SICC Expertise
Established in 2015, the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) was designed to handle international, high-value commercial disputes. Cases are heard by eminent international judges from around the world. Judgments by the SICC are enforceable through the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements and other reciprocal agreements.
Drew & Napier’s stellar track record in dispute resolution makes us the preferred choice for cutting edge disputes work. Our SICC expertise has been recognised by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2018 edition, which highlighted that “The Drew disputes team is relentlessly at the forefront of big-ticket disputes and has appeared in over half the cases before SICC.”
Drew has represented clients from several countries in SICC disputes, including US, Indonesia, China, Dubai (UAE), Australia, and Singapore. Our SICC experience also spans several different sectors.
Here are just a few of the SICC cases that we are involved in:
- BCBC Singapore Pte Ltd and Anor v PT Bayan Resources TBK and Anor (first case heard at the SICC) - Representing PT Bayan Resources Tbk and Bayan International Pte Ltd in a billion dollar dispute between parties from Indonesia and Australia. The dispute arose from alleged breaches of a joint venture agreement for the application of a patented technology to produce and sell upgraded coal from East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo. This cross-border dispute has spilled over to the Australian courts and involves Australian, Indonesian and Singapore business interests. The case is before The Honourable Justice Quentin Loh, International Judge Sir Vivian Ramsey and International Judge Anselmo Reyes.
- Macquarie Bank Ltd v Graceland Industry Pte Ltd – Representing Graceland Industry, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise, against a commodities swap claim brought by Macquarie Bank. Macquarie’s claim relates to an agreement purportedly entered into between parties in respect of a derivative swap transaction under an unsigned ISDA Master Agreement. The trial was heard before International Judge Sir Henry Bernard Eder.
- Bachmeer Capital Limited v Ong Chih Ching and Others - Representing KOP Properties Pte Ltd and others against a Hong Kong company in a dispute involving a large scale property development in China. The case is before International Judge Sir Vivian Ramsey.
- Sheila Kazzaz and Ahmed Kazzaz v Standard Chartered Bank and Others - Representing individuals based in Dubai against Standard Chartered Bank and its officers in a dispute involving the provision of financial services. The case is before International Judge Anselmo Reyes.
- Michael A Baker (executor of the Estate of Chantal Burnison, deceased) v BCS Business Consulting Services Pte Ltd, Marcus Weber and Renslade Holdings Limited - Acting for the Estate of a high net worth individual from the United States (“US”). She was one of the inventors of a chemical compound that is an ingredient in skincare products. This compound is supplied to a well-known US skincare product company that is listed on the NYSE. The action concerns claims of breach of trust and fiduciary duties against a Singapore company, a Swiss individual and a Hong Kong company. The case is before The Honourable Justice Quentin Loh, International Judge Carolyn Berger and International Judge Dominique T. Hascher.
Drew’s CEO, Cavinder Bull, SC, was part of the committee that developed the framework for the establishment of the SICC and assisted with the drafting of the first set of Rules and Practice Directions for the SICC.
Accolades
Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards
Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2021 – 4th consecutive year
Singapore Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – 17th year
International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year 2021 – 6th 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
Asian Legal Business India Law Awards 2019 (inaugural)
India Practice, Asian Law Firm of the Year 2019
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards
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 Asia Pacific Legal 500
Dispute Resolution 2023
Ranked Tier 1 for 24 consecutive years
Hall of Fame:
Cavinder Bull, SC – 3 consecutive years
Leading Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC – 22 consecutive years
Siraj Omar, SC – 4 consecutive years
Recommended lawyers:
Randolph Khoo – 6 consecutive years
Blossom Hing – 6 consecutive years
Woo Shu Yan – 2 consecutive years
Meryl Koh – 2 consecutive years
Wendell Wong
Kelvin Tan
Gary Low
Chia Voon Jiet
Andrew Chua
Next Generation Lawyers:
Mahesh Rai – 4 consecutive years
International Arbitration 2023
Ranked Tier 2 for 8 consecutive years
Hall of Fame:
Cavinder Bull, SC – 3 consecutive years
Leading Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC – 3 consecutive years
Blossom Hing
Recommended Lawyers:
Randolph Khoo – 5 consecutive years
Siraj Omar, SC – 3 consecutive years
Christopher Chong – 3 consecutive years
Foo Yuet Min – 2 consecutive years
Adam Maniam
Tan Yuan Kheng
Nicole Toh
Chen Zhi Hui
Josh Tan
Next Generation Lawyers:
Mahesh Rai – 4 consecutive years
Kelvin Teo – 4 consecutive years
‘First-class advice. Happy to give short and informal initial assessment ahead of formal advice in order to meet timelines which can be invaluable. They were also willing to describe likelihood of success as a percentage which has been very helpful in assessing risk.’
