Qualifications

  • LL.B. (Hons), National University of Singapore
  • LL.M., National University of Singapore
  • Advocate & Solicitor, Singapore
  • Solicitor, England & Wales
  • Appointed Senior Counsel (1998)

Mr Jimmy Yim is the Chairman of Drew & Napier LLC and was the Managing Director of Singapore’s most celebrated Dispute Resolution practice for 15 years.

Mr Yim graduated with top honours from the National University of Singapore, clerked at Baker & McKenzie in London and Hong Kong and made associate at another leading practice from. From 1985 to 1988, he was appointed regional delegate of an international organisation based in Paris. Mr Yim returned to private practice at Drew & Napier in 1989, made partner in 1991 and was conferred Senior Counsel in 1998, with the honour of being one of the youngest Senior Counsel below 40 years of age at that time.

Mr Yim has over three decades of experience in civil and commercial litigation and international arbitration involving high stakes, multiple jurisdictions, and renowned parties. His experience in trials and international arbitration ranges from energy projects, building and construction, joint-venture, infrastructure, telecommunications to technology. 

He has appeared as lead counsel before the Supreme Court, SICC and international arbitration tribunals on numerous occasions. He is familiar with arbitrations under the rules of SIAC, ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL.

Mr Yim is recognised as a leading practitioner by all independent ranking publications such as The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and asialaw Profiles.

Mr Yim’s experience in international arbitration ranges from disputes concerning energy projects, telecommunications, building construction, satellites, pharmaceutical contracts, distributorship agreements and joint-venture contracts of various kinds. Some of his notable arbitration cases:

Arbitration

  • Successfully recovered millions of dollars for a Norwegian corporation in an arbitration resulting from a marine accident in the South China Sea. The dispute involved issues of seaworthiness of vessels, obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 and gross negligence.
  • Successfully defended a US MNC (a worldwide leader in IT and networking) in a multi-million dollar claim arising from highly complex and technical agreements to design, build, operate and manage a WiMAX network in Malaysia.
  • Successfully representing Thai nationals and the former owners and/or operators of a leading casino in Poipet, Cambodia. The dispute involves issues relating to breach of restraint of trade provisions in the sale agreement by the clients, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties and conspiracy.

Litigation

  • Successfully acted for Creative Technology Ltd and its subsidiary, QMax Communications against Huawei International in relation to disputes arising from design, building and operating a wireless network in Singapore where the Court held that there were elements of misrepresentation, gross negligence and contractual breaches on part of the vendor. [2017] SGHC 201
  • Successfully acted for a high net-worth Chinese national against a founder of a chain of aesthetics clinics under the PPP brand in claims for fraudulent misrepresentation and breaches of contract in respect of the purchase of shares where the High Court allowed the contracts to be rescinded and ordered a refund of S$30.7 million to the investor. [2019] SGHC 284

asialaw Awards

Client Service Excellence Lawyer of the Year 2021: Singapore

Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global

Dispute Resolution: Litigation – Singapore 2024 – Band 2 (15 years ranked)

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration – Singapore 2024 – Band 4 (15 years ranked)

"a great leader who has a tremendous knowledge of the law and its particulars. He also knows how to handle the court and judges."

"exhibits a very high level of legal and commercial knowledge, client management skills and problem-solving acumen. The confidence he inspires is among the best in the industry."

"a very impressive senior counsel in complex cross-border disputes"

Jimmy Yim SC "has a tremendous wealth and depth of experience, with both legal and commercial knowledge. He is a consummate professional."

Jimmy Yim SC is experienced before the High Court and International Commercial Court in Singapore. He is particularly active in shareholder and construction matters and one market source comments he is "a strong litigator - one of those lawyers who has been in the business for many years but is still doing trials regularly."

Jimmy Yim SC is an "old hand and everyone knows he is very strong in advocacy," according to one market source. He is an experienced lawyer who focuses on real estate and construction-related issues.

He is well regarded for his client service, in particular his attention to detail and “valuable tactical advice”.

An experienced lawyer who focuses on real estate and construction-related issues, Jimmy Yim SC has a reputation for providing advice that is “well thought through and well documented.” It is also said that he is “thorough and has a great understanding of the matter”.

Jimmy Yim SC comes highly recommended for his focus on commercial litigation work. One market source notes: "He is very well known in the industry as a litigator and he is always smooth and a gentleman in court." Jimmy Yim SC's practice spans energy and resources projects and construction-related arbitration. Clients say he "quickly understands different aspects of a case and proposes a viable strategy."

"known for his advocacy skill internationally"; "instrumental in defining the overall strategy, paying attention to the smallest details and the interrelationship between all the events and claims." 

