Rajah & Tann Asia | Singapore Law Firm - legal services across Asia

The Legal 500 - Asia Pacific (2020)

R&T Sok & Heng Law Office – Cambodia

Leading Firm - Tier 2

R&T Sok & Heng Law Office acts for an enviable roster of household-name corporate clients, fueled in part by the firm's regional coverage and highly ranked corporate team in its home base in Singapore. Managing partner Chhay Heng is a licensed administrator for insolvency cases in Cambodia, and three of the team's partners are members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Singapore Branch. Moreover, the firm is one of the few legal advisers licensed to practice securities law in Cambodia, and has recently been involved in a cross-border IPO in Hong Kong and, separately, advised on a first-of-its-kind private offering in Cambodia. Further, the team has been involved in a number of major real estate developments in Cambodia, and has also been active in the country's budding insurance sector. Sophonnora Tiv is another key figure in the team.

Leading Lawyers:
Ahmad Fikri Assegaf - Banking and Finance, Corporate and M&A, Capital Markets
Bono Daru Adji - Capital Markets
Chandra Hamzah - Dispute Resolution
Wibowo Mukti - Tax
Zacky Hussein - IT and Telecoms

Next Generation Lawyer:
Carol Lim - Corporate and M&A
Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain - Capital Markets

Antitrust and Competition
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners' work within this space centres on handling disputes against the regulator and advising on the competition aspects of M&A and general compliance issues. Farid Nasution has recently been promoted to partner and formerly worked for the competition authority in Indonesia. He is highly skilled in merger filings, competition litigation and compliance. Other key members of the team include Asep Ridwan and Vovo Iswanto, who are both experts in competition litigation. The team works across all sectors but is perhaps most active in the manufacturing industry.

Aviation
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners' skillset within this space concerns disputes involving ticketing, competition and consumer rights. Eri Hertiawan leads the practice and is an expert in both litigation and arbitration.

Banking and Finance
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is highly skilled in project, property and acquisition financings. Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf co-heads the practice and has represented borrowers and lenders on high-profile financings. Also leading the team is Ahmad Fikri Assegaf, who has represented domestic and international companies as well as state bodies on corporate finance mandates. Yanu Wiriasmoko, an expert in structured financing and leveraged buyouts, is also highly recommended.

Capital Markets
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has expertise in debt and equity issuances and acts for both international and domestic clients. Managing partner Bono Daru Adji leads the practice and is particularly skilled in handling capital market transactions involving the energy sector. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf is another key figure and regularly advises on private placements and public offerings. Also recommended are Putu Suryastuti, Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain and Tunggul Utomo, who are also skilled in capital market transactions.

Corporate and M&A
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners handles both M&A and private equity deals pertaining to the banking, natural resources, aviation, retail and TMT sectors. Practice head Eko Basyuni is an expert in M&A transactions concerning areas such as natural resources and TMT. Managing partner Bono Daru Adji is highly experienced in M&A and general commercial matters. Other noteworthy individuals include Ahmad Fikri Assegaf, who is notably skilled in the banking, petrochemicals, and oil and gas sectors; Valerie Ngooi Ming Hui, who handles takeovers, M&A restructurings and corporate governance; Tunggul Utomo, who focuses on private equity, mining and financial services; and foreign counsel Carol Lim, who advises on cross-border M&A.

Dispute Resolution
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners covers the spectrum of dispute resolution matters and has a number of household names among its client base. Chandra Hamzah co-heads the practice and is an expert in ADR, tort law, contract breaches and anti-corruption compliance. Eri Hertiawan, who also leads the team, has a longstanding presence in the dispute resolution sphere and is currently very active in aviation disputes. Also recommended are Ahmad Maulana, who is an expert in commercial and labour-related litigation, and Asep Ridwan, who focuses on commercial, consumer and competition-related litigation.

IT and Telecoms
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a broad TMT practice which covers areas such as over-the-top services, software, data, fintech and social media. Zacky Hussein leads the practice and has extensive experience in advising on technology-related regulations and transactions. Other notable names include senior associate Muhammad Iqsan Sirie, who is experienced in TMT transactions, and Surabaya-based associate Andin Aditya Rahman, who focuses on regulatory issues.

Real Estate
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is experienced in commercial, industrial and residential real estate matters, with a client base that includes domestic and multinational companies. Yogi Sudrajat leads the team and is an expert in real estate and land law, with experience in both transactions and litigation. Also recommended is Agnes Maria Wardhana, who is experienced in land law and real estate transactions.

Tax
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious tax issues. Wibowo Mukti leads the practice and is an expert in advising on compliance, reviews, disputes, audits and objections. Muslimin Damanhuri is also a key figure and is an expert in advisory, compliance and contentious issues.

Labour and Employment
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is highly experienced in employment litigation and ADR, with particular expertise in internal fraud and embezzlement cases. Ahmad Maulana leads the team and is an expert in manpower law, particularly in relation to mediation and arbitration cases.

