Senior statesman Lucien Wong commands great respect from the market, with sources hailing him as "one of the most experienced legal brains," who is "very good at giving the strategic angle." He continues to provide input on the firm's most challenging mandates, including advising Temasek Holdings on a USD9.8 billion joint development with Khazanah Nasional to develop land in Singapore and Malaysia.

Highly respected corporate partner Lee Kim Shin is considered to be "one of the top M&A lawyers in Singapore," and is particularly noted for his "strong understanding of commercial issues." He was appointed as managing partner of the firm in August 2012.

Clients single out Andrew Lim for his "wealth of experience" and the fact he "never loses sight of the big picture." His recent work has included representing PST Management as the trustee manager in the delisting of Pacific Shipping Trust.

Key partner Lim Mei is another linchpin of the practice. She recently advised Brookvale Investments on a USD2 billion privatisation of Allgreen Properties, and also represented Singbridge in a USD1 billion joint venture to develop property in China. Clients confirm that she provides "phenomenal legal advice."

Prawiro Widjaja has a broad practice covering corporate M&A and restructuring matters for corporates and private equity funds. He is also especially active on Indonesia-related work, such as advising CVC Asia Pacific on its investment in Indonesian television company First Media.

"Very effective" practitioner Lee Kee Yeng is also gaining a strong reputation for corporate work. As one client explained, "she is very knowledgeable and is creative in coming up with solutions."

Highly rated partner and seasoned strategist Goh Kian Hwee is known as "one of the leading corporate lawyers in Singapore." He was a lead partner in advising target company SMB United on competing takeover bids by Profit Sea Holdings and Osaki Electric.

Soon Choo Hock is an active participant on corporate M&A transactions, and has additional experience in the areas of finance and tax. He advised CapitaMalls on two separate joint ventures concerning large-scale site developments, valued at USD594.8 million and USD277.6 million respectively.

This team has a focused South Asia practice group, which offers clients considerable India-related expertise. It acts for Indian clients on cross-border deals, and for international clients on investment into the country. For instance, it acted for Fortis Healthcare on its USD49 million acquisition of an 85% stake in Singaporean company RadLink-Asia.

Top-notch partner Ng Wai King stands out for his considerable experience in the market. He advised Petronas on its acquisition of a 30% stake in GMR Energy, and acted for Asahi Group Holdings on its approximately SGD335 million purchase of Permanis, a Malaysian bottling company. 

Andrew Ang is the deputy head of the corporate M&A practice, and is also highly rated by clients. "He is brilliant," said one interviewee, while another described him as "the guru of the Singapore takeover code." Recent work highlights include acting for Abraaj Capital on the divestment of a 50% stake in a Turkish hospital chain, valued at USD1.68 billion.

Low Kah Keong heads the asset management and funds practice, and has furthered his extensive experience by advising Legrand France, as Singapore counsel, on its USD171 million acquisition of Chennai-based Numeric Power Systems' uninterruptible power supply (UPS) business. 

This firm handles work relating to Indonesia, India and China. Joseph He heads the China practice, specialising in a range of M&A, equity capital markets and foreign direct investment in Mainland China. In a recent highlight, he acted for Keppel Land on its acquisition of a company owning prime commercial and office property in the Chaoyang district of Beijing.

Singapore-based Lam Chung Nian regularly assists clients with IP matters in the UAE. He advised RSH, as target, on IP issues arising out of its takeover by Al-Futtaim Group.

A "dedicated and thorough lawyer," David Chong impresses clients and peers alike. He was lead partner advising JPMorgan, in its capacity as financial adviser, in relation to the acquisition of Kim Eng by Mayban IB Holdings.

Key team member Michelle Phang acted for Boer Power when it entered the bidding process for control of SMB. Clients single out her accessibility and meticulousness as key strengths.

This firm's India group helps Indian clients in their expansion into the Singaporean market. Sriram Chakravarthi is a key practitioner in the firm's growing India practice, focusing on inbound and outbound investment and international trade law. This includes advising Indian mining clients in relation to the acquisition of coal mine interests in New Zealand and Indonesia. 

