Withers KhattarWong LLP > Singapore, Singapore > Firm Profile

Withers KhattarWong LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Singapore > Private wealth and family law – local firms Tier 1

Withers KhattarWong LLP is part of a regional and international powerhouse in private wealth and tax planning matters. The Singapore team has experienced considerable growth in recent years and represents a high proportion of ultra-high-net-worth individuals that hold their wealth in Singapore. With its international tax expertise, the Singapore office is also able to assist clients with structuring matters involving both their business and family investments. The firm is especially active in establishing family offices in Singapore, along with other fund structures and vehicles. In this regard, Stacy Choong has made a big impression on the market, while Fernando Gandioli provides US and international expertise in tax and estate planning for high net-worth individuals, trusts and estates. Deborah Barker SC is a key name for disputes in this sector, Ivan Cheong is recommended for family law matters and Yong Sheng Hon is a key name at senior associate level.

Singapore > Tax: local firms Tier 1

Known for its international expertise, Withers KhattarWong LLP advises on a range of tax matters related to Singapore, UK, US, Japan, Hong Kong, BVI, Australia and India. Eric Roose leads the team and focuses on tax advice involving international M&A, cross-border transactions and investments. Another key name is Lian Chuan Yeoh, who joined in 2021 from Sabara Law LLC and is regarded as ‘technically strong and able to deal with the most complex of issues’.

Singapore > Labour and employment: local firms Tier 2

Withers KhattarWong LLP has a long history in the employment field, particularly in contentious matters. It has an impressive client base of local and regional businesses, and is frequently engaged by senior executives and individuals in employment disputes. While the firm is better known for contentious employment work, it is also active in the non-contentious sphere, including in employment contracts, flexible working arrangements. It is also noted for its training programmes in diversity, discrimination and other issues. Deborah Barker SC - a big name in the dispute resolution market - has a significant focus on employment cases, while Amarjit Kaur is another litigator with a background in contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

Singapore > Real estate: local firms Tier 2

Withers KhattarWong LLP has a flourishing real estate practice, frequently acting for buyers, sellers and banks. The team typically operates in the middle market, and is noted for industrial buildings, particularly self storage facilities. The firm’s strong private client credentials have led to a series of engagements for high net-worth individuals and family offices in purchasing trophy assets in Singapore. Kenneth Szeto leads the team, which is fused with the banking and finance practice. Hotels and leisure specialist Tien Gui Koh joined the firm in 2022 from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.

Singapore > Banking and finance: local firms Tier 3

Showcasing a strong track record in domestic and cross-border lending, Withers KhattarWong LLP‘s banking and finance group is particularly well versed in the financing for property acquisitions and development in Singapore and abroad, acting on behalf of lenders and borrowers. Project finance is another strong point for the practice, which works in close collaboration with the restructuring and insolvency teams in the context of distressed debt transactions. Guan Feng Chen, who possesses over two decades’ experience in multijurisdictional financings and debt restructurings, handles an array of deals in Asia, with a particular emphasis on Indonesia and Malaysia, besides Singapore. Lenders and borrowers routinely turn to Kenneth Szeto, who is singled out for his ‘strong knowledge of banking and finance matters, particularly property financing.’ Consultant Agatha Lee advises a host of banks and financial institutions on general banking issues, as well as secured and unsecured financing.

Singapore > Dispute resolution: local firms Tier 3

Withers KhattarWong LLP is recognised for acting on white-collar, employment, private capital and tax disputes. The client base includes corporate entities, high net worth individuals, governments, trading firms funds, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, property owners, and banks. Particular sectors of focus for the department include energy, commodities, telecommunications, insurance, banking, securities, healthcare, shipping, defence and construction. Practice head Deborah Barker SC has extensive experience in civil and commercial litigation. Chenthil Kumarasingam concentrates on the technology, banking and financial services industries. Ushan Premaratne works on disputes relating to joint ventures, software contacts, private equity, trust, commodities, banking and securities. Shaun Leong is a further vital member of the team.

Singapore > Intellectual property: Local firms Tier 3

Withers KhattarWong LLP has a fine reputation in contentious IP, particularly in transactional-related and licensing matters. It is also noted for trade mark infringement and passing off actions at the High Court, along with opposition and revocation cases before the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. The arrival of Alvin Lim as special counsel from Ravindran Associates in 2021, broadens the firm’s offering in contentious IP, including in the patent, trade marks, copyright and trade secrets segments. The wider team continues to be known for its work in the tech sector, though it has a breadth of experience across multiple industries. Jonathan Kok  leads the team with Jim Lim  retiring from the partnership to become a consultant.

Singapore > Investment funds: local firms Tier 3

Withers KhattarWong LLP has attained a solid position in the market, handling impressive funds formation, regulatory and licensing engagements on a regular basis. The fund team has been able to build on the firm’s celebrated private wealth and tax platform, working with colleagues that have strong connections to institutional clients, including key partners in Tokyo such as Eric Roose. The group's client base now includes clients in the family office, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, data centre and venture capital sectors. Daniel Yong is a recognised investment funds specialist.

Singapore > Restructuring and insolvency: local firms Tier 3

Withers KhattarWong LLP‘s background in private investment and financing, brings it a reputation for representing private investors in the investment, acquisition and financing of distressed assets and companies in the region. It also has an established record in restructurings in Indonesia. Justin Yip is a specialist in insolvencies, debt restructurings, corporate rescues and workouts, and special situations transactions; he led the team that advised the liquidators on the attempted restructuring and subsequent insolvency of ZenRock.

Singapore > White-collar crime - Local firms Tier 3

Withers KhattarWong LLP possesses a ‘wide breadth and depth of experience’ in criminal law, and stands out for its impressive track record of acting for senior executives in investigations and white-collar crime cases. The highly regarded criminal lawyer Shashi Nathan leads the department, which regularly handles high-profile investigations into allegations of corruption, breaches of disclosure requirements, fraud, insider trading and market manipulation. Nathan, who is listed as a lead counsel under the Supreme Court’s list  of Assigned Counsel for Capital Cases, particularly excels in matters involving the Securities and Futures Act, and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Tania Chin has a strong reputation in the criminal bar, advising on fraud investigations and regulatory compliance. At the associate level, Jeremy Pereira is often engaged in internal investigations for both corporates and individuals.

Singapore > Start-up and venture capital – Local firms Tier 3

Representing investors, start-ups, emerging companies and venture capitals, Withers KhattarWong LLP has experience across the funding lifecycle. The firm has strengths in series A and series B funding, as well as venture debt, M&A and bridge financings. Technology transfers and university spin-outs are also notable areas of activity for the group. Joel Shen , the team head specialises in advising corporate and venture capital clients in cross-border investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Daniel Yong is a name to note; he is a specialist in investment funds and cross-border private equity and M&A transactions.

Singapore > Corporate and M&A: local firms Tier 4

Withers KhattarWong LLP is integrated with the wider Withersworldwide network, rendering it an ideal for both domestic and cross-border affairs. The team undertakes an array of M&A, buyout, takeover, joint venture, corporate governance and commercial deal mandates and is especially acclaimed for its activities within the private capital field. Practice head Daniel Yong  caters to corporates, private fund managers, sovereign wealth funds and family offices, often acting on multijurisdictional investment mandates in India and China, among other APAC jurisdictions.

Singapore > TMT: local firms

Singapore > Fintech and financial services regulatory: local firms