Singapore is clearly the legal and financial center of the Asia-Pacific region. It is where money flows from all over the world, cross border mergers are planned and complicated business disputes are settled. For multinational companies, high growth startups and investment funds that do business in the area, picking a lawyer is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a crucial business decision. Corporate law firms in the city-state work at this crossroads of strict local rules and complex international trade. These companies don’t just give legal advice; they also help businesses enter Southeast Asian markets, protect them from regulatory risk and plan some of the biggest deals in the region. Singapore’s top law firms are essential partners in structuring success in a business world that values accuracy and global connections.
Singapore has many different legal requirements for businesses. The successful venture capital and private equity ecosystem needs people who know a lot about how to set up funds, run complicated financing rounds and get out of investments through IPOs or mergers and acquisitions. At the same time, Singapore’s position as a regional headquarters hub means that there is always a need for advice on corporate governance, following the rules and cross border employment law. The creation of family offices and the handling of ultra high net worth assets have also made it necessary to have advanced structures for succession planning and wealth management. In this fast changing world, businesses need to be not only legally sound but also smart in business, culturally aware and able to connect with people all over the world.
The Pillars of Singapore’s High Standards for Business Law
The legal sector in Singapore is strong because of a planned national strategy and natural market growth. One of Singapore’s most important strengths is that it is a popular place for international arbitration and dispute resolution, thanks to the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore International Commercial Court. This brings complicated, high value international business lawsuits to the city-state, which means that law firms need to be able to handle arbitration at the highest level. Singapore’s proactive and business-friendly regulatory approach, as seen in its clear rules for digital banking, cryptocurrency and sustainable finance, makes it so that legal advisors must be able to understand current laws and guess what changes will happen in the future.
The legal sector keeps growing because of the flow of global capital, especially into technology and infrastructure. To meet this demand, companies are always expanding their private equity, project finance and technology transaction practices. As this growth continues, companies are becoming more specialized. For example, the best companies now have teams that focus on specific areas like data privacy, cybersecurity and environmental, social and governance (ESG) advice. The fierce competition between international and local firms for the best legal talent has made the quality and creativity of legal services even better. As a result, the legal market in the Asia-Pacific region is now mature, very competitive and very advanced.
The following are the five best corporate law firms in Singapore
The following list showcases five law firms that excel in corporate law in Singapore. We chose these companies because they have a proven track record in high stakes deals, a large network of expert partners and are well known by top industry experts. They are also strategically important to both the local and international business communities.
- Allen & Gledhill LLP
- Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
- WongPartnership LLP
- Drew & Napier LLC
- Shook Lin & Bok LLP
1. Allen & Gledhill LLP
Many people think of Allen & Gledhill as Singapore’s top law firm. They are trusted advisors to the country’s biggest banks and businesses. The company has a long history that is closely linked to Singapore’s economic growth. It is a major player in banking and finance, capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. It is the best company for complicated, market defining deals and it often works for the Singapore government and its linked companies (GLCs) on important deals. The company’s exclusive partnership with Linklaters gives it both an unmatched understanding of the local market and a sophisticated international practice.
Contact Details & Background
- Official Website: https://www.allenandgledhill.com/
- Principal Office: One Marina Boulevard, #28-00, Singapore 018989
- Founded: 1902
- Headquarters: Singapore
- Network: Exclusive formal alliance with Linklaters.
Awards & Recognition
Chambers Global and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific always put us in the top tier for all major practice areas. Asian Legal Business and IFLR Asia are just two of the many publications that regularly name it “Singapore Law Firm of the Year.”
Key Practice Areas
- Banking and finance: the most important areas are syndicated lending, project finance and restructuring.
- Capital Markets: The SGX is the best place to find IPOs, debt securities and REIT listings.
- Corporate/M&A: Advises on the largest and most complex public and private M&A transactions.
- Investment Funds: Strong practice in fund establishment and regulatory advice.
Reputation & Client Profile
Clients include big Singaporean banks (DBS, OCBC and UOB), GLCs like Temasek Holdings and multinational corporations. The company is known as the “most established.” Known for being very precise with technical details, having a lot of weight and being a key player in the biggest deals in the Singapore market.
2. Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
Rajah & Tann is a powerful full-service company and the main hub of the Rajah & Tann Asia network, which covers ten countries in Southeast Asia. It is especially known for its strong regional integration and excellent litigation and dispute resolution practice. The company is a smart choice for businesses that need legal advice in Singapore and want a legal solution that works across ASEAN. Its corporate practice is strong, especially in infrastructure projects, energy and cross-border joint ventures, thanks to its presence in the region.
Contact Details & Background
- Official Website: https://www.rajahtann.com/
- Principal Office: 9 Straits View, Marina One West Tower, #06-07, Singapore 018937
- Founded: 1976 (as a practice of Rodyk & Davidson; renamed in 2009).
- Headquarters: Singapore
- Network: Rajah & Tann Asia network.
Awards & Recognition
Chambers Global consistently ranks the firm as Tier 1 in Dispute Resolution and numerous other areas. The firm frequently wins the “Asian Law Firm of the Year” and “Singapore Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year” awards.
Key Practice Areas
- Dispute Resolution: The best way to settle disagreements is through arbitration, litigation and regulatory investigations.
- Corporate/M&A: Successful at doing business across borders in Southeast Asia.
- Projects and Infrastructure: The top advisor on big energy, transportation and public-private partnership (PPP) projects.
- Intellectual Property: Full range of IP prosecution and enforcement services.
Reputation & Client Profile
The company is renowned for its adept handling of lawsuits and its extensive regional reach. Clients include government agencies, big Asian companies and international companies that want to grow in ASEAN. Valued for being smart in business, tough in arguments and providing a smooth regional platform.
3. WongPartnership LLP
WongPartnership is one of the best law firms in Singapore. It is known for its dynamic, client-focused approach and its ability to handle complex, cutting-edge deals. The company has a stellar reputation in the private equity and funds space. It works for big global PE firms on their investments and exits in Southeast Asia. It is also a leader in technology, media and telecommunications law, giving advice on the newest issues related to digital assets, fintech and data. People say that the company is excellent at both law and business.
Contact Details & Background
- Official Website: https://www.wongpartnership.com/
- Principal Office: 12 Marina Boulevard, Level 28, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982
- Founded: 1992
- Headquarters: Singapore
Awards & Recognition
The Legal 500 has consistently ranked us as Tier 1 for Private Equity and TMT. The firm has won the “Singapore Deal Firm of the Year” award multiple times for its work on significant private equity and M&A deals.
Key Practice Areas
- Private Equity & Funds: The best in the business at setting up funds, buying companies with debt and giving advice to general partners.
- Corporate/M&A: Strong in strategic, cross-border M&A, especially in healthcare and TMT.
- TMT & Digital Economy: The best company for IT outsourcing, telecom rules and fintech.
- Competition/Antitrust: The best way to handle complicated merger clearances and give advice on competition law.
Reputation & Client Profile
The private equity community and clients who want to do business with a company that is innovative and deal-driven see it as the best choice. Works with top global funds, fast-growing tech companies and big regional businesses. People praised them for being quick to respond, focused on finding solutions and very good at carrying out transactions.
4. Drew & Napier LLC
Drew & Napier is a law firm in Singapore that is well-known for having some of the country’s best senior counsel and for being the best place to settle disputes. People really respect its business and financial practices, especially when it comes to restructuring and insolvency and capital markets. The company is often involved in the most high-profile and controversial cases in Singapore courts and arbitration. This experience with litigation helps it give strategic corporate advice, especially in difficult situations and complicated regulatory issues.
Contact Details & Background
- Official Website: https://www.drewnapier.com/
- Principal Office: 10 Collyer Quay, #10-01 Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
- Founded: 1889
- Headquarters: Singapore
Awards & Recognition
Everyone agrees that this is the best company for restructuring, insolvency and dispute resolution. Legal directories always rank its senior lawyers as “Star Individuals.”
Key Practice Areas
- Dispute Resolution: The best company for complicated business lawsuits and international arbitration.
- Restructuring and bankruptcy: the main areas of debt restructuring, arrangements and receiverships.
- Corporate/M&A: Good at strategic M&A, which often has a legal or regulatory aspect.
- Competition and Regulation: Best practices in white-collar crime, competition law and financial services regulation.
Reputation & Client Profile
People say this is the best litigation firm because it gets the most difficult and important cases. The client base includes big banks, companies that are having trouble and people who are going through regulatory proceedings. People respect it for its smartness, ability to win in court and deep understanding of how to handle crises.
