Chambers Global (2022)

R&T Sok & Heng - Cambodia

General Business Law - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Chhay Heng (Band 2), Sieng Deline (Up and Coming), Sophonnora Tiv (Band 2)

What the team is known for
Working with the wider Rajah & Tann network, R&T Sok & Heng regularly advises an international clientele on domestic law. Retains a strong market reputation for work on cross-border transactions, including project finance and joint ventures, as well as banking and real estate matters. Its Phnom Penh office additionally handles dispute resolution. Also offers significant knowledge of Cambodian securities law, as well as e-commerce and data protection issues. Acts for a broad mix of Asian and global clients as well as domestic Cambodian corporations.

Strengths
One client says: "R&T Sok Heng has the depth and the breath of corporate expertise and experience to deliver cutting-edge legal solutions to help develop winning strategies to navigate through the most complex legal issues. Their internal processes are systematic, methodical and more importantly consistently high on delivery, which gives rise to excellent customer care."
Another client notes that the firm offers "reasonable billing rates for quality service" and "the lawyers are of very high quality and willing to listen to client concerns."

Work highlights
R&T Sok & Heng Law Office advised Soma Group Company on its joint venture with CP Group.

Notable practitioners
Heng Chhay covers a range of legal areas including commercial, real estate and finance. He also advises e-commerce companies on data privacy and other compliance matters.

Sieng Deline is a seasoned banking and finance lawyer with past experience as in-house counsel. He is regularly mandated by lenders and borrowers to handle financing and refinancing matters and praised by interviewees for the "good calibre" of his advice.

Tiv Sophonnora is experienced in a range of areas including finance, commercial and investment-related issues. One client says: "We are particularly impressed by his forthrightness, making plain his expert legal views so that customers can make clear, informed choices, his clarity of thought and his approach to problem solving."

Rajah & Tann Shanghai Representative Office – China

Ranked Lawyers: Chia Kim Huat – Capital Markets (International Firms): Expertise Based Abroad – Singapore, Vu Thi Que - Corporate/M&A (International Firms): Expertise Based Abroad – Vietnam

Assegaf Hamzah & Partners - Indonesia

Capital Markets - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Ahmad Fikri Assegaf (Eminent Practitioners), Bono Adji (Band 1), Putu Suryastuti (Band 2)

What the team is known for
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners offers a full suite of legal services for capital markets, including advising on convertible and exchangeable bonds, IPOs and private placements in Indonesia. Additionally adept at advising on Shari'a-compliant sovereign debt issuances. Particularly active for issuers, advising several of Indonesia's largest corporates in the energy, mining and telecommunications sectors. Also represents government entities and financial institutions in capital markets transactions. Medco Energi, DCI Indonesia and Indointernet Indonesia are clients.

Notable practitioners
Ahmad Fikri Assegaf is a seasoned lawyer in Jakarta with a broad practice covering capital markets, M&A and finance. He is experienced in representing issuers on bond transactions.

Bono Adji is recognised by market commentators as a highly experienced and sought-after lawyer in Indonesia for capital markets and public M&A matters. He advises on both debt and equity deals.

Putu Suryastuti acts for issuers and joint lead managers on bond issuances and rights issues in Indonesia, and is notably active representing financial institutions in their capital-raising activities. Market sources note that she is "very active on capital markets transactions."

Corporate/M&A - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Ahmad Fikri Assegaf (Eminent Practitioners), Bono Adji (Band 1), Eko Basyuni (Band 3), Valerie Ngooi Ming Hui (Band 2 - Foreign Legal Consultants)

What the team is known for
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is a market-leading corporate law practice in Jakarta, active on some of the largest and most complex M&A transactions in the region. Advises major Indonesian clients and prominent international companies on joint ventures, foreign direct investment and private equity. Valued also for its work in real estate, particularly on development deals and lease agreements. Regularly handles acquisitions pertaining to industrial and retail properties, as well as construction issues. Clients include Pluang, Mandiri Sekuritas and Kalbe Farma.

