Clifford Chance boasts ‘one of the best teams in the region‘ in the international arbitration space, advising on a range of Singaporean and international law issues across sectors. The alliance of the firm with local firm Cavenagh Law LLP gives the unique access to Singapore courts, allowing the firm to act on more complex mandates. Multi-jurisdictional expertise is a strength of the team, and its insight into the Indian market ‘makes it seamless for them to understand the issues being faced by a company on the ground’. Nish Shetty, who is qualified both in Singapore and as a solicitor in England and Wales, acts as the head of the practice alongside Paul Sandosham, who has vast expertise across the energy sector as an experienced construction lawyer. ‘Master tactician’ Kabir Singh is integral to the team, acting for large multinational corporations, international banks, and financial institutions.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is known as a stand-out firm for international arbitration.  Alastair Henderson heads the Singapore team (and is head of arbitration for Southeast Asia). His extensive expertise includes arbitration in the oil and gas, infrastructure and construction sectors and together with Tomas Furlong and Gitta Satryani, the team works with colleagues across the region on some of the most complex cases.

 

 

King & Spalding LLP has a ‘top-tier arbitration practice’, with a notable practice spanning oil and gas, construction, and investment treaty arbitration. Mandates undertaken by the team are often high-value and international in nature, acting for high-profile clients including the Chevron Corporation. Wade Coriell acts as the head of the team alongside Nils Eliasson, with the pair leading on many of the key matters undertaken by the practice. The team, which ‘consistently attracts high-value and cutting-edge work globally’, also includes Elodie Dulac, a co-founding partner of the team, and Anisha Sud.

WongPartnership LLP offers ‘a compelling blend of rigour and innovation in their market leading services‘ in its practice, which has impressive capabilities across commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, as well as litigation to enforce awards. The team is led by ‘incredibly strong and knowledgeable partners’, including Sean Yu Chou and Swee Yen Koh SC, whose practices centre on international commercial arbitrations. ‘Masterful advocate and strategist’ Wendy Lin is integral to the team that continues to grow, with the arrival of Monisha Cheong from TSMP Law Corporation in February 2023.

Allen & Gledhill LLP boasts a ‘well-established dispute resolution team in the region’, with expertise in arbitrations linked to infrastructure, energy, construction and engineering work. The practice is skilled in handling multijurisdictional disputes with concurrent South-east Asia based litigation, and has experience appearing in front of both the SIAC and Asian International Arbitration Centre, with members of the department commended for their ‘solid understanding of the local laws’. ‘Outstanding advocate’ Dinesh Dhillon and ‘very knowledgeable’ Chong Yee Leong act as co-heads of the practice, with Ramesh Selvaraj as deputy head. Also key to the team are the ‘articulate and highly diligent’ Margaret Ling, and Ankit Goyal, who is commended for possessing ‘great commercial acumen’.

Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow enjoys a strong reputation in multiple fields, and is ‘one of the busiest international arbitration practices in Singapore with work from a wide range of geographies and sectors’. The team is particularly well-versed in arbitrations involving technology, renewables, and third-party funding disputes, and has strong cross jurisdictional capabilities. Investor-state arbitration work is another key point of distinction of the practice that is overseen by Nandakumar Ponniya, who is recognised alongside Ashish Chugh for being ‘strong advocates regularly appearing as lead counsel in arbitrations’. Within the energy and aviation sector, Richard Allen is noted.

Davinder Singh Chambers is ‘extremely skilled at disputes in both court and arbitration’, with the practice regularly entrusted by major businesses, financial services institutions and high-net-worth individuals. The team undertakes high-profile cases across a wide range of industries, with mining and energy key sector focuses. ‘Top notch litigator’ Davinder Singh SC leads the team of ‘hardworking and capable lawyers’, with a practice involving complex commercial disputes both in Singapore and internationally. Key to the team is Jaikanth Shankar, who brings a wealth of experience in international commercial arbitration and insolvency-related matters, and Sngeeta Rai, with vast expertise across shareholder disagreements and other areas.

