Leading Civil Litigation Law Firm

When it comes to legal disputes that involve civil litigation, you can count on our experienced litigation lawyers to provide you with the best legal representation at reasonable legal fees. Get access to one of the best litigation teams in Singapore without breaking the bank. Speak to us today to find out more about our credentials and how we can help you.

  • Technical experts with a commercial focus
  • Proven international track record
  • Competitive and capped legal fees
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World-Class Civil Litigation Team In Singapore

We have extensive experience in all areas of civil litigation, and we know how to get the best results for our clients. Whether you’re an individual or a company in Singapore that’s being sued, or would like to explore the option of suing another party, our experienced team of lawyers will be able to advise you accordingly.

We undertake a broad range of commercial litigations and commercial work ranging from shareholder disputes, unjust enrichment claims, winding-up, fraud, asset-tracing and recovery, and enforcement of foreign judgments. We also provide balanced and pragmatic legal advice to help clients anticipate and pre-empt legal and reputational risks and deliver dispute avoidance and resolution solutions that are pragmatic, cost-effective, and the right fit for every client’s circumstances and means.

Our Approach to Civil Litigation

At Farallon Law, our approach to civil litigation adopts a client-centric strategy first and foremost. We prioritise a deep understanding of each client’s unique situation, objectives, and concerns. Every case is approached with a tailored strategy designed to achieve the client’s specific goals.

We believe in keeping our clients informed throughout the legal process. Our attorneys provide regular updates, clear explanations of legal strategies, and open communication to ensure that clients are always aware of the progress of their case.

Get Support for Civil Litigation

Farallon Law has favourably represented individuals and businesses alike as both plaintiffs (the party suing) and defendants (the party being sued) at all levels of the Singapore Courts in a variety of complex litigation matters.

  • Corporate Debt Recovery
  • Writ Of Summons
  • General Business Disputes
  • Corporate Insolvency Proceedings
  • Business Negligence Claims
  • Major Employment Disputes
  • Company Law Disputes
  • Minority Shareholder Oppression
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Our expertise includes:

We have expertise in numerous industries and specialised sectors. Our team operates globally in multiple jurisdictions and has partners in multiple languages.

Contractual Disputes
Libel & Defamation
Partnership Disputes
Negligence Claims
Debt Recovery
Landlord & Tenant Disputes
General Disputes That May Warrant Legal Action
Shareholder Disputes
M&A Disputes
Fraud & Asset Tracing
Company Winding Up
Real Estate Disputes
Breach Of Fiduciary Duties
Corporate Conspiracy
Breach of Contract
Employment Disputes
Intellectual Property Litigation
Defamation Cases
Professional Negligence

The Civil Litigation Process

Issuing a Letter of Demand

This first step of the civil litigation process involves our litigation lawyer drafting a formal, precise Letter of Demand (LOD). This critical document clearly outlines the claim, its legal basis, the desired resolution (e.g. payment), and a strict response deadline. The LOD signals a serious intent to litigate and often serves as a highly effective pre-action tool to secure an early resolution.


Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Singapore courts strongly advocate for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before trial. Our firm excels in facilitating this. ADR, such as mediation, is a confidential process where our skilled negotiators and advocates work with a neutral third party to help you reach a mutually acceptable settlement, saving significant time and cost compared to full litigation.


Commencing a Civil Suit

If amicable efforts fail, we formally initiate the lawsuit by preparing and filing the necessary court documents, such as an Originating Claim (OC) or Originating Application (OA), alongside a detailed Statement of Claim. Our civil litigation lawyer ensures your claim is filed in the correct court (Magistrate’s, District, or High Court based on value) while strictly adhering to crucial limitation periods, thereby safeguarding your legal rights.


Case Conferences

Case Conferences are scheduled by the court and presided over by a judge to actively manage the case timeline, set directions, and encourage settlement. Our dedicated litigation lawyer will represent you at every conference, handling all procedural discussions and ensuring your case progresses efficiently and remains strictly on track.


Interlocutory Applications

These are specific, pre-trial requests made to the court to manage the ongoing case (e.g. seeking interim injunctions, early judgments, or clarifying issues). Our litigation lawyers strategically advise on and manage these applications to strengthen your position, secure interim relief, and streamline the path toward trial.


The Trial

The trial is the formal hearing where evidence is presented to the court. Our experienced courtroom advocates deliver persuasive opening statements, conduct rigorous direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and present compelling legal arguments to the judge. Our goal is a robust defence or prosecution of your interests to secure the best possible outcome.


Appeals

Should you or the other party be dissatisfied with the final judgment, you/they possess the right to appeal to a higher court. Appeals must be lodged within strict timeframes and are usually based on demonstrable legal or procedural errors. Our team advises on the legal merits of an appeal and, if necessary, guides you through the complex appellate process with strategic clarity.