Notable practitioners
Ahmad Fikri Assegaf is an established figure in Jakarta's legal market. He is best known for handling notable transactions in the financial services and oil and gas sectors.
Bono Adji is a highly respected M&A lawyer in Jakarta. He has significant expertise in assisting major Indonesian, regional and international corporates with structuring transactions. He is described by market commentators as an active and hands-on partner.

Eko Basyuni handles M&A, foreign direct investment and restructuring deals in Indonesia. His experience spans technology and insurance deals.

Valerie Ngooi Ming Hui is an experienced foreign legal consultant within the Indonesian market, according to market commentators. She represents foreign investors and local clients in acquisitions, sales and joint ventures.

Projects & Energy - Band 2
Ranked Lawyer: Kanya Satwika (Band 3)

What the team is known for
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners is noted for advising some of the region's largest energy and resources companies, as well as government entities and export credit agencies, on legal matters in Indonesia. Proficient in handling project-related transactions, financings and development in the oil and gas, renewable energy and petrochemical spaces, as well as mining, road and telecoms infrastructure developments. Frequently involved in cross-border matters for both lenders and project companies. Also able to handle contentious mandates in the projects and energy sector. Counts Star Energy Geothermal, Penjaminan Infrastruktur Indonesia and Aneka Tambang among its clientele.

Notable practitioners
Kanya Satwika has expertise in Indonesia's oil and gas and power space, including renewable energy, as well as infrastructure projects. She is credited by market sources for handling "lots of energy and projects work."

Christopher & Lee Ong - Malaysia

Banking & Finance - Band 3
Ranked Lawyer: Fiona Sequerah (Band 3), Jack Chor (Up and Coming)

What the team is known for
Christopher & Lee Ong has an established and experienced legal team in Kuala Lumpur handling a comprehensive range of finance matters, on behalf of both Malaysian and international banks. Often advises energy companies on project financing, while also handling syndicated loans, real estate finance and refinancing. Often handles deals in the telecoms, construction and real estate sectors. Conversant in both conventional and Islamic finance.

Notable practitioners
Fiona Sequerah is a partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Kuala Lumpur. She is experienced in advising financial institutions on conventional and Islamic DCM, debt restructuring, term loans and asset finance.

Jack Chor is a partner who especially advises clients on project financing deals in Malaysia, acting for both lenders and borrowers. A client comments that "he is very good and will help deal with minor things and big issues. His opinion and views are always good."

Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Christopher Lee (Band 2), Kuok Yew Chen (Band 4), Yon See Ting (Band 4)

What the team is known for
Christopher & Lee Ong has a well-regarded team of corporate lawyers in Kuala Lumpur, advising clients on a broad range of transactional and regulatory issues in Malaysia. Acts for domestic and international clients on M&A, private equity deals and corporate restructuring, including cross-border transactions, for which it leverages its regional network. Especially active in the healthcare, manufacturing, technology and retail sectors. Maxis Broadband, Kenanga Investment Bank and Johnson Controls are examples of the team's clientele.

Notable practitioners
Christopher Lee is a partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Kuala Lumpur. He has particular expertise acting on acquisitions in the projects and infrastructure and healthcare spaces.

Yon See Ting is the managing partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Kuala Lumpur. She has a robust practice advising conglomerates on joint ventures and M&A. An interviewee comments that "she is very sensible and a smooth operator. She is a pleasure to work with."

Kuok Yew Chen is a well-regarded partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Malaysia, entering this year's rankings due to impressive recognition. A client finds him to be "so impressive" and someone who "really knows his stuff and explains things clearly. He comes across extremely well as a corporate lawyer."

Corporate & Finance (Expertise Based Abroad) - Singapore
Ranked Lawyer: Raymond Tong

Raymond Tong is based in Singapore and is well versed in Malaysian capital markets transactions. He frequently assists local banks and corporates with IPOs and other equity issuances, as well as sukuk.

Shipping (Expertise Based Abroad) - Singapore
Ranked Lawyer: Jainil Bhandari

Jainil Bhandari is based in Singapore and is qualified to advise on both Malaysian and Singaporean law, with strong expertise in the shipping space. He is particularly well placed to handle admiralty disputes in Malaysia.

Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited - Myanmar

General Business Law: International Firms - Band 1
Ranked Lawyer: Chester Toh (Band 1 - Expertise Based Abroad)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann provides a highly effective regional legal platform, with the ability to provide domestic and international law capabilities on matters in Myanmar. Often leads Myanmar matters from its Singapore office with support from its team based in Yangon. Particularly active in advising clients on M&A, banking and joint venture matters in Myanmar, as well as significant real estate and infrastructure projects. Represents an impressive array of Myanmar corporates as well as regional and global clients, including Ascent Myanmar Growth and OCBC.

Strengths
A client reports that Rajah & Tann's team "is very responsive and extremely knowledgeable," as well as being "very commercial in its thinking."

An interviewee says: "They help us to weigh up our options carefully and provide a measured and balanced viewpoint."

Work highlights
Rajah & Tann advised Best Oil on franchise arrangement for its service stations across Myanmar.

Notable practitioners
Chester Toh in Singapore is highly praised by market sources for his expertise on corporate legal matters. He regularly acts on cross-border M&A and private equity investments, joint ventures and real estate development matters.

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

Banking & Finance - Band 3

What the team is known for
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio is a Philippines-based legal team that is noted for its project finance and general loan facilities work. Assists various foreign and domestic banks and corporate borrowers with transactions in the Philippines. Also active on fintech matters. Examples of the firm's clientele include Standard Chartered Bank and SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet.

Notable practitioners
Annalisa Carlota and Jaime Renato Gatmaytan are key points of contact for clients.

Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan (Band 3) , Norma Margarita B Patacsil (Band 2)

What the team is known for
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio provides extensive advice on foreign investments, share and asset acquisitions, as well as regulatory and compliance issues and divestments in the Philippines. Also experienced in assisting clients with the establishment of local businesses. Frequently advises on a range of corporate matters in the energy, aviation and technology industries. Clients benefit from its wide regional coverage and its experience handling cross-border matters. Additionally proficient in the real estate sector, often handling related disputes and tax matters, as well as M&A. Examples of the firms clientele include Stellar and TeaM Energy.

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan heads the department and is experienced in equity investments and transactions. He often advises on matters in the projects and energy sector.

Norma Margarita Patacsil is known to be active on corporate work, whilst also being recognised for expertise in competition matters. One client describes her as "extremely practical and commercial in providing all services."

Projects, Infrastructure & Energy - Band 3
Ranked Lawyer: Jaime Renato B Gatmaytan (Band 3)

What the team is known for
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio is recognised and respected in the legal market for its activity in the Philippines infrastructure and energy arenas. Well versed in project finance, including in the LNG and renewable energy sectors. Strong knowledge of the regulatory framework and contractual issues, including in relation to disputes work. It advises both public and private sector clients, including government bodies, significant financial institutions and major corporates, including STEAG State Power and Retail Electricity Suppliers Association.

Notable practitioners
Jaime Renato Gatmaytan is acknowledged for his expertise in projects in the Philippines. His work includes project-related financings in the power sector.

Rajah & Tann Singapore - Singapore

Banking & Finance - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Angela Lim (Band 2), Ng Sey Ming (Band 3, Foreign Expert for Indonesia)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore's lawyers are sought after by major banks and corporate borrowers, with an excellent track record in both large and mid-sized work, from traditional banking and syndicated lending to project and real estate finance. Capable of handling Shari'a-compliant financings and green financing. Additionally offers notable regulatory expertise regarding fintech issues and digital licence application mandates. Well placed to handle cross-border instructions due to its network of offices across the region, including in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and China. Key clients of the department include Maybank and OUE Commercial REIT Management.

Foreign desks
Rajah & Tann Singapore is well placed to assist foreign and local entities with banking matters in Indonesia, including acquisition finance. It often advises on deals in the energy sector. Ng Sey Ming is a key contact.

Notable practitioners
Angela Lim is a well-respected banking and finance lawyer in Singapore, offering specific infrastructure expertise. She also regularly advises on term and bridge loan facilities.

Ng Sey Ming has built a strong reputation for cross-border transactions and acts for major banks and companies. His areas of expertise include real estate finance and sustainability-linked facilities. He has experience advising clients on deals in Indonesia.

