Practices

A range of comprehensive expertise coupled with a wealth of experience to achieve the best possible solution for you.

General Litigation

International Trade

Cross-Border Litigation

Building Construction & Engineering

Criminal Law

Domestic & International Arbitration

Corporate Disputes

Personal & Corporate Insolvency

Debt Restructuring

Debt Recovery Solutions

Family Law

Wills, Probate & Estate Planning

Personal Injuries & Insurance Claims

Malaysia / Indonesia / China Liaison

Corporate & Commercial Law

General Litigation

Our dispute resolution lawyers are recognised for their ability to combine consistently rigorous analysis with astute judgment, giving clients a competitive edge.

Our focus is on finding fast, effective solutions to disputes in which clients are involved.

Each client has a different need in relation to each dispute in which they become involved. The importance of brand protection, the efficient use of costs, and, importantly, the ability to use the firm's intellectual resources to find lateral solutions to the problems facing clients in the shortest time possible differentiates us from the others. 

“people are getting smarter nowadays; they are letting lawyers, instead of their conscience, be their guide”

- will rogers (1879 - 1935) american humanist, actor

International Trade

Our lawyers are familiar with all aspects of international trade including bills of lading, contracts of carriage by sea and air, charterparties, international carriage of goods, and multi-modal transport. We regularly advise and act for clients on the international aspects of trade and sale of goods including issues on letters of credit.

We also represent various freight forwarders in claims by and against them regarding different modes of transport of goods. Our lawyers also acted in a High Court action in 2002 regarding the enforcement of terms of the Singapore Logistics Association (formerly the Singapore Freight Forwarders Association), which are similar to standard terms applied internationally by the British International Freight Association and FIATA. This was the first decision of its kind in Singapore. 

“trade is the natural enemy of all violent passions. trade loves moderation, delights in compromise, and is most careful to avoid anger.
it is patient, supple, and insinuating, only resorting to extreme measures in cases of absolute necessity.”

- alexis de facqueville (1805 - 1859) french social philosopher

Cross-Border Litigation

We represent international clients and also advise such clients in the management of their business here and locally. In the region, we have a particular niche of clients in Malaysia and Indonesia. As a consequence, our lawyers are regularly involved in cross-border litigation.

This includes having to apply for injunctive reliefs to assist in proceedings beyond our shores. We pride ourselves in having the expertise and resources to act on short notice in light of the inherent urgency of many of these cases. 

“in the state of nature… all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality. society makes them lose it, and they recover it only by the protection of the law”

- charles de montesquieu

Building Construction & Engineering

Our construction lawyers provide innovative as well as commercially focused advice to both private and public sector owners, developers, financiers, main and sub-contractors and consultants on all facets of major infrastructure, building (commercial/residential/ industrial), engineering and resources projects.

We are recognised for our outstanding client service as well as our ability to combine rigorous analysis with astute judgment to give clients a competitive edge.

We assist clients in drafting, reviewing and negotiating tender and contractual documentation; advising on project issues (for example, planning, design, construction and operational/maintenance phases); assisting on devising cost and time effective means of managing and resolving disputes, and utilising as appropriate litigious, arbitral and other alternative dispute resolution techniques.

We have a wealth of experience and expertise in construction and engineering dispute resolution in Singapore. The firm is very outcome-focused and will tailor the dispute resolution process toward early identification of the key issues, including quantum, to increase prospects of early commercial settlement.

We work closely with specialists / professionals (for example, civil and structural engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors architects and other experts) in other areas of significance to major projects to ensure clients receive seamless and integrated legal input to help ensure their projects' success. 

“engineering is the art of organizing and directing men and controlling the forces and materials of nature for the benefit of the human race”

– henry g. scott (1907 - )

Criminal Law

Our lawyers offer advice and representation on all types of criminal offences in Singapore including traffic offences, Penal Code offences, Companies Act offences, corruption, cheating, theft, assault, drug trafficking and murder. Our lawyers have also acted for clients charged for offences under various statutes including Immigration Act, Factories Act and Road Traffic Act and clients prosecuting private summonses.

Our lawyers also possess considerable experience in white-collar crime prosecutions, Commercial Affairs Department prosecutions and have represented clients in several major corruption prosecutions. Our high profile matters include defending persons charged with corruption and criminal breach of trust.

