Michelle Yong > Stephenson Harwood LLP > Singapore, Singapore > Lawyer Profile

The team at Stephenson Harwood LLP ‘has strong expertise in shipping and maritime matters, taking a practical and commercial approach to debt restructuring’, with additional experience in the commodities and aviation sectors. Shipping finance specialist Gregg Johnston leads the team and maintains a strong track record in restructurings. Other key contacts in the group include Huay Yee Kwan and Michelle Yong.

Stephenson Harwood LLP‘s large and well-rounded practice is well-equipped to advise across the gamut of shipping and offshore matters. The team advises an array of major banks and shipping companies in wet, dry, contentious and non-contentious transactions, major financings, and disputes. It also has experience assisting on cases involving sustainability and ESG-linked loans. Gregg Johnston heads the practice and has particular expertise in distressed debt scenarios. Huay Yee Kwan is prominent for her work in PRC leasing in emerging markets. John Simpson and Michelle Yong bring charterparty law and arbitration-related specialisms to the team, whilst Gregory Xu provides expertise in banking and finance. Pedram Norton and May 2023-promoted partner Jeffrey Tanner are noteworthy for their offshore work. Justin Gan is also a noted member.

Stephenson Harwood LLP is a notable firm for international arbitration in Singapore, with sector expertise in energy, construction, maritime, and international trade. The practice is especially knowledgeable in investor-state work and crypto-related arbitrations. At leadership level, Chris Bailey is a ‘great guy’, and described as ‘razor-sharp’. He is joined by Daryll Ng, John Simpson, and Michelle Yong, with expertise in the oil and gas sectors, restructuring and insolvency, and international trade disputes. Managing associate Rebecca Crookenden is noted, with experience across the full gamut of commercial disputes.