How Farallon Law Will Be Involved At Each Step

Our commitment as your trusted civil litigation law firm is to provide seamless, expert guidance from the moment a dispute arises until its final resolution. We manage every critical stage of the process, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

  1. Initial Assessment and Attempts at Amicable Resolution: At the beginning of your matter, we will proactively explore settlement avenues, meticulously drafting and issuing the Letter of Demand. We will leverage our skills in negotiation and mediation to secure a favourable, cost-effective outcome before formal proceedings are necessary.
  2. Formal Commencement of Legal Action: After determining the correct court (Magistrate’s, District, or High Court), we accurately prepare and file all claim documents and ensure strict adherence to all limitation periods, protecting your claim from being time-barred.
  3. Defining the Scope and Exchanging Evidence: Precise Pleadings (Defence or Reply) are essential to clearly define the legal arguments. Our lawyers will draft key documents and meticulously assist you in the discovery process, gathering, organising, and strategically presenting all relevant evidence to maximise your case’s strength.
  4. Strategic Case Oversight and Management: Your dedicated litigation lawyer will ensure the court’s deadlines are met, and maintain optimal momentum toward resolution by managing Case Conferences and strategically handling Interlocutory Applications.
  5. Intensive Trial Preparation and Strategy: We will manage the detailed preparation of all Witness Statements (Affidavits of Evidence-in-Chief), organise comprehensive Document Bundles, and handle all Pre-Trial Conferences, ensuring you are fully prepared and represented.
  6. Courtroom Advocacy and Presentation: Our litigation lawyers are experienced courtroom advocates who passionately present your case. We manage all examination and cross-examination of witnesses, delivering robust legal arguments to secure a successful final judgment.
  7. Final Orders, Compliance, and Review: Following the judgment, we will clearly explain the Judge’s decision and, if necessary, initiate enforcement proceedings (e.g., asset seizure) to ensure the court’s orders are fully realised. We also advise on the merits of launching or defending any subsequent appeals.

Nicolas Tang

Bar Admissions

Singapore (2002)   |   England and Wales (2006)   |   New York (2009)   |   Hong Kong (2009)

Nicolas is an Arbitrator at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), Thailand Arbitration Centre (THAC), and Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). In the mediation arena, he is a Specialist Mediator at the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), an Accredited Mediator at the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), an Accredited Mediator at the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC), and a Mediation Advocate at the International Mediation Institute (IMI) in the Netherlands.

Nicolas received his pupillage training from Davinder Singh SC in 2001. He commenced practice in 2002 in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team of Drew & Napier and has since practised at international law firms Allen & Overy (Singapore office), Sidley Austin (Hong Kong office), and Baker McKenzie (Singapore and Indonesia offices).

His main areas of practice are civil litigation, arbitration, mediation, employment law, criminal law, defamation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate and compliance.

He also has experience as in-house counsel in supply chain management, employee disputes, subcontractor issues, and compliance work arising from serving at US MNC Flex, where he was responsible for contractual, compliance, and litigation matters at all Singapore, Indonesian, and Malaysian sites.

Throughout his career, he has advised on multi-jurisdictional disputes and corporate transactions involving clients and adverse parties from Australia, Bahrain, Bali, Bangladesh, Beijing, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Czech Republic, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Guangzhou, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jakarta, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Las Vegas, Lebanon, London, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Korea, Surabaya, Taiwan ROC, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam.

Professional Qualifications
  • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (2020)
  • Mediation Advocate, International Mediation Institute (2020)
  • Level 1 Accredited Mediator, Singapore International Mediation Institute (2020)
  • Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, University of New South Wales (CiArb) (2019)
  • Strategic Conflict Management for Professionals (Modules 1 and 2), Singapore Mediation Centre (2018)
  • Diploma in Singapore Law, National University of Singapore (2001)
  • LL.B. (Hons, 2:1), University of Nottingham (2000)

Ong Lee Woei

Bar Admissions

Singapore (1995) | United Kingdom (1993)

Lee Woei is Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice at Farallon Law Corporation. Lee Woei practises in general commercial chancery litigation and arbitration. He covers the full range of work done, spanning cross-border arbitrations, modern commercial and general chancery practice, company law, and general contractual matters.

He has particular interests in cross-border arbitrations and also property-related work and trusts disputes which involve equitable aspects (contractual and/or tortious duties, agency, fiduciary duties, illegality, restitution, undue influence and unjust enrichment), but his practice equally encompasses shareholders, company and partnership disputes, problems involving trusts and civil fraud, and banking and professional negligence claims. Many of Lee Woei’s cases, both in arbitration and litigation matters, usually have a transnational element involving jurisdictional and conflict of law issues, together with the full range of interim measures repertoire with which he is well used to dealing.

