Asia Business Law Journal unveils the top talent in the Lion City’s legal profession. Miran Lim and Byung Jin Park report
Singapore’s economy started 2025 with excitement. Lawrence Wong, the country’s prime minister, revealed that Singapore’s economy grew by 4% in 2024, comfortably beating forecasts, during his New Year message.
Despite being one of Asia’s financial hubs, Singapore has seen manufacturing drive its recent economic growth. The sector grew by 11% in the third quarter of 2024 alone, and accounts for over 20% of Singapore’s GDP, with the country’s semiconductor market contributing more than 10% of global semiconductor production. The ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom has maintained robust demand for semiconductors, which is anticipated to drive continued growth in Singapore’s economy.
Last year AI brought changes not only to Singapore’s economic growth but also to its legal landscape. In May 2024, Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority launched the Model Governance Framework for Generative AI, which aims to address emerging issues, risks and opportunities posed by generative AI technology. The framework identifies nine areas including accountability, trusted development and deployment, incident reporting and security to foster a broader trusted ecosystem.
As AI tools become integral to legal practice, Singaporean law firms are increasingly required to invest in training and governance to ensure their ethical and effective use. This involves balancing automation with maintaining the personalised and nuanced advice that clients expect.
2025 is also set to be a year of change for Singapore with the seventh edition of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules having come into force on 1 January. The 2025 SIAC Rules introduced several important developments such as a new streamlined procedure for low-value disputes and new rules for preliminary determination. With the new rules in effect, the SIAC is anticipated to further strengthen Singapore’s standing as a leading international arbitration hub.
Against this promising backdrop, Asia Business Law Journal proudly presents its A-List of the top 100 lawyers practising in Singapore, plus 20 Legal Icons. The A-List is based on extensive research conducted and nominations received from in-house counsel based in Singapore and elsewhere, as well as partners at international law firms.
Incredibly communicative
Singapore has become a favoured destination for global companies seeking to undertake investments and M&A activities, owing to its stable political and legal framework, excellent infrastructure and open economic policies. As a result, several M&A lawyers in Singapore received praise from clients and are on the A-List. Comments provided to Asia Business Law Journal from clients indicate a clear preference for lawyers who are responsive and who communicate well.
One of them is Tom Platts from Stephenson Harwood. He was nominated by Michael Kenner, CEO at Thai property company FazWaz, for his role in the acquisition of FazWaz by Lifull Connect and, more recently, the management buyout of Lifull Connect.
“During the FazWaz acquisition, Tom was instrumental in managing the many moving parts and ensuring the deal progressed smoothly,” says Kenner. “He was always a step ahead, identifying potential challenges early and addressing them before they became issues. Tom isn’t just technically excellent. He’s also easy to work with. He’s approachable, straightforward and incredibly communicative … He works with you, making sure you’re fully informed and confident in the decisions being made.”
James Mythen, a partner at A&O Shearman, is recommended by Adrian Chee, a partner at Christopher & Lee Ong in Malaysia, for his communicative skills. “James has represented Malaysian and foreign clients on many notable Malaysian transactions, and I have had the pleasure of working alongside him as well as across the table,” says Chee. “In each case, he has struck me as someone who is very responsive, hands-on and extremely approachable.”
Mark Wong, a senior partner at Dentons Rodyk & Davidson, earns praise from Jax Lee, CEO at advanced materials company Nanolumi. “Mark provides prompt, excellent and very sound practical advice for establishing our contracts overseas,” says Lee.
“Some of the jurisdictions that we operate in are developing and emerging markets. This requires an understanding of the local market, timelines and dynamism of the business environment. This has led to successful completion of our global market entry efforts into major and multiyear contracts.”
The legal director at a healthcare investment firm based in Singapore, who wishes to remain anonymous, also lauds Wong. “Mark is a highly responsive, intelligent and responsible lawyer, and leading his team has helped Sheares Healthcare close our numerous clinic M&A acquisitions over the past two years,” says the legal director.
“Mark is unfazed by both legal and quasi-legal problems, and approaches them patiently, methodically and enthusiastically, usually resolving complex issues within a short time. With a professional yet effervescent demeanour, Mark always goes the extra mile for his clients regardless of the nature of the matter, which is truly appreciated.”
Corporate law experts
As one of the largest financial hubs in the world, Singapore is home to numerous legal professionals who work in the corporate law field. Many lawyers in the Lion City have made a name for themselves in the A-List for their expertise in various industry sectors and practice areas.
Nicholas Hanna, a corporate partner at Pinsent Masons, is praised by Kane Black, CEO at venture capital firm Ikigai Ventures in Singapore. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Nicholas on numerous high-stakes transactions, including several fundraising rounds, mergers and acquisitions,” says Black.
“More recently, I have worked with him in my role as CEO of a listed company, where his guidance has been invaluable as we navigated the complexities of public company governance and regulatory compliance. Nicholas and his team have consistently gone above and beyond in delivering exceptional service, and I cannot recommend them highly enough for this award.”