“familiarity with the judicial system, skill in conducting a trial and flair for cross-examination”; "His eye for detail and precision in drafting arguments (both written and oral) has also resulted in successful outcomes in the course of handling a dispute for us." 

“One client notes his skill in handling negotiations, while another highlights his ability to analyse issues from a legal and regulatory perspective”

“a very sharp and very eloquent counsel.”

“the judges love him”

“he makes the difference in complex cases.”

 “‘very good’ performance as counsel, where he ‘always works with great stamina’."

“Recognised as an ‘extremely persuasive advocate’.”

“Clients are impressed that ‘he understands key issues super-quickly’.’’

“Brilliant and experienced counsel”

“Hailed as a brilliant litigator by market sources, and is considered a highly experienced senior counsel.”

“Wins plaudits for his diligence and performance in international arbitration matters”

“Known for his deep experience and proactive manner”

“Has a gentlemanly style, and is well liked by the bench and competition”

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

Dispute Resolution 2024 – Leading Individual for 23 consecutive years

International Arbitration 2024 – Leading Individual for 10 years

Regional International Arbitration 2024 – Recommended lawyer

Projects & Energy 2024 – Recommended lawyer for 8 consecutive years

Construction 2024 – Recommended lawyer for 3 consecutive years

White-Collar Crime 2024 – Recommended lawyer

“Jimmy Yim SC is the best lawyer in Singapore. Top KC quality, in his attention to detail, written pleadings and court presentation.”

“Jimmy Yim SC is an outstanding and respected lawyer, at court and outside. He has the knowledge to guide his team to find the right arguments for our company to stand and win our legal disputes.”

“Jimmy Yim SC is a phenomenal advocate.”

Jimmy Yim SC’s oral advocacy is exceptional – he is eloquent and very persuasive, and has a certain presence in the tribunal hearing room. He is clearly well respected by tribunals and opposing counsel.”

Sources say “Jimmy Yim SC has shown excellent advocacy in the court room. He is very cordial, but strong and very persuasive.”

“Jimmy Yim, SC has an ability to simplify very complex and technical arguments to narrow it down to the key issues in dispute, and deliver them passionately and eloquently with fierce persuasion.”

“a super excellent lawyer”, “always provides precise and to the point advice” and “is good at thinking out of the box”

“very quick to narrow down the key issues, craft strategic and tactical solutions, and has a lot of drive and passion in the delivery of legal arguments”

“Commended for his ‘advocacy skills and in-depth knowledge’”

The Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist: Southeast Asia

Recognised as a leading arbitrator in the Southeast Asia region in 2023 for 2 consecutive years

Best Lawyers International: Singapore 

Litigation 2024 – Endorsed individual for 16 consecutive years

Arbitration and Mediation 2024 – Endorsed individual for 14 consecutive years

Construction Law 2024 – Endorsed individual for 10 consecutive years

Defamation Law 2024 – Endorsed Individual

Who's Who Legal

Arbitration 2024 – Recommended Lawyer

Thought Leaders Guide: Commercial Litigation 2023 – Thought Leader for 2 consecutive years

Global Guide: Commercial Litigation 2022 – Recommended Lawyer for 3 consecutive years

National Guide: Southeast Asia - Arbitration 2023 – Recommended Lawyer for 3 consecutive years

National Guide: Southeast Asia - Commercial Litigation 2023 – Recommended Lawyer for 3 consecutive years

Jimmy Yim SC is applauded by market sources as “an exceptional trial lawyer” who is “brilliant in cross-examination and successful in exposing untruths on the stand”.

“Jimmy Yim SC possesses a strong litigation practice and draws accolades from peers for his work in the construction industry.”

Jimmy Yim SC is “well regarded” by respondents for his standout work, energy, construction and joint venture-related disputes.

Global Investigations Review 100 (GIR 100) 

Recognised as a leading individual for investigations in the GIR 100 5th edition (2019). The GIR 100 identifies top 100 firms worldwide that handle complex cross-border government-led and internal investigations.

asialaw Leading Lawyers

Dispute Resolution 2023/2024 – Elite Practitioner for 8 consecutive years

Energy & Natural Resources 2018 – Market Leading lawyer for 2 consecutive years

“He is efficient, eloquent and communicates well. He is also knowledgeable and responsive.”

“Jimmy Yim is well known in Singapore and an excellent lawyer with a strong personality. He was able to turn around a case we had lost and win the case for our company.”

“Jimmy Yim was efficient, eloquent and understood the issues well. Very good courtroom manner and pleasant to deal with.”

