mentalities, very service-oriented and competent.”
“Well regarded in Singapore, sound commercial advice.”
“Drew & Napier provide sound advice that is practical and well researched on the law. Their counsel prepare meticulously for court hearings and have a thorough knowledge of the court documents.”
“They are reliable and responsive, and thorough in reviewing documents and evidence, and work in a timely manner, seeking instructions and making recommendations where helpful. They also cross-examine witnesses effectively and expose discrepancies and untruths told in court.”
“Efficient and effective.”
“Proactive and very attentive to client's needs.”
“Professional and tenacious. Creative in generating results.”
“Technically sound and commercial. Advice is supported by sound legal basis.”
“Responsive, knowledgeable, good quality of advice.”
“Professional, responsive, high level of competence.”
“Integrity and delivers professionalism objectively, enabling us to call for the right decision based on careful thoughts and views.”
“Swift and apposite communications. On point advice. Strong positioning for client confidence.”
“Extremely competent, comprehensive and efficient. Advice is always well considered before being presented to the client, even when requested off-the-cuff. The team is focused, diligent and, more importantly, alive to commercial considerations. A joy to work with!”
“It has a strong Asian team with good Knowledge of laws in Asia and especially in India and China.”
“Professional, committed good resources, good advice. Strong leadership from leading counsel, on time, able to anticipate issues. Putting the client first.”
“Drew & Napier is one of the premier dispute resolution firms in Singapore and is our go-to firm for complex and high stakes disputes. It also provides excellent client service and is particularly attentive to the needs of clients. The firm was available to us 24/7 and we were impressed by the quality of its advice.”
“The dispute resolution team is not only efficient in providing the absolute best of its abilities to support clients, but its in-depth understanding of legal nuances is also certainly second to none. The firm is honest, astute and organised.”
“In Singapore litigation, [Drew & Napier] is the best of the best.”
“Staff have been well recruited and know the matter at hand inside and out delivering first-class advocacy.”
It is the premier, go-to, disputes firm.”
A client commends Drew & Napier for its “responsiveness of the lawyers” and “overall legal strategy”. The firm “looks after the client's interests in managing costs and the overall strategy, even if it means less legal costs”.
“Keen attention to detail, comprehensive knowledge of evidence at trial and a thorough grasp on preceding interlocutory applications including notes of evidence prepared by the court.”
“Excellent practical advice. The particular highlights are: consistent ability to meet tight deadlines; written advice contains a short summary of position on key points; willing to give a clear assessment of the likelihood of success of each argument.”
“The team delivers advice which reflects a deft balance between technical proficiency and commercial sensibilities. They are diligent and thorough, able to quickly pick up a solid understanding of technical industry matters, and very responsive."
asialaw Leading Lawyers
Dispute Resolution 2024
Recommended Individuals:Jimmy Yim, SC – Elite Practitioner
(9 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC – Elite Practitioner
(8 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Elite Practitioner (2 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo – Distinguished Practitioner (3 consecutive years)
Wendell Wong – Distinguished Practitioner (3 consecutive years)
Benedict Teo – Distinguished Practitioner (3 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Distinguished Practitioner
Rakesh Kirpalani – Distinguished Practitioner (3 consecutive years)
Asian Legal Business Super 50 Disputes Lawyers
Top 50 disputes lawyers in the region:
Jimmy Yim, SC – 2021, 2023 and 2024
Mahesh Rai – 2021 to 2024
Rakesh Kirpalani – 2022 to 2024
Meryl Koh – 2024
Adam Maniam – 2022 to 2024
Foo Yuet Min – 2022
Blossom Hing – 2021
Daniel Cai – 2021
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific
Commercial and Transactions 2024 – Tier 1 for 7 consecutive years
Identified as Litigation Stars 2024:
Jimmy Yim, SC – International Arbitration, Commercial and Transactions (7 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC – International Arbitration, Commercial and Transactions (7 consecutive years)
Sushil Nair – Insolvency (7 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo – Commercial and Transactions (6 consecutive years), Private Client (2 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Commercial and Transactions (5 consecutive years)
Tony Yeo – Intellectual Property (6 consecutive years)
Kelvin Tan – Labour and employment (3 consecutive years)
Wendell Wong – White Collar Crime (6 consecutive years)
Blossom Hing – Insolvency (7 consecutive years)
Christopher Chong – Construction (5 consecutive years)
Gary Low – White Collar Crime, Commercial and Transactions (6 consecutive years)
Chia Voon Jiet – White Collar Crime (2 consecutive years)
Identified as Future Stars 2024:
Benedict Teo – Commercial and Transactions (3 consecutive years)
Yuet Min Foo – International Arbitration (2 consecutive years)
Gerui Lim – Commercial and Transactions (2 consecutive years)
Woo Shu Yan – Commercial and Transactions
Mahesh Rai – Construction (3 consecutive years)
Rakesh Kirpalani – Commercial and Transactions (2 consecutive years)
Meryl Koh – Intellectual Property (3 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Construction (2 consecutive years)
Hoon Shu Mei – Family and matrimonial (3 consecutive years)
Mohan Gopalan – Insolvency (6 consecutive years)
Daniel Cai – Commercial and Transactions
“Prompt, responsive and focused advice. Excellent advocacy.” (2024 edition)
“the go-to firm in Singapore for contentious work.” (2024 edition)
“Meticulous, efficient and professional. Absolutely no complaints.” (2024 edition)
“They understand the client’s business and commercial concerns, and they are experts at litigation.” (2024 edition)
“Drew & Napier is aggressive in its defence and conduct of its client’s case and interests.” (2024 edition)
“Very responsive. Very commercial approach, rather than aggressively pursuing confrontational moves.” (2024 edition)
“Quality and timeliness of advice. Also, on request, willing to provide a very quick overview of their initial read of the issue ahead of more formal advice.” (2024 edition)