Projects and Energy
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a strong background in energy and infrastructure projects, with expertise in representing both sponsors and project companies. Ibrahim Assegaf leads the team and is very active in this space, representing sponsors and projects companies on infrastructure projects. Also heading the team is Kanya Satwika, who regularly represents the government on high-profile power projects. Also recommended is banking and finance expert Ahmad Fikri Assegaf, who is regularly involved in project finance matters.

Restructuring and Insolvency
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a strong track record in both restructuring and insolvency deals. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf leads the team and is highly skilled in handling corporate debt restructurings, takeovers and recapitalisations. Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf is also highly experienced in restructuring and insolvency matters.

Shipping
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is highly experienced in shipping disputes, financing and insurance issues. Eri Hertiawan heads the practice and focuses on dispute resolution, with a particularly strong reputation in ADR.

Intellectual Property
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has bolstered its IP practice through its merger with IP boutique Dewi Soeharto Law Partnership. Name partner Dewi Kamaratih Soeharto joined the team following the merger and jointly leads the practice. She represents a number of international companies on all of their IP issues in the region, and is particularly strong in copyright law. Also leading the team is Chandra M. Hamzah, who is notably skilled in IP litigation.

Rajah & Tann (Laos) Co., Ltd. – Lao PDR

Leading Firm - Tier 2

Rajah & Tann (Laos) has a sizeable on-the-ground team in Vientiane, with broad business law experience in areas including power and energy, infrastructure, and financial institutions. Headed by real estate, banking and corporate lawyer Hock Chye Lee, the team is currently involved in two major power projects in Lao PDR. Other key figures include director Brian Ng, who specialises in private equity transactions, M&A and cross-border financing, and Khanti Syackhaphom, who has experience in general corporate and business law. Several of the team's more junior members also have experience in general commercial and corporate law, while Soulath Keosihoune has been involved in debt recovery mandates and banking disputes.

Christopher & Lee Ong – Malaysia

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
Banking and Finance - Tier 2
Capital Markets - Tier 4
Corporate and M&A - Tier 1
Dispute Resolution - Tier 3
Intellectual Property - Tier 1
Labour and Employment - Tier 2
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate and Construction - Tier 3
Shipping - Tier 1
TMT - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Christopher Lee - Projects and Energy
Clive Selvapandian - Shipping
Deepak Pillai - TMT
Eileen Yeoh - Projects and Energy
Intan Haryati - TMT
Kuok Yew Chen - Corporate and M&A, TMT
Ng Kim Poh - Intellectual Property
Sri Sarguna Raj - Intellectual Property
Yon See Ting - Corporate and M&A

Next Generation Lawyers:
Anissa Maria Anis - TMT
Jack Chor - Projects and Energy
Kimberly Goh - Corporate and M&A

Rising Stars:
Yong Shih Han - TMT

Antitrust and Competition
The competition and antitrust team at Christopher & Lee Ong handles the full spectrum of antitrust and competition matters, ranging from advising on investigations from authorities to antitrust aspects of M&As or joint venture transactions, corporate structuring and audits. The team, which attracts praise for its 'depth of resource', also has expertise in sector-specific matters including relating to the aviation, communications and energy sector. Yon See Ting heads up the practice.

Corporate and M&A
The corporate team at Christopher & Lee Ong attracts praise for its 'quick response times' and 'strong commercially driven mindset'. It benefits from the ability to field a cross-departmental team – including technology, infrastructure, energy, and shipping sector experts, and competition law specialists – and, as a member firm, it is able to leverage the full-service legal network of Rajah & Tann Asia in complex domestic and cross-border transactions. Key names to note include managing partner Yon See Ting, who handles a range of corporate transactions; Kuok Yew Chen, who frequently assists private equity funds, corporate advisory firms and consultancies; Yau Yee Ming, who has particular experience across the IT, telecoms, logistics and engineering oil and gas and retail sectors; M&A, capital markets, corporate commercial advisory lawyer Kimberly Goh; and 'strong technical knowledge and an effective problem solver' Tracy Wong.

Intellectual Property
Christopher & Lee Ong's intellectual property team offers 'prompt replies and competitive fees' and has capabilities across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters, but has particular expertise across trademark, copyright and patent litigation. The group also benefits from being able to leverage the Rajah & Tann Asia network in cross-border instructions. Practice head Sri Sarguna Raj focuses on contentious IP matters, while the 'fast and reliable' Kim Poh Ng and Steven Cheok handle both non-contentious work and disputes.