“Jimmy Yim SC is outstanding. He takes pains to understand and provide a holistic approach to the resolution of disputes. His legal strategies leave no stone unturned. His eagerness to use cutting-edge methodology and technology to drill at details is commendable.”

“He is a great lawyer.”

Jimmy Yim SC is a powerful leader of his team and very knowledgeable.”

“Very professional and up to date with legal advances, always has a good strategic approach.”

“Intelligent, high EQ, very efficient and analytical.”

“His experience and depth of knowledge of both the legal aspects and commercial realities of a case are faultless. He is extremely quick to grasp and identify the issues of the case, the client’s problems and difficulties, and manages all aspects of a case brilliantly. In his preparation for trial and appeal, he was thorough, detailed and meticulous. Beyond a lawyer-client association, he also develops a personal and heartfelt relationship with his clients.”

“Excellent Lawyer, very sharp in his assertion of the cases submitted and his recommendations. Because of Jimmy, our company won already two cases out of three and the 3rd one is still under review by the international court. Very pleasant person to talk to and also looking at costs at all times.”

“Jimmy Yim has a great ability to understand esoteric concepts well very swiftly; that enables his advice to be relevant and applicable regardless of the permutations of the information and matter. His affable personality is a winner both off-court and on-court.”

“He has an ability to quickly grasp complex issues. He has a strategic plan for the case and it is effective with the positive outcome.”

“Jimmy Yim SC is an exceptional senior counsel and leader.”

“Jimmy is a wonderful litigator and a great lawyer.”

“The law is very clearly described with minimum legal jargon. [His] depth of legal knowledge helped us to win our recently concluded case in the Court of Appeal."

asialaw Profiles

Dispute Resolution 2023/2024 – Outstanding practice for 14 consecutive years

Energy & Natural Resources 2018 – Outstanding practice

“Jimmy Yim SC is a first class international arbitration practitioner and he is supported by a strong team.”

“Jimmy Yim continues to be an influential advisor in energy project disputes by partnering with the construction and engineering dispute resolution team.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms

Project Development 2023/4 – Highly Regarded lawyer

Asian Legal Business Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers 

Recognised as being amongst the top 50 disputes lawyers in the region in 2021 and 2023

“Jimmy is extremely genial, but at the same time can be strong and very persuasive. He has an ability to quickly grasp complex technical issues."

Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 

Commercial and Transactions 2023 – Litigation Star for 6 consecutive years

International Arbitration 2023 – Litigation Star for 6 consecutive years

“Excellent written work and oral advocacy.”

“He is creative and a hell of a streetfighter. Above all, a litigator's litigator.”

“Jimmy’s in-depth knowledge and experience of commercial reality, litigation and the law, as well as his ability to build and maintain a relationship with the client, puts him in the upper echelons of legal practice in Singapore.”

Jimmy Yim, SC does litigation very well.”

“Yim is an outstanding advocate. His thinking is clear and he’s always available.”

Asia IP Experts 

Leading individual in IP Litigation 2016

Client Feedback

“I had the good fortune of knowing Jimmy as a colleague and client for over 10 years. In that time, we did not lose a single case we worked together on. Few lawyers have his finesse and presence in court. Even in unfavourable circumstances, I have witnessed how Jimmy conjures “Get Out of Jail Free” cards for clients. Clients appreciate his strategic view and insights that are rooted in his vast experience and his incredible grasp of facts and the law.” Client, Andrew Lee, Assistant General Counsel, Kaplan Singapore

“Mr Jimmy Yim, the Chairman is outstanding and has a very sharp mind which allows him to see perspectives which other lawyers are not able to think of. He is friendly, passionate about his work and genuinely puts his mind to the legal issues at hand. He is definitely a class above other lawyers.” Client, Dr Michael Lim, MWH Medical Pte Ltd

“The D&N team on our case is lead and directed by Mr. Jimmy Yim, who obviously possesses vast experience and is a dedicated litigator, with a high sense of client care and satisfaction, and takes the lead on all major Court interventions.” Client, Pierre Maxime Charron, General Counsel, ACASS

  • Regional Arbitrator, Singapore International Arbitration Centre
  • Panel Arbitrator & Mediator, Asian International Arbitration Centre
  • Recommended International Arbitrator, Pacific International Arbitration Centre, Vietnam
  • Member, Panel of Mediators, Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC), The Association of Banks in Singapore
  • Member, Governing Council, Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre (NPAC), India
  • Member, Ministry of Law Steering Committee on Legal Aid
  • Member, Criminal Legal Representation and Social of the Senior Counsel Forum
  • Fellow, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
  • Member, Inter-Pacific Bar Association
  • Former Chairman, Citizenship Committee of Inquiry, Ministry of Home Affairs