Banking & Finance: Regulatory - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Regina Liew (Band 1)

Regina Liew has a market-leading regulatory practice in Singapore. She has expertise across a wide range of issues, including digital banking and bank restructuring.

Banking & Finance (Foreign Expertise) - Spotlight Table (Indonesia)

Capital Markets - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Chia Kim Huat (Eminent Practitioner and Foreign expert for China), Danny Lim (Band 4), Evelyn Wee (Band 3), Raymond Tong (Band 1 and Foreign expert for Malaysia)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore offers legal expertise across both debt and equity capital markets and is recognised for being involved in many complex transactions in the market. Highly regarded for advising on IPOs and listings and rights offerings, alongside multicurrency debt issuances and convertible notes. Its client roster includes issuers as well as underwriters, with key names such as Credit Suisse and SMRT. A network of offices across ASEAN and beyond adds to the team's ability to handle cross-border work. Often assists clients with overseas listings, especially in Hong Kong.

Notable practitioners
Danny Lim regularly advises clients including Singaporean and foreign listed companies on rights issues and share placements. A market source reports that "he is very commercial and attuned to clients' needs."

Evelyn Wee is well placed to assist clients with IPOs, follow-on offerings and other equity issuances. She has experience of handling deals in the life sciences and agribusiness sectors.

Chia Kim Huat is deeply experienced in capital markets transactions related to domestic listings and secondary issuances. He is also well versed in assisting Chinese clients with a wide range of listings and offerings.

Raymond Tong of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is deeply experienced in equity issuances in particular, as well as handling debt deals, and has strong expertise in Malaysian matters. "His knowledge of deal structuring is very useful, especially when it comes to cross-border transactions," says a source.

Capital Markets: International
Ranked Lawyer: Raymond Tong (Band 4)

Corporate/M&A - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Danny Lim (Band 5), Sandy Foo (Band 3)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore has a highly regarded team of lawyers, leveraging the strength of its network of Asian offices to handle complex cross-border M&A mandates. Active in a range of sectors, including property, manufacturing, education and healthcare, acting for major banks and corporate clients on public and private M&A transactions, including privatisations, as well as private equity deals. Further expertise handling REIT-related transactions. Effectively leverages the firm's wider practice areas on related issues, including capital markets, finance and real estate. Clients include Perennial Real Estate and Japfa.

Foreign desks
The Singapore team has significant experience of advising domestic and international companies on acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures in Myanmar, acting in collaboration with its Yangon office. It has expertise regarding transactions across different sectors, including retail, insurance and TMT. The team advised Ascent Myanmar Growth Fund on its acquisition of an additional minority stake in Frontiir from Beauty Noble. Chester Toh leads the Myanmar-focused team.

Notable practitioners
Danny Lim is recognised for his capabilities in both public and private M&A transactions, with particular expertise in corporate restructuring and exit offers. He is experienced in advising multinational companies, as well as Singaporean entities.

Sandy Foo is a lawyer in Singapore who regularly advises corporate clients from a wide variety of sectors on sophisticated commercial transactions, including real estate and healthcare. She is additionally experienced in supporting private equity funds with investments, including REITs. One client praises her advice as "clear and concise."

Corporate/M&A (Foreign Expertise) - Spotlight Table (Myanmar)
Ranked Lawyer: Chester Toh

Chester Toh in Singapore is highly praised by market sources for his expertise on corporate legal matters in Myanmar. He regularly acts on cross-border M&A and private equity investments, joint ventures and real estate development matters.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration - Band 2
Ranked Lawyers: Andre Yeap SC (Band 3), Francis Xavier SC (Band 5), Tan Chuan Thye SC (Band 4)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann boasts an impressive line-up of experienced arbitration lawyers with deep connections throughout the Singapore and Asian markets. Very good slate of work in energy and shipping disputes, and recent involvement in BIT arbitration. Involved in UNCITRAL arbitrations in Singapore, as well as matters before the ICC and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Clients include companies, states and government-linked organisations. Firm's strong reputation for court litigation also makes the team a popular choice for arbitration-related litigation. Well placed to provide specialist advice on construction-related disputes. Vedanta and Oxley are clients.