D&N’s arbitration team has deep understanding of Singapore arbitration law and practice, especially the Singapore court’s actual practices, which helps the client’s assessment of the case. Also, the team members are quick and responsive to clients’ requests and questions.’
Strong black letter and commercial advice with a good range of practitioners.’
The team had intimate knowledge of the local legal environment in Singapore. Their understanding of key legal team and the judicial system in Singapore gave a great advantage to decide on strategies and the ways to approach them.’
‘They provide timely, commercially useful and clear advice. They are also very user friendly, and are pro-active 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.’
Exceptional litigation ability and legal commercial advice.’
“Able to react quickly and think strategically.”
“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.”
“The team has in-depth knowledge of international arbitration. They are reliable and responsive to queries, even to urgent ones.”
“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 2023 – Ranked Band 1 (17 consecutive years)
Leading Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC – Band 2 (14 years ranked)
Cavinder Bull, SC – Band 1 (13 years running)
Randolph Khoo – Band 4 (6 years running)
Siraj Omar, SC – Band 4 (2 years running)
Blossom Hing – Band 5 (2 years running)
Mahesh Rai – Band 5
"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."
asialaw Profiles
Dispute Resolution 2023 – Outstanding firm for 13 consecutive years
“They have a dedicated and experienced professional team that creates a successful outcome.”
“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.”
“Sincere and very responsive.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Excellent advocates that obtained great results.”
“Able to provide insights to the issue and propose next steps and attached consequences, including providing legal obligations arising from the claims.”
“Quick to act, knowledgeable and compassionate.”
“Attentive, responsive, diligent, accurate and resourceful.”
“They are thorough, balanced in risk assessment, hard-working, persistent and results-driven.”
“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.”
“Excellent teamwork and positive thinking.”
“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.”
“They exercise professionalism in providing advisory services in corporate contracts and dispute resolution.”
“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.”
“Drew & Napier was highly professional throughout the engagement and was very responsive as and when we sought advice during the course of the arbitration. We felt that we got value for money based on the service that they provided. In essence, the team that we worked with was very attentive to our needs and provided legal advice that was spot on.”
“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.”
“It helped us defend ourselves and is really hard working. The lawyers can answer our questions anytime.”
“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!”
“Good advice on strategy on how to resolve the dispute. Very professional, responsive.”
“It has a strong Asian team with good Knowledge of laws in Asia and especially in India and China.”
“Personable, responsive, pragmatic, transparent, strategic.”
“Professional, committed good resources, good advice. Strong leadership from leading counsel, on time, able to anticipate issues. Putting the client first.”
“Professional conduct, knowledge, empathy, sincere honest advice.”
“It has a positive culture with good oral and written communication skills. The lawyers are good listeners which encourage all to maintain a positive outlook.”
“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.”
“Its people. Staff have been well recruited and know the matter at hand inside and out delivering first-class advocacy.”
“Responsiveness of the lawyers. Overall legal strategy. Looking after the client's interests in managing costs and the overall strategy, even if it means less legal costs.”
“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.”
“Responded promptly, work quality was good and it was conversant in Mandarin when needed.”
“In Singapore litigation, it is the best of the best.”
