Banking and finance Tier 1

Rahmat Lim & Partners' banking and finance offering is directed by experienced capital markets practitioner Wan Kai Chee. In broad terms, the firm advises (in both domestic and international capacities), on matters such as unsecured bilateral loans through to the most complex syndicated transactions. More specifically, areas covered include: licensing, securities, futures, asset management and commodity trading. Notably, it has dedicated fintech, regulatory and Islamic finance teams that impart advice on equity crowdfunding, capacity/netting and ijarah, istisna', mudharabah, murabahah and musharakah principles. Recommended lawyers:  Azman bin Othman Luk, Kelvin Loh and Soh Yin Chuin.

Corporate and M&A Tier 1

Moy Pui Yee directs the corporate and M&A offering at Rahmat Lim & Partners. The team includes Ang Sinn E, foreign investments practitioners Chen Lee Won and Chan Weili, financial services specialist Chia Chee Hoong and take-overs expert Ho Wei Lih. Described as providing an 'impeccable' approach, it handles matters such as regional joint ventures, share and business acquisitions, corporate re-organisations, privatisations, leveraged buyouts and capital restructuring. A recent standout case concerns the firm's work for YTL Cement on a 51% share acquisition in Lafarge Malaysia. Other notable clients within the portfolio include Jollibee Foods Corporation, Carousell Pte. Ltd and major telecoms company StarHub.

Projects and energy Tier 1

Rahmat Lim & Partners is known for its assistance to clients on infrastructure projects across Asia and the Middle East, with advice given on infrastructure developments, such as the construction of ports, monorails and airports. On the energy side, the firm advises on petrochemical plants and gas fired power plants. Chong Yee Leong heads up the projects and international arbitration team. He focuses on oil and gas and power projects in Malaysia and Singapore. Co head Kamilah Kasim undertakes contentious and non-contentious work relating to infrastructure projects across the region.

Real estate and construction Tier 1

Rahmat Lim & Partners advises clients on corporate real estate matters, international arbitration and construction projects. Chong Yee Leong is experienced in international arbitration, representing clients in energy, oil and gas, power and infrastructure disputes in Singapore, Malaysia and the wider region. Lee Yee Ling is active on corporate real estate matters such as real estate acquisitions and divestments and commercial leasing. Her clients include developers, corporations, property funds and property investors. Kamilah Kasim is recommended for her projects and infrastructure work, on both the transactional and disputes sides.

Antitrust and competition Tier 2

The Regulatory and Compliance team at Rahmat Lim & Partners has a strong track record defending clients in antitrust investigations pursed by MyCC. Azman bin Othman Luk oversees the offering and provides particular expertise in banking and finance matters such as syndicated financing and LBO transactions. More broadly, the firm helps to mitigate infringement risk by regularly reviewing clients’ business practices. It also assesses vertical and horizontal arrangements (involving joint ventures, and distribution agreements) in order to circumvent potential breaches of the law. Industries served include: automotive, pharmaceutical, heavy equipment, building materials, property development, and hospitality.

Capital markets Tier 2

Rahmat Lim & Partners' capital markets offering is directed by experienced FinTech practitioner Wan Kai Chee. The practice is particularly known for its work in REITs, IPOs, secondary issuances, employee share schemes and warrants. The team includes corporate finance expert Zandra Tan and debt capital markets specialist Kelvin Loh. Notably, the firm also handles Islamic matters and recently supported the issuance of medium term notes based on the principle of Sukuk Murabahah (via a Tawarruq arrangement) for Edra Solar.  

Dispute resolution Tier 2

Rahmat Lim & Partners' dispute resolution offering is jointly led by 'fearless' corporate banking specialist Jack Yow and infrastructure expert Chong Yee Leong. It handles cases in areas such as minority oppression, shareholder disputes, employment and professional negligence, and it counts liquidators, blue chip companies and accounting firms within its client portfolio. The team includes experienced engineering lawyer Allen Choong, the energy-focused Kamilah Kasim, international arbitration practitioner Chong Boon Leong, admiralty lawyer Daphne Koo and Yap Yeow Han (known for representing financial institutions, property developers and contractors). A key highlight for the firm is its representation of Standard Chartered Bank in a claim against Perfect Channel for trade loan default.

Intellectual property Tier 2

The full-service intellectual property team at Rahmat Lim & Partners handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Lead Pauline Khor is expert in ancillary rights, litigation, advising on anti-counterfeiting strategies and the management of portfolios.

Labour and employment Tier 2

Advising companies on all aspects of employment law and industrial Relations, the team at Rahmat Lim & Partners maintains a strong relationship with Allen & Gledhill LLP, Singapore. This means that clients can benefit from extensive legal resources for matters such as EPF and SOCSO contributions, union recognition, disciplinary actions, terminations of service and misconduct. Lead partner Jack Yow, a 'well-rounded' expert in industrial relations, advises on the legal implications of poor performance, redundancy, voluntary separation schemes and restructuring. The firm recently represented Kontron Design Manufacturing Services in an unfair dismissal claim at the Industrial Court.

Shipping Tier 4

Rahmat Lim & Partners' shipping practice undertakes work on sale, registration and de-registration of vessels. On the contentious side, litigators deal with the repossession of vessels and arbitration relating to casualties. Daphne Koo is a specialist on admiralty and maritime law while Chong Boon Leong appears in the Singaporean and Malaysian courts on international arbitration matters. Soh Yin Chuin focuses on maritime matters, advising lenders and trusts.

TMT Tier 4

Three partners lead the TMT section at Rahmat Lim & Partners: Pauline Khor, Azman bin Othman Luk and Wan Kai Chee. Their respective areas of expertise are intellectual property and ancillary rights, financial transactions and capital markets. The team assists in both contentious and non-contentious matters and can handle complex issues such as large-scale outsourcing with  international elements. Clients also benefit from advice on commercial agreements, research and development and distribution. Recent areas covered include app technology, healthcare and flexible working.