“Provides the best option in dealing with a dispute. They have the ability to draw reasonable and logical conclusions. Evaluative skills to choose the most suitable. Remarkable communicative skills.” (2024 edition)
“Drew’s lawyers are very professional, highly competent and knowledgeable, commercial and responsive to its clients’ needs” (2024 edition)
“We have been involved in seven years of litigation. I have never had a moment of regret.” (2024 edition)
“Firm excels at complex litigation with difficult issues.” (2023 edition)
“They provide exceptional legal and commercial advice. They are able to provide us with the best solutions in the context of our commercial constraints.” (2023 edition)
“Its lawyers' relationships with clients, legal and commercial knowledge, and litigation experience is among the best in Singapore.” (2023 edition)
“Thorough legal analysis and great advice on options available.” (2023 edition)
“They are tactical and focus on the main point.” (2023 edition)
“Drew & Napier masters the detail of complex projects and the impact of change and performance on the progress and completion of the works, whilst clearly distilling and presenting compelling arguments in support of the developed case theory.” (2023 edition)
“The lawyers provide excellent legal advice and understand the key issues quickly. Their team is very attentive and responsive.” (2023 edition)
“The firm is prompt and responsive, business focused and solutions oriented.” (2022 edition)
“Timely response, professional and prudent advice.” (2022 edition)
“They do litigation very well!” (2022 edition)
“Well experienced in the area and client-oriented service.” (2022 edition)
“They successfully defended our arbitral award.” (2022 edition)
“The lawyers are resourceful and well prepared. Although our schedule was tight, they were able to deliver and meet the bar in terms of my expectations.” (2022 edition)
“Drew & Napier have top tier dispute resolution practitioners. They are experienced in running complex high stakes international arbitration matters across a broad range of sectors.” (2021 edition)
“Thoroughly researches the law in the background of facts and contentions and analyses the implications and possibilities and uses a middle approach in advising.” (2021 edition)
“Progressive and commercial-minded advice, given the novelty of the digital solution usage in the insurance industry.” (2021 edition)
Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal)
Thought Leaders Guide: Commercial Litigation 2024:
Cavinder Bull SC – Thought Leader (6 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim, SC – Thought Leader (3 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Thought Leader (2 consecutive years)
Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide: Commercial Litigation 2025:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Global Elite Thought Leader (4 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Global Elite Thought Leader
Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide – Under 45: Commercial Litigation 2025
Adam Maniam – Future Leaders – Partners (4 consecutive years)
Commercial Litigation 2024
Cavinder Bull, SC – Global Elite Thought Leader (4 consecutive years); previously Recommended Lawyer (11 years) in 2020
Jimmy Yim, SC – Recommended Lawyer (4 years); previously Global Elite Thought Leader in 2023
Siraj Omar, SC – Global Elite Thought Leader; previously Recommended Lawyer (3 consecutive years) in 2023
Benedict Teo – Recommended Lawyer (2 consecutive years)
Foo Yuet Min – Recommended Lawyer (2 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Recommended Lawyer (2 consecutive years)
Adam Maniam – Future Leader (4 consecutive years)
National Guide: Southeast Asia - Litigation Recommended Lawyer 2024:
Jimmy Yim, SC (4 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC (4 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC (4 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo
Kelvin Tan (2 consecutive years)
Chia Voon Jiet (3 consecutive years)
Foo Yuet Min (4 consecutive years)
Benedict Teo
Mahesh Rai (2 consecutive years)
Rakesh Kirpalani (2 consecutive years)
Adam Maniam (4 consecutive years)
Best Lawyers International: Singapore
Lawyer of the Year – Litigation (2025 edition):
Cavinder Bull, SC
Recommended Individuals 2025:
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Cavinder Bull, SC (78 consecutive years)
Litigation
Jimmy Yim, SC (17 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC (15 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC (3 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo (3 consecutive years)
Tony Yeo (3 consecutive years)
Blossom Hing (12 consecutive years)
Foo Yuet Min (4 consecutive years)
Chia Voon Jiet (2 consecutive years)
Rakesh Kirpalani (2 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai
India Business Law Journal
In the August 2020 issue of India Business Law Journal (IBLJ), a client who used the firm for a complex litigation involving India, Mauritius, and Singapore law, described its services as “outstanding and seamless”. Peers said that the firm’s lawyers “are extremely industrious and understand the practicalities, nuances and challenges of dealing with the Indian market”, and that firm offers “exceptional service” on both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Managing Director Jimmy Yim SC and Director Foo Yuet Min are “highly recommended”, according to market feedback. Peers appreciate Director Mahesh Rai’s proficiency and knowledge of Indian legal matters. CEO Cavinder Bull SC is lauded for being “spectacular and in a very elite league”.
In IBLJ’s 2018 issue, a client praised Drew as “very professional, works under minimal guidance and is very smooth on timelines”; Jimmy Yim SC was recommended by his client as someone whose “experience, knowledge and strategy is supreme and unparalleled”.
The Straits Times – Singapore’s Best Law Firms
Rated full marks (5 stars) for Arbitration & Dispute Resolution for 2 consecutive years in the Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2025 survey by Singapore’s largest circulating broadsheet, The Straits Times, and international research company, Statista; for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the 2023 survey; and for Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution for 2 consecutive years in the 2022 survey.
Asia IP Experts
IP Litigation 2016
Endorsed Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC
Cavinder Bull, SC