Projects and Energy
Christopher & Lee Ong's construction and projects team advises on a full range of contentious and non-contentious matters relating to real estate and infrastructure project arrangement and contracts, renewable energy transactions, project structuring, and risk analysis. In the energy sector, the group has been particular active in advising clients, such as Redsol and Scatec Solar, and Coral Power, on the development of large-scale solar photovoltaic power plants. The group also benefits from access to Rajah & Tann Asia's network and which it leverages when advising on cross-border investments. Christopher Lee combines projects and energy and banking and finance expertise and has particular infrastructure projects and utility privatisation experience; Lee heads up the practice alongside Eileen Yeoh, who handles a range of projects, infrastructure and construction matters. The 'very responsive and knowledgeable' Chor Jack attracts praise for his 'quick turnaround'.

Shipping
The shipping and international trade Christopher & Lee Ong combines wet and dry expertise, as well as experience in ship registration and ship financing. Backed by the Rajah & Tann Asia network, the group has experience acting on disputes throughout the region, with practice head Jainil Bhandari, who is qualified to practice in both Malaysia and Singapore, handling a range of shipping-related disputes. Other names to note include Clive Selvapandian for litigation, and transactional partner Por Chuei Ying, who is highlighted particularly for corporate finance and capital markets transactions. Ong Chee Kwan was appointed as the Judicial Commissioner of the High Court of Malaysia.

TMT
Christopher & Lee Ong 'takes time to understand the client's business and provide appropriate solutions'. With expertise spanning the technology, telecoms and media sectors the group, it assists a range of domestic and international tradition companies, industry disruptors and market entrants across a range of corporate, commercial, contentious and regulatory issues. 'Affable' practice head Deepak Pillai attracts praise for his 'deep knowledge' with experience spanning IT contracts, e-commerce, cloud services, outsourcing, cybersecurity, data protection and telecoms. Other names to note include Intan Haryati, who is highlighted for advising on information technology contracts, electronic and mobile commerce services; Kuok Yew Chen, who specialises in corporate transactions, commercial and competition advice within the technology, media and telecoms sectors, while Yong Shih Han who focuses on information security and data protection. The team's media and entertainment practice has benefited from the arrival of Anissa Maria Anis from an in-house role at media company Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad.

Banking and Finance
Christopher & Lee Ong's practice works closely with banks and financial institutions on syndicated lending, project and structured finance deals, handling both domestic and cross-border mandates. Clients include domestic and international banks, Malaysian multinationals, and business conglomerates. Christopher Lee and Fiona Sequerah jointly lead the practice, which has increased its work on the lender side, bolstering an already strong offering for borrower side clients. Chor Jack is praised for his 'good communication and analytical skills'.

Labour and Employment
Christopher & Lee Ong's multi-disciplinary employment practice group includes corporate and disputes resolution lawyers. The group is frequently instructed to advise on Malaysian labour law aspects and acquisitions and divestments, and has the capabilities to handle a range of contentious matters in the industrial courts as well as in arbitration and mediation. Key names to note include corporate and real estate partner Kelvin Kho and Yau Yee Ming for non-contentious matters and litigators Rubini Murugesan and Han Li Meng.

Dispute Resolution
Christopher & Lee Ong's disputes department acts for both individuals and large corporates in a range of litigations, arbitrations, and adjudications. The group's experience includes handling banking, corporate, and insolvency disputes, as well as contentious employment, shipping, and construction matters. Practice head John Mathew focuses on civil and banking litigation, while Li Meng Han has particular experience in employment and construction disputes. Other names of note include Niak Hiong Keong for a range of corporate and commercial disputes. Chee Kwan Ong was appointed as the Judicial Commissioner of the High Court.

Real Estate and Construction
Christopher & Lee Ong's real estate team handles a range of real estate transactions, including financing, acquisitions and disposals and leases. It is instructed by a number of property developers to advise on contractual elements of construction of commercial and residential projects. Practice head Hock Chye Lee combines corporate and real estate sector expertise while Lim Hui Ming focuses on real estate and banking and finance matters. Kelvin Kho is another name to note, particularly for management of real estate development projects.

Capital Markets
Christopher & Lee Ong has particular experience in equity capital markets work and frequently advises issuers, issue managers, underwriters and originators on IPOs. Corporate partner Yon See Ting is a key name to note.

Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited – Myanmar

Corporate and M&A - Tier 1
Projects - Tier 3

Corporate and M&A
Working in conjunction with the firm's Singapore office, Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited provides a full suite of commercial law advice to major multinational corporates in the energy and infrastructure, real estate, consumer goods and food and beverage sectors. In addition, the firm fields a strong regulatory practice and also has a number of experienced litigators on the ground in Myanmar, including Lester Chua. Singapore-based Chester Toh oversees the Myanmar practice and has deep expertise in advising multinationals and regional corporates on investments into Myanmar. Another key figure on the foreign investment front is Hiroyuki Ota, also in Singapore, who serves as the firm's primary contact for Japanese investors seeking opportunities in Myanmar. Min Thein is managing partner of the Myanmar office, and Arloy Chan was recently promoted to partner.