Further details of specific work experience can be obtained by contacting Lee Woei’s Legal Secretary.

Jolene Gwee

Bar Admissions

Singapore (2019)

Prior to joining Farallon Law Corporation, Jolene spent two years at a local law firm where she was involved in various contentious and non-contentious matters across a range of practice areas such as building and construction, insolvency, intellectual property, finance, contract and tort, including general corporate work.

Jolene is an active civil and commercial litigation, arbitration, and mediation lawyer. She currently acts for and advises local and foreign individuals and corporate clients in various contentious matters, including contractual disputes, shareholder disputes and employment disputes. As part of her practice, she also carries out some advisory work in relation to company and probate matters.

Jolene is fluent in English and Mandarin, and understands conversational Japanese.

Professional Qualifications
  • Advocate & Solicitor, Singapore (2019)
  • LL.B. (Hons), University of Queensland (2016)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is civil litigation?

Civil litigation is a legal process where individuals, businesses, or other entities resolve disputes in a court of law. These disputes typically involve seeking monetary compensation or specific actions rather than criminal penalties. Civil litigation encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including contract disputes, property disputes, family law matters, and personal injury claims.


What is a civil lawsuit in Singapore?

In Singapore, a civil lawsuit is a legal action initiated by an individual or entity (the plaintiff) against another party (the defendant) in a civil court. The purpose is to resolve a dispute where the plaintiff seeks compensation or other relief for harm or loss suffered due to the defendant’s actions or inactions. Singapore’s civil law system provides a structured framework for these disputes to be resolved fairly and efficiently.


How do I file a civil lawsuit in Singapore?

To file a civil lawsuit in Singapore:

  1. Consult a Lawyer: Determine the validity of your claim with legal advice.
  2. Pre-Litigation Steps: Complete any required mediation or send a Letter of Demand.
  3. File Legal Documents: Submit a Writ of Summons or Originating Summons to the court, depending on your case.
  4. Serve Documents: Notify the defendant by officially serving the court documents.
  5. Attend Court Proceedings: Participate in pre-trial conferences and, if necessary, a trial.
  6. Enforce Judgement: If successful, follow court procedures to enforce the judgment.

What's the difference between arbitration and litigation?

Litigation means going to Court to resolve a dispute. Both parties will present their case in the Court, at which point the judge renders their verdict. On the other hand, arbitration is a private process where both parties agree that a third party (a neutral party) will yield a binding decision.

Arbitration also differs from litigation in several ways. The main difference is that arbitration is handled outside of the court system and can be much faster and less formal than litigation. However, arbitration can only be granted if it is provided within a contract agreed upon between the parties.


What are the potential costs associated with civil litigation?

The potential costs associated with civil litigation can vary significantly depending on the complexity and duration of the case. Costs may include attorney fees, court filing fees charged by the court for filing legal documents and initiating court proceedings, costs for engaging expert witnesses, and expenses related to discovery (i.e. costs for gathering and producing evidence, such as documents and witness statements).

Some law firms in Singapore may offer fixed fees for certain types of cases to provide clients with greater transparency and predictability in terms of costs. Get in touch for a consultation to find out more about Farallon Law’s civil litigation fees.


Are there alternatives to going to court for resolving disputes?

Yes, there are several alternatives to going to court for resolving disputes, which are often referred to as alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. These alternatives include arbitration, a private process where a neutral third party (an arbitrator or arbitration firm) renders a binding decision; mediation, a facilitative process where a neutral mediator or mediation lawyer assists the parties in reaching a mutually agreeable settlement; and negotiation which involves direct discussions between the parties involved in the dispute to attempt to reach a settlement amicably.


How should our company prepare for potential litigation?

To prepare your company for potential litigation, it is essential to take several proactive steps:

  • Documentation: Maintain thorough and accurate records related to any potential disputes. This includes contracts, emails, meeting minutes, and any other relevant documentation.
  • Legal Consultation: Seek early legal advice from a civil litigation attorney to understand your legal position and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate risks.
  • Internal Policies: Ensure that your company’s internal policies and procedures comply with relevant laws and regulations. This will help to reduce the risk of disputes arising from non-compliance.

It’s recommended that you reach out to a civil litigation lawyer in Singapore as soon as possible for suitable advice on your specific case and circumstances.


Our Locations

Reach out to us, and our team of lawyers will try our best to assist you in any way we can.

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Singapore

Farallon Law Corporation
21 Collyer Quay #01-01
Singapore 049320

Tel: +65 6931 9000

Fax: +65 6722 8600

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