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

The Legal 500 - Asia Pacific (2021)

R&T Sok & Heng Law Office – Cambodia

Leading Firm - Tier 2

Operating out of Singapore, the team at R&T Sok & Heng Law Office has established itself as a key firm known for advising on complex, high-value cross-border transactions, large-scale acquisitions, capital markets, and offshore listing works in Cambodia. Additionally, recent years have seen an increase in advising clients on IT and securities law. Managing partner Chhay Heng deals primarily in arbitration and insolvency matters. Deline Sieng, Sotheary Hout, and Sophonnora Tiv all are highly regarded.

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

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

Rising Stars:
Astrid Widyakartika - Capital Markets
Wildan Lukman Nurmajid - Shipping

Antitrust and Competition
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is uniquely positioned in the market due to members of team having previously worked for the Indonesian competition legal authority (KPPU), an advantage which has led the group to advising on high profile appeals against the KPPU. HMBC Rikrik Rizkiyana was involved in the drafting of the country’s consumer and competition law and is highly skilled in merger control and cartel investigations. Farid Nasution formerly worked for the prosecution division of the KPPU and is adept in handling competition litigation and merger filings. The firm enjoys a strategic alliance with Singaporean law firm Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP.

Aviation
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is the standout firm for aviation disputes, with a client roster consisting of three of the country’s six major airlines. Eri Hertiawan is an expert in both litigation and arbitration and has acted on disputes that typically falls under commercial agreements and consumer law. Recent instructions include acting for Garuda Indonesia in its lawsuit against a Rolls Royce subsidiary concerning the fraudulent behaviour of a former director.

Banking and Finance
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners’ core areas of focus include project, property and acquisition finance mandates, with expertise in handling syndicated and bilateral structures. Founding partner Ibrahim Assegaf leads the practice and has advised lenders on the financing and refinancing of major energy projects. Fellow founder Ahmad Fikri Assegaf has very broad capabilities and a key name in the market for Islamic finance. Yanu Wiriasmoko, who is highly skilled in corporate finance, is another key name.

Capital Markets
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is particularly prominent in the areas of sovereign and Sukuk issuances, with a client roster including major financial institutions as well as high profile state-owned entities. Managing partner Bono Daru Adji is respected name within this space, mostly known for his work US and Eurobond offerings. Putu Suryastuti leads the capital markets team and specialises in sovereign and shelf registered bonds. He is supported by Mohammad Renaldi Zulkarnain and Intan Paramita.

Corporate and M&A
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners client roster contains major public and private domestic companies as well as international investors from China, Japan, and the USA, amongst other regions. Eko Basyuni leads the practice and is an expert in M&A, with additional expertise in complementary areas such as capital markets and FDI. Founding partner Fikri Assegaf is another key name, noted for his longstanding expertise in M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions. Managing partner Bono Daru Adji is also an important figure and has been advising local tech giant GoJek on its inward and outward investment in the Fintech and e-commerce space. Another standout feature is its specialist teams in areas such as competition and tax and customs. Although not exclusively affiliated, the firm is part of the Singaporean law firm Rajah & Tann’s international network.

Dispute Resolution
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners’s highly respected team has regularly appeared before the Supreme Court and district courts, as well as acting on international and domestic arbitration. Senior partner Eri Hertiawan is a key name in the market for alternative dispute resolution, as illustrated by his recent appointment as member of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. His disputes have involved corporate, banking aviation, criminal and competition law cases. Founding partner Chandra Hamzah is another key name and most notably known for his work handling anti-corruption cases.

IT and Telecoms
Advising international and local technology companies, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners’ has been active in advising on corporate, commercial and regulatory work, especially in areas such as fintech, OTT services, data storage, telecoms and cloud computing. Zacky Zainal Hussein leads the TMT practice and focuses on the aforementioned areas, bringing a unique insight due to his former role as Head of Legal of local telecoms provider Indosat. Additionally M&A partner Bono Daru Adji has been regularly instructed by local tech giant Gojek on their corporate transactions.

Labour and Employment
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a notably strong disputes offering and has acted before the Labour Court, Industrial Court and Central Jakarta District Court, and has also acted on out of court settlements and arbitration tribunals. Ahmad Maulana leads the practice and is highly skilled in employment investigations, suspected fraud and industrial relations.

Real Estate
Advising local and international clients, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has a strong track record in advising on the development of major industrial property developments in the region. Practice head Yogi Sudrajat is an expert in both contentious and non-contentious real estate, more specifically in areas such as land acquisitions, tenancy disputes and lease agreements.