Chun Bin Soh, founder and managing director at Icon Law, is complimented by Kenneth Lim, vice president of group finance at decarbonisation solutions provider noco-noco, for assisting the company during its Nasdaq listing. “He exhibited remarkable strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, which ultimately led to a favourable outcome for our company,” says Lim.
Felix Ang, CEO at V2Y Corporation, agrees with Lim. “With a history of delivering exceptional outcomes, Chun Bin Soh has successfully handled high-profile cases, structured significant deals, and provided transformative legal advice,” says Ang. “His impactful contributions have driven success across diverse industries, cementing his reputation as a reliable and results-driven legal professional.”
Melvin Tan, founder and CEO at Hinterland, comments positively on Robson Lee at Kennedys, citing his professionalism and dedication to delivering outstanding legal counsel. “Robson has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in corporate law, M&A, and regulatory compliance,” says Tan.
“His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks while providing practical, business-oriented solutions has been instrumental in advancing key strategic initiatives for my organisation … He is not only an outstanding lawyer but also a trusted adviser who goes above and beyond to support his clients.”
Tan Pang Kee, CEO and managing director at specialty chemicals manufacturer Matex International, notes Lee’s compassion for his clients, saying he “is able to stay composed under pressure to maintain a sense of respect and professionalism in all situations”.
“There is a lot of emotion involved in legal cases, and demonstrating compassion can help a client feel more assured in difficult times,” says Tan. “While it is important to separate his own emotions from challenging cases, showing compassion is useful when interacting with his clients.”
Legal Icons
This year is the first time Asia Business Law Journal is announcing 20 Legal Icons for Singapore. Our Legal Icons are defined as “lawyers who are the luminaries of Singapore’s legal profession, the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike, the mentors who lead Singapore’s most admired law firms and/or legal teams, and those who are the country’s most prolific rainmakers”.
Widely known for his experience in the corporate real estate industry, Norman Ho, from Rajah & Tann, is named as one of the Legal Icons. He is highly regarded by Terry Wong, senior director, capital markets at property investment company JLL in Singapore.
“Norman is one of the best in class,” says Wong. “He is equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he taps when advising his clients. Most importantly, he has the ability to navigate through difficult negotiations and provide effective solutions to all parties.”
Jimmy Yim, chairman at Drew & Napier, is another icon commended by K Minh Dang, a founder of leading Vietnamese law firm YKVN. “I have worked with Jimmy over the past four years as instructing solicitor in a complex multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary shareholders’ dispute,” says Dang. “Jimmy is just the best when it comes to combining top litigation skills with incisive strategic thinking and the ability to think quickly on his feet. He is the tough fighter you need for the tough fights you cannot avoid.”
Leo De Leon, the president at Allegro Beverage, agrees with Dang. Yim represented De Leon in an arbitration hearing at the SIAC in Singapore. “From his extemporaneous opening statement to his brilliant cross-examination of the factual and expert witnesses and finally to the powerful closing statement, Yim demonstrated confidence, professionalism, diligence and a commitment to obtain the outcome I was seeking against a multinational company represented by 11 lawyers from three different countries,” recalls De Leon. “I cannot say enough about how pleased I am to have been represented by Yim. I am so grateful that I chose him to fight for my reputation and rightful interests.”
Another notable senior figure in the Singaporean legal industry is Sivagnanaratnam Sivanesan, a senior partner at Dentons Rodyk & Davidson’s corporate practice group. David John, the director at Gracie’s Foods in the US, notes Sivanesan’s expertise. “Having worked with lawyers across India, Singapore, the US and Malaysia, I can confidently say that Sivanesan stands out for his exceptional breadth of knowledge, unparalleled problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate the legal and business needs of both large corporations and startups with equal proficiency.
“His expertise spans a wide range of areas, from capital markets to the operational intricacies of running a business, demonstrating his versatility and depth.”
Sivanesan is also recommended by Lawrence Tang, the director at Co+Nut+ink, a food and beverage company in Singapore, for his advice on setting up a joint venture agreement with a partner in India. “With his extensive and in-depth understanding of the specific requirements both from local Indian legislation, as well as from a Singapore-based organisation like us, it helped us immaculately on all aspects from the legal perspective,” says Tang. “Best of all, he more often looked from business angles that truly helped us with the fine balance between legal and business requirements, which we most needed.”
Compiling the A-List
The A-List is based on extensive research conducted by Asia Business Law Journal. To identify the top lawyers in Singapore, we turned to thousands of in-house counsel in the Lion City and around the world – as well as partners at international law firms – and asked them to tell us which lawyers should make the cut.
A-List lawyers were defined on the nomination form as “lawyers who are currently the star performers of Singapore’s legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems, and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters”.
Our legal icons were defined as “lawyers who are the luminaries of Singapore’s legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead Singapore’s most admired law firms and/or legal teams, and who are the country’s most prolific rainmakers”.
All Singaporean private practice lawyers and foreign lawyers based in the country were automatically eligible for inclusion in the nomination process. There were no fees or any other requirements for entry.