We advise on criminal law and represent accused persons both in court and by way of written representations to the relevant authorities. Our lawyers work closely with experts in the fields of forensic science and medicine, psychiatry and private investigation.

Our criminal practice is geared towards aggressive representation for clients including plea-bargaining and making representations to the Attorney-General, both before and after clients have been charged in court.

We have acted for clients in a wide range of cases: 

  • Offences against persons and property
  • Capital offences
  • Immigration offences
  • Customs and excise offences
  • Road traffic offences
  • Criminal breach of trust
  • Cheating
  • Corruption
  • Companies Act offences
  • Trade mark and copyright
  • Infringement offences
  • Tax evasion
  • Disposal inquiries
  • Juvenile offences
  • Theft
  • Rioting
  • Shoplifting
  • Sexual offences
  • Assault

“a law is something which must have a moral basis, so that there is an inner compelling force for every citizen to obey”

- chairn weizmann (1874 - 1952)

Domestic & International Arbitration

We pride ourselves with being well versed with the process of arbitration. Our lawyers have conducted both international and domestic arbitrations under various national and major multi-national arbitration institutions, including:

  • Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
  • SIAC Domestic Arbitration Rules
  • ICC International Court of Arbitration
  • United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules
  • Singapore Institute of Architects – Arbitration Rules

“people are getting smarter nowadays; they are letting lawyers, instead of their conscience, be their guide”

- will rogers (1879 - 1935) american humanist, actor

Corporate Disputes

Our lawyers have extensive experience in shareholders and joint venture disputes that extend also to those involving companies on the stock exchange. In addition, our lawyers are regularly involved in disputes relating to corporate governance including issues of company administration, directors’ duties and liabilities and the maintenance and reduction of capital.

Our experiences of such disputes also extend to advising and regulating contested acquisitions or divestment of equity in such companies. 

“in the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield”

- warren buffet 

Personal & Corporate Insolvency

Today’s business world is increasingly complex and volatile. When your business is in financial trouble, a team which has a wealth of experience and understands the issues and obligations of creditors and debtors will be critical in achieving the best possible solution for you. Our insolvency lawyers will bridge this gap for you.

Our team of insolvency lawyers will work closely with accountants, receivers and judicial managers in preparing restructuring and rescue schemes for financially troubled companies and have been involved in managing some recent corporate collapses.
We have extensive experience in court litigation, namely, in bankruptcy, liquidation and judicial management cases.

Our focus is on delivering to our clients the best possible customised solution aimed at solving problems both commercially and expediently.

Our services :

  • Judicial management
  • Bankruptcies
  • Personal voluntary arrangements
  • Court proceedings
  • Credit / debt consultancy
  • Enforcement of security
  • Liquidations
  • Receiverships
  • Capital reduction

“modern man drives a mortgaged car over a bond-financed highway on credit card gas”

- earl wilson (1907 - ) american newspaper columnist 

Debt Restructuring

M & A Law Corporation is equipped to handle a wide range of financial problems including those that require an immediate solution. Our debt restructuring practice is both national and regional in scope involving matters pending in the jurisdictions in which we work with other law firms. Our ability to handle transnational matters is enhanced through the corporation’s international alliances and established relationships. While providing a full range of restructuring-related legal services, our bankruptcy and debt restructuring practice draw upon, as necessary, the resources of lawyers in international firms, including attorneys who concentrate in corporate finance, securities, litigation, tax, pension, and real estate law.

Our lawyers have represented financially troubled companies as debtors in bankruptcy and out-of-court restructurings and have also been involved in numerous company rehabilitation proceedings. We have provided opinions on the structure and bankruptcy implications of proposed transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, project and structured financings and other transactional work.

Some of the areas we address in the process include:

  • Debt Management and Reduction
  • Voluntary Liquidation
  • Restructuring of Real Estate Assets
  • Receivable Financing and Collection
  • Contract Negotiation & Resolution
  • Loan Qualification
  • Sale/Merger of Business
  • Negotiating Standstill Agreements
  • Applying for Court sanctioned Schemes of Arrangements
  • Applying to Court for Judicial Management of companies
  • Applying to Court for Voluntary Arrangements for individuals

We also regularly advise on purchase of distressed debt.

Our objective is to restore both confidence and profitability by restructuring clients’ financial standing.

“lack of money is no obstacle; lack of an idea is an obstacle”

- ken hakuta

Debt Recovery Solutions

Recovering debt is often a frustrating and time consuming process.