The international arbitration practice at Drew & Napier LLC is ‘highly skilled and collaborative’, with experience in complex international commercial arbitration, as well as high-profile investor-state disputes. The team is often sought out by governments, multinational corporations and high-profile individuals for public international law matters. Expertise of the team ranges from construction and infrastructure to corporate joint ventures to health care. Leading the team is Cavinder Bull SC  who is ‘exceptional for his strategy, analytical skills, and advocacy’, alongside Randolph Khoo and Siraj Omar SC, with particular expertise in insurance related disputes. Jimmy Yim SC is also integral to the team, with over thirty years of experience in international commercial arbitration.

The practice at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is commended for ‘its cutting-edge knowledge and seamless client service’, with the team ‘extremely systematic and thorough in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a case’. Oil and gas, energy, construction, and international trade are all areas the practice is noted for their capacity in, among other areas acting for major global energy companies. ‘Super smart and great to work with’ Nicholas Lingard sits at the helm of the team, frequently acting as lead counsel for high-profile arbitrations for global energy companies, state-owned enterprises, and private equity firms. At associate level, Rohit Bhat is ’superb to work with’, and along with Lingard, recognised for their ‘commercial acumen’.

‘Leading firm in Southeast Asia’ Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a ‘well-established and highly regarded’ international arbitration practice, with expertise in high-value cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings. The department is particularly well versed in government-related work, joint venture, international construction and natural resources. The team is jointly led by ‘master strategist’ Kelvin Poon SC and Avinash Pradhan, who enjoys a strong reputation in multiple fields, including corporate finance, M&A, joint venture, and shareholder disputes. For one client, Devathas Satianathan and Andre Yeap SC’s ‘knowledge of international commercial law and arbitration is outstanding’. The team continues to grow, with the arrival of Divyesh Menon from Mayer Brown in August 2022, and Vanina Sucharitkul from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in March 2023.

For one client, White & Case Pte. Ltd. boasts a ‘team that is emerging as the leading international arbitration practice in Singapore’, encompassing oil and gas, investor-state, construction, and transaction-related disputes. The practice is sought out by clients across governmental, energy, and corporate sectors, notably representing the Indian government in investor-state disputes. Head of the practice, Matthew Secomb is ‘not only a first-class lawyer, but also an excellent project leader in cross-border cases’, and is particularly noted for his energy-related and construction disputes work. Also of note is Aditya Singh, who ‘is a brilliant strategist and superb advocate’, and at associate level, ‘very responsive and practical’ Philip Tan.

The international arbitration practice at Ashurst has wide-ranging competence, particularly in energy disputes, where the firm has ‘an expertise and market knowledge in this space that few other firms can match’. High-value mandates are undertaken regularly by the team, with experience in financial and M&A disputes, as well as LNG pricing matters. ‘Experienced and talented partner’ Rob Palmer is the head of the team, and is commended for his ‘fantastic expertise and communication skills’. Also of note is dual-qualified Michael Weatherley, with expertise in energy, infrastructure, M&A, and shareholder disputes.

Bird & Bird ATMD LLP’s international arbitration practice is ‘very on the ball, responsive, and gives practical advice’ for its clients that span a wide range of industry sectors, from financial services and insurance to energy and mining. The firm is particularly well-established in TMT and IP-related disputes, with Jonathan Choo highly active in these fields. Lijun Chui is key to the team, with experience in domestic and international arbitrations across energy, oil and gas, and maritime sectors, in addition to the practice’s mainstays of technology and IP. Akshay Kishore, who is qualified both in India and as an English solicitor, has ‘excellent contacts in India and exceptional experience on India-related disputes’, and is noted alongside ‘exceptional attorney’ Shaun Lee.

