20 Asian Legal Business | October 2024 ALB Asia 40 Under 40 2024 Nicholas’s expertise is exemplified by his recent successful representation of an agency managing emerging talents in Asia’s competitive e-sports arena, where he apetly opposed an application for interpleader relief, setting a significant precedent in the field. In the landmark case Singapore Asia Trust Company v Avium Origins and another [2023] SGHCR 18, his strategic acumen led to a pivotal court ruling that clarified the interpretation of “liability” within statutory interpleader conditions, further cementing his reputation as a legal innovator. His role as lead counsel in DEM v DEL [2024] SGHC 80 showcased his profound understanding of SIAC award enforcement, where he navigated critical issues such as the proper service of Notices of Arbitration and the precise definition of “proper notice”. He currently leads the appeal arising from this matter, underscoring his role in contributing and setting new legal precedents under Singapore law. He is also spearheading a complex case to set aside a statutory demand related to an arbitral award, addressing novel questions about the enforcement rights of award creditors amidst ongoing challenge proceedings, reflecting his innovate approach to legal challenges. As a co-founder of Chua & Partners, a boutique dispute resolution firm, Nicholas consistently excels in high-stakes cases, including defending an ex-director against claims exceeding S$350 million and representing a renowned doctor and beauty brand in substantial misrepresentation and minority oppression claims. His accomplishments highlights his commitment to delivering exceptional legal solutions. Javier Yeo 34, director, intellectual property & dispute resolution, Drew & Napier Javier Yeo is a director in the intellectual property & dispute resolution practice at Drew & Napier in Singapore. With 8 years of legal experience, he has established himself as a formidable advocate in complex litigation, particularly in intellectual property matters. Javier has been instrumental in high-profile cases, such as successfully defending IIa Technologies in a patent infringement suit brought by Element Six Technologies, a subsidiary of the De Beers Group. His deep understanding of the technical aspects of the case was critical in securing a full victory for his client, including the revocation of both patents asserted by Element Six. Javier has also represented major clients in significant disputes, such as acting for KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Limited, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca, in a patent-linkage case against Natco Pharma Asia, and defending Tanaka Electronics Singapore in a global patent litigation dispute with Nippon Steel Chemical & Material. Beyond intellectual property, Javier has handled a variety of complex corporate litigation matters. He successfully defended a client in a case involving breach of directors’ duties and conspiracy to injure, obtaining a declaration from the court that settled the matter favorably. His work often involves cutting-edge legal issues, and he has been recognised for his ability to navigate challenging technical disputes with skill and precision. At 34 years old, Javier’s achievements underscore his specialisation in navigating intricate IP disputes and corporate litigation with precision and depth. His success in high-stakes cases demonstrates not only his legal expertise but also his ability to craft innovative strategies tailored to the complexities of each case. This has earned him recognition as a key figure in Singapore’s legal community, where his work continues to influence the evolving landscape of intellectual property and dispute resolution law. Nichol Yeo 39, director, Nine Yards Chambers With a decade of extensive legal experience, Nichol Yeo serves as the Director at Nine Yards Chambers in Singapore, specialising in litigation, arbitration, and advisory work within corporate and commercial law. Since co-founding Solitaire in 2019, Yeo has demonstrated remarkable leadership, guiding the firm to achieve significant recognition for its outstanding dispute resolution capabilities. In 2022, he established Nine Yards Chambers, which quickly garnered accolades for excellence in commercial law and criminal law. Under his leadership, the firm was also recognised as a finalist at ALB Southeast Asia law awards event in 2024. Yeo’s notable litigation successes include defending a high-profile trust claim in Er Kok Yong & Anor v Tan Cheng Cheng & Ors, obtaining a landmark High Court declaration regarding shareholders in USP Group Limited v Hinterland Energy Pte Ltd, and resolving complex trust issues in Quek Peng Hock Henry v Chia Swee Hun. Additionally, he successfully defended a claim exceeding S$16 million in the renewable energy sector during domestic arbitration, as well as representing clients in significant contractual disputes involving intricate legal principles. For the methodology and other details, please visit www.legalbusinessonline.com
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