Additionally, the firm also has a China related group which handles both inbound and outbound investment work. Last year, it acted for San Teh in the sale of its China cement interest for RMB1.29 billion to China Resources Cement Holdings

Top-notch partner Lee Suet Fern has built up a strong reputation for corporate work. Sources highlight her responsiveness, energy and ability to deal with complex transactions. 

Lean Min-Tze advised Norwegian company Eltek on ST Electronics' USD130 million acquisition of NeraTel, a company in which Eltek is the majority shareholder. He was also the lead partner advising on the SGD49.5 million voluntary delisting of CHT Holdings. His technical ability and exceptional professionalism are highly commended. 

Yap Wai Ming is commended by clients for his quick turnaround time and ability to provide "clarity and solutions." He recently advised Mira International Holdings on its USD862 million restructuring.

Elizabeth Kong is making a name for herself in the market. She was involved in advising United Fiber System on its SGD2.2 billion reverse takeover of Indonesian coal company Golden Energy Mines, and was on the team that advised Contel on its USD1.2 billion reverse takeover of Solar Silicon Resources Group.

Wong Ai Ai is noted for her "keen business mind" and her "pragmatic, level-headed approach." She was lead partner advising LVMH on its voluntary conditional cash offer for Heng Long International, valued at SGD160.8 million. She also advised Al-Futtaim Group on its purchase of a stake in multinational organisation RSH.

Jon Worsfold has substantive experience in advising on cross-border M&A matters and joint ventures in the Asia-Pacific region, and has been praised within the profession as “a solid practitioner." He has led the firm in several significant matters in recent years, including many cross-border Indonesian transactions. For instance, he advised Medco Energi Internasional in relation to its sale of a 51% stake in Medco Power Indonesia to Saratoga Power.

Andrew Martin advises on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, and also maintains a private equity practice. His recent matters of note include handling TUV SUD's disposal of its education interests, and multiple acquisitions for Schneider Electric.

Baker & Mckenzie handles work relating to Indonesia, India and Malaysia from this office. In one recent matter it advised listed Malaysian company Scomi Berhad on the divestment of its oilfield services in Mexico and the USA.

Managing partner Gary Pryke is a respected, senior practitioner. He recently acted as counsel to Safe Label Group on its voluntary offer for Adampak.

Ralph Lim co-heads the mergers and practice group. His highlights include acting for Mitsui in relation to its successful SGD221 million competitive offer for shares in Portek.

This firm boasts strong connections in the wider region, with a particular focus on India, China, Brunei and Indonesia. The India desk handles a range of corporate M&A, intellectual property and dispute resolution matters. Its Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil and Bengali language skills are a notable distinguishing point.

Solution-oriented Adrian Chan receives praise from both clients and peers, who note that he is "a real pleasure to work with" and highlight his commercial awareness.

Clients enthuse about Ng Eng Leng's technical ability and business acumen. He has experience of handling a broad range of public and private M&A and joint ventures.

Senior partner Gerald Singham is another highly rated practitioner and is "very active" in the market, according to sources. The scope of his practice includes corporate and commercial work. In 2012 he acted for Indian e-commerce company Flipkart on a USD150 million capital raising from existing investors.

According to sources, Valerie Ong is a "very pragmatic, commercially minded person" who "will make sure you are protected, but also give you the commercial standpoint." Her recent work includes representing Overseas Union Enterprise in its SGD299.5 million purchase of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.

Stefanie Yuen Thio impresses clients with her efficiency and forethought. Her recent activity includes extensive work for CapitaMalls, such as advising on its SGD217.4 million acquisition of three Japanese shopping centres. 

Managing partner Tan Min-Li is the co-head of the corporate finance practice group. She is commended for her straightforward approach to resolving issues.

Krishna Ramachandra is a key member of the team at Duane Morris & Selvam. He leads the firm's growth into the Myanmar market, where he has much investment experience. He recently advised a large US pharmaceutical company on the acquisition of a Singapore pharmaceutical company.

M&A practitioner Chris Moore is highly respected across the profession for his work on high-profile deals such as SCG Chemicals' acquisition of a stake in Chandra Astri Petrochemical, and Bank Danamon's strategic collaboration with the Indonesian arm of Manulife. “He's able to suss out situations pretty quickly and meets all of his clients' requirements. In short, he's really good at what he does.”

