Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP is a leading full-service law firm, widely recognized for its dominance in shipping litigation, finance, and restructuring within Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 1953, the firm has grown into one of the largest and most respected legal practices in Southeast Asia, with a formidable presence in Singapore and a regional network—Rajah & Tann Asia—that spans ten jurisdictions and includes over 970 fee-earners.

The shipping and international trade team at Rajah & Tann is particularly distinguished, advising on the full gamut of maritime matters. This includes insolvencies and restructurings, financings, cargo claims, collision disputes, marine casualties, and cross-border litigation and arbitration. The team’s expertise is sought after by a diverse clientele, including local and international financial institutions, P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers, and commodity houses. Their work often involves complex, multi-jurisdictional matters that require deep industry knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of both local and international maritime law.

The firm’s shipping practice is led by highly experienced partners such as Kendall Tan, who brings over two decades of experience in high-profile marine, oil, and gas insolvencies, as well as disputes-focused V Bala and shipping finance specialist Chua Choon King. Other notable practitioners include arbitration and shipping disputes expert Kah Wah Leong and maritime specialist Toh Kian Sing SC. The team is recognized for its incisive advocacy, responsiveness, and ability to deliver bespoke, timely, and insightful advice, making it the go-to firm in Singapore for complex, contentious shipping and offshore matters.

Rajah & Tann’s reputation is further underscored by its involvement in some of the region’s most significant cases, such as advising on the $4 billion debt restructuring of Hin Leong group, one of Asia’s largest oil traders, and representing banks in the US$1 billion fraud case involving Agritrade International. The firm has also handled major casualty incidents, including the collision between USS JOHN S MCCAIN and ALNIC MC.

Beyond shipping, Rajah & Tann offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, including banking and finance, capital markets, corporate real estate, competition and antitrust, employment, energy and resources, fintech, fraud and asset recovery, and more. As a member of the Lex Mundi Network, the firm provides clients with access to legal support in over 100 countries, reinforcing its ability to handle cross-border matters with ease.

The firm’s success is built on a foundation of industry-attuned expertise, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients. Rajah & Tann’s lawyers are consistently recognized by Chambers Global and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific as leading practitioners in the maritime arena, and the firm has won numerous testimonials as Asian counsel of first resort in shipping and trade-related work.

With its deep bench of talent, regional reach, and a track record of excellence in both transactional and contentious shipping matters, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP continues to set the standard for legal services in the maritime sector and beyond.