Projects
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited has strong corporate and litigation teams with experience assisting project companies with the development and financing of major commercial real estate developments, urban redevelopment projects, and transport and port infrastructure. The Myanmar team also works closely with its colleagues in Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and other East Asian jurisdictions.

C&G Law (Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio) – Philippines

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 2
Banking and Finance - Tier 2
Corporate and M&A - Tier 3
Dispute Resolution - Tier 2
Labour and Employment - Tier 2
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate and Construction - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 1
TMT - Tier 3

Leading Lawyers:
Anthony Gutierrez - Tax
Ben Yap - Dispute Resolution
Cesar Santamaria, Jr - Labour and Employment
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan - Projects and Energy, Real Estate and Construction
Jesus Paolo Protacio - Dispute Resolution

Next Generation Lawyer:
Vladi Miguel Lazaro - Labour and Employment

Rising Stars:
Camille Maria Castolo - Corporate and M&A*
Katrine Paula Suyat - Labour and Employment, Corporate and M&A
Roxanne Tadique - Tax

Projects and Energy
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s projects group expanded with the arrival of Annalisa Carlota from Asian Development Bank in 2018. This followed the earlier arrival of Albert Vincent Yu Chang from another leading firm. The team often advises energy companies on power purchase agreements and supply contracts, and also assists with corporate, dispute resolution, regulatory and tax issues. Major work highlights include its work for the North Luzon Airport Consortium (consisting of Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings and two others) in its successful tender for the concession to operate and maintain Clark International Airport; the team is now assisting the consortium in the incorporation and setting up of the joint venture company. It is also regularly engaged by major international banks in project finance transactions. Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is a key figure in the department.

Real Estate and Construction
The 'responsive and knowledgeable' team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) remains active in the real estate, construction and infrastructure sectors. Its diverse client base comprises new and longstanding clients operating in the transport, construction, energy and real estate sectors. In recent work, practice co-head Jaime Renato Gatmaytan and a team advised United Overseas Bank on a extending a loan facility to a Singapore property company, supported by a suretyship agreement issued by a Philippine affiliate of the borrower; the loan will be used to acquire a property in Singapore’s central business district. Norma Margarita Patacsil co-heads the team and often advises leading real estate developer Ayala Land on its land acquisitions and other legal issues.

Tax
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) covers the gamut of taxation, advising its clients on transaction-related tax, non-transactional tax matters and tax litigation. The team is a popular choice for leading multinational and domestic companies across the real estate, financial services, life sciences and food and beverage sectors, among others. In a recent success, the team acted for major pharma company Sanofi Pasteur in proceedings before the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); the assessment involved various issues around income tax, VAT and withholding tax, and the team succeeded in significantly reducing the assessment. Anthony Gutierrez heads the practice, which includes key associates Roxanne Tadique and Cler Thea Gonzales.

Antitrust and Competition
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) has developed a notable merger control offering alongside its significant corporate and M&A practice, and it is also capable of handling behavioural competition matters. In a recent transaction, practice head Norma Margarita Patacsil advised Ayala Land and its subsidiaries Cebu Holdings and Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation in the latter two company's merger; the transaction required the PCC's confirmation that the merger between the related entities did not require PCC clearance.

Banking and Finance
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) is well versed in structuring and documenting lending, security and other financial transactions, and counts major banks among its clients. In contentious matters, the team is also equipped to assist its banking-sector clients in litigation concerning their lending operations. The firm's expertise in corporate and M&A transactions means it is also called upon to assist in acquisitions of banks. Recent work highlights include Jaime Renato Gatmaytan's advice to DBS Bank, Mizuho, MUFG and Standard Chartered Bank on a facility agreement to AEV International; the loan financed the acquisition - by a wholly owned subsidiary of the borrower - of Gold Coin Management, an agribusiness venture active in Southeast Asia.

Dispute Resolution
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s dispute resolution team is 'extremely responsive', and clients appreciate that 'research and opinions are provided quickly'. Covering a diverse range of subjects, the practice handles both litigation and arbitration. Areas of expertise include tax disputes, product liability and tort litigation, corporate rehabilitation and the enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards. Its arbitration experience spans ad hoc arbitration and procedures under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), among others. It has recently received instructions in complex disputes from new and longstanding clients. Highlights included its representation of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation in proceedings to nullify certain issuances of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that would allow imported steel bars to be “conditionally released” from the Bureau of Customs’ custody without being first inspected and certified by the DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards; Ben Dominic Yap and Jess Raymund Lopez lead on the case. Jesus Paolo Protacio co-heads the team with Yap and is recommended.