Foreign desks
Rajah & Tann Singapore often handles international arbitration relating to Indian entities, including SIAC and UNCITRAL proceedings. The team represented Vedanta in two matters under UNCITRAL rules against the Republic of India, concerning the latter's retrospective usage of legislation to impose capital gains taxes and interest in relation to certain sale proceeds. Kelvin Poon is a key contact for clients in relation to India.

Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is recognised as "a very good lawyer" and is "one of the leaders at the firm," according to sources. He has defended breach of contract arbitrations for sovereign states and also sits as an arbitrator.

Tan Chuan Thye SC is "a go-to lawyer if we have any complex cases," says one client, adding that he is "very sharp, astute and a fantastic strategist with excellent judgement." He has worked on ICC and SIAC arbitrations.

Francis Xavier SC is a well-respected lawyer who acts in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. He is well versed in shareholder and construction disputes.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (Foreign Expertise) - Spotlight Table (India)

Dispute Resolution: Litigation - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Andre Yeap SC (Band 3), Danny Ong (Band 4), Francis Xavier SC (Band 2), Lee Eng Beng SC (Band 1)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann's prolific litigation team offers plentiful expertise in big-ticket domestic and cross-border disputes. Represents clients at all levels of the Singapore courts. Has particular experience in financial disputes, including those relating to cryptocurrencies, while it also possesses expertise in contentious joint venture, shareholder and insolvency matters. Well placed to act on multi-jurisdictional matters due to its network of offices and alliances in the wider region. Members of the team have notable expertise handling cases connected to the Indonesia, India and China markets. OUE Lippo Healthcare, Vedanta and Prudential Assurance are notable clients.

Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC has acted on cross-border issues before the High Court, including arbitral enforcement relating to investment treaties and against sovereign states. A market source says he "has a very good reputation" and also notes his activity in the construction space.

Danny Ong is someone clients turn to for advice on fraud litigation and breach of contract. He is particularly sought out by companies in the finance sector. One market source notes him as "strong and well regarded in recent years," while another commentator says he is a "very good lawyer."

Lee Eng Beng SC has long been an esteemed figure in the market. He is active on complex business law disputes before the Court of Appeal.

Francis Xavier SC has experience before the SICC and the Court of Appeal, acting on cross-border disputes concerning alleged breach of obligations. One market source attests to his well-honed skills in court: "He is an excellent litigator and brilliant cross-examiner and has good market reputation."

International & Cross-Border Capabilities (Singapore & South East Asian Firms) - Band 1

What the team is known for
Widely regarded as one of the foremost independent practices in Singapore and South-East Asia, Rajah & Tann performs highly on an international stage. As a member of the elite network Lex Mundi, the law firm is closely aligned to leading practices worldwide, and also offers clients a comprehensive network of its own offices which spans ASEAN. The firm operates a full-service model from Singapore, and is often engaged to act as lead counsel on cross-border issues, but also frequently works in conjunction with international firms on multi-jurisdictional matters.

Rajah & Tann is regarded as having one of the strongest contentious teams in the region, which excels in both cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings, as well as antitrust disputes and corporate investigations. Equally, the team is held in high regard for its transactional work, offering both international investors into Asian jurisdictions and local entities extensive support on financing, M&A and capital markets deals. The firm also provides clients with strong sector-specific guidance, with leading specialists offering cross-border advice in relation to the shipping, TMT, construction and insurance industries.

Strengths
A client attests: "Rajah & Tann provides high-quality advice at very reasonable rates. They are extremely responsive and nothing ever falls through the gaps. They also manage their South-East Asian offices and partners extremely well, so I get the same quality of advice and value for money whichever country they are assisting me in."They really seek to value-add by providing commercial, sensible advice which is practical and realistic to implement," says another source, adding: "Another notable strength is that they are able to coordinate and obtain advice from their regional South-East Asia offices, which is extremely helpful."

