Infrastructure
& Construction

Singapore | Drew & Napier

Asialaw Profiles
Construction 2023 – Highly Recommended firm
Construction 2019 to 2022 – Recommended firm (4 consecutive years)
Construction & Real Estate 2013 to 2018 – Highly Recommended firm (6 consecutive years)
Infrastructure 2017 to 2022 – Recommended firm (6 consecutive years)

Christopher Chong – Identified as a Distinguished Practitioner for Construction 2023 (4 consecutive years)

• “Able to provide clear, succinct and actionable advice.”
• “Extremely effective and efficient.”
• “Fast, quick responses and able to provide alternative solutions.”
• “With Christopher Chong at the helm of its construction practice, which is core to us, Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now, with the full intention on our part to continue this relationship for a long time to come.”
• “A group of very talented lawyers” who “gave much valuable and insightful advice” and produce “really excellent work [despite] tremendous pressure.”
• “Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, who is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless. Chris is backed by a solid team that, whether as a whole or individually, are more than capable of pulling their own weight and delivering value to us in the context of the role they play. We must mention director Kelvin Teo, and senior associates Nicole Toh and Josh Tan.”
• “Christopher is an excellent advocate in international commercial arbitrations.”
• “Christopher has an in-depth knowledge of the industrial sector, is up to date in new trends and technologies of the industry.”
• “Christopher Chong is a first class international arbitration practitioner supported by a strong team.”
• Mahesh has “deep understanding of Singapore law and appreciation of practical problems in multijurisdiction litigations.”
• Mahesh possesses “strong knowledge of Indian laws.”
• Mahesh “demonstrates commitment and responsiveness to queries at all hours. A very driven individual who has sensible commercial solutions. A capable lawyer who delivers results we ask for.”
• “Mahesh is a first-rate litigator with a good eye for detail. He grasps issues quickly, was accessible and was excellent in providing commercial solutions to our problems.”
• “Mahesh is an excellent disputes lawyer and a master strategist with a deserved reputation for solving complex issues. He was very user friendly, commercially-minded and was one of the best lawyers my company has worked with.”
• “The level of legal advice and general client service that I received while working with Mahesh Rai's team was outstanding. My queries were answered promptly and with great attention to detail. Not only did the team closely monitor the progress of the settlement discussions, but it had also taken it upon itself to supervise and check the drafts that came back from the Indonesian law firm instructed by us to advise on Indonesian law queries pertaining to the transaction. Our management and I have been very pleased with the standard of service received from D&N.”
• “Kelvin Teo is very knowledgeable about the law and the legal system. He is able to provide clear guidance on the relevant issues.”

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Construction 2024 – Band 2 (2 consecutive years)
Construction 2022 – Band 4 (2 consecutive years)
Construction 2020 – Noted Practitioner (2 consecutive years)

Christopher Chong – Band 2 in 2024 (for 3 consecutive years); Band 3 in 2020 and 2021; Leading Lawyer in 2019
Mahesh Rai – Band 3 in 2024; Band 4 in 2023
Kelvin Teo – Up and Coming in 2024 (3 consecutive years)

• "Drew & Napier are knowledgeable and can handle complex matters. They always try to suggest ways to mitigate things. They constantly review the situation and update clients."
• "The firm is very experienced in handling complex construction disputes."
• "Drew & Napier has a wide breadth of coverage and is good with corporate, insolvency, arbitration, security of payments and adjudication matters. This wide-ranging expertise has consistent quality across practice areas."
• "The lawyers that we have engaged so far from Drew & Napier have been able to identify the issues very quickly, and are thorough and knowledgeable."
• Drew & Napier is an "impressive team with extensive experience in construction and infrastructure law and the disputes that arise out of major projects."
• “A market commentator praises Drew & Napier's attention to detail and says it is "an extremely efficient firm that provides excellent services."”
• A client remarks, "We are very happy with their performance. Their legal strategy is sound and they deliver on tight timelines. They are particularly good at analysing various available legal options and communicating those to us so that we can take considered decisions."
• “The team made themselves available and were always on point, with a very good understanding of the whole process."
• "Christopher Chong is a construction law expert and an excellent strategist when it comes to resolving complex multi-party disputes on major infrastructure projects. When projects go south, you want him on your team."
• "Christopher is pragmatic and quick on his feet”.
• Christopher is "a very sound construction lawyer".
• A client praised Christopher for his "knowledge and practical experience," added that "he is excellent and has a very bright mind".