The international arbitration practice at Clyde & Co Clasis Singapore has a presence across the region, advising leading clients on complex arbitrations. Cross-border disputes are a mainstay of the practice, with the team frequently representing multinational companies notably including Chevron Corporation, Hyundai Engineering, and Merlin Entertainment on matters across Singapore, India, Indonesia, and South Korea. At leadership level, Prakash Pillai, Leon Alexander, Ik Wei Chong, and Eugene Tan are key names in the practice. Noted practitioners include Andrew Bicknell, Weiyi Tan, and Nicholas Lum.

In addition to a ‘global reach and talent pool’, Dechert has a ‘very local office with local expertise in Singapore’ which extends to the international arbitration capabilities of the team. Commercial arbitration, investment treaty disputes and sports arbitration are all at the forefront of the team’s expertise. Maria Tan Pedersen is ‘very engaged, motivating, and a key player’. Since publication, former practice head Mark Mangan departed in February 2024.

The international arbitration practice at Dentons Rodyk is ‘professional, effective, and extremely competent’, consisting of ‘reputable and high-quality partners’. Chinese state-owned corporates and large Indonesian clients spanning a wide range of sectors entrust the team with complex, cross-jurisdictional mandates across construction and engineering, energy, shipping, and international trade. Lawrence Teh leads the team with particular experience handling commercial disputes, including those linked to international trade and commodities. He is joined at leadership level by Herman Jeremiah, who has extensive shareholder and joint venture dispute knowledge. Rodney Keong is ‘commercially savvy as well as a very good lawyer’ and is recommended.

The team at Duxton Hill Chambers ‘brings extensive knowledge of substantive and procedural Singaporean law to the table’, acting on a wide range of cross-border arbitrations for domestic and international clients. The group practice, which comprises a number of individuals with advocacy experience who practice independently like a barristers' chambers, includes a number of highly commended individuals, including ‘exceptional advocate’ Colin Liew, ‘standout practitioner' Chan Leng Sun SC, and ‘very talented’ Toby Landau KC. Jern-Fei Ng KC is highlighted as a ‘top-notch litigator’, and ‘master strategist’, and has vast experience across jurisdictions, as does Calvin Liang, who is ‘practical, thorough, and concise’.

The international arbitration practice at Mayer Brown is reputed for its expertise in the energy sector, with LNG disputes, oil and gas, energy-related commodities, and power all key strengths of the area. The team offers full-service capabilities for its clients, acting across TMT, sports, media, hospitality, and defence industry disputes. Yu-Jin Tay is the head of the practice that notably includes Kay-Jannes Wegner and Paul Teo. The team continues to expand, with Kate Apotolova joining the practice from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in October 2022, and Matthew Shaw from DLA Piper in December 2022.

Norton Rose Fulbright has ‘a diverse team with exceptional strengths and capabilities’ that has vast expertise across energy, infrastructure, telecoms, and investor-state disputes, frequently acting on complex multi-jurisdictional matters. Katie Chung is recognised for her ‘strategic acumen’ as well as ‘exceptional client communication and negotiation skills’, and leads the team that is commended for its ‘exceptional expertise, dedication to clients, and innovative problem-solving’. Kent Phillips joined the team from Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee in November 2023.

Pinsent Masons MPillay’s international arbitration practice is ‘incredibly strategic and thoughtful’, and at the forefront of disputes linked to commercial and financial matters. The team is jointly led by Sam Boyling and Alvin Ho, both with expertise in energy and infrastructure linked arbitration. Integral to the team is Toh Chen Han, a ‘tremendously gifted strategist’, Frédéric Gillion who ‘provides commercially and legally sensible advice to clients’, and Yong Neng Chan. At associate level ‘superstar’ Wee Jian Ang  and ‘brilliant’ Yap Chun Pin are noted.

Reed Smith LLP’s international arbitration practice is a ‘class act’, that is commended for its ability to ‘work efficiently and promptly and deliver absolutely top-class results’. The team is noted for its capability in trading, commodities, and shipping work, along with extensive experience in energy and natural resources. ‘Brilliant’ Timothy Cooke is described by one client as ‘all class, all of the time’, and leads the team, with proficiency in private equity and energy-related disputes. Kohe Hasan is integral to the team along with Collin Seah and Bernard Yee. At associate level, Joyce Fong is also notable.