Shipping
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has expertise in contentious and non-contentious shipping issues through its experienced banking and finance partner Chandra Hamzah and renowned litigator Eri Hertiawan. Its shipping disputes work primarily involves financing and competition related issues as well as casualties. Other areas of interest include advising on charter parties, cargo claims and securitisation.

Tax
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is well placed to handle all aspects of contentious and non-contentious tax work with former government tax auditor Wibowo Mukti leading the practice. Mukti is a fully licensed tax consultant and has acted on appeals and judicial reviews before the tax court and Supreme Court. Muslimin Damanhuri is another key name and has been advising international companies such as Celta and Bytedance (owners of Tik Tok) on their tax arrangements in Indonesia.

Intellectual Property
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners’ intellectual property practice consists of IP specialist Dewi Kamaratih Soeharto working alongside the multi-disciplined commercial litigator Chandra Hamzah. Soeharto is highly skilled in soft IP and has been advising Tik Tok on the numerous copyright issues emanating from the use of music on its digital platform. Meanwhile Hamzah has been very active in copyright and trademark infringement-related disputes.

Projects and Energy
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners benefits international sponsors with its ‘close contacts with the various regulatory and SOE bodies in Indonesia’, advising on major energy and transport projects in the region. Founding partner Ibrahim Assegaf jointly leads the team and is highly experienced in oil and gas projects, as well as major infrastructure projects. Kanya Satwika advised Abu Dhabi Future Energy on the first floating solar power project in Indonesia and the largest in Southeast Asia. Ahmad Fikri Assegaf is another important name and is highly experienced in satellite financing.

Restructuring and Insolvency
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners has partners from its banking and finance and dispute resolution teams that regularly advise on major restructuring and insolvencies, more specifically in takeovers, recapitalisations and asset recoveries. Banking and finance head Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf has been advising on debt restructuring, the suspension of debt payments, as well as the restructuring of a Sharia financed structure. Litigator Eri Hertiawan works alongside the team when the bankruptcy goes to arbitration or litigation.

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

Leading Firm - Tier 2

Operating out of Vientiane, Rajah & Tann (Laos) has extensive experience in the establishment of foreign-Lao joint ventures, regulatory compliance, M&A, foreign direct investment, and project financing. The team has conducted key banking and finance-related work in industry sectors such as infrastructure, energy and power, and construction. Managing partner Hock Chye Lee advises on corporate, banking and finance, and real estate; director Brian Ng focuses on corporate law; Khanti Syackhaphom specialises in general corporate and commercial law and corporate transactions.

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

Hall of Fame:
Deepak Pillai - TMT
Intan Haryati - TMT
Kuok Yew Chen - TMT

Leading Lawyers:
Christopher Lee - Projects and Energy
Clive Selvapandian - Shipping
Eileen Yeoh - Projects and Energy
Kuok Yew Chen - Corporate and M&A
Ng Kim Poh - Intellectual Property
Sri Sarguna Raj - Intellectual Property
Yon See Ting - Antitrust and Competition, 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
With experience pre-dating the domestic legal framework, Yon See Ting leads the antitrust and competition team at Christopher & Lee Ong. Supported by the 'practical' senior associate Jane Guan, it handles a multitude of sector issues. Specifically enforcement raids (MyCC), relief and exemption applications, merger controls for regulated sectors and the implications of joint ventures. Industries regularly covered include telecoms, media and energy, areas in which it has recently dealt with branding provisions, cartels (price fixing, bid rigging) and abuse of dominance. The client portfolio includes a significant number of MNCs and Malaysian public listed companies.

Corporate and M&A
The corporate team at Christopher & Lee Ong is considered 'unique for its in-depth expertise on cross-border M&A transactions'. The practice includes banking practitioner Lee Hock Chye, capital markets expert Christopher Lee, the 'excellent' Yon See Ting, cross-border specialist Yau Yee Ming and KuokYew Chen (the name to note for business verticals and market entry). A member firm of Rajah & Tann Asia, it utilises this association in order to pursue the most complex domestic and cross-border transactions. Specific areas covered include: M&A, private equity investments, share acquisitions, venture capital deals, strategic alliances and corporate restructuring. Its significant client portfolio includes private equity houses as well as SMEs from sectors such as energy, retail, logistics and pharmaceuticals.

Intellectual Property
Christopher & Lee Ong's Sri Sarguna Raj heads the firm's intellectual property, sports and gaming group. Specialising in anti-piracy, his work also includes non-contentious aspects such as advising on franchising, sponsorship and merchandising agreements. More broadly, the team covers issues pertaining to trade mark infringement, patents, copyright, industrial designs, confidential information and the enforcement of Anton Piller orders. AirAsia Berhad is a key client for which it has carried out audits, clearance searches and overseas trade mark prosecutions in both ASEAN and some 27 other jurisdictions.