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Construction 2024 – Tier 2 

Christopher Chong – Recommended Lawyer (4 consecutive years)
Mahesh Rai – Recommended Lawyer (4 consecutive years)
Jimmy Yim SC – Recommended Lawyer (3 consecutive years)
Cavinder Bull SC – Recommended Lawyer (3 consecutive years)
Kelvin Teo – Next Generation Partner 

• ‘“Outstanding in every respect. Genuinely satisfied with their performance.”
• “Jimmy Yim SC and Mahesh Rai are top-class advocates, thinking out of the box for solutions.”
• “Christopher Chong is a singularly exceptional practitioner, that is all-rounded in terms of legal depth of knowledge, commercial acumen, client responsiveness, innovation and unmatched local knowledge. His dedication to his craft and in assisting us to find sensible, practical and mutually beneficial solutions is close to peerless.”
• “Christopher Chong is first-rate counsel for construction disputes in SE Asia. He and his team have done an excellent job in guiding us through some very complex projects.”
• “Kelvin Teo is a bright up-and-coming partner in projects disputes.”
• "Very well-organised. Working protocol and responsibilities are clear so that efficient and effective work flows are well-kept."
• “The Rolls Royce of the Singapore Market – can’t get any better.”
• “Drew & Napier’s construction & engineering practice is first-rate in the projects disputes area. “
• “Comprehensive full-service firm with depth of expertise in a range of critical areas that are indispensable for our day-to-day operations, whether during a growth cycle or a downward trend, such as construction, corporate, insolvency & restructuring, security of payment matters and dispute resolution. Drew & Napier has been our trusted go-to firm on a regular, consistent basis for some years now with full intention on our part to continue this relationship for a long time to come.”
• “For an international conglomerate operating subsidiaries in Singapore, we need (and expect) that practitioners have an international perspective and at the same time is in tune with the local pulse and practices. Excellent legal work aside, the Drew & Napier team excels in bringing in-depth local on-the-ground knowledge to the table, conveyed in a matter that an international client would readily understand and appreciate. Their knowledge, responsiveness, and efficiency in matters, is something that other firms can only aspire to."
• “Drew & Napier LLC is “renowned” for real estate and construction, advising on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of construction, engineering and related insurance issues."
• "Drew & Napier LLC has broad and deep expertise in both contentious and non-contentious real estate and construction matters.”

Indonesia | Makarim & Taira S.

asialaw Profiles 2021 edition
Highly Recommended for Construction & Real Estate from 2014 to 2021
Outstanding for Project & Infrastructure from 2019 to 2021
Highly Recommended from 2015 to 2018

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed identified as an Elite Practitioner (2019 to 2021) and a Market Leading Lawyer (2017 to 2018)
Lia Alizia – Distinguished Practitioner (2019 to 2021)
Vincent Ariesta Lie – Rising Star Lawyer (2018-2021)

• “They can always provide flexibility and sound judgements.”
• “Advanced knowledge in the Indonesian energy sector and precise advice for corporate documents.”
• Heru Mardijarto: “He is very knowledgeable and approachable. He builds up good relationships with clients.”
• Vincent Ariesta Lie: “Vincent has very good legal knowledge both in corporate transactions and projects, and corporate litigation. He is the lawyer to go to anytime we need to consult on mostly anything. Even during times when an issue is not his primary expertise, he can give very good insights and enlightenment on the issues.”

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Tier 1 for Real Estate from 2014 to 2020
Tier 1 for Projects & Energy from 2017 to 2020; Tier 2 from 2014 to 2016

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed – Leading Individual (2016 to 2016, 2018 to 2019)

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Tier 2 for Energy & Infrastructure/Project Development from 2015 to 2020

Rahayu Ningsih Hoed – Highly Regarded Lawyer (2017 to 2020)
Vincent Ariesta Lie – Highly Regarded Lawyer (2019 to 2020); Notable Practitioner (2018)

• “Excellent Jakarta-based law firm. Very responsive and collaborate in multi-jurisdictional teams very well.”
• “They are reliable and provide excellent technical and practical advice in a difficult jurisdiction. They advise us on a broad range of issues including dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, employment law and transaction work in Indonesia.”
• “Responsive, cost effective and good understanding of industry and regulatory issues.”
• “Good teamwork.”
• “The firm is very responsive and very commercial. When we need a quick response for a client, Makarim & Taira S. are always happy to oblige.”
• “Makarim & Taira S. has provided excellent, sufficiently detailed and timely advice on our projects.”
• “Fast response and very strong advisory capability.”
• “Resourceful.”

