18 Asian Legal Business | January-February 2025 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 highstakes 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. 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 highstakes 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. 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 Cover Story 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 decision in the appeal to the Appellate Division 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 crossborder disputes, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted advisor in complex litigation and insolvency matters. 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 has quickly grown to a team of six lawyers including two partners 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 banking 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. For the methodology and other details, please visit www.legalbusinessonline.com Nichol Yeo Abdulhaq Mohammed Pradeep Pillai
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