Mr Mahesh Rai > Drew & Napier LLC > Singapore, Singapore > Lawyer Profile

Drew & Napier LLC has drawn on its extensive resources and reputation in the contentious sphere to develop an impressive body of construction and engineering expertise. It is noted for infrastructure and real estate development-related disputes. The firm has also built knowledge and experience in front-end and procurement work, including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts, and additional front-end matters relating to public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Its client base includes a range of domestic and international employers, along with an impressive mix of contractors. Christopher Chong is head of the construction and engineering team with experience at all levels of the Singapore courts, in major arbitrations, and in adjudications. Deputy head Mahesh Rai has earned many accolades in recent years. Chairman Jimmy Yim SC provides additional senior level gravitas to high-value and large-scale disputes. Kevin Teo is another key member of the team.

Drew & Napier LLC’s workload includes cross-border investigatory matters, covering bribery, fraud, anti-money laundering, whistle-blower complaints and financial services offences and regulations. The ‘highly skilled and collaborative’ practice represents a number of leading financial institutions, listed companies, multinational corporations, boards of directors, and high-profile individuals, frequently advising on defence and prosecution cases. The team is also noted for its work in cross-border FCPA investigations involving US authorities, alongside cases involving dawn raids undertaken by public authorities. Wendell Wong, a highly reputable civil and criminal lawyer with former public prosecution experience, co-heads the team alongside Chia Voon Jiet, a specialist in competition and regulatory investigations. Cavinder Bull is noted for his expertise in sensitive corporate investigations, while Jimmy Yim and Mahesh Rai bring standout experience in disputes. Gary Low advises on criminal defence and investigatory matters, and Adam Maniam is another key contact in the group.

At Drew & Napier LLC, the team leverages its multidisciplinary resources to advise on a broad spectrum of matters, including M&A deals, project financings, and complex high-value disputes. The group has considerable experience in handling high-profile projects in the power, energy, telecommunications, transportation, water, and construction sectors. The client base takes in a wide range of private, public, and governmental entities. Led by Jimmy Yim, SC, the practice is noted for its expertise in assisting with multijurisdictional litigation. Mahesh Rai handles complex projects and has represented clients from the hydropower, energy, and telecoms sectors. Christopher Chong is noted for his expertise in renewables, construction and engineering dispute resolution work.

Drew & Napier LLC, as a Big Four Singapore law firm, is widely recognised as a dispute resolution powerhouse, having an unrivalled depth of bench and more leading practitioners than any other firm in the jurisdiction. It devotes considerable resources to dispute resolution pursuits and is frequently selected to represent parties in the biggest and most complex cases. Over the 12-month research period, the firm handled litigation matters with a total value exceeding $16bn. It has seen its director (partner equivalent) ranks grow by 10%, continues to expand both its presence in regional disputes and its international client base, and continues to grow its arbitration-related practice. Among a multitude of headline and seminal cases, the firm acted for Hin Leong’s judicial managers in the largest reported fraudulent trading case in Singapore, seeking recovery of over $3.5bn from the directors of the company. CEO Cavinder Bull SC, who is ‘simply superb as a legal adviser, advocate and person’, is at the pinnacle of the profession, having been one of few senior counsels to be appointed before the age of 40, back in 2008. Siraj Omar SC and Randolph Khoo are also outstanding practitioners, along with seasoned practitioner and firm chairman Jimmy Yim SC, also elevated to senior counsel before turning 40 in 1998. Mahesh Rai, Kelvin Tan, Blossom Hing, Wendell Wong and Gary Low act for private clients as well as companies in the advertising, tech, transport and financial industries. Kevin Lee has joined Twenty Essex in Singapore.