Projects and Energy
Christopher & Lee Ong offers services on projects and energy dispute resolution, including arbitration. In addition the firm advises clients on the transactional side of matters such as power purchase agreements, EPC contracts and renewable power transactions. Christopher Lee and Eileen Yeoh jointly lead the team. Lee acts on cross-border renewable energy projects including the project funding. Yeoh assists clients on petrochemical and refinery projects while Chor Jack represents local and international power producers on solar projects in Malaysia.

Shipping
Christopher & Lee Ong acts on a range of issues including marine casualty management, investigations of regulatory issues and marine pollution liability for ship owners, charterers, cargo owners and insurers. Jainil Bhandari leads the team and is present on shipping disputes alongside Clive Selvapandian, an expert on dispute resolution, who is active on litigation and arbitration, including insurance claims and dry shipping and maritime disputes. The firm also advises on oil shipment and trading matters.

TMT
Christopher & Lee Ong's TMT offering is orchestrated by established IT expert Deepak Pillai. Providing clients with 'highly specialised' work complemented by 'top quality drafting', it is particularly known for its work in the banking, financial and telecommunications sectors. Regulatory specialist KuokYew Chen works with data protection lawyer Intan Haryati; Anissa Maria Anis (media and entertainment) and senior associate Yong Shih Han (information security) in supporting the firm's broad caseload. Recent highlights include representing one of only three licensed digital asset exchanges (DAX), as well as filing a preparatory response to a Public Consultation Paper (Review of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010).

Banking and Finance
Recently attracting UOB Kay Hian Pte Ltd to its client portfolio, the banking and finance team at Christopher & Lee Ong handles a broad spectrum of sector requirements. These relate to issues such as: syndicated and bilateral lending, Islamic finance, debt capital markets, securitisation, real estate financing and insolvency. Directed by Christopher Lee and Fiona Sequerah, it also features the 'very accommodating' energy specialist Chor Jack. A recent distinguishing case concerns its work for BNP Paribas on a USD10.4 billion project financing facility to be granted to Pengerang Refining Company and Pengerang Petrochemical Company.

Labour and Employment
Christopher & Lee Ong's labour and employment team is orchestrated by four leads: Kelvin Kho, Rubini Murugesan, Yau Yee Ming and Han Li Meng. In essence, it stands as an integrated group of lawyers from corporate, commercial and litigation backgrounds. Notable for serving start-ups and new ventures, it regularly advises on the sector implications of compensation programmes, remuneration packages, corporate acquisitions and business integrations. To complement this, it also handles workforce restructuring (including transfers or migration), health and safety, anti-corruption, data protection and cybersecurity. The firm recently assisted Sellbytel Service in a hiring case concerning the ownership rights of 'successful bidders'.

Dispute Resolution
Christopher & Lee Ong's dispute resolution practice counts Siemens Malaysia and Alliance Investment Bank within its distinguished client portfolio. The offering is led by general civil and banking litigator John Mathew and includes Han Li Meng (an expert in infrastructure and construction) and Niak Hiong Keong, a specialist in the oil and gas sectors. Tort (including defamation, trespass and conspiracy ), real estate matters, maritime issues and debt recovery actions are all areas of expertise.

Real Estate and Construction
Christopher & Lee Ong handles matters such as acquisitions of real estate agencies, REITs, construction disputes and international arbitration. Lee Hock Chye has several decades of experience in the field, offering a combined real estate and banking expertise. Lim Hui Ming advises on local and cross-border agreements for multinational corporations and individuals while Eileen Yeoh, who works on real estate transactions, has a background as a construction litigation practitioner. Also of note is Kelvin Kho who acts for foreign clients investing in redevelopment projects in Malaysia.

Capital Markets
For capital markets cases at Christopher & Lee Ong, the key partner to note is Yon See Ting. Equally adept at antitrust and M&A, she leads a team covering equity, debt and hybrid instruments. IPOs and extra-jurisdictional listings are also covered.

Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited – Myanmar

Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Projects - Tier 3

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited works primarily on landmark M&A projects, equity, financing, and inbound and outbound deals to and from Myanmar. The team is active in government-related work and primarily provides advice to Japanese investors in Myanmar interested in real estate projects, public railways, banking, agriculture, and real estate. Practice co-head Chester Toh focuses on complex licensing and regulatory work, regulatory risk assessment regarding cross-border investments into Myanmar. Practice co-head Min Thein covers matters spanning from banking and infrastructure to real estate. Founding senior partner U Nyein Kyaw departed in 2019.