Stephenson Harwood LLP is a notable firm for international arbitration in Singapore, with sector expertise in energy, construction, maritime, and international trade. The practice is especially knowledgeable in investor-state work and crypto-related arbitrations. At leadership level, Chris Bailey is a ‘great guy’, and described as ‘razor-sharp’. He is joined by Daryll Ng, John Simpson, and Michelle Yong, with expertise in the oil and gas sectors, restructuring and insolvency, and international trade disputes. Managing associate Rebecca Crookenden is noted, with experience across the full gamut of commercial disputes.

The arbitration practice at Allen & Overy is ‘experienced, thorough, responsive, and effective’, advising on disputes across energy, construction, insurance, and banking and finance, with investment treaty arbitration another key focus of the team. The team has extensive geographical reach, acting for leading blue-chip clients in disputes across the region. Head of the team Sheila Ahuja is ‘hardworking, determined, and experienced in the field’, advising multinational corporations in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations. Christopher Mainwaring-Taylor is noted in the team, with expertise across energy, natural resources, power, and infrastructure-linked disputes.

Boutique firm Blackstone & Gold for one client, is the ‘holy grail for dispute resolution and arbitration in Singapore’ with the ‘right blend of commercial nous and arbitration experience’. Commodities disputes are a key strength of the practice, with the team well-versed in financing, trading, enforcement, and fraud-related disputes, in addition to crypto-related arbitrations. Baldev Bhinder is ‘the best commodities disputes lawyer in the market’, and is ‘fantastic for managing a team’. Key to the team is Raman Kaur, who is according to some the ‘most hard-working disputes lawyer you will ever meet’.

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang (Singapore) LLP has an extensive geographical reach, acting on complex arbitrations across energy, infrastructure, and construction sectors. Technology, insurance, and life sciences are also key strengths of the practice. Lynette Chew leads the team alongside Kelvin Aw, who has almost three decades of relevant experience. Lakshanthi Fernando has a practice focusing on infrastructure and construction disputes, and Jonathan Warne is a key name in the team, acting as head of international disputes. At associate level, Asya Jamaludin is another notable name.

Recently established boutique firm Dunbar & Lim Chambers LLC, led by Simon Dunbar and Kevin Lim, has a ‘technically excellent’ international arbitration practice, boasting a ‘world-class arbitration practice in a boutique structure’. The founding partners are described as ‘advocates and arbitration specialists of the highest calibre’ and have vast experience in joint venture, energy, tech, and infrastructure disputes, representing state-owned entities in high-value disputes.

HFW Singapore LLP 's international arbitration practice has a strong presence in energy, resources, trade, commodities, and maritime work. The team has strong links to arbitration teams in other leading jurisdictions, adding to the cross-jurisdictional capabilities of the practice. Dual-qualified in England and Wales and Singapore, Chanaka Kumarasinghe leads the team, frequently leading on complex international arbitrations. He is joined at leadership level by Adam Richardson and Dan Perera. At associate level, Suzanne Meiklejohn, Justine Barthe-Dejean, and Sadhvi Mohindru are noted.

Jones Day‘s international arbitration practice is a strong choice for energy, oil & gas, mining, and infrastructure work, with members of the team further noted for their capability in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and M&A work. Zachary Sharpe sits at the helm of the team, frequently representing clients across a range of jurisdictions on international arbitrations spanning engineering, oil and gas, and technology.

K&L Gates Straits Law LLC boasts an ‘empathetic yet effective’ international arbitration practice, that provides ‘timely and practical advice’ for its clients. Investment treaty disputes under bilateral and multilateral investment treaties are a key area of focus for the team, which also has extensive experience in arbitrations related to M&A and shareholder disputes. Raja Bose acts as head of the team and has a wealth of experience across construction, infrastructure, and engineering matters. Integral to the team are Sreenivasan Narayanan, the managing partner of the Singapore office, and Valerie Ang.