Labour and Employment
The 'very reliable' employment department at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) remained busy in 2018 and 2019, receiving instructions from new and longstanding clients in the food and beverage, logistics, natural resources and financial services sectors, among others. It handles a range of employment work, covering contentious, non-contentious advisory and transaction-related matters, with recent victories including its successful defence of Hyder Consulting Middle East in a dismissal case concerning former employees dismissed for engaging in unauthorised consultancy work for other entities. Cesar Santamaria Jr leads the practice and is recommended. Vladi Miguel Lazaro was promoted to partner in 2018; he often takes a key role on the department's major cases.

Corporate and M&A
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) handles a range of corporate and commercial matters, from incorporation to dissolution of companies to large-scale M&A. The firm recently expanded its client base with several new clients, including companies in the healthcare and financial services sectors. In 2018, the firm was bolstered by the arrival of corporate, energy and infrastructure projects expert Annalisa Carlota from Asian Development Bank. Recent highlights include advising real estate developer Ayala Land and its subsidiaries Cebu Holdings and Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation on the merger between the latter two; a team led by Norma Margarita Patacsil advised the companies on corporate law, competition law and securities regulation. The team also benefits from several experienced associates, including Camille Maria Castolo and Katrine Paula Suyat, who were promoted to senior associate in 2018.

TMT
The highly regarded TMT team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) acts for clients in the tech, telecoms, financial services, construction and manufacturing sectors. A large portion of its workload involves data privacy advice, and the group also advises on cloud services, online platforms, media regulation and cybersecurity. Recommended partner Mary Thel Mundin heads the TMT department, which she established in 2016.

Rajah & Tann Singapore – Singapore

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
Banking and Finance - Tier 2
Capital Markets: Equity and Debt - Tier 2
Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation - Tier 1
Construction - Tier 1
Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Dispute Resolution - Tier 1
Financial Services Regulatory - Tier 1
Insurance - Tier 1
Intellectual Property - Tier 1
International Arbitration - Tier 2
Investment Funds - Tier 1
Labour and Employment - Tier 1
Private Wealth - Tier 1
Projects and Energy - Tier 1
Real Estate - Tier 2
Restructuring and Insolvency - Tier 1
Shipping - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 2
TMT - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Andre Yeap SC - International Arbitration
Angela Lim - Banking and Finance
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets
Desmond Wee - Labour and Employment
Elaine Tay - Insurance
Kala Anandarajah - Antitrust and Competition
Lau Kok Keng - Intellectual Property
Lee Eng Beng SC - Restructuring and Insolvency
Leong Kah Wah - Shipping
Murali Pillai SC - Labour and Employment
Norman Ho - Real Estate
Patrick Ang - Restructuring and Insolvency
Rajesh Sreenivasan - TMT
Regina Liew - Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation
Sandy Foo - Corporate and M&A
Shemane Chan - Construction, Projects and Energy
Simon Goh - Insurance
Steve Tan - TMT
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping
Vikna Rajah - Private Wealth, Tax

Antitrust and Competition
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is active across the full spectrum of competition merger clearances, including in an increasing number of multi-jurisdictional merger control reviews. Its team supports clients in investigations, and leniency and abuse of dominance matters. Kala Anandarajah leads 'a very capable team', which includes Tanya Tang.

Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is an established player in derivatives and structured products, including listed and unlisted derivatives, and both exchange-traded derivatives and OTC derivatives. The team is well-entrenched into the regulatory field and has an impressive record in representing banks and financial institutions, corporates, clearing houses and exchanges. Regina Liew leads the financial institutions group and has extensive derivatives experience.

Construction
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is noted for its 'solid ability to handle the largest construction projects in the region', such as assisting with the $3.5bn One Bangkok mixed-development project and advising Facebook on its S$1.4bn investment to construct its first Asian data centre in Singapore. The team of 'highly experienced lawyers' is able to advise on early-stage project feasibility, procurement, project financing and dispute resolution. Soh Lip San leads the group, which also includes transactional partners Sim Chee Siong and Shemane Chan, who have significant experience in running projects in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Ng Kim Beng specialises in disputes arising in engineering and construction; power; oil & gas; and telecoms infrastructure development. Shannon Tan Yu Inn left the practice.

Dispute Resolution
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP continues to impress in banking, insolvency and restucturing and shipping cases, shareholder disputes, white-collar crime and arbitration-related court proceedings. It has appeared as counsel in an unrivalled number of SICC cases, consistently appearing in more Singapore Supreme Court hearings than any other firm, and is also at the forefront of en bloc sale disputes. Lee Eng Beng SC remains a leader in banking and insolvency disputes, Francis Xavier SC is a leader in cross-border litigation and arbitration-related court proceedings, Andre Yeap SC is a top litigator and arbitration counsel, and Chuan Thye Tan SC is also noted for insolvency litigation. Adrian Wong and Danny Ong are also highly rated.

