The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Labour and Employment 2025 – Recommended lawyer for 2 consecutive years
TMT 2024 – Recommended lawyer
Dispute Resolution 2021 – Recommended lawyer
International Arbitration 2021 – Recommended lawyer
“Rakesh Kirpalani, exemplifies leadership and expertise in the field. His deep understanding of employment law and strategic approach to complex issues make him a highly respected figure in the legal community. Rakesh is known for his ability to deliver pragmatic and commercially viable solutions, which has earned him the trust and admiration of clients. Rakesh practices with a heart. He appreciates commercial budgets and constraints, providing flexible billing options to help his clients achieve their objectives in the most cost efficient manner.”
“Rakesh Kirpalani’s unique blend of legal acumen and technological expertise has made him a trailblazer in the niche market of tech law. Few can match the depth of his understanding of both the legal intricacies and the technological aspects of the cases he handles."
"Rakesh Kirpalani’s team at Drew & Napier LLC is one such remarkable ensemble, carving a niche for themselves in the field of tech law.”
Rakesh is “..dedicated to [his] professional work.”
“Rakesh Kirpalani listens well then offers clear and lucid advice.”
“Rakesh Kirpalani provides expertise in technology-related employment disputes.”
Rakesh Kirpalani is a “fantastic litigator” in the realm of technology and intellectual property.
He is “a person of integrity and he always provides wise, deliberate, and prompt advice.”
“He is proficient both in English and Chinese, which makes very smooth, thorough, and clear communication. Furthermore, he is skilled in debate and has a clear mind and a wide range of knowledge.”
He “thinks very fast in the courtroom and is not fazed by any curve ball thrown at him in court.”
“Rakesh Kirpalani is an excellent lawyer as he is very detailed. Goes the extra mile to provide prompt advice when time is of the essence.”
ALB Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers 2024
Recognised as being amongst the top 50 disputes lawyers in the region for 3 consecutive years
“Rakesh’s grasp of emerging tech issues has ensured that my organization’s risk profile is well managed. His appreciation of tech law issues is among the best in Singapore. He approaches all possible issues from a disputes-first perspective, enabling him to anticipate possible disputes and advise us accordingly.”
“Rakesh has been our legal counsel since 2020. As an equity partner from one of the top 4 firms in Singapore, he has a big heart for the community. We are a charitable non-profit organization, and Rakesh has been volunteering his time to advise us pro bono for the last 4 years. His heart for the community is extremely rare among lawyers in Singapore and he should be well recognized for this.”
A client praises Rakesh for being “prompt, clear and concise with his advice”.
“Rakesh is able to distil the issues quickly and provide timely advice.”
ALB Asia Super 50 TMT Lawyer 2025
Listed as one of the standout lawyers in the field of TMT in the region by Asian Legal Business for 5 consecutive years
Rakesh is described by clients as “a true expert, not only on the law, but [also on] the technology”, and “[w]orking with Mr. Rakesh Kripalani has been an exceptional experience. His profound expertise in technology disputes and litigation has been instrumental in bringing clarity and peace of mind... Mr. Kripalani’s proactive, disputes-first approach has been invaluable in ensuring we remain compliant and avoid potential legal pitfalls.”
Rakesh was commended by a client for his “unique ability to straddle both the tech and legal space”. “He is very sharp and is able to identify potential risks and liabilities in novel issues that are caused by emerging technology. He is able to ensure that our leaders can fully comprehend and appreciate the issue, all the while remaining professional and ethical. Rakesh's grasp and understanding of the local TMT landscape never fails to assure us that we are guided by one of the best in the market.”
A client commended Rakesh saying, “Rakesh was a safe pair of hands in navigating the technical issues and provided sound advice on which we were able to reach a good outcome and resolution on the matter on which we were working”.
"Rakesh is fast, practical and solution-based with the ability to achieve a good response combining technical knowledge and legal ability".
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific
Commercial & Transactions 2024 – Future Star for 2 consecutive years
“Rakesh communicates well both in English and Chinese and always provides feedback promptly. He is familiar with our industry and is quick to get the points and concerns from us.”
“Commercial-minded, practical legal solutions. Keen understanding of clients' business needs and challenges. Thorough analysis and balanced judgment on novel issues, including useful comparisons with legal reform efforts in other common law jurisdictions.”
Asialaw Leading Lawyers
Dispute Resolution 2024 – Distinguished Practitioner for 3 consecutive years
“Responsive, effective, efficient, comprehensive, skilled, knowledgeable and understands the industry.”
“Rakesh is clear in his counsel and incredibly responsive.”
“He helps our company to handle our legal issues and we are satisfied with his work.”
“He possesses a strong spirit to win for the client. He has a client-centric approach and is an expert at IT and data security.”
“Rakesh is fluent in both English and Chinese and quite familiar with our industry practice, and works in a highly effective way. He always bestows skilful and valuable advice.”
“He is a very detailed person.”
“Very dynamic and thoughtful lawyer. Takes the time to listen and understand the problem. He proposes solutions that follow the law and have a high chance of success.”
“Prompt, effective and driven.”
“Harding working. Very Smart. Excellent communication.”
“Solid guy. Result-driven and thinks out of the box.”
“Highly responsive, professional, effective and timely.”
“Good option provided, proactive, and problem solver.”
Global Arbitration Review 9th edition (2016)
A client praised Rakesh for his “professional and efficient service".
Lexology Index (previously Who’s Who Legal)
Global Guide: Data – Information Technology 2025 – Recommended Lawyer for 2 consecutive years
National Guide: Southeast Asia – Litigation 2024 – Recommended Lawyer for 2 consecutive years
Singapore Business Review
Singapore’s 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under in 2016 – Listed lawyer
Best Lawyers International: Singapore
Litigation 2026 – Endorsed individual for 3 consecutive years