This firm's India group comprises of lawyers based in Singapore, London and Hong Kong. The Singapore office is also a key hub for the firm's work in Indonesia and Malaysia. In a recent Indonesian highlight it acted for sponsors Antam and Showa Denko on the development and financing of the Tayan alumina project in Kalimantan. 

Simon Clinton leads the South-East Asia corporate practice and has particular strength in the sovereign wealth sector. “He forges relationships very well and is excellent with clients,” say sources. He recently advised CAG and its financial adviser CITIC securities on its acquisition of CPG.

Respected practitioner Lee Taylor specialises in corporate finance and public and private company M&A transactions, with a particular focus on private equity deals. Recent work highlights include advising Doedijns International on its acquisition of Wilmax Control Systems, and acting for Mitsui on its acquisition of water and recycling capacities in China. 

Valerie Kong has been praised for her M&A and private equity work for corporations and financial institutions. She recently assisted as counsel on HSBC and Hang Seng Bank's collective disposal of their general insurance business in Singapore and other regions.

Melissa Ng has experience on a wide variety of joint venture, divestment and M&A transactions across sectors including banking, consumer goods and natural resources. She is “incredibly good,” according to clients. A recent highlight was representing Nagarjuna Oil in a USD130 million investment into its newly constructed refinery in India by Trafigura.

This office handles cross border deals across South-East and South Asia, with particular expertise in relation to India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Sin Chei Liang has experience of working on various corporate issues in both domestic and international transactions. She has worked on deals in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, telecoms and media. She advised DSS on its USD1.24 billion proposed reverse takeover of United Fiber System.

Michael Sturrock is vice-chair of the corporate department and focuses on M&A and corporate finance work for public and private transactions. He has impressive depth of experience in Singapore, including numerous M&A deals, IPOs and debt offerings. He recently led the firm's representation of Vedanta Resources in its USD8.67 billion acquisition of share capital in Cairn India.  

Singapore is the main hub for the firm's India practice, with a particular focus on capital markets and M&A work. Highlights include advising Vedanta Resources on its acquisition of a stake in Cairn India. Singapore is also the main base for the firm's Indonesian practice.

“Prominent, practical and pragmatic,” Sophie Mathur is “an exceptionally strong lawyer in terms of work ethic,” according to clients. She specialises in M&A, private equity transactions and joint ventures. Notable instructions include advising Fortis International Healthcare on its acquisition of a 65% stake in Hoan My Medical, a Vietnamese healthcare group.

After practising for more than a decade in Spain, Miles Curley relocated to Singapore in 2012. He has extensive experience in handling cross-border M&A.

William Kirschner joined the team from White & Case in February 2013. He has an impressive track record, having advised on many of the region's biggest deals. “He's extremely responsive and client-friendly, and the quality of his work is very good,” say interviewees. 

Linklaters has a well-regarded India group, with key lawyers based in Singapore, Hong Kong and London. The Singapore team recently advised Fortis on its acquisition of a 65% stake in Hoan My Medical Corporation. It also has a focused practice in the Indonesian and Malaysian markets.

David Zemans is a linchpin of the firm's Singapore practice, with sources enthusing that he is "a very good person to have on either side of the table," and has "a lot of market knowledge." His wide-ranging practice covers M&A, banking and finance and capital markets. He also has an exceptional level of experience in relation to the Indonesian market, where he has acted on a number of deals in the past year, including advising Saratoga Capital on its acquisition of a stake in Medco Power.

Jacqueline Chan handles corporate M&A, corporate finance and restructuring matters, amongst others, and is praised by sources as being "thorough and committed." She has played a role in many of the firm's most important Indonesian deals, including advising on TPG Capital and Northstar Equity Partners' acquisition financing of approximately 50% of BFI Finance Indonesia.

This office has a respected Indonesian group with many years' experience of handling work in the country. The firm recently assisted Saratoga Capital on its acquisition of a 51% stake in Medco Power. Singapore is also the main hub for the firm's Malaysia practice.

