Singapore’s legal market is continuously evolving, with emerging boutique firms redefining the landscape through specialised expertise, client-focused service, and innovative solutions. These firms are making a mark by challenging traditional models and excelling in niche practice areas. As in previous years, ALB spotlights these rising firms that are shaping the future of Singapore’s legal industry. The list is presented in alphabetical order and some firms have been profiled.
| Aquinas Law Alliance |
Established in 2016, Aquinas Law Alliance is a dynamic law firm based in Singapore. The firm has a reputation for handling high-value, complex legal matters across borders. With a team comprising nine partners and a total of 23 fee-earners, the firm delivers exceptional expertise in corporate transactions, capital markets, litigation, and international arbitration. Aquinas Law Alliance has been instrumental in advising on significant deals, including acting for the offeror in the 80 million Singapore dollar privatisations of TTJ Holdings Limited and facilitating the issuance of 1.15 billion yuan ($0.16 billion) in bonds for a leading issuer. Noteworthy M&A transactions include a $300 million restructuring of a logistics company for SGX listing, and a $54 million management buyout in the semiconductor sector. The firm’s Start-Up Financing practice has seen success in fundraising rounds, such as Archisen’s 3.5 million Singapore dollar equity financing. On the disputes front, Aquinas Law has represented clients in landmark cases, including tri-partite arbitration involving one of Singapore’s largest corporate bribery cases and multi-jurisdictional arbitrations seated internationally. The next 12 months look promising for Aquinas Law. In capital markets, the firm expects a surge in fundraising activities tied to major projects by its listed company clients. The TMT sector anticipates increased activity in robotics and deep technology fundraisings alongside web3 platform work. In dispute resolution and arbitration, several high-profile cases are expected to proceed to trial or arbitration. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions will see cross-border transactions involving multiple parties in multi-jurisdictions moving forward.
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| Collyer Law |
Since its establishment in 2015, Collyer Law has positioned itself as a specialist boutique firm catering to emerging companies and innovation-driven businesses, with key focus on the India-Singapore trade corridor. With three partners and nine fee-earners, the firm has recently expanded strategically, concentrating on emerging corridors for cross-border transactions and key growth industry sectors. Under managing director Azmul Haque’s leadership, Collyer Law has increased its share of Middle Eastern-related deals, advising Oman-based Bahwan Services and Trading on its $17M investment in Blue Aqua International’s high-tech trout farm, assisting founders of a travel-tech leader in the Middle East in its separation from its largest shareholder, and structuring a logistics spin-off in the MEA region. In parallel, the firm has deepened its expertise in the HealthTech and Life Sciences sectors, with Director Eric Lai advising clients such as MPM BioImpact, a U.S.-based biotech investment firm, and Beame Singapore, a dental solutions provider. Other notable transactions include securing a rare M&A change-of-control consent for the acquisition of a leading supermarket chain in Singapore. Looking ahead, Collyer Law plans to develop its capabilities further for the Singapore-Middle East and Singapore-China corridors. Azmul Haque’s participation in key industry events in Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh has reinforced the firm’s Middle East ties, while Eric Lai’s engagements in Shanghai and Suzhou highlight its China focus. With a strategy centred on cross-border expertise and deep industry specialisation for an innovation-driven client base, Collyer Law is set for continued growth in the years to come.