Projects
Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited has been active in landmark high-value rail, energy, and public housing projects in Myanmar, including a recent first-of-its-kind PPP low-cost housing component in Yuzana. Myanmar practice director Chester Toh is an expert in regulatory risk assessment for cross-border direct investments, while ex-Supreme Court Justice Min Thein assists international clients on Burmese investment. Shemane Chan is also highly regarded for her advice on procurement platforms in sectors such as energy, aviation, and transportation. In 2019, senior partner Nyein Kyaw departed the practice.

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

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
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:
Annalisa Carlota - Projects and Energy
Vladi Miguel Lazaro - Labour and Employment

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

Antitrust and Competition
Complimenting the firm's broader corporate practice, the competition and antitrust team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) has developed a strong merger control offering. The practice has recently expanded in scope and now also handles investigation work. The group has advised on the competition elements of several significant M&A deals in the food and drink, manufacturing and technology sectors. Founding partner Norma Margarita Patacsil is the key practitioner, while senior associates Jillienne Grace Sotto and Andrea Katipunan are other valued members of the team.

Projects and Energy
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law)'s first-rate practice is sought out by energy companies, developers and banks to assist with a vast array of power and infrastructure projects, including airports, cement mills, liquefied natural gas terminals, power plants and rail systems. In a recent highlight, the team, which comprises experts in corporate, disputes and tax, advised First Gen Corporation on the development and maintenance of a new LNG facility. One of the founding partners of the firm, Jaime Renato Gatmaytan leads the corporate practice and advises on lending, security and financing for large infrastructure projects. Ben Dominic Yap, also a founding partner, leads on contentious work and has experience of both litigation and arbitration in a construction context. Annalisa Carlota is instructed on energy projects across Asia, including those financed by sovereign debt.

Real Estate and Construction
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) has a strong reputation for advising on complex issues in the real estate field, handling issues relating to restrictions involving special classes of property, conversion of land to other uses and complex regulatory requirements. The group also has extensive construction experience, advising on projects for the construction of airports, cement mills, seaports and toll roads. Jaime Renato Gatmaytan maintains a truly international practice, having assisted developers and sponsors with tenders for large regeneration projects in China and Thailand. Albert Vincent Yu Chang and founding partner Norma Margarita Patacsil are corporate specialists; both advise companies active in the sector on IPOs, divestment of shares and fee deficiencies.

Tax
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises multinationals and domestic companies on tax matters, including providing assistance with the tax implications of transactions as well as representing clients in disputing tax assessments. The practice is led by Anthony Gutierrez, who acts in both contentious and non-contentious taxation matters. Roxanne Tadique is another key contact in the team, and also has a broad practice.

Banking and Finance
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises a client base of domestic and international banks on lending operations, including loan facilities and investments. The practice is led by Jaime Renato Gatmaytan, who also leads the firm's corporate and commercial team; elsewhere, Annalisa J. Carlota advises on project financing work across Asia.

Dispute Resolution
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) provides 'balanced, sober and principled advice' on a wide variety of commercial litigation matters including contractual disputes, banking and securities issues, tax and corporate rehabilitation. Jesus Paolo Protacio co-leads the team and has a broad practice that spans complex, high-value disputes involving product liability, torts, land and the enforcement of foreign judgments. The firm also operates an extensive arbitration practice, most particularly in the manufacturing and energy sectors. Co-practice head Ben Dominic Yap is the key partner in this regard; Yap has previously been appointed by the ICC to act as a neutral expert in an arbitration governed by Philippine law.

Labour and Employment
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) acts for employers in contentious labour cases, as well as providing advice on a range of labour issues. The team is active in advising multinationals on ensuring that their hiring and contracting arrangements comply with domestic law, as well as on the employment implications of M&A and reorganisations. The practice is led by Cesar Santamaria Jr, who handles contentious and non-contentious matters; Vladi Miguel S. Lazaro is the other partner in the team and specialises in labour disputes. Associate Katrine Paula Suyat advises on issues including employment termination and employment policy handbooks.

Corporate and M&A
The corporate team at Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises clients on issues including the incorporation of new entities, structuring and legal audits. Capable of serving numerous sectors, the group is particularly active in the manufacturing, food and drink, technology and energy industries. Founding partner Jaime Renato Gatmaytan co-leads the team and advises on equity investments, share and asset acquisitions, security and other financing arrangements. Co-head Norma Margarita Patacsil's expertise extends beyond mainstream corporate work to competition law and antitrust issues. Deborah Sobrepeña-Lacson was promoted to partner in January 2020.

TMT
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio (C&G Law) advises domestic and multinational clients on regulatory issues related to the use of telecoms equipment, online advertisements and cybersecurity. The firm also has a strong data privacy practice, providing training, audit assistance, document drafting and notification services. Mary Thel Mundin advises technology companies on a full range of commercial matters, including banking, investments and M&A. Deborah Sobrepeña-Lacson, who was promoted to partner in 2020, is another name to note.

