Christopher Chong and Mahesh Rai co-lead the team at Drew & Napier LLC, which is noted for its ‘exceptional professionalism, deep legal expertise, and consistent delivery of high-quality advice’. Rai regularly represents major telecoms and construction companies, while Chong is known for acting in complex arbitrations relating to delays. Jimmy Yim SC advises on contentious matters concerning joint venture contracts and distributorship agreements, and Cavinder Bull SC is noted for his experience in international arbitration. Kelvin Teo is particularly adept at handling matters involving both renewable and traditional energy projects across the ASEAN region and the Middle East, and Tian Kai Loh is also a key contact.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge

Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team stands out for its exceptional professionalism, deep legal expertise, and consistent delivery of high-quality advice. What makes the practice particularly unique is the team’s ability to balance technical legal rigour with practical commercial insights, which is critical in construction-related matters.'
'Compared to other firms, the team's approach is refreshingly solutions-oriented, and it is always proactive in identifying risks and proposing pragmatic strategies. The team demonstrates strong internal collaboration, and their integration of legal technology helps streamline the delivery of legal services.’
‘Zhihui Chen is highly knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to go the extra mile. He distinguishes himself by his ability to simplify complex legal concepts without losing nuance, and he maintains a calm, strategic focus even under pressure. His attention-to-detail, integrity, and reliability have consistently earned my trust.’
'Strong view and grasp of construction and arbitration law and proceedings which are interconnected. Strong balance of academic, technical and law based rigour with the ability to break it down for commercial reasoning and rationale. They are sharp and able to pinpoint the opponent's weakness. They are approachable and understanding, without being wishy washy; focused for the kill.'
'With Christopher Chong at the helm of its construction practice, which is core to us, Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now with full intention on our part to continue this relationship.'
'Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, that is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless.'

Key clients

Alcon group
Amara Hotel Properties Pte Ltd
China Machine New Energy Corporation
CosmoSteel Holdings Limited
DL E&C
Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd
Essar Projects (India) Limited
Essar Projects Singapore Pte Ltd
Fuchi Pte Ltd
Goldbell Corporation Pte Ltd
HS Optimus Resources Sdn Bhd
Hyundai Engineering & Construction

Work highlights

Represented Daelim Industrial Company Limited (now rebranded as DL E&C) in a dispute which concerns an aborted L+EPC contract for the construction of a petrochemical plant in India.

Successfully acted for the client in resisting a challenge to an SIAC award mounted by Reliance Infrastructure Limited.

Representing Dragages Singapore in a lawsuit against Craft Projects (HK) Company and Craft Projects International Company in a S$14.8 million claim upon an indemnity/guarantee in relation to the roofing works of the Singapore Sports Hub.