Malaysia | Shearn Delamore & Co.

Philippines | MVGS

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Real Estate and Construction 2021 – Top Tier firm for 2 consecutive years; Tier 2 in 2019

Mark Vergara – Recommended Lawyer
Erika Paulino – Recommended Lawyer

• “A go-to name in the real estate sector, MVGS is particularly strong in the capital markets field, advising large property companies and developers on bond and note issuances. The group also assists with various issues related to property conveyancing, including the property titling, easements, land use reclassification and conversion, and commercial leasing. Mark Vergara, who leads the banking and finance team, advises on project finance issues relating to the construction of toll roads. Erika Paulino has advised on the funding of projects to construct hotels and casinos, and is also instructed by major banks to handle real asset portfolio divestments.”
• “The team simplifies difficult legal concepts and provides comprehensive solutions to problems. Guidance is key. They get the job done."
• “Atty. Rosalia Alejo is very focused and sincerely cares about finding out the best solutions for our concerns. Its [sic] more than a job for her and her team.”
• “Opinions provided are very thorough in a very efficient turnaround time. Very responsive in urgent matters.”
• “Rosalia B. Alejo: The way she provides opinion and contracts covers not only the legal aspect but  also the commercial side.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Project Development 2022 – Notable firm for 3 consecutive years

Thailand | Tilleke & Gibbins

Chambers Asia-Pacific
Projects & Energy 2023 – Band 3 for 2 consecutive years

Supasit Boonsanong – Band 4

• "Supasit's understanding of Thai government matters is a real asset to navigating transaction considerations."

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Real Estate & Construction 2023 – Tier 2
Projects & Energy 2023 – Tier 2 for 3 consecutive years

• “Supasit Boonsanong is the one of the best partners in this practice. He has good knowledge and a great relationship with his clients.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Project Development 2024 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive years

Supasit Boonsanong – Highly Regarded
Charuwan Charoonchitsathian – Rising Star Partner

Vietnam | Tilleke & Gibbins

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Projects & Energy 2023 – Tier 4

Asialaw Profiles
Construction 2023 – Recommended for 5 consecutive years

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Project Development 2024 – Tier 3 for 6 consecutive years

Cambodia | Tilleke & Gibbins

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 team at T&G are responsive and openly communicative with our business. Their advice allowed us to make commercially sound decisions."
• "The quality of the advice produced by the Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers demonstrates an in-depth understanding of Cambodian law and practices as well as contract drafting and interpretation."

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

• “They have a deep understanding of the legal and policy environment in Cambodia. Very responsive to questions and inquiries.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial & Corporate 2024 – Tier 2 for 4 consecutive years

David Mol – Rising Star for 2 consecutive years

Laos | Tilleke & Gibbins

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

Dino Santaniello – Band 2 for 4 consecutive years

• “Their quality of service is high. Their main strengths are legal knowledge and professional service in providing legal opinions.”
• “Tilleke & Gibbins provide excellent standards of service and responsiveness. They never fail to deliver a consistently good standard of input.”

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

Dino Santaniello – Leading Individual for 5 consecutive years

• “I have worked with Tilleke & Gibbins on various client matters over the course of 10 years. I have always found the group to be responsive and willing to take on unique challenges. They take steps to learn about the client’s needs and provide a flexible response to suit such needs.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial & Corporate 2024 – Tier 2 for 3 consecutive years

Dino Santaniello – Highly Regarded

Myanmar | Tilleke & Gibbins

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

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Corporate/M&A 2023 – Tier 2 for 6 consecutive year

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
Financial & Corporate 2024 – Tier 3 for 5 consecutive years

Yuwadee Thean-ngarm – Highly Regarded for 5 consecutive years
Derrick Khoo – Rising Star Partner for 3 consecutive years
Nwe Oo – Rising Star