5. Shook Lin & Bok LLP
Shook Lin & Bok is one of Singapore’s oldest and most respected full-service firms. It is known for its strong banking and finance and real estate practices. The company has a long history of being a key legal advisor to the banking community on secured lending, trade finance and following the rules. The real estate team works on some of the biggest property deals, development projects and real estate investments. trusts (REITs) in the area. The company is known for being stable, having strong relationships with clients and having outstanding technical knowledge in its main areas.
Contact Details & Background
- Official Website: https://www.shooklin.com/
- Principal Office: 1 Robinson Road, #18-00 AIA Tower, Singapore 048542
- Founded: 1918
- Headquarters: Singapore
Awards & Recognition
Chambers Asia-Pacific and The Legal 500 have always ranked us as a Tier 1 firm for Banking & Finance and Real Estate. Known as one of the best companies for project finance and Islamic finance.
Key Practice Areas
- Banking and Finance: An expert in asset financing, syndicated loans and regulatory banking advice.
- Real Estate and Hospitality: The best at managing hotel contracts, real estate funds and development projects.
- Corporate/M&A: A strong practice in mid-market mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.
- Projects and Infrastructure: Involved in funding and building large infrastructure assets.
Reputation & Client Profile
It is regarded as a cornerstone of the legal system, enjoying an impeccable reputation, particularly among banks and real estate developers. Clients include banks from the US and other countries, big property developers and businesses that work with the government. People trust it because it is reliable, has a lot of knowledge about the industry and gives practical, results-oriented advice.
The corporate legal market in Singapore is known for being deep, sophisticated and focused on the world. Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann, WongPartnership, Drew & Napier and Shook Lin & Bok are the five firms profiled. Each one is a leader in a different but important areas, such as market-defining transactions, regional expansion, high-stakes dispute resolution, or specialized finance. Their combined excellence makes up the strong legal framework that makes Singapore a global business hub.
Picking one of these top companies is a strategic choice that depends on the exact needs of a business, whether it’s a groundbreaking IPO, a cross border acquisition into ASEAN, a complicated arbitration, or a big project financing. Working with any of these top-tier companies will not only make sure that you are following the law, but it will also give you access to advisors who have a deep understanding of the market, are experts in their field and can navigate the complicated relationship between local differences and international standards that makes business in Singapore so unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What distinguishes a “local” Singapore law firm from the Singapore office of an international firm?
The five companies listed are all based in Singapore and have a lot of experience with local law, business culture and dealing with the government. What is the typical method that top law firms in Singapore use to charge for their services?
Fees are usually based on hourly rates for partners and associates. However, fixed fees or capped fees are common for some transactions, like a standard loan agreement. You may have to pay success fees or retainers for legal work or ongoing advice. Before work starts, there is always a fee proposal that everyone agrees on.
2. How are legal fees typically structured by these top firms in Singapore?
Fees are usually based on hourly rates for partners and associates, though fixed fees or capped fees are common for certain transactions (e.g., a standard loan agreement). Success fees or retainers may apply for litigation or ongoing advisory work. Fee proposals are always provided and agreed upon before work commences.
3. What should I look for when choosing a corporate law firm in Singapore?
Some important things to think about are the firm’s proven strength in your area of need (like M&A, funds, or dispute resolution), the experience of the partner and team who will be working on your case, how well the firm fits with your business’s culture and strategy and the firm’s network in your region or around the world if your case is cross-border.
4. How important is it for a company to be able to settle disputes, even when it comes to business and transactions?
Critical. A strong disputes practice shows that the firm can spot regulatory and litigation risks in a deal and write contracts that protect you well.
5. Do these top companies only work with big businesses, or do they also work with small and medium-sized businesses?
These companies are best known for their work on big projects, but they also have practices that help mid-sized businesses, fast growing small businesses and startups, especially through specialized industry or venture capital groups. You should ask them directly about their experience with businesses of your size. All these firms have practices that serve mid-market companies, fast-growing SMEs and startups, particularly through specialized industry or venture capital groups. It is advisable to inquire directly about their experience with businesses of your scale.
6. How does Singapore’s reputation as a place for arbitration affect the choice of law firm?
It is crucial. If your business has contracts that cross borders, it’s important to choose a company with a top notch international arbitration practice. They can help you write arbitration clauses (which often include SIAC rules and a Singapore seat) and represent you in any legal proceedings, which is a key way to reduce risk.