“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 2023
Recommended Individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC – Elite Practitioner (7 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC – Elite Practitioner (6 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Distinguished Practitioner (4 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo – Distinguished Practitioner
Wendell Wong – Distinguished Practitioner
Benedict Teo – Distinguished Practitioner
Mahesh Rai – Rising Star
Rakesh Kirpalani – Distinguished Practitioner
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific
International Arbitration 2023 – Tier 1 for 6 consecutive years
Commercial and Transactions 2023 – Tier 1 for 6 consecutive years
Identified as Litigation Stars 2023:
Jimmy Yim, SC – International Arbitration, Commercial and Transactions (6 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC – International Arbitration, Commercial and Transactions (6 consecutive years)
Sushil Nair – Insolvency (6 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo – Commercial and Transactions (5 consecutive years), Private Client (2 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Commercial and Transactions (4 consecutive years)
Tony Yeo – Intellectual Property (5 consecutive years)
Kelvin Tan – Labour and employment (2 consecutive years)
Wendell Wong – White Collar Crime (5 consecutive years)
Blossom Hing – Insolvency (6 consecutive years)
Christopher Chong – Construction (4 consecutive years)
Gary Low – White Collar Crime, Commercial and Transactions (5 consecutive years)
Chia Voon Jiet – White Collar Crime
Identified as Future Stars 2023:
Benedict Teo – Commercial and Transactions (2 consecutive years)
Yuet Min Foo – International Arbitration
Gerui Lim – Commercial and Transactions
Mahesh Rai – Construction (2 consecutive years)
Rakesh Kirpalani – Commercial and Transactions
Meryl Koh – Intellectual Property (2 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo - Construction
Hoon Shu Mei – Family and matrimonial (2 consecutive years)
Mohan Gopalan – Insolvency (5 consecutive years)
“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)
Who’s Who Legal
Thought Leaders Guide: Arbitration 2022:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Thought Leader (6 consecutive years)
Thought Leaders Guide: Commercial Litigation 2022:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Thought Leader (4 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim, SC – Thought Leader
Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide: Arbitration 2023:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Global Elite Thought Leader (4 consecutive years)
Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide: Commercial Litigation 2023:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Global Elite Thought Leader (3 consecutive years)
Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide – Under 45: Arbitration 2023
Foo Yuet Min – Future Leaders – Partners
Mahesh Rai – Future Leaders – Partners
Thought Leaders Global Elite Guide – Under 45: Commercial Litigation 2023
Adam Maniam – Future Leaders – Partners
Global Guide: Commercial Litigation 2022:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Recommended Lawyer for (13 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim, SC – Recommended Lawyer (3 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC – Recommended Lawyer (2 consecutive years)
Global Guide: Arbitration 2022:
Cavinder Bull, SC – Recommended Lawyer (8 consecutive years)
Global Guide: Commercial Litigation Future Leaders 2022:
Adam Maniam (2 consecutive years)
Global Guide: Arbitration Future Leaders 2022:
Foo Yuet Min (6 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai (3 consecutive years)
National Guide: Southeast Asia - Litigation Recommended Lawyer 2022:
Jimmy Yim, SC (2 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC (2 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC (2 consecutive years)
Chia Voon Jiet
Foo Yuet Min (2 consecutive years)
Adam Maniam (2 consecutive years)
National Guide: Southeast Asia - Arbitration Recommended Lawyer 2022:
Jimmy Yim, SC (2 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC (2 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC (2 consecutive years)
Foo Yuet Min (2 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai (2 consecutive years)
Best Lawyers International: Singapore
Recommended Individuals:
Arbitration & Mediation
Jimmy Yim, SC (13 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC (10 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC (3 consecutive years)
Randolph Khoo (10 consecutive years)
Kelvin Tan (4 consecutive years)
Chia Voon Jiet (3 consecutive years)
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Cavinder Bull, SC (6 consecutive years)
Litigation
Jimmy Yim, SC (15 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull, SC (13 consecutive years)
Siraj Omar, SC
Randolph Khoo
Tony Yeo
Blossom Hing (10 consecutive years)
Gary Low
Foo Yuet Min (2 consecutive years)
Paras Lalwani (2 consecutive years)
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, Mediation & Dispute Resolution in the Singapore’s Best Law Firms 2023 survey by Singapore’s largest circulating broadsheet, The Straits Times, and international research company, Statista for 3 consecutive years
The Asian Lawyer Emerging Markets Awards
Commercial Litigation Firm of the Year 2016
Asia IP Experts
IP Litigation 2016
Endorsed individuals:
Jimmy Yim, SC
Cavinder Bull, SC