Dispute Resolution,
Arbitration & Litigation

DNA’s dispute resolution practice is renowned as a top practice in the Asia-Pacific region. Our lawyers are recognised for providing effective solutions, strategic advice and decisive legal action. No case is too complex for us. We take pride in guiding and representing our clients through the most challenging and critical disputes, and are dedicated to achieving winning outcomes for our clients no matter the jurisdiction, institution or tribunal.

Our network is ideally positioned to handle the increasing number of cross-border disputes. Our multi-linguistic team of lawyers have represented clients in disputes administered by all major arbitration institutions and the Singapore International Commercial Court. We handle all aspects of arbitral proceedings in the region and beyond, and all stages of court proceedings in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Each year, the aggregate quantum of our matters totals several billion dollars.

We have extensive experience in a diverse range of industries and areas of the law, including banking and finance, building and construction, constitutional law, debt recovery, directors’ duties, fraud and white-collar crime, intellectual property, telecommunications, and media and technology. The matters we handle span a range of governing and procedural laws, from both common law and civil law traditions. This institutional know-how is brought to bear on each of our matters.

We act for and advise Fortune 500 companies, states, government linked entities, high net-worth individuals, multi-national corporations, small to medium-sized enterprises and local organisations, among others. Many of our clients come back to us for further representation.

Our senior counsel and partners are widely regarded as amongst the best in the region. We are frequently instructed by other law firms to act as lead counsel at hearings in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, London, Shanghai, and Dubai. In addition to acting as counsel, our lawyers also sit as arbitrators in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations, giving us better perspective of cases.

Key Partners

Cavinder Bull, SC

Chief Executive Officer
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Jimmy Yim, SC

Chairman
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Rahayu Ningsih Hoed

Partner / Real Estate / Mining and Energy / Mergers and Acquisitions / Litigation and Dispute Resolution / Competition Law / Employment / Construction / Infrastructure and Major Project / Hotel, Resort and Tourism...
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Rudy Andreas Sitorus

Partner / Insolvency & Restructuring / Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution / Employment
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Rabindra S. Nathan

Partner / Head, Dispute Resolution / Head, Restructuring & Insolvency / Arbitration & Mediation /
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K. Shanti Mogan

Partner / Head, Arbitration & Mediation / Head, Competition Law & Antitrust / Dispute Resolution / Personal Data Protection & Privacy Laws / Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement / Technology, Media & Telco /
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Eduardo A. Martinez

Senior Partner / Head, Dispute Resolution
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Shirley F. Alinea

Partner / Head, Commercial Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution / Head, Immigration / Co-Head, Dispute Resolution / Co-Head, Restructuring and Insolvency
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John Frangos

Partner and Director, Dispute Resolution
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Loc Xuan Le

Partner, Intellectual Property and Dispute Resolution
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Accolades

Indonesia | Makarim & Taira S.

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Highly Ranked for Dispute Resolution from 2018-2024

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2024 - Tier 2 from 2019-2024

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed – Leading Individual
Rudy Andreas Sitorus – Rising Stars

  • “They are very dependable and knowledgeable.”

Benchmark Litigation
Dispute Resolution 2023 - Tier 2 firm from 2019-2023

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed – Litigation Star
Rudy Andreas Sitorus – Future Star

Malaysia | Shearn Delamore & Co.

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2022 - Band 1 (13 consecutive years)

Rabindra S. Nathan – Leading Individual for 13 years: 2010-2022
Rodney Gomez – Leading Individual for 13 years: 2010-2022
K. Shanti Mogan – Leading Individual for 9 years: 2014-2022
Dhinesh Bhaskaran – Leading Individual for 8 years: 2015-2022
Yee Mei Ken – Leading Individual for 3 years: 2020 - 2022

  • A client reports that Shearn Delamore & Co provides an "excellent" service, with "a clear winning strategy that is followed up with meticulously prepared documentation along every step of the way."
  • One client praises its "great team," commending their "excellent research work, written submissions and the manner in which they prepare for, and argue in, hearings."
  • Another source adds: "Their organisation is very well run and easy to deal with."
  • Clients are full of praise for the firm's dependable service, with one interviewee commenting: "They are very reliable, knowledgeable, efficient and hard-working, with good customer service and teamwork. They continuously update us on the status of our case."
  • Another source expresses admiration for the team, reporting that "they advise not only from a legal perspective, but also from clients' commercial points of view."
  • The team attracts strong praise from interviewees, with clients characterising the group as "very, very good" and rating Shearn Delamore "among the leading firms in Malaysia" for contentious work.
  • One source reports: "They have a good pool of experienced lawyers."
  • "Our preferred firm in respect of complex litigation."
  • "An excellent firm, I have always felt comfortable in our dealings with them."
  • Sources say: "They were very good and we were very impressed." "They did and continue to do a great job."
  • Sources say:"Definitely a Band 1 firm; they have a big team with a group of partners all ready to pick up complex issues."
  • One interviewee notes that "they have a good reputation and their partners are leaders. It is a truly full-service firm."
  • Clients praise the team for its "professionalism, expertise and good turnaround time."