Rajah & Tann Singapore – Singapore

Antitrust and Competition - Tier 1
Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration - Tier 3
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 2
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 1
Restructuring and Insolvency - Tier 1
Shipping - Tier 1
Tax - Tier 2
TMT - Tier 1
White-Collar Crime - Tier 1

Hall of Fame:
Andre Yeap SC - International Arbitration

Leading Lawyers:
Angela Lim - Banking and Finance
Anne Yeo - Investment Funds
Arnold Tan - Investment Funds
Chia Kim Huat - Capital Markets: Equity and Debt
Desmond Wee - Labour and Employment
Elaine Tay - Insurance
Francis Xavier - Dispute Resolution
Hamidul Haq - White-collar Crime
Kala Anandarajah - Antitrust and Competition
Lau Kok Keng - Intellectual Property
Lee Eng Beng SC - Dispute Resolution, 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, Financial Services Regulatory
Sandy Foo - Corporate and M&A
Shemane Chan - Construction, Projects and Energy
Simon Goh - Insurance
Steve Tan - TMT
Thong Chee Kun - White-collar Crime
Toh Kian Sing SC - Shipping
Vikna Rajah - Private Wealth, Tax

Next Generation Lawyers
Jasmine Chew - Investment Funds

Antitrust and Competition
Led by Kala Anandarajah, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP advises on mergers and acquisitions, Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) investigations, and the lodging of complaints with CCCS. Anandarajah has a broad knowledge of antitrust law. Tanya Tang is both a partner and chief economic and policy advisor in the team; her clients include private companies involved in mergers and investigations, as well as sectoral regulators.

Capital Markets: Structured Finance, Derivatives and Securitisation
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a formidable reputation in the regulatory field. It has extensive experience with listed and unlisted derivatives and other structured products. The firm has worked closely on changes to the OTC derivatives regime in Singapore and frequently advises clients on structuring their derivatives transactions. Regina Liew is a prominent regulatory specialist in derivatives, securitisation and other structured products. Larry Lim is also highly rated in this sector.

Construction
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has top-tier experience advising on construction matters for project sponsors, developers, and contractors, ranging from project feasibility, financing to contract drafting across a range of large scale projects in the region, such as its involvement with 'One Bangkok' the largest private sector development in Thailand. The Andre Yeap and Soh Lip San led group is also routinely advised on real estate redevelopments and EPC contracts for energy and infrastructure projects. San is sought after for his broad contentious and non-contentious expertise. Ng Kim Beng for disputes, Shemane Chan and Chee Siong Sim for procurement are also of note.

Dispute Resolution
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 'offers diverse and practical solutions' led by industry specialists in company law, shipping, real estate, and criminal investigations representing at all levels of the Singapore courts. In banking disputes, Lee Eng Beng SC successfully persuaded the Court of Appeal in a landmark case to recognize the Brickenden rule as part of Singapore law and to affirm the scope of its application for equitable claims involving breaches of fiduciary duties. Department head Francis Xavier specialises in international arbitration and cross-border commercial litigation and is supported by 'a skilled and synergetic team' comprising of Andre Yeap, Kelvin Poon and Adrian Wong. Danny Ong is highlighted for his experience in fintech and financial sector disputes.

Financial Services Regulatory
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has a longstanding specialist team with extensive experience in listed and unlisted derivatives, and other financial products. The firm, which is highly credible in both transactions and advisory matters, has also successfully targeted new economy areas such as digital tokens, initial coin offerings (ICOs), payment systems, and digital banking licences. Moreover, it has a long track record in regulatory advice linked to the establishment and operation of exchanges. Regina Liew is very experienced in this area, notably in the regulation of derivatives and securitisation. Larry Lim is further noted for fintech-related matters, including cryptocurrencies.

Insurance
Reputable local firm, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP prides itself as Singapore's full licence firm with a dedicated insurance department, led by Simon Goh. The team is equally at well versed in transactional, regulatory, and contentious aspects and is particularly known for its handling of employment and insurance intermediary issues. The firm also undertakes work relating to fraud, asset recovery, investigations, and crisis management. Other key partner Elaine Tay advises insurers and brokers on licensing, restructuring, transfers, and compliance issues.