Projects & Energy - Band 2
Ranked Lawyer: Shemane Chan (Band 1)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore is well known for its comprehensive regional legal network, with an established presence in Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Highly sought after for its expertise in power and strong experience on PPP infrastructure projects. Also experienced in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors. Noted for its focus on the construction and development aspects of projects, with additional expertise regarding project finance.

Notable practitioners
Shemane Chan specialises in energy, utilities and infrastructure project development and SPAs, including on renewable energy mandates. An interviewee notes: "She is always very attentive and responsive and has been influential in getting our deal over the line. She demonstrates attention to detail and vast knowledge."

Shipping - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Shipping: Domestic: Finance - Chua Choon King (Band 2), Shipping: Domestic: Litigation - Jainil Bhandari (Band 3, also ranked in Shipping (Foreign Expertise) - Malaysia), Kendall Tan (Band 2), Leong Kah Wah (Band 1), Toh Kian Sing (Band 1), V Bala (Band 4), Winston Kwek (Band 3)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore's pre-eminent shipping law practice is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises international banks and commodity houses, as well as shipowners and judicial managers. Counts Hin Leong Trading, DBS Bank and Di Matteo among its clientele.

Notable practitioners
Chua Choon King has well-established experience in the area of shipping finance in Singapore, regularly acting for notable banks. He offers clients knowledge of ship sale and purchase agreements as well as leasing work. Market commentators note that "he has built a strong practice and formidable reputation in the Singapore market."

Jainil Bhandari is a distinguished lawyer in Singapore, and also has expertise in Malaysian shipping matters. He has substantial experience in shipping disputes, assisting clients with ship safety and cargo damage matters.

Leong Kah Wah is widely viewed as a prominent shipping litigator in Singapore. He assists clients with complex liability and salvage matters arising out of ship collisions and groundings. A source says: "He is a top-flight litigator who has shown a real zeal in understanding what drives his clients."

Kendall Tan has a wealth of experience in shipping disputes in Singapore, regularly advising clients on wet matters including shipping arrests and damages claims. He is praised by an interviewee for "going out of his way to help in every way he can."

Toh Kian Sing SC offers significant expertise in the full range of shipping disputes in Singapore, from charter party and enforcement cases to claims arising out of ship casualties and collisions. A client describes him as "a real expert in his field who cuts to the chase and grabs the key issues very quickly."

V Bala is praised by a source for having "vast experience" in shipping litigation and arbitration matters in Singapore. He is well versed in wet and dry shipping litigation, including restructuring and charter party disputes as well as ship arrests and collisions.

Winston Kwek offers clients a wealth of experience across a range of different matters in Singapore, including major restructuring-related litigation and fraud disputes. He regularly assists international banks and corporate clients in the shipping industry and also offers knowledge of tax matters. One source praises him for offering "practical and effective advice that works."

Asia-Pacific Region: Arbitration (International) - Band 3

What the team is known for
A leading Singapore firm, Rajah & Tann is highlighted for its specialist arbitration practice and impressive regional range, extending to the Middle East, including especially notable coverage of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam and maintaining an acknowledged profile in Philippines-related matters. Particularly noted for handling investor-state and energy cases, regularly instructed in matters involving the operations of Chinese companies in other Asian jurisdictions and highly active in disputes generated by regional construction projects. Additionally well placed to act on arbitration-related litigation in the Singapore courts, where it often provides assistance to international firms.

Strengths
An industry commentator admires how Rajah & Tann "prepare thoroughly and in detail."
A client finds the advice is "very coherent," explaining: "You don't get different voices - it's one advice and one team from them."

Work highlights
Rajah & Tann represented the Republic of the Philippines before the ICC in a breach of contract dispute brought by Shell and Chevron regarding the payment of income tax. The matter is valued at approximately USD15 billion.

Notable practitioners
Andre Yeap SC is head of the firm's international arbitration department.

Asia-Pacific Region: International Trade/WTO - Band 3

Asia-Pacific Region: Gaming & Gambling - Lau Kok Keng (Band 1)

Lau Kok Keng of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP in Singapore is variously described by gaming and gambling sector interviewees as "a revered individual in this industry,” "the guy we go to for Singapore matters," and a "thorough and responsive lawyer" who "knows what he is talking about and can identify the core legal issues very quickly." Bringing more than two decades' experience in the space to his work, he handles a comprehensive range of commercial, contractual and regulatory issues for clients from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and is particularly skilled at advising on compliance matters in the online mobile gaming sphere.