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2022 - Top Tier (13 consecutive years)

Rodney Gomez – Leading Individual for 3 consecutive years: 2019-2022
Yee Mei Ken – Leading Individual for 3 consecutive years: 2019-2022
Rabindra S. Nathan – Recommended Lawyer for 5 years: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2019 and 2020
Rodney Gomez – Recommended Lawyer for 1 year: 2012
K. Shanti Mogan – Recommended Lawyer for 6 years: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2019-2021
Dhinesh Bhaskaran – Recommended Lawyer for 4 years: 2010, 2016, 2019 and 2020
Rajasingam Gothandapani – Recommended Lawyer for 6 years: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018
Nad Segaram – Recommended Lawyer for 2 years: 2010 and 2019
Yee Mei Ken – Recommended Lawyer for 3 years: 2016-2018
Jimmy Liew – Recommended Lawyer for 1 year: 2012
Lilien Wong – Recommended Lawyer and Next Generation Lawyer for 1 year: 2022

  • Shearn Delamore & Co. team provides sound legal advice, in-depth analysis of complex issues and effective & innovative solutions to various issues”
  • “The team handles arbitration constructively and pragmatically.”
  • “They have a very reliable, knowledgeable, efficient and hard-working team who help clients in understanding the various issues and suggest best solutions and way forward”
  • “Highly efficient and always available, they are very practical and sensible and easy to work with”
  • “Exceptional analysis of the law and the wider context of the case”
  • ‘excellent response times and spot-on knowledge of the law”
  • ‘reactive and commercial, and have excellent legal and procedural knowledge’
  • They provide very practical legal advice and cut through all the noise’
  • ‘The team’s knowledge, availability and turn around time for our libel matters are un-matchable’
  • ‘The strength of the firm lies in the depth of their manpower which stands out among all other legal firms. Shearn was one of the pioneer legal firms in the country and the fact that they have grown stronger year after year shows that they have kept up and are able to deliver what their clients need.’
  • ‘The firm has excellent people in dispute resolution as it relates to construction contracts. They have got in-depth, excellent knowledge of international arbitration and relevant court cases.’
  • ‘A multi-faceted team with diverse experience. Shearn is our go-to firm for matters involving property, leases, employment and disputes.’

asialaw Profiles
Dispute Resolution 2022 - Outstanding (7 consecutive years)

Rabindra S. Nathan – Elite Practitioner (3 consecutive years: 2020 to 2022)
Dhinesh Bhaskaran – Notable Practitioner (2 consecutive years: 2021 to 2022)
Shanti Mogan – Notable Practitioner (2 consecutive years: 2021 to 2022)
Nik Azila Shuhada – Rising Star (7 consecutive years: 2016 to 2022)

Rabindra S. Nathan – Market Leading Lawyer (3 consecutive years: 2017 to 2019)
Rodney Gomez – Market Leading Lawyer (3 consecutive years: 2017 to 2019)

Rabindra S. Nathan – Leading Individual for 4 years: 2013 to 2016
Rodney Gomez – Leading Individual for 4 years: 2013 to 2016
Rajasingam Gothandapani – Leading Individual for 5 years: 2015 to 2019

  • “Responsive, resourceful and practical in its advice for the subject matter. It is very engaged with its clients and the business.”
  • “The firm eschews theory and banality, delivering sound practical advice that is aligned with our business needs.”
  • “They responded well ahead of the promised time, always responsive. They have the sense towards the case, this gives us the added confidence.”
  • Shearn Delamore & Co’s “is one of the top firms in the country”, comments a disputes client.
  • "There is no faulting Shearn Delamore & Co. The firm is the standard that everyone else aspires to in this country,” says a peer.
  • One client says: “With the firm on board, a client has the assurance that it is receiving the best advice that money can buy.”
  • The firm is able to provide me the comfort and confidence in their legal expertise.”
  • “The lawyers are very professional and able to provide necessary advice within a short period of time.”
  • “Fast, professional, reasonable, reliable, great client solicitor relationship.”
  • “Ability to provide comprehensive and practical advice.”

