Asia Business Law Journal unveils the top talent in the Lion City’s legal profession. Byung Jin Park reports
As Singapore consolidates its position as a logistics and transportation hub while strengthening supply chain connectivity with neighbouring countries, the demands on Singaporean law firms are increasing. This growth reflects the expanding complexity of cross-border commercial activity in the region.
Singapore ranked first out of 139 countries in the latest World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI). The LPI evaluates the quality of logistics services, trade and transport infrastructure, and border controls, all of which influence investor confidence and cross-border trade flows.
Singaporean law firms play a key role in supporting the city-state’s efforts to overcome constraints in economic scale and resource availability. This has been achieved through involvement in smart logistics initiatives and the joint development of industrial clusters within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a flagship cross-border project aimed at deepening economic integration between Singapore and Malaysia. Many Singapore-based companies are establishing a presence in the JS-SEZ as they reassess supply chains and diversify operations in response to ongoing US-China tensions. Initial investments in the zone have focused on data centres and other high-tech sectors, while small and medium-sized enterprises are likewise considering the zone as an alternative base to complement their operations in Singapore.
Such outbound investments demand sophisticated legal advice across issues including cross-border regulatory compliance, foreign investment approvals, tax structuring, land use and zoning, and employment matters. Singaporean law firms are expected to play an increasingly critical role in structuring, executing and de-risking these cross-border projects.
Despite uncertainty arising from unpredictable US tariff policies, Singapore’s economy recorded solid growth of 4.8% in 2025, exceeding the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s November 2025 forecast of “around 4%”. This resilience has reinforced Singapore’s appeal as a regional base for multinational companies. In 2026, Singapore’s exposure to a 10% baseline reciprocal tariff – lower than that imposed on most Asian peers – is expected to drive an inflow of foreign investment into the Lion City. Singaporean lawyers will be at the forefront of this trend, guiding foreign investors through inbound transactions and navigating a sophisticated legal environment marked by rigorous regulation, complex cross-border considerations and exacting compliance standards.
Against this backdrop, Asia Business Law Journal proudly presents its A-List of the top 100 lawyers practising in Singapore plus 25 Legal Icons. The A-List is based on extensive research conducted and nominations received from in-house counsel in Singapore and elsewhere, as well as partners at international law firms.
Cross-border experts
Comments submitted to ABLJ by clients suggest that they look for lawyers who not only have domestic commercial expertise but also the ability to navigate the legal, regulatory and cultural complexities of cross-border transactions.
Lim Kok Meng, a joint managing partner at Aquinas Law Alliance, who has advised on public offerings for companies in China, Singapore and other jurisdictions, as well as on cross-border M&A, receives a testimonial from Che Ming Wong, a partner at Wong Poon Chan Law & Co in Hong Kong.
“I am a Hong Kong solicitor handling cross-border cases, particularly those involving Asean countries,” says Wong. “I have been acquainted with Lim for over a decade, during which he has assisted my Hong Kong and PRC clients in various commercial matters. He is intelligent, competent and truly deserving of recognition as a top lawyer.”
Stanley Lim, a partner and the head of the banking and finance practice at Shook Lin & Bok, is praised by Jessica Xue, a relationship manager at DBS Bank in Singapore, for his “exceptional legal expertise, sound judgement and a client-focused approach”.
“As a private banking relationship manager, I work closely with high-net-worth clients who require sophisticated legal advice on complex wealth and cross-border matters,” says Xue. “His ability to provide clear, practical advice, coupled with his professionalism, integrity and collaborative manner, sets him apart. In my professional opinion, he is a highly deserving candidate for this recognition.”
Suzanne Johnston, a partner and the head of private wealth at Stephenson Harwood, is recommended by John Shoemaker, a partner at Butler Snow in London, who says that she consistently delivers exceptional legal insight and strategic counsel on complex cross-border matters.
“Her deep technical expertise, commercial acuity and unwavering commitment to client service set her apart as a leading practitioner in Singapore’s foreign coverage legal market.”
Reliable and professional counterpart
As Singapore continues to be a reliable seat of arbitration, Suresh Divyanathan, an international arbitration lawyer and a managing director at Dauntless Law Chambers, received praise from an overseas client.
“Divyanathan gave us valuable advice and helpful support in handling the case in the legal area of international arbitration to be held in Singapore,” says Hajime Nakata, a representative lawyer at Nakata & Partners Law Offices in Tokyo.
“He is not only accustomed to international arbitration procedures but also knows well about Japanese companies, including their organisation, business styles and trends in decision-making. This remark is a strong help and authority for Japanese businessmen to prepare and control international arbitration held in Singapore.”
Christine Chen, a partner at Winkler Partners in Taipei, handled a cross-border matter involving Singapore proceedings, and Taiwanese banking and regulatory considerations with Divyanathan.
“Throughout this matter, Divyanathan demonstrated sound legal judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach. He also proved to be a reliable and professional counterpart in cross-border collaboration, providing clear instructions and engaging in a constructive and measured manner throughout the engagement.”
Joseph Tay, the director of commercial disputes in Bayfront Law (the alliance counterpart of the Nishimura & Asahi Singapore office), also has a strong track record as arbitration and litigation counsel in Singapore.
He assisted Wei Yang Ethan Chia, a chief financial officer at Wilton Resources Corporation in Singapore, in a litigation against a former business partner seeking to convert project financing into a loan transaction.
“Tay is very knowledgeable in his area of expertise and was a key element in the eventual settlement with the counterparty. He was able to maintain a strong position for my company despite being faced with a panel of well-named legal advisers that had been hired by the counterparty.”
Rebecca Goh, a premium client manager at StoneX Financial in Singapore, also speaks about her experience with Tay: “Compared to the many lawyers we had approached previously, it is apparent that Tay is in a league of his own. By nominating Tay, I hope others will have access to an impressive and dedicated lawyer who genuinely advocates for his clients and is able to provide strong representation for a difficult legal case.”
More than just legal knowledge
In this year’s Singapore A-List report, Paul Kim, a chief financial officer at Mamikos in Singapore, says: “When engaging a law firm, clients seek more than just legal knowledge – they value practical advice, seamless execution and a dedicated, focused team.”
He cited Shiao Ning Lam and her firm, Rubicon Law, as exemplifying these qualities.
“From the outset, the Rubicon team impressed us with their ability to quickly understand our business context and objectives,” says Kim. “They proactively identified important legal and commercial considerations we had overlooked. Their focus, professionalism and ability to anticipate potential challenges gave us confidence at every step. We look forward to working with them again.”
Syenny Hu Yu, a chief financial officer at AsiaMedic in Singapore, credits Evelyn Ang, a senior partner at Dentons Rodyk, for “balanced and pragmatic” advice. “She does not limit her role to drafting or legal interpretation alone,” says Yu.
“Instead, she actively provides thoughtful opinions and practical views on structuring, risk allocation and negotiation strategy. As a result, her input frequently influenced key commercial decisions, not just legal documentation.”
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.