Asia-Pacific Region: Shipping: Finance - Band 3

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann has a pre-eminent shipping law practice in Singapore which is renowned for the size and strength of its litigation team. Covers the full range of contentious matters, including ship arrests, bunker payment claims, vessel collisions and casualty dispute cases. Offers additional strength in ship financing as well as shipping-related restructuring, with clients benefiting from its regional network of offices in South-East Asia. Frequently advises major banks and commodity houses as well as shipowners and judicial managers.

Strengths
One source praises Rajah & Tann Singapore for "advising us with innovative strategies." This source also commends its cross-border resources, adding: "Rajah & Tann is able to quickly engage and coordinate its network of firms."

Another interviewee agrees, commenting: "Rajah & Tann has been outstanding in its advancement of complex and novel issues, and is well-versed in handling cross-border issues."

Work highlights
Rajah & Tann Singapore acted for Hin Leong Trading and Ocean Tankers on their debt restructuring process.

Notable practitioners
Leong Kah Wah and Kian Sing Toh SC are key contacts for the firm.

Asia-Pacific Region: Shipping: Litigation - Band 3

India: Dispute Resolution (Expertise Based Abroad) - Band 4

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann is a longstanding presence in both Singapore and regional South-East and South Asian disputes, handling both arbitration and litigation, with additional capabilities acting as arbitrator, securing interim measures and challenging or enforcing arbitral awards. Also well equipped to handle investment treaty arbitrations. Often acts for clients in the energy, tech and logistics sectors.

Notable practitioners
Singapore-based Kelvin Poon is a key contact.

Indonesia: Corporate & Finance (International Firms) (Desk based Abroad) - Band 4

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore leverages its network of law offices across the Asia-Pacific region to advise on a significant volume of cross-border mandates. Provides Indonesia law advice through its associate firm, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners. Expertise covers banking and finance, dispute resolution, M&A and projects. Possesses notable language capabilities in the group's Singapore office, including Indonesian.

Notable practitioners
Ng Sey Ming is an active banking lawyer in Singapore. He is noted by market sources for having a "good Indonesian client following."

South-East Asia: International Trade/WTO – Asia Pacific Region - Band 1
Ranked Lawyers: Kala Anandarajah (Spotlight Table), Melisa Uremovic (Spotlight Table)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann offers in-depth legal expertise in trade matters concerning South-East Asian countries. Excels in a range of areas, including anti-dumping, export controls, safeguards and the structuring of trade flows, as well as handling customs regulatory compliance for international companies operating across a number of sectors, with particular expertise in the technology, consumer goods and finance spaces. Also works on matters involving free trade agreements and tariffs. Maintains a strong reputation for its handling of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia-related matters.

Notable practitioners
Kala Anandarajah leads the competition and trade law department at Rajah & Tann Singapore. She advises extensively on customs issues and trade remedies across the region.

Melisa Uremovic demonstrates a strong South-East Asia-focused trade practice from her base in Thailand. Her recent work spans anti-dumping and customs issues as well as WTO proceedings.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers - Vietnam

Corporate/M&A - Band 3
Ranked Lawyer: Vu Thi Que (Band 4, Foreign Expert for China)

What the team is known for
Rajah & Tann Singapore is a well-regarded law firm which combines local expertise with the support of the firm's network of offices in the region. Regularly assists foreign clients including MNCs and regional companies with their cross-border transactions. Especially adept in handling real estate, manufacturing and technology sector deals, including joint ventures and mergers. Some of its key clients include Mapletree Logistics Trust, Aura Private Equity and BioMar.

Notable practitioners
Vu Thi Que is a partner at Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers. She is a well-regarded corporate lawyer who regularly assists foreign clients with acquisitions, as well as general commercial matters such as the setting up of company and other operational matters. A client explains: "She provides a lot of useful advice from a legal and business view." She is also experienced in matters relating to the Chinese market.