Investment Funds
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has 'extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the hedge fund space from a legal, regulatory and operational perspective' and is a renowned practice for the establishment and management of private funds. Aside from the core aspects, the team is distinguished for its expertise in corporate reorganisation and M&A transactions involving Singapore-based managers and investment funds and the fund related aspects of M&A deals. Arnold Tan is a renowned figure in the private investment funds space. Anne Yeo has a strong relationship with fund managers in the formation, restructuring, and advisory arrangements for hedge, private equity, venture capital, and real estate funds. Jasmine Chew specialises in the formation of onshore and offshore investment vehicles. Carmen Lee joined from a leading global mutual funds group in March 2020.

Labour and Employment
Top tier firm, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP displays strong depth in contentious employment matters, with further expertise in non-contentious work such as employment contracts and restructuring and retrenchment exercises, handled primarily by Desmond Wee. Jonathan Yuen and Murali Pillai specialise in litigation, regularly representing banks, public health institutions, technology, and insurance companies in matters such as unfair dismissal, breach of duty, enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants, and preserving confidentiality.

Private Wealth
Tax lawyer and accountant Vikna Rajah is the key partner in Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's private client practice, where he is sought after for his expertise in estate planning, particularly in structuring tax-efficient cross-border multi-generational family trusts.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is known for the broad reach of its projects and energy practice, as it advises on projects in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar. In addition to handling energy projects, the team also advises on real estate, waste management, data centres, and transportation projects. As well as advising on financing and development, the team also advises master developers on procurement. Practice head Soh Lip San has experience in both contentious and non-contentious projects and energy work, while Shemane Chan is noted for her work on procurement. Larry Lim is known for his experience in energy markets.

Real Estate
The full-service real estate team at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is 'knowledgeable about their work and go the extra mile' in acquisition and disposition of commercial and residential properties, as well as handling innovative share sale arrangement and REIT mergers. Norman Ho spearheads the practice and routinely advises property developers, investment fund trustees, and financial institutions on all real estate aspects. For conveyancing, Elsa Chai is the go-to contact and for collective sales, Gazalle Mok is recommended.

Restructuring and Insolvency
The top-tier restructuring group at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP 'are commercial, responsive, and very effective' with a stellar track record acting on the largest and most complex mandates in Singapore and the region. The practice is particularly dominant in offshore, shipping, and energy sectors, and is currently working on the $1.2bn restructuring of Ezion Holdings involving multiple Asia-Pacific jurisdictions. 'Leading restructuring lawyer' Sim Kwan Kiat heads the department and is assisted by litigators Lee Eng Beng SC, Patrick Ang, Danny Ong, and Mark Cheng.

Shipping
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's market-leading shipping department is renowned for its strong reputation handling the most significant maritime disputes, for example, representing China-Base Group in Singapore's first case where a permanent anti-suit injunction was granted against ST Marine. Practice head Kian Sing Toh, SC, and Leong Kah Wah are leading advocates in shipping and commodities disputes. Wet shipping specialist Kendall Tan has 'a strong grasp of strategy and determination'. Winston Kwek is recommended for marine insurance and ship construction, as is Chua Choon King, who heads the corporate shipping and finance side.

TMT
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is a highly regarded practice for local, regional, and international TMT mandates. Known for his expertise in cybersecurity and data protection, Rajesh Sreenivasan recently worked with the World Bank’s engagement with Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria in the strengthening of their respective national digital identification systems. Steve Tan, 'a leading expert in data privacy', is frequently engaged by blue-chip clients to assist on data misuse issues, data storage, and data protection drafting. Lionel Tan advises on contentious issues involving internet fraud and breaches of confidential information. Benjamin Cheong and Tanya Tang are also highly sought after for their experience in a broad range of advisory and transactional mandates.

White-Collar Crime
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has an outstanding reputation in the white-collar crime field, noted for its expertise in money laundering, market misconduct, data breaches, and fraud investigations, along with sanction violation investigations. The department features a number of former prosecutors. Hamidul Haq is widely regarded as the leading figure in the market amongst Singapore law firms, having previously completed stints at the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Commercial Affairs Department. Thong Chee Kun has an extensive record in compliance breaches, corruption offences, fraud, cybercrime, and securities fraud.

Banking and Finance
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP continues to be recognised for cross-border deals, including financings that involve Southeast Asia jurisdictions where the firm has a presence. Key fortes range from real estate to energy and acquisition finance. Project finance, green loans, and hospitality sector financings are also areas of strength. It advised on the first green loan in ASEAN for a portfolio of rooftop solar projects, compliant with the Green Loan Principles issued in 2018 by the Loan Market Association and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association. The firm continues to make an impression in financial services regulatory matters, notably in fintech and digital currencies. Regina Liew is a leader in financial services regulatory matters, while Angela Lim is noted for cross-border finance, including acquisition and leveraged finance, project finance, and structured financings.