The international arbitration practice at Linklaters is noted for its capability in domestic and multi-jurisdictional commercial arbitration and investment arbitration. The team enjoys a strong reputation in multiple fields, acting across a wide range of sectors including private equity, energy, infrastructure, and technology. Jelita Pandjaitan is the head of the team, with particular knowledge of financial and energy-related arbitrations. The group continues to expand, with the arrival of Rebecca James from the firm's London office in November 2022, and Andrew Battisson from Norton Rose Fulbright in June 2023. At counsel level, Hansel Ng is ‘outstanding’.

LVM Law Chambers LLC has a ‘very sharp and solution-oriented’ international arbitration team that acts on a wide range of complex commercial disputes, across a range of sectors. Shipping, insurance, aviation, and transport are all key strengths of the team. Joint managing partner of the team Joseph Lee is the head of the practice, with a wealth of experience across sectors. Mohd Haireez is reputed for his work on international trade and shipping-related disputes.

Mishcon de Reya LLP has a ‘nimble team’ that is commended for its ‘first-hand know-how on how to deal with crypto disputes’. The ‘small but well-regarded arbitration team’ has expertise across a range of industries, including energy, fintech, and cryptocurrency. International trade and investor-state disputes are both key areas of focus for the practice. ‘Seasoned arbitration lawyer’ Gavin Margetson leads the team, bringing two decades of relevant experience. ‘Personable and very pragmatic’ Henry Winter is an ‘exceptional talent’, specializing in cross-border arbitrations. At associate level, Daniel Ng is recommended.

The practice at Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC is ‘dedicated, very smart, and provides good advice’ for its clients, routinely acting on high-value and complex disputes, including bet-the company arbitrations. Fraud-related arbitrations are another strength of the practice, which is highly reputed for its focus on international trade and maritime law. Wendy Tan is ‘sharp and fast’ and sits as head of the team. Tan regularly leads on many of the mandates undertaken by the practice. Pardeep Khosa is noted, having joined the firm from Davinder Singh Chambers in October 2022 with a client roster consisting of governments, listed companies, and high net-worth individuals.

The international arbitration practice at Shook Lin & Bok LLP acts across a wide range of industries, notably including banking and financial disputes, credit insurance, shipping, energy, fraud, and white-collar crime. Sarjit Singh Gill SC is the head of the team, with a practice focusing on corporate and commercial, banking, and shareholder disputes, along with being well-versed in professional negligence and fraud work. Probin Dass and Moses Lin are key to the team, with expertise in shipping and commodities. David Chan is another notable name in the team.

The practice at Sidley Austin LLP has ‘great experience in investment arbitrations‘, acting on high-value, cross-border mandates. Blue-chip clients, governments, and multinational corporations all rely on the expertise of the team in many industries, including life sciences, energy, technology, and shipping. The ‘extremely talented, charismatic, and brilliant‘ New York-qualified Tai-Heng Cheng leads the team, and is a ‘very effective advocate who reads the tribunal well‘. Jennifer Lim  and Meera Rajah  are other key names in the team.

Squire Patton Boggs has a ‘cohesive and very hard-working’ international arbitration practice, with expertise across international commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, as well as public international law disputes. Energy, shipping, commodities, and infrastructure are particular areas of focus of the team. At leadership level, Rodman Bundy is a ‘great advocate and brilliant strategist’, and is head of the ‘team of great partners and associates’ along with Barry Stimpson, who brings expertise in energy and commodities. Also highly active in the commodities space is Chris Swart. The team continues to expand with the arrival of Joel Cockerell from HFW Singapore LLP in August 2022, and associate Arnavi Panda from Mills & Co in May 2023.

The ‘excellent, reliable, efficient and professional legal team’ at Three Crowns LLP represents leading Asian and global companies in complex disputes, with particular expertise in energy, construction, financial services, and the investment treaty sectors. Daryl Chew and Simon Elliot lead the practice, and are commended for their ‘excellent understanding of the commercial issues facing both owners and contractors’.