Financial Services Regulatory
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has 'a good level of experience and broad knowledge' in the area of financial services, derivatives and structured products. Key clients include regulators, global banks, brokers, funds, insurers and fintech businesses. Fintech specialist Regina Liew also assists with licensing and regulatory clearances and regulator enforcement actions. Larry Lim also advises on a wide range of fintech-related matters, including the launch of cryptocurrencies and a wide range of issues covering banking, securities, derivatives, commodities and payment systems.

Insurance
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has great bench strength in the insurance advisory and disputes space, with specialist knowledge in insurtech and fintech. It also handles employment and insurance intermediary issues and has notable expertise in the insurance regulatory space. Simon Goh's practice spans contentious and non-contentious insurance and reinsurance; he is particularly noted for his expertise in restructuring, acquisitions of insurance companies and the sale and transfer of (re)insurance businesses. Elaine Tay advises insurers and brokers on licensing, restructuring, transfers and compliance issues. She is also an experienced advocate for insurers and clients in the energy and construction sectors.

Intellectual Property
Offering 'real industry expertise' in sports, gaming, energy, technology and retail, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is 'the first amongst its peers', according to one client. Specialising in non-contentious and litigation work in the sports, media and gaming industries, Lau Kok Keng is 'one of the most reputable IP lawyers in Singapore'; he acted for FIFA on its brand protection campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and advised the Singapore National Olympic Council on a sponsorship agreement with Borneo Motors Singapore. Nicholas Lauw has 'strong technical knowledge' and is frequently involved at the cutting edge of IP-related issues such as infringement relating to Google ad-words, judicial site blocking, eMoney regulations and patent infringement relating to solar energy generation.

Investment Funds
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP fields 'one of the most highly regarded fund formation teams in Singapore', with additional 'strength in depth' in the formation, strategy and execution of funds for major hedge, private equity and and alternative investment funds. Department head Arnold Tan is 'the leading counsel in fund formation' according to one client; he has longstanding expertise in the establishment of onshore and offshore investment funds, regulatory matters and securities laws. Anne Yeo 'always keeps one step ahead of regulatory changes' and 'has the experience to provide advice on innovative and bespoke fund structures'. Other names to note are Jasmine Chew for hedge funds and hybrid funds, and Philip Yeo for private equity, venture capital and real estate funds.

Labour and Employment
The employment practice at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 'has the resources and the experience to handle any size project', and acts for major international corporations and senior executives on all aspects of employment law and related issues. Key areas of activity include restructuring and retrenchment exercises, advising on the employment aspects of major transactions, advocacy in litigation and handling complaints, misconduct and investigations. Desmond Wee specialises in non-contentious employment, and is noted for his expertise in trade union matters, retrenchments and termination of employment exercises and structuring employment terms. Murali Pillai acts for employers in contentious matters, including enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants, banking secrecy and preserving confidentiality. Jonathan Yuen has a strong record defending corporate clients in disputes involving wrongful termination, whistle-blower claims, work-place discrimination, constructive-dismissal and other related issues.

Private Wealth
The team at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP provides 'clear and concise' advice and is praised for its 'very good insight into the local tax authority's way of thinking' and 'excellent communication skills'. The practice counts high-net-worth families, private banks, trust companies, institutional fiduciary services, family offices and non-profit organisations among its clients, and is best known for its strengths in trust structuring, business succession and estate wealth planning. Lead partner Vikna Rajah is 'a superb adviser with great insight and understanding of the local laws and the local tax authorities'.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP mixes both contentious and non-contentious expertise in the projects and energy sphere, and combines this with an impressive geographic reach beyond Singapore. The team covers a range of energy, infrastructure and real estate projects and is also noted for its project financing expertise. Shemane Chan, Soh Lip San and Larry Lim are key members of the team.

Restructuring and Insolvency
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP acts for lenders and creditors, secured and unsecured, debtors, liquidators, judicial managers and receivers on the most significant insolvencies and restructurings deals. The practice has a strong track record in disputes, corporate insolvencies and rescues, workouts and debt restructurings, and the enforcement of creditors’ rights. Patrick Ang is 'very commercial and solution driven' with 'good connectivity to major local and international banks'. Danny Ong and Lee Eng Beng, SC are also of note. Sim Kwan Kiat chairs the practice.

Shipping
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has 'excellent breadth of expertise' in corporate shipping and finance, advising local and international ship financing banks, on bilateral and syndicated shipping loans. The sizeable team is also involved in major shipping insolvencies, ship arrests, charterparties and cargo claims and maritime casualties. Key figures include Toh Kian Sing, SC, who chairs the shipping and international trade practice, and Chua Choon King and Winston Kwek, who are key names for ship finance. Leong Kah Wah and Jainil Bhandari have extensive courtroom experience as counsel in maritime and trade arbitrations.

TMT
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is the 'go to' practice for major corporate clients across various industries, including healthcare, e-commerce and insurance, as well as for regulators. Core areas of activity include big-ticket technology M&A transactions, telecoms infrastructure and regulatory issues, fintech, data protection and cybersecurity. Rajesh Sreenivasan heads the practice, which also includes Steve Tan, who is highlighted for his 'great depth of knowledge in Personal Data Protection Act matters', Tanya Tang and Benjamin Cheong.