See above for editorial

Veronica O'Shea specialises in cross-border M&A and equity and debt securities matters. She is “highly regarded in the market,” and is “very efficient at putting across her clients' needs," report clients. She recently advised insurance company Friends Provident on its acquisition of a stake in AmAssurance, and advised TUI on its USD55 million acquisition of Asiarooms.com.

This firm's India practice is run from across its network, with Singapore, London and Hong Kong acting as its primary bases. The Singapore team recently advised Essar on the USD5.46 billion sale of its stake in Vodafone Essar. For Indonesian deals, this office works with established associate firm Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung. The office also has a notable focus on the Malaysian market.

Jake Robson handles M&A, corporate and equity capital markets matters. He specialises in the financial services, resources and telecoms industries, acting for both financial advisers and companies carrying out IPOs and reverse takeovers.

Adam Summerly heads the corporate team and impresses sources with his expertise in the power and energy, oil and gas and telecoms sectors, among others. “He is very practical, which is what you want in a lawyer,” one source said. In 2012, Summerly advised the world's first Shari'a-compliant data centre fund on the acquisition of a data centre in London.

Gigi Cheah advises clients on TMT matters in multiple regional jurisdictions, including China, India and Indonesia. She has expertise in technology and IP licensing, transfers and distributions, as well as cross-border outsourcing matters. One commentator remarks: “She is a very capable TMT lawyer who has managed to build a good team around her.”

This group handles cross-border deals involving Indonesia, India and Brunei. 

Jonathan Olier has led multiple key transactions, including Nestlé's acquisition of a 60% stake in Hsu Fu Chi International. Sources praise his experience in the oil and gas sector, and call him “a terrific practitioner and a very skilled lawyer.”

This team has an active Indonesian group. Charlie Wilson heads the firm's Indonesian practice and works on a broad range of deals, from M&A transactions to private equity funds and corporate investments. Recent matters of note include advising Haier Group on its acquisition of Sanyo Electric. "He understands the Indonesian market very well,” commentators reported.

India-related work is handled across the firm's network, with key team members based in Singapore, London and New York. The firm recently advised advised pharmaceuticals company Merck on the formation of a joint venture with Sun Pharmaceuticals.

The Singapore office has extensive expertise in handling matters in the Indonesian market, particularly in the projects and energy space. It has an established association with domestic Indonesian firm Widyawan & Partners. In one highlight the team advised Pertamina on its proposed floating storage and regasification project in Central Java.

Melbourne-based partner Robert Clarke worked in the firm's Singapore office for many years, where he was the managing partner. Today he maintains a strong practice in Singapore, acting on a range of corporate and projects work.

Partner Keith McGuire specialises in joint ventures, M&A, corporate finance and financial investment across a broad range of industry sectors, including real estate, media, hospitality and tourism. “He's a very good lawyer who is very easy to work with,” sources agree. He recently advised UAE project company Concord Energy on its sale of an interest in the business to SINOPEC.

Serena Lennon is also noted for her work in a number of key transactions. She has been active in the oil and gas, palm oil and insurance industries, and has experience in M&A, equity capital markets and joint venture deals.

The office has notable expertise in Brunei, where it has been involved in a number of significant oil and gas and infrastructure projects. The team advised the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) on a major infrastructure project.

Mark Davies is now resident in Tokyo, and continues to work with a number of investment funds in their Singapore deals. Recent work highlights include acting for CapAsia on the establishment of the Islamic Infrastructure Fund.

This firm has a well-regarded India practice. Jai Pathak handles M&A transactions across the TMT, financial services, retail, infrastructure and real estate sectors, with a particular focus on the Indian market. He recently led the team acting on the joint venture between US-based Wolverine World Wide and Mumbai-headquartered Tata International, and also acts for a major Indian healthcare group on its investment by a Singaporean peer. He has been praised for his commercial awareness and his “great contacts around the world. He understands what makes the deals work and is a useful person to have on your side.”

Associate Priya Mehra has supported Pathak on numerous highlight transactions in the Indian market, including both matters listed above. "She doesn't let anything fall through the cracks," observed a client.

John Viverito handles corporate M&A work across Asia, with a particular focus on Mongolia, where he is currently advising the Mongolian stock exchange on drafting a new Mongolian Securities Markets Law.