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| Fervent Chambers |
Established in November 2020, Fervent Chambers is a dynamic law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services in complex commercial disputes and regulatory matters. With eight skilled fee-earners, the firm has rapidly established a reputation for its innovative strategies and client-centred approach. Fervent Chambers has successfully represented clients in significant litigation, including acting for the liquidators of a real estate developer company. The firm played a pivotal role in recovering approximately 60 million Singapore dollars from former directors who wrongfully dissipated funds, violating their fiduciary duties during the company’s inability to fulfil property deliveries in Indonesia. Currently, Fervent Chambers is acting for an Indonesian tycoon in defending a 7 million Singapore dollar counterclaim for breach of agreement relating to the restructuring of an Indonesian resort and is defending a multinational group of commodities trading companies against a $15 million claim by a Hong Kong metal trading company. These cases highlight the firm’s expertise in handling complex claims involving misrepresentation and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the firm also has a strong defamation practice and is currently representing two high-net-worth Vietnamese individuals and a company in the Vietnamese tourism business against a former business partner for defamation. They are also acting for the chief executive officer of Singapore Arts Theatre, who was awarded a Public Service Medal of Singapore Arts Theatre in a defamation claim. Fervent Chambers’ strategy for expansion focuses on diversifying its practice areas and enhancing its service delivery to meet client needs. Mr Clarence Lun’s return has brought in high-profile and marquee clients while cultivating partnerships with international law firms and clients worldwide. Furthermore, Dr William Wan’s appointment as managing director reinforces the firm’s stability and reputation, enabling the fee-earners to concentrate on navigating complex disputes.
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| Joseph Lopez LLP |
Established in 2014, Joseph Lopez LLP has built a reputation as a leading boutique firm specialising in high-value, complex, and challenging disputes. With two partners and a team of eight fee-earners, the firm offers deep expertise across litigation, arbitration, and mediation in corporate and commercial disputes, fraud and asset recovery, construction and infrastructure, as well as restructuring and insolvency, focusing on commodities, energy, and shipping industries. The firm’s recent matters include representing a party in a $120 million Singapore-seated arbitration under the SIAC Rules involving vessel construction and financing arrangements. It also acted for multiple parties in a $50 million London-seated LCIA arbitration concerning share acquisitions in a Senegal company. Other notable engagements include representing a high-net-worth individual in a $1 billion fund management dispute and pursuing claims of corporate fund misuse against parties managing a company with annual revenues of nearly $50 million. Under the helm of managing partner Joseph Lopez, the firm has seen significant growth in its team and expertise. The number of fee-earners has increased over the past year, reflecting the firm’s commitment to retaining talent and onboarding specialists to broaden its scope of services. Recent hires include Daniel Tan, a seasoned maritime lawyer; Kong Yen Ting, an expert in construction-related disputes; Kathleen Utojo, an Asean scholar who now specialises in dispute resolution and transactional advisory matter; and Janson Lim, who specialises in arbitration and contract advisory. These additions enhance the firm’s capabilities across key sectors, including shipping, construction, and energy. Looking ahead, Joseph Lopez LLP is poised to tackle high-stakes disputes, including cases likely to set pivotal precedents in arbitration and litigation. The firm’s strategy emphasises sustainable growth, professional development, and, particularly, expanding cross-border capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.
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| Nine Yards Chambers |
Established in November 2022, Nine Yards Chambers has quickly established itself as a dynamic and formidable presence in Singapore’s legal market. With a focused team of seven fee-earners, including a founding partner, the firm has demonstrated its expertise in high-stakes litigation and complex transactional matters across diverse practice areas. The firm’s litigation portfolio includes successfully representing high-profile clients in significant cases, such as defending a claim exceeding S$10 million in renewable energy sector arbitration and acting for a trustee in a S$3 million trust dispute. The firm also handled landmark cases, including Tanoto Sau Ian v USP Group Ltd & Anor Matter [2023] 5 SLR 909, which addressed novel issues regarding members’ rights in public companies. In the criminal defence sphere, the firm’s work in the billion-dollar Envy Trading case and the Orchard Towers murder case underscores its ability to navigate Singapore’s most challenging legal disputes. On the transactional front, the firm recently advised on a Mandatory General Offer involving SGX-listed Vibropower Corporation Limited, showcasing its expertise in corporate and securities law. Nine Yards Chambers attributes its rapid growth to its ability to attract and retain exceptional talent, including Ms Qua Bi Qi, whose litigation acumen and mentorship have been pivotal. The firm’s strategic alliances with legal counterparts across Asia further bolster its capability to handle cross-border disputes and international arbitration. Looking ahead, Nine Yards Chambers aims to deepen its presence in Singapore’s litigation scene while expanding its role in regional disputes, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted legal advisor in complex, high-value matters.