Banking and Finance
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is at the forefront of cross-border financings, including a significant portion of transactions under English law; the banking and finance team has a number of English- and foreign-qualified lawyers. It remains active in real estate and REIT financings, has a fine standing in financial services regulatory matters, is a growing presence in fintech, and is further developing its client base of local, regional and international banks. The highly rated Angela Lim continues to draw accolades, while Regina Liew is noted for financial services regulatory and fintech. Terence Choo and Nicholas How are also highly rated.

Capital Markets: Equity and Debt
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a substantial capital markets team that has achieved deep penetration of the ECM and DCM segments. It has a significant market share of Singapore listings and Hong Kong IPOs by Singapore issuers. Moreover, it has advised on recent Nasdaq offerings and the first catastrophe bond in the market. Chia Kim Huat leads the corporate and transactional group and is an experienced capital markets practitioner. Evelyn Wee leads the capital markets team, while Danny Lim and Lee Xin Mei are also noteworthy practitioners. Eugene Lee has joined from Prolegis LLC to reinforce the firm's regional practice and standing in high-yield debt.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has maintained a steady pipeline of M&A deals, including a marked increase in take privates and has made an impression in REIT mergers. Its strong regional presence has led to an impressive number of deals involving Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia especially. The firm is also active in deals involving Singapore businesses investing in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Key sectors include insurance, healthcare, banking and real estate. Chia Kim Huat leads the corporate and transactional group, which includes Abdul Jabbar Bin Karam Din, Evelyn Wee, Lawrence Tan, Lim Wee Hann and the highly rated Sandy Foo, who is recognised for handling big-ticket transactions.

International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has demonstrated a high level of commitment to international arbitration and is a recognised leader in insolvency and shipping cases. It is also making an impression in investor-state arbitrations and commercial disputes with a regional dimension. Head of international arbitration Andre Yeap SC and Francis Xavier SC are two respected Senior Counsels in this sector. Ng Kim Beng is noted for infrastructure disputes.

Real Estate
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a strong offering for real estate acquisitions and disposals of commercial and residential properties through share sale arrangement and mergers. The team also advises on large-scale development and redevelopment, as well as associated financing. Norman Ho regularly advises major local and foreign property developers, investment funds, financial institutions and purchasers on the acquisition, sale-and-leaseback and financing of commercial buildings, retail centres and residential projects. Elsa Chai, Benjamin Tay and Gazalle Mok are the other names to note for mortgage loans (conventional and Islamic financings), REIT transactions and conveyancing, respectively.

Tax
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is a leader in acting for multinational corporates in cases against the IRAS. It also has a fine standing in broader tax disputes and is a growing presence in tax advisory and transactional matters, including a series of landmark capital markets offerings. Much credit goes to notable tax disputes specialist Vikna Rajah. Peter Tan has joined from Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow to reinforce the transactional and advisory side.

R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited – Thailand

Dispute Resolution - Tier 2
Labour and Employment - Tier 2
TMT - Tier 2
Banking and Finance - Tier 3

Leading Lawyer:
Surasak Vajasit - Banking and Finance

Rising Star:
Yingrak Treesaranuwattana - TMT

Dispute Resolution
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited has experience in a wide range of disputes covering tax, employment, customs and trade, and general commercial matters. The team is headed by senior partner Surasak Vajasit, who routinely represents multinational companies in legal proceedings with government entities and private litigants. Another key figure in the team is Melisa Uremovic, who has particular expertise in trade and customs disputes. Also recommended is Ittichai Prasongprasit, a fluent Thai and Japanese speaker who specialises in trade and construction disputes and is well-placed to represent foreign litigants from Japan.

Labour and Employment
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited has wide-ranging expertise in employment disputes and regulatory concerns, with a particular expertise in employment matters involving alleged misconduct, corruption and fraud. In addition, data privacy and protection have become increasingly important generators of work for the practice group. The team is headed by Sui Lin Teoh, who has experience advising domestic and international companies on employment matters. Ittichai Prasongprasit focuses on Labour Court work with disputes concerning labour unions, strikes and lock-outs, and Supawat Srirungruang advises on regulatory compliance and anti-bribery matters.

TMT
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited has a strong regulatory practice, with experience in fintech, data protection and e-commerce. The team is jointly led by Supawat Srirungruang, who advises telecoms companies on a range of regulatory matters, and Saroj Jongsaritwang, who has experience in media, e-commerce, and date protection issues. Associate Yingrak Treesaranuwattana is also active in the e-commerce space, having acted for e-payment service providers and other e-commerce companies.