Capital Markets: Equity and Debt
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP has an extensive record in Singapore equity and debt offerings, while its international outlook has brought it a considerable share of cross-border deals. It has advised a long list of foreign issuers on their offerings in Singapore, and has assisted a series of Singapore clients on Hong Kong capital markets deals; among a number of transactions, it provided Singapore counsel to Edvance International Holdings on its HK$691m transfer from GEM to the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. In addition, the firm is at the forefront of burgeoning areas such as catastrophe bonds and continues to be part of the REIT and business trust market. Chia Kim Huat leads the corporate practice and is noted for capital markets deals, while Evelyn Wee heads the capital markets team. Lee Xin Mei and Eugene Lee have become key figures in the team, advising on a series of high-profile deals; Lee has extensive international capital markets experience.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is a major player in Singapore takeovers, while its dynamic regional and international profile has enabled it to land a high market share of cross-border deals, particularly in Southeast Asia; Myanmar is one particular jurisdiction where the firm has advised on a series of headline transactions. The firm has achieved further prominence in REITs and trusts M&A. Healthcare, banking, and insurance M&A are also fortes for the Singapore team. The firm has an outstanding record in public M&A and competing takeovers. Sandy Foo is rated for high-value M&A and private equity transactions.

Intellectual Property
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's intellectual property practice handles the full gamet of matters in this area, including IP registration, protection, and commercialisation. The team's client base includes government entities as well as companies in the energy, food and beverage, media, and technology sectors. The team is led by the highly experienced Lau Kok Keng, whose practice particularly focuses on the sports, media, and gaming industries. Elsewhere, Nicholas Lauw is noted for his work on IP matters in the technology sector.

International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's international arbitration team fields 'an excellent team with strength in depth at all levels of seniority'. It assists corporates in commercial disputes, with particular experience in the oil and gas sector and is also well-adept at acting for governments in arbitrations. The 'experienced, clever and very commercially attuned' practice head Andre Yeap SC and Chuan Thye Tan SC both have broad experience, while Kelvin Poon is noted for India-related arbitration and Ng Kim Beng specialises in project disputes. The group is also praised for its 'extensive off-shore offices in Asia', with affiliate offices in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, which it can rely on in multijurisdictional issues - including in parallel litigation.

Tax
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP's 'experienced and pragmatic tax lawyers' are very visible in tax litigation and building a strong transactional tax offering, strengthened by multidisciplinary expertise in the insurance, capital markets, banking, and technology sectors. The practice is led by Vikna Rajah who is 'well versed with the GST legislation in Singapore'. He also has a good track record in disputes against the tax authorities.

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP’s international arbitration team is headquartered in Singapore and excels in commercial and construction disputes. Andre Yeap SC, Francis Xavier SC and infrastructure-disputes expert Ng Kim Beng remain key contacts. The group also benefits from several affiliated offices in the region, at which Chau Huy Quang in Vietnam, aviation expert Eri Hertiawan in Indonesia and Han Li Meng in Malaysia are other names to note.

R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited – Thailand

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

Hall of Fame:
Surasak Vajasit - Banking and Finance

Rising Stars:
Yingrak Treesaranuwattana - TMT

Dispute Resolution
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited is noted for its work on commercial and employment litigation as well as customs and trade disputes. Managing partner Surasak Vajasit is a highly regarded litigator with years of experience in the Thai market. Sui Lin Teoh, who co-leads the team alongside Vajasit, is an expert in construction and insurance disputes and routinely acts for international clients. Chotiwit Ngamsuwan litigates in many practice areas and is 'a force before the courts' and associate Kittikun Soontarerat is considered 'the future of the firm'.

Labour and Employment
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited is active on the contentious and non-contentious side of Thai employment law matters. This includes litigation in the Thai courts and advice on employment contracts and conducting reviews of HR policies on the non-contentious side. Sui Lin Teoh heads up the practice. She advises Thai subsidiaries of international companies on the reorganisation or termination of employment of their senior executives. Supawat Srirungruang advises clients on labour disputes and represents companies in their negotiations with employees.

TMT
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited acts on the established and emerging sectors of TMT including technology, media and data privacy matters as well as data security, fintech and e-commerce. Supawat Srirungruang is varied in his experience, with involvement in administrative proceedings in the telecoms field, as well as regulatory compliance and cyber security. Saroj Jongsaritwang works with major technology companies on their operations in Thailand. He also has knowledge of e-commerce matters. Senior associate Yingrak Treesaranuwattana is recommended for e-commerce and e-payments work.