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| PRP Law |
Established in 2017, PRP Law is a boutique disputes practice recognised for its expertise in insolvency, employment, and commercial litigation. With three partners and a team of seven fee-earners, the firm delivers tailored legal solutions in complex and high-stakes matters. The firm has handled several high-profile cases, including representing OK Lim and his family (Hin Leong Trading) in bankruptcy proceedings, involving debts nearing S$6.5 billion. The disputed issue centred on the appointment of private trustees in bankruptcy, with the High Court’s decision reported at [2024] SGHC 328. Another key case involved a minority oppression action within a multi-million-dollar jewellery and diamond dispute. The trial, spanning 23 days, resulted in a High Court decision at [2024] SGHC 10, with the appeal currently pending. PRP Law’s growth is driven by its robust insolvency practice, which serves both individual and corporate debtors seeking restructuring or court protection. The firm is also highly sought after by insolvency professionals and senior executives for employment-related disputes. Under the leadership of managing director Pradeep Pillai, alongside key partners Joycelyn Lin and Simren Kaur Sandhu, the firm emphasises maintaining its boutique status while expanding its cross-border disputes practice. Its largely conflict-free positioning enables PRP Law to handle commercially sensitive matters effectively. Looking forward, the firm is committed to strengthening its core areas of practice and expanding its reach into cross-border disputes, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted advisor in complex litigation and insolvency matters.
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| Trowers & Hamlins |
Trowers & Hamlins has expanded significantly in Asia with the opening of its Singapore office in April 2024, following the firm’s success in Malaysia and the establishment of its Korea and India desks. The firm now has two partners and six fee-earners in Singapore, strengthening its regional presence and facilitating greater cooperation with its established Middle East and UK networks. A key driver of this expansion is managing partner Abdulhaq Mohammed, who heads the firm’s ASEAN strategy and now spearheads its growth from Singapore. The firm has also bolstered its Projects, Energy, and Infrastructure (PE&I) team with the addition of leading specialist Ignatius Hwang, who brings over 30 years of experience in high-profile infrastructure projects. The team further grew with corporate partner Cassandra Lim, banking senior associate Phoebe Lim, corporate senior associate Will Barakat and associate Jerry Wang. The firm has advised on landmark deals, including Gamuda Land’s £100 million UK student housing joint venture and Brookfield’s $1.6 billion syndicated financing for telecom assets in India. It also played a pivotal role in Ahli United Bank’s conversion into a fully Shari’ah-compliant bank, a first in the UK. Looking ahead, the firm is focused on expanding its disputes practice through a formal law alliance with Braddell Brothers, leveraging their strong litigation and arbitration expertise. It also aims to deepen ties in Malaysia and Indonesia while enhancing its reputation in energy, infrastructure, and finance across the ASEAN region.
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ALB SINGAPORE FIRMS TO WATCH 2025 | |
Aquinas Law Alliance Asia Practice Attorneys Inc Braddell Brothers Breakpoint B R Law Corporation Chan & Goh Charles Russell Speechlys CHP Law Collyer Law Cooley Eng and Co. Entra Law Farallon Law Corporation | Fervent Chambers Foxwood FSLAW Goodwin Law Firm Joseph Lopez LLP Magellan Law Nine Yards Chambers Prolegis Providence Law Asia PRP Law Schellenberg Wittmer Teoh & Co Trowers & Hamlins Virtus Law |
METHODOLOGY
Law firms must be permanently based in Singapore and have 10 partners or less to be considered for the list. The selection was based on the following criteria:
- Growth of the law firm in the past 12 months (such as new office opening, increase in headcount or revenue, or other forms of expansion)
- Notable deals or cases handled
- Key clients
- Significant accolades received, including public recognition and awards
