Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP > Singapore, Singapore > Firm Profile

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Singapore > Restructuring and insolvency: local firms Tier 2

Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC’s team is proficient in corporate debt restructurings, alongside other contentious mandates, with additional expertise in special situations matters, ranging from rescue financings, workouts and distressed transactions to white knight situations. The team primarily represents creditors in court proceedings, including secured and unsecured creditors, subordinated creditors, equity sponsors, executory contract counter-parties and official creditors’ committees. The practice's expertise in the aviation and shipping sectors was further bolstered by the arrival of James Bradley from K&L Gates Straits Law LLC in October 2022. Corporate finance partner Bernard Lui and Wendy Tan jointly lead the team.

Singapore > Asset finance: foreign firms Tier 3

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has significantly enhanced its asset finance offering following the hire of K&L Gates Straits Law LLC‘s aviation team. The practice is led by James Bradley, who oversees aircraft and engine transactions and lease work, as well as high-value reorganisations and debt restructuring. As the aviation sector looks to improve its sustainability, the firm also increasingly provides advice on ESG and SAF matters. Of counsel Terry Chang, recommended for cross-border financings and transactions, and associate director Ivan Qiu, noted for his expertise covering the JOL/JOLCO mandates, are other key contacts.

Singapore > Capital markets: equity and debt: local firms Tier 3

Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC handles a broad range of capital markets transactions under Singapore law, with notable expertise in the equity arena, as demonstrated by its track record advising on multiple IPOs on the main board of the SGX. The team also advises on matters concerning Rule 144A offerings, US-style high-yield bonds and Regulation S offerings, in addition to Hong Kong and Singapore dual listings. Bernard Lui, who has experience in IPOs, placements and compliance mandates, jointly leads the team alongside Joo Khin Ng, whose practice covers a range of equity and debt capital-raising transactions. Associate director Chrystle Kuek is another key contact in the group.

Singapore > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 3

The ‘proactive’ team at Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC advises on purchases and divestitures by public and private companies, tender offers, restructurings, joint ventures, spin-offs, leverage buyouts and public-to-private transactions. Key clients range from sellers, buyers, and investors to investment and commercial banks, private equity and venture capital funds, and institutional lenders, among others. Practice leader Bernard Lui ‘provides professional, creative and practical advice’ on M&A, IPOs and corporate finance transactions, while Wai Ming Yap handles cross-border deals, with a focus on Singapore and Malaysia. Other key contacts in the group include Joo Khin Ng and George Cyriac, who joined from Stephenson Harwood LLP in June 2023.

Singapore > Dispute resolution: local firms Tier 3

Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC has a relatively small but impressive dispute resolution practice that has wide-ranging expertise in a variety of disputes, including those in the finance, energy, mining and resources, projects and infrastructure sectors. The team has a notable list of domestic and Asia Pacific corporate clients. Wendy Tan is a versatile practitioner with a solid record in shipping, trade and commodities, energy, insurance and logistics. The highly rated Pardeep Khosa joined the firm in October 2022 from Davinder Singh Chambers, providing further expertise in commercial and civil litigation, international arbitration and corporate crime. Former department head Daniel Chia has joined Prolegis LLC.

Singapore > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 3

Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC draws employment expertise from its dispute resolution and transactional teams. Led by Wendy Tan, the firm continues to advise large regional and international clients on large cases, including disputes over incentive bonuses and wrongful dismissal claims; Tan also regularly advises clients on employment contracts for senior executives and on the exits of senior executives. Transactional partner Wai Ming Yap frequently advises clients on employee share option schemes and other incentive matters.

Singapore > Shipping: local firms Tier 3

The shipping team at Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC is active throughout the region, and represents numerous shipowners, traders, insurers and logistics companies, among others. While the team has broad capabilities in transaction work, the Singapore practice is especially notable for its prowess in disputes and arbitration. Whether these surround international trade, commodities, offshore, or at-sea collisions, the team is well-versed to assist in such shipping matters, both wet and dry. Team lead Wendy Tan is noted as 'diligent and hands-on.'

Singapore > International arbitration Tier 4

The practice at Morgan Lewis Stamford LLC is ‘dedicated, very smart, and provides good advice’ for its clients, routinely acting on high-value and complex disputes, including bet-the company arbitrations. Fraud-related arbitrations are another strength of the practice, which is highly reputed for its focus on international trade and maritime law. Wendy Tan is ‘sharp and fast’ and sits as head of the team. Tan regularly leads on many of the mandates undertaken by the practice. Pardeep Khosa is noted, having joined the firm from Davinder Singh Chambers in October 2022 with a client roster consisting of governments, listed companies, and high net-worth individuals.

Singapore > Investment funds: foreign firms

Singapore > Tax: local firms