The firm primarily operates in these practice areas: Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Commercial Law, Debt Collection, German Law, and Transnational and Cross Border Work particularly in the ASEAN region. We have developed a very close working relationship with our ASEAN partners with whom we have been working with since 1995.
We are dedicated to assisting our clients in achieving their legal, business, and financial goals. We endeavor to meet all our clients' legal needs and concerns, regardless of the complexity or difficulty of the matter with creative yet practical solutions. We strive to be a preeminent law practice that delivers consistently high-quality, responsive, and cost effective legal service. It is part of our concept to realize that we are in a service oriented industry and provide personalized and individual attention to our clients either in Singapore or through our affiliated offices within Asia.
We advise our clients in English, Mandarin, Malay, and various Chinese dialects.
Practice areas
Business
BANKING LAW
Many potential issues arise with respect to the scope of different banking instruments including credit and debit cards some of which may be quite complex. We are able to advise on the legal issues relating to the same and act in a manner that will protect our clients' interests.
COMPANY LAW AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We excel in delivering commercially sound and up-to-date advice on all aspects relating to companies in Singapore including but not limited to the duties and liabilities of directors, extraordinary and annual general meetings, and other matters to the administration of a company. Further, we advise on all aspects of corporate governance which, essentially, is best practice with regard to the manner by which a company should be administered.
CONTRACT LAW
We are qualified to give advice with regard to a wide range of issues relating to contracts in Singapore as well as the drafting of varying types of contracts. We also advise on the steps to be taken when there is an allegation of breach of contract and can act for clients in the event that the dispute is brought to court or for arbitration.
JOINT VENTURES
As projects become larger in scale with some often extending overseas, companies may find that it is in their best interests to set up joint ventures. Joint ventures are business arrangements where parties agree to combine their resources to achieve a stipulated goal. This joint venture then takes on a legal personality separate from the parent companies. We are able to advise on the setting up of joint ventures, draft the relevant documentation and ensure compliance with relevant laws.
Bankruptcy & Debt
BANKRUPTCY LAW
We have extensive experience in dealing with issues relating to bankruptcy law (relating to individuals) and are able to handle the often complicated paperwork involved in prosecuting or defending a claim in this regards. In the event that a client wishes to repay sums, We act quickly in applying to be party to appropriate debt repayment schemes.
DEBT RECOVERY
We provide effective legal solutions to recover debts and will do so in a professional manner so as to avoid any potential conflicts, harassment claims or any tarnishment of our clients' reputations.
INSOLVENCY LAW
Insolvency refers to the situation where either an individual (bankruptcy) or company (winding up or liquidation) is deemed unable to pay their debts. We are able to advise on not only applying for winding up or liquidation orders and other aspects of the process such as debt restructuring and receivership.
Family
FAMILY LAW
We are familiar with the legal issues involved in divorces, child custody, maintenance, and the division of assets. We understand the emotional turmoil involved in matrimonial proceedings and are able to provide advice and act for our clients in a sensitive but practical manner.
Immigration
IMMIGRATION, VISA, AND WORK PERMITS
We provide advice and assistance with respect to a range of immigration, visa and work passes matters. This includes applications for and the renewal of permits and passes.
Intellectual Property
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR)
The hard work that goes into developing a product or nurturing a brand from its infancy should be protected and this comes in the form of intellectual property rights. We have experience in advising with respect to IPRs including copyright matters and drafting and filing applications with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore with regards to patents, registered designs and trademarks as well as enforcing IPRs against errant users who flout the law.
Employment & Labor
EMPLOYMENT LAW
We are able to advise clients on a wide range of employment law issues including but not limited to termination of employment, wrongful dismissal, claims for breach of employment contract and the scope of restraint of trade clauses. We are also able to advise and represent our clients with respect to issues ranging from the drafting of employment contracts, ensuring compliance with statutory health and safety regulations and settling disputes over remuneration. As legal professionals, we have our clients' best interests at heart and will work towards a timely resolution of these issues.
Elder Law
TRUSTS
A trust is a legal arrangement where an individual places assets into the trust for the trustee to manage under specified instructions. Trusts in Singapore are governed by various acts, such as the Trustees Act and the Trust Companies Act. They are commonly used for estate planning, succession, asset protection, and wealth management. We are able to assist and provide advice in the creation and management of trusts to achieve the goals of the client.
WILLS
A will is a legal document made by a person for the disbursement of his/her assets to family and friends upon his/her demise. To ensure that property and assets are passed on to the intended beneficiaries upon death, it is recommended that each client makes a will. We provide wills-drafting services as well as advice on succession, inheritance or intestacy issues (where no will was made).
Real Estate
TENANCY LAW
Tenancy law governs the relationship between a landlord and his tenant. In Singapore, where the renting of property is a common occurrence, it is best to engage legal professionals to vet through all relevant documents to ensure there are no unclear or conflicting clauses and to ensure that all clauses comply with the law. We are experienced in undertaking such a role.
CONSTRUCTION LAW
We have handled numerous Construction Disputes ranging from Singapore Institute of Architect Standard Conditions to simple Renovation Disputes and Building Contracts.