Banking and Finance
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited is routinely involved in complex cross-border financing transactions, particularly in the context of major project developments. Names to note in the practice group include Surasak Vajasit, who has a strong track record in project financing and cross-border financing disputes, and Piroon Saengpakdee, who is also rated for his expertise in project finance and development.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers – Vietnam

Banking and Finance - Tier 3
Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Tier 2
Dispute Resolution: Litigation - Tier 2
Intellectual Property - Tier 2
Labour and Employment - Tier 1
Projects and Energy - Tier 3
Real Estate and Construction - Tier 1
Shipping and Aviation - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 1
TMT - Tier 1

Leading Lawyers:
Chau Huy Quang - Shipping, Tax, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, Dispute Resolution: Litigation, Intellectual Property
Vu Thi Que - Labour and Employment, TMT

Next Generation Lawyers:
Logan Leung - Corporate and M&A, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
Tran Thi Phuong Thao - Shipping

Labour and Employment
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is experienced in handling a considerable volume of contentious employment matters for its client roster which includes global financial institutions. Led by Vu Thi Que, the team is equipped to deal with advisory work on labour issues such as termination matters. Chau Huy Quang and Tran Xuan Chi Anh provide their dispute resolution and corporate experience respectively to matters which require cross-area expertise. The firm also handles broader day-to-day advice.

Real Estate and Construction
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers covers a continuum of work in the space ranging from large deals through to construction disputes. Group head Vu Thi Que is instructed by major developers and Chinese and Japanese investors into the Vietnamese real estate. Tran Thi Phuong Thao undertakes vast transactional work in this space across industry sectors. Construction and property arbitration matters are handled by foreign counsel Logan Leung.

Shipping and Aviation
The shipping team at Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers handles a number of complex wet shipping matters, among other work. The firm's shipping group, headed by disputes-focussed managing partner Chau Huy Quang, also handles a range of work concerning ship finance (often acting for banks), which Tran Thi Phuong Thao is the key contact for. Foreign counsel Logan Leung who co-heads the practice brings his multidisciplinary experience to the work and is noted for his arbitration expertise in assisting both wet and dry shipping law.

Tax
The tax practice at Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is led by dispute resolution lawyer Chau Huy Quang and handles a considerable amount of tax-related litigation with government entities. The team also handles a broad scope of non-contentious tax matters for local and foreign firms. The group contains Ho Chi Minh City-based Vu Thi Que and Tran Xuan Chi Anh who provide M&A expertise in taxation matters and counsel Logan Leung. Tran Duc Son left the firm for an in-house role at UPC Renewables.

TMT
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers provides a global client base with the full spectrum of advice on technology matters such as cybersecurity measures, regulatory work and market-entry advice. Vu Thi Que leads the team, which also has fintech expertise and handles high-value work for foreign investors and technology giants. Logan Leung has experience with Chinese investors and undertakes advisory and transactional work.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers handles a range of cross-border deals. Practice head Vu Thi Que handles a range of work concerning inward investment into Vietnam, with a particular following among clients from China, Taiwan and Japan. Senior foreign counsel Logan Leung acts for a range of international clients, and Tran Xuan Chi Anh heads up the competition law and regulatory practice. The core team also has Tran Thi Phuong Thao. The team is based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
At Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is skilled at representing clients in domestic and international arbitrations, including ones in Singapore. Key contacts and practice co-heads Chau Huy Quang and foreign counsel Logan Leung cover a range of disputes, with sector strengths in construction, upstream and downstream oil and gas, and infrastructure. Quang is an arbitrator at VIAC and also has experience in investor-state disputes.

Dispute Resolution: Litigation
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers litigation practice covers high-value real estate-related and shipping disputes overseen by team head Chau Huy Quang. Lead associate Quach Vu An Khoa’s practice includes intellectual property disputes, and former judge Do Duc Van Hong, who joined as special counsel, takes on commercial cases.

Intellectual Property
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has strength in contentious and non-contentious IP work.The group has been enhanced by new joiner Duc Van Hong as special counsel from a judicial role, bringing years of intellectual property related dispute expertise to the team. The department also has experience in IP registration and general administrative matters. Logan Leung assists on cross-border trademark disputes, and Chau Huy Quang contributes broader locally-qualified litigation expertise.

Banking and Finance
At Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers, the banking team handles a wide range of high-value project financing work, corporate lending and regulatory matters. The team which includes practice heads Trinh Minh Duc and Vu Thi Que act for major financial institutions in Asia and also have fin-tech expertise. Senior associate Huynh Thi Thu Thuy is notable for transactional work in the financial services sector, among other matters.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers' projects and energy practice receives regular instructions from the clean energy sector and is efficient in dealing with matters pertaining to solar and hydropower. Led by Vu Thi Que, the team has experience in project financing, an area of expertise for Nguyen Dinh Nha, as well as strong connections to Vietnamese players in the oil and gas industry.