Able to ‘understand the commercial context to arbitration disputes’, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow’s Singapore office has enviable sector expertise in award enforcements, contractual, corporate, financial and project disputes. The practice has particular experience in cases involving India, Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as leveraging the firm’s broader international network. Nandakumar Ponniya leads the group, praised for delivering ‘advocacy at a superior level’, while bringing strong expertise in the energy, tech and financial services sectors, with a niche focus in complex construction and contractual arbitration. Ashish Chugh’s track record encompasses a range of international cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Baker McKenzie made an immediate positive impression when they came to our office. From the outset, they were considerate and highly professional. What stood out most was their responsiveness and efficiency. For example, they were always available for a call and consistently delivered high quality work with turn around times. Their ability to breakdown legal issues and provide clear, thorough advice helped us navigated an unsettling time with confidence and clarity.
'Baker McKenzie's approach to billing also deserves mentioning. They provided transparent and detailed descriptions of their work, and showed real fairness and flexibility in adjusting their fee proposal to reflect the actual scope of work. ’
‘Richard Allen was exceptional throughout. He stood out for his strategic insight and clarity of advice.'
‘Baker's arbitration practice group stands out in their understanding of the commercial context to arbitration disputes. Collectively responsive as a team.’
‘Mr Nandakumar, with strong support from his team, delivers advocacy at a level superior to some King Counsels.’
Key clients
- Border Timbers Limited
Work highlights
Representing Border Timbers Limited and Hangani Development Co. (Private) Limited in the Singapore Court proceedings to register/enforce a $125m ICSID award. The case raises novel issues of law that are unique to the registration of investment arbitration awards (under ICSID) against states.
Representing PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) TBK/Garuda Indonesia Holiday France S.A.S. in two SIAC arbitrations under New York law seated in Singapore commenced by the lessors of two of its of two Airbus A330-200s.
Representing a large Middle Eastern bank in a $600m SIAC arbitration against a number of respondents relating to the respondents' failure to fulfil their obligations in respect of a Facilities Agreement, Binding Term Sheet and Personal Guarantees entered into between the parties.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Nandakumar Ponniya
Other key lawyers
Ashish Chugh; Richard Allen