Banking and Finance
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited advise on an array of banking and finance matters including contentious banking issues, project finance and commercial lending. Managing partner Surasak Vajasit heads up the team and works with banks and financial institutions in Thailand.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers – Vietnam

Banking and Finance - Tier 3
Corporate and M&A - Tier 2
Data Protection - Tier 1
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

Data Protection
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers' data protection practice has an overlap with the firm's TMT group and is experienced in advising domestic and foreign clients on cybersecurity legislation and compliance procedures related to business operations in Vietnam. New partner Logan Leung advises tech clients on contentious and non-contentious matters, and the firm is able to leverage its wider Asia network to support on cross-border regulatory matters.

Labour and Employment
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has a large employment offering and excels in labour-related litigation work for its global client base which includes well-known international businesses. Practice head Vu Thi Que regularly supports Chinese, Taiwanese and Japanese investor clients on matters pertaining to joint venture programs and day-to-day advisory work. Other co-head Chau Huy Quang is the key name for cross-border dispute resolution work. The team handles termination matters, COVID-related business downsizing, and work permit issues. Logan Leung handles contentious mandates.

Real Estate and Construction
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is particularly active in the construction disputes space, with a large number of mandates including significant international arbitrations. Practice head Vu Thi Que is a notable name for real estate deals, advising developers and investors (many of whom Chinese) on major transactions. Tran Thi Phuong Thao has real estate finance expertise and Logan Leung further bolsters the contentious construction practice.

Shipping and Aviation
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers ' shipping practice handles a range of complex wet shipping matters and is able to leverage the maritime expertise of its Singapore office to handle cross-border disputes. Headed by managing partner Chau Huy Quang, the team is also experienced in vessel finance matters. Tran Thi Phuong Thao is recommended for transactional work in this space whilst new partner Logan Leung who co-heads the group is noted for his contentious litigation practice.

Tax
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has strength in contentious tax-related matters and is led by dispute resolution lawyer Chau Huy Quang. The practice handles a significant amount of tax-related litigation mandates and non-contentious tax matters for local and foreign firms. Logan Leung supports on cross-border tax investigations and is active in the corporate space. Tran Xuan Chi Anh left the team.

TMT
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers advises a number of established tech giants and start-ups on cybersecurity, regulatory work, and market entry into Vietnam. Vu Thi Que leads the team and handles both contentious and non-contentious work with Logan Leung being a key name for Chinese investors. The group also handles cross-border transactional work, able to leverage the firm's headquarters in Singapore.

Corporate and M&A
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers' corporate group handles large transactions across industry sectors, with a strong regional footprint allowing it to seamlessly handle cross-border matters for a client base that includes key names from the business worlds in Japan and China as well as domestic businesses. Vu Thi Que heads the practice, which also includes new partner promotion Logan Leung, who advises on a range of international deals as part of a broad practice, and Tran Thi Phuong Thao. Regulatory expert Tran Xuan Chi Anh departed the firm.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration
At Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers, the group has a track record of acting for multinationals in domestic and international arbitrations, including at SIAC and in investor-state arbitrations. Chau Huy Quang oversees the practice and has a specialism across the upstream oil and gas sector, as well and infrastructure and construction - he also sits as an arbitrator. New partner Logan Leung is also recommended.

Dispute Resolution: Litigation
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has experience across civil, commercial and public law, led by practice head Chau Huy Quang. The team has particular experience across the real estate and shipping arena with high-value litigation work frequenting the caseload, in addition to offering expertise in alternative dispute resolution. The firm’s commercial disputes capacity was bolstered by the arrival senior counsel, Do Duc Van Hong, who was a former Supreme Court judge. Logan Leung, an Australian-qualified new partner promotion, is also notable.

Intellectual Property
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers' core focus remains in handling contentious and non-contentious IP work, with a specialism in dispute resolution matters. Chau Huy Quang manages the practice, which also includes Logan Leung who assists on cross-border trademark disputes, and special counsel Duc Van Hong who specializes in intellectual property-related litigation. The group also advises on day-to-day operations and licensing agreements.

Banking and Finance
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is skilled in the project financing arena, advising both lenders and borrowers on high-value transactional matters. Jointly managed by Nguyen Dinh Nha and Vu Thi Que, the practice is experienced in corporate lending work, advising on regulatory matters, and has a thriving fintech space. Operating from Ho Chi Minh City, the team is able to handle cross-border work with its offices across Southeast Asia including Thailand and Singapore. Special counsel Huynh Thi Thu Thuy is a key member of the team and recommended for structuring transactions for banking clients.

Projects and Energy
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers has expertise in clean energy projects, particularly in wind, solar and hydropower matters. Led by Vu Thi Que, the practice has experience leading advisory work and transactions across the energy sector, with project finance a core strength, an area of expertise of Nguyen Dinh Nha. Logan Leung is also of note.