Additionally, the firm is noted for its corporate experience in the Brunei market, where it has advised foreign investors in the oil and gas sector.

Head of department Stephanie Keen has led several key deals in recent years, including advising Wärtsilä on the acquisition of the entire share capital of manufacturing company Cedervall. Her practice also covers LBOs, equity offerings and corporate restructurings. 

Senior associate Justin Tong is gaining an excellent reputation with clients. He was part of the team that advised Trafigura on the investment of USD130 million into a significant equity stake in Nagarjuna Oil's refinery.

This office acts for a number of Indian clients on their outbound deals in the Asia region. For example, it has recently advised Jet Airways, the Tata Group and Patni Computer Systems. The firm also handles cross-border deals involving Indonesia and Brunei. 

This team advises domestic and international clients in the Indonesian and Indian markets on a range of corporate and finance matters.

Long-standing partner David Longstaff has considerable seniority within the corporate team, and his practice spans M&A, capital markets, joint ventures and private equity. He recently advised a consortium of oil and gas companies on a USD600 million investment in an Indo-Singaporean gas pipeline, and advised PCRD on its issue of USD350 million worth of exchangeable bonds.

Darren Murphy is an expert in the energy and resources sectors, and has led a number of high-profile cross-border oil and gas M&A deals in the past year. He also has experience in advising on joint ventures and energy regulatory matters. Sources praise him as being “extremely hard-working” and "very quick on his feet.”

Commentators describe Dennis Barsky as “a very solid M&A lawyer,” and also praise his private equity and venture capital capabilities. His clients include Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund, GM, Estée Lauder and Six Flags. In one highlight he represented Temasek Holdings in connection with its USD1.13 billion and USD468 million respective investments in Venari Resources and Cheniere Energy.

David Makarechian focuses on cross-border public and private M&A, buyouts and private equity investments, representing both companies and investors. He recently advised CA Media on its acquisition of a 49% stake in Endemol India.

This team is well known for its Indonesian experience, especially in corporate and restructuring work. The Singapore office works in conjunction with associated domestic firm Tumbuan & Partners.

Counsel Boon Siew Kam specialises in M&A and private equity transactions throughout the Asia-Pacific region, earning particularly high praise for her work on transactions involving Indonesia. Highlights include working as part of the team that advised Honeywell on its acquisition of King’s Safetywear.

Joel Hogarth splits his time between the Indonesia and Singapore offices, managing a range of cross-border transactions. He is consultant to associate firm Tumbuan & Partners in Jakarta. He particularly focuses on M&A and private equity work, including special and distressed situations. 

Shirin Tang impresses clients with her "great credentials" and "proactive, articulate and detail-oriented manner." She has worked on a number of high-profile matters, including a major acquisition and a buyout.

This pan-Asian practice handles work in the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

William McCormack heads this thriving practice. Commentators describe him as "very, very good – an exceptional individual,” and add that “he comes across as a charming guy, and he is also extremely bright.” He has conducted M&A work throughout South-East Asia, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. This has included recent work in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Sanja Udovicic is well known as a project finance lawyer in the region, and has a great deal of experience in Philippine-based infrastructure and transport matters.

This firm has handled an increasing amount of cross-border M&A deals over the past year and has extended its expertise across a number of sectors, including transportation, natural resources and digital media. Matthew Gorman is the head of the corporate department.

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

Paul Supramaniam is very highly regarded by clients in the region. His ability to "think outside the box" and the "very detailed and amiable way he approaches things" were both highlighted as strengths. He recently advised Lemnos Foods on the sale of a strategic equity stake to dairy company Lactalis.

This firm is active in a number of jurisdictions around Asia. This includes Brunei, where it recently advised STSE Engineering Services and ST Marine on the design, construction and management of a waste incinerator plant. The firm also has an active Malaysian practice.

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

Experienced practitioner Prabhat Mehta has a broad-based practice that encompasses M&A, capital markets and restructuring work. His technical abilities and willingness to help are singled out as particular strengths.

The firm runs Indonesian deals from its Singapore office. It recently advised ABM Investama on its IPO and listing on the Indonesian stock exchange. The team also offers clients the benefit of a number of Bahasa Indonesian speakers.

See above for editorial

See above for editorial