Our Partners and Associates
CHRISTOPHER BRIDGES
Managing Director
Mr. Christopher Bridges graduated from the University of London in 1988 and was called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in 1989 after sitting for the Bar Finals where he won a Book Prize for Best Overseas Student in General Paper 1. He was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor to The Supreme Court, Republic of Singapore on 6th June 1990. He is a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths.
Mr. Bridges has over 30 years’ experience as a litigator and practices General Litigation. His field of practice as a General Litigator is wide and varied. He is accredited on the List of Leading Counsel maintained by the High Court of Singapore which appoints on behalf of the State, senior criminal practitioners who are assisted by an assistant Counsel from a similar List of Assisting Counsel to represent a Defendant facing the Death Penalty and whose fees are paid for by the High Court.
As an active General Litigator, Mr. Bridges has acted for clients in various settings, ranging from successful criminal motions to contract cases. His cases include:
- Leefon Corporation Pte Ltd v Office Planner Pte Ltd [2014] SGDC 357
- Acted successfully for the defendant in a contractual term dispute.
- Sin Hwa Dee Foodstuff Industries Pte Ltd v Christabel Ang Hoo Hui [2013] SGDC 376
- Acted successfully for the defendant in a restraint-of-trade employment contract dispute.
- Ratnam Alfred Christie v Public Prosecutor [1999] 3 SLR(R) 685
- Successfully argued the Cut-off date for a sentence of caning to be imposed.
- Central Christian Church and another v Chen Cheng and others [1997] SGHC 292
- Successfully acted for the plaintiffs in the High Court of Singapore in a defamation suit against the New Paper.
He has served on various sub-committees in the Law Society of Singapore and has been recognized by the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme for his contributions to this Scheme in 1997. On 19th Oct 2011, he was awarded the 'Minister for Law' Appreciation Award for his services to the Legal Aid Bureau of the Ministry of Law.
He is also involved in the Academic Field as an Adjunct Lecturer with Murdoch University and Birmingham City University where he conducts classes covering topics on Australian Consumer Law and Hospitality and Tourism Law as well as Professional Practice for Law Students. He has previously lectured at Singapore Polytechnic on creation of contracts, employment rights and Law of International Trade which covers Carriage of Goods by Sea and Air, Maritime Insurance and Sale of Goods. He has obtained a Certificate in University Teaching from The University of Hong Kong and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard Bok Centre.
Mr. Bridges is a member of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators in a time when arbitral proceedings are gaining a momentum in Singapore, having passed its entrance examinations in 1995.
He has successfully completed the Strategic Conflict Management for Professionals (Mediation) Conducted by the Singapore Mediation Centre.
He has developed a keen interest in Fintech and has advised C.O.S.S. Pte Ltd with regards to their recent Token Swap both in regards to the relevant Securities/Futures legislation and Anti-money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Funding legislation. He also assisted in drafting the terms of the Token Swap Agreement. Additionally, he has advised C.O.S.S. Pte Ltd on their KYC requirements with regards to users of their platform. The opinion that he provided for the ICO has been forwarded to the Monetary Authority of Singapore who are in the midst of developing compliance and regulatory frameworks for this fast-developing market.
He has also acted in the Zilla, Puregold and Bittwatt Token Swap including providing advice on AML/ATF and KYC requirements as well as compliance with Securities/Futures legislation here in Singapore.
Having a strong conviction in giving our wayward youths a second chance, Mr. Bridges works tirelessly to rehabilitate them. He is also a gazetted volunteer Probation Officer with the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
KENNETH TAN
Advocate & Solicitor (Singapore)
Kenneth Tan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree, an Honours in Applied Science (Computer Technology) and a Master of Applied Science (Computer Engineering). Kenneth worked in Singapore from 1997 to 2003, and in London from 2003 to 2010, and he was engaged in IT outsourcing, financial news, and global network management.
After 15-years professional experience in computer engineering, Kenneth seized the opportunity to combine his passion for law and further his career in cybersecurity by pursuing a degree in law – his fourth university degree.
Kenneth graduated with a Juris Doctor at Singapore Management University in 2016 and was called to the Bar in 2017 as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court, Republic of Singapore. Kenneth was interviewed and his admission to the Bar was featured in the Lian He Zao Bao newspaper on 30 August 2017.
Kenneth is particularly interested in cybersecurity, computer forensics, and novel issues that make the most of his unique experience in both legal and IT background. His current practice includes criminal and civil litigation, divorce, probate and administration, and dispute resolution in MCST and commercial matters.
NICOLE LAU
Advocate & Solicitor
Ms. Nicole Lau graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Exeter in 2018 and was admitted to the Singapore Bar in 2020. In university, she took part in several mooting competitions and was also part of the Singapore Society and the Esports Society. Nicole has assisted clients in commercial litigation and corporate finance disputes ranging from contractual claims to shareholders’ disputes. She has also assisted clients in divorce, probate and criminal cases. She is proficient in both English and Chinese and is able to advise clients in both languages.