Philippines | MVGS 

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Dispute Resolution: Tier 2 firm for 2 consecutive years since 2020; Tier 3 firm for 3 consecutive years from 2017 to 2019

Eduardo Martinez – Leading Individual for 2 consecutive years since 2020; Recommended Lawyer for 6 consecutive years since 2016
Reynaldo Dizon – Recommended Lawyer for 6 consecutive years since 2016
Shirley Alinea – Leading Individual for 2 consecutive years since 2020; Recommended Lawyer for 6 consecutive years since 2016
Kristine Bongcaron – Rising Star for 2 consecutive years since 2020

  • “The firm does not only limit itself to one or a few special practices, it is in almost all areas of practices (whether labour, tax or other government matters and all forms of disputes business wise or personal) without sacrificing quality or efficiency of its services because they have very good people in all levels of practices. This means you do not have to retain 2 or 3 other law offices which these days may be costly.”
  • “The most senior Dindo Martinez I rate as exceptional in terms of quality and efficiency of work, but more important us the personal closeness that he extends that makes me feel that I am in good hands. Whether he is in the country or abroad, he is always there to help with my legal challenges and unlike most lawyers, Dindo is never too busy although I know he has tons of work.”
  • ‘The team at Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano is able to advise on a wide variety of major disputes, ranging from real estate and corporate matters to crime and sport-related issues. ‘Exceptional’ practice head Eduardo Martinez is a specialist in family and private client law, advising on adoption, marriage annulment and other domestic relations cases, as well as probate of will and intestate proceedings. Martinez is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution and serves as an appeals court mediator. Reynaldo Dizon leads the employment group and handles arbitration disputes between employers and employees, often involving wrongful dismissal and monetary claims. Shirley Alinea is noted for corporate rehabilitation and liquidation.”

Thailand | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2023 – Band 3 for 4 consecutive years

Thawat Damsa-ard – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years

  • "They are a strong choice for international businesses looking for advice on matters of Thai law or representation in Thai legal proceedings."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Dispute Resolution – Tier 1

Thawat Damsa-ard – Hall of Fame for 2 consecutive years

  • “The team is comprised of experts in their own domains, which makes the firm a one-stop shop for all advice. The vast experience of the team is very useful.”
  • “Very strong international law firm.”
  • “Thawat Damsa-ard is one of the leading lawyers in the country.”

Asian Legal Business: Southeast Asia Law Awards
Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Winner

Vietnam | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia Pacific
Dispute Resolution 2023 – Band 4 for 2 consecutive years

  • "The firm has a strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters whilst providing an excellent and responsive service."

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration 2023 – Tier 3 for 3 consecutive years
Dispute Resolution: Litigation 2023 – Tier 2 for 4 consecutive years

Asian Legal Business: Southeast Asia Law Awards
Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Winner

Cambodia | Tilleke & Gibbins

Leading publications and rating agencies have yet to introduce rankings in respect of Dispute Resolution legal practice in Cambodia.

Tilleke & Gibbins is ranked in the following related practice areas.

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 2 for 3 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years
David Mol – Associate to Watch

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive years

Jay Cohen – Leading Individual for 3 consecutive years
David Mol – Next Generation Partner for 6 consecutive years

Asian Legal Business: Southeast Asia Law Awards
Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Winner

Laos | Tilleke & Gibbins

Leading publications and rating agencies have yet to introduce rankings in respect of Dispute Resolution legal practice in Laos.

Tilleke & Gibbins is ranked in the following related practice areas.

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 2 for 2 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Tier 1 for 6 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Leading Individual for 5 consecutive years

Asian Legal Business: Southeast Asia Law Awards

Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Winner

Myanmar | Tilleke & Gibbins

Leading publications and rating agencies have yet to introduce rankings in respect of Dispute Resolution legal practice in Myanmar.

Tilleke & Gibbins is ranked in the following related practice areas.

Chambers Asia Pacific
General Business Law 2023 – Band 4 for 4 consecutive years

Asialaw Profiles
General Business Law 2024 – Recommended for 5 consecutive years

Asian Legal Business: Southeast Asia Law Awards
Regional Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Winner