The late payment of commercial bills adds to business costs. This in turn leads to lost business opportunities. Numerous high profile businesses in varied industries have gone under due to payment delays.

As such, part of maintaining any successful business is good cash flow management and one important feature in business is how late payment is handled in the business.

M & A Law Corporation pursues unpaid and disputed commercial debts and helps these businesses to identify future credit risks. Not only do we assist these businesses recover their debts, we will review all their contractual documents to ensure that they have in place proper legal recourse should there be any default of payment.

M & A Law Corporation undertakes the debt recovery process for clients on a competitive basis. Our debt recovery lawyers organise pressure on debtors at all stages of the collection process including:

  • Tracing debtors
  • Sending letters of demand before legal action
  • Issuing and serving statutory demands
  • Issuing and serving court proceedings
  • Contesting and defending court proceedings
  • Enforcement of judgments
  • Winding up applications against companies
  • Bankruptcy applications against individuals

“a man’s indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude”

ruth benedict (1887 - 1948) american anthropologist

Family Law

The laws governing the family & marriage has changed greatly in recent times, reflecting the changes to our society and its values & attitudes. In particular, protection for the woman and children from family violence and financial neglect has been expanded in scope beyond traditional gender roles from as recent as a decade ago.

At M & A Law Corporation, we pride ourselves at being able to advise on a full range of matters involving the family, including:

  • Divorce, judicial separation and annulment of marriage
  • Financial settlements ancillary to these proceedings
  • Property orders involving both HDB & private residential properties
  • Maintenance claims and settlements
  • Custody and guardianship of infants and children
  • Adoption

We believe strongly in family bonds and the possibility of untold damage that can be done to a family and children in particular, from unnecessarily aggressive litigation involving family issues. We look to guide and assist clients towards a fair and negotiated resolution wherever possible.

However, with our specialist knowledge, we will still strive to ensure that our clients’ interests are fully protected in all cases.

“call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family; whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one”

- jane howard

Wills, Probate & Estate Planning

M & A Law Corporation offers solutions for your estate planning needs, including the preparation of wills, powers of attorney and trusts.

We advise various clients, including several high net worth individuals, on efficient tax structures and estate planning, especially for their families and beneficiaries. We recognize the sensitivities involved and are discreet in our handling of information and beneficiaries. We give practical and direct advice.

Our lawyers also assist and support clients in probate and administrations matters, including applications to Court, and making representations to the Estate Duty Department on behalf of clients. We also handle contentious estate litigation and we are committed to resolving such disputes effectively and efficiently.

“to be prepared against surprise is to be trained to be prepared for surprise is to be educated”

james carse

Personal Injuries & Insurance Claims

M & A Law Corporation assists clients in their claims for personal injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, accidents in the workplace and public places.

Our lawyers also deal with workmen’s compensation claims, employer's liability and any general negligence claims, as well as in Factories Act prosecutions.

In relation to compensation work such as personal injury claims stemming from motor vehicle accidents, work-related accidents and public liability, we provide comprehensive and compassionate advice.

We are able to advise on a wide range of matters, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Personal injury claims
  • Workmen's compensation and industrial accident cases
  • Professional indemnity cases
  • Performance and security bonds, and enforcement of indemnities

We also provide legal opinions on a pre-litigation basis to determine quantum and liability on the above matters and are involved in settlement undertaken on a pre-litigation basis.

“kindnesses are easily forgotten; but injuries! - what worthy man does not keep those in mind?”

william m. thackeray (1811 - 1863) indian-born british novelist

Malaysia / Indonesia / China Liaison

M & A Law Corporation prides itself on being able to service regional clients who have business interests in Singapore, as well as to assist our local clients who may wish to do business in other parts of Asia.

In light of M & A Law Corporation's regional focus, our lawyers have a long association with clients in Indonesia and Malaysia, and more recently, clients from China and Hong Kong S.A.R.

M & A Law Corporation has set itself the mission of building on its reputation as a firm that is able to service and provide our regional clients with up-to-date information and practical legal advice on their business interests in Singapore.

These include advice on Singapore business laws and the laws on foreign ownership of property in Singapore. Our lawyers' extensive experience with corporate and commercial business law puts us in good stead to service our overseas clients effectively in this regard.

We also deal directly with many Malaysian, Indonesian and Chinese (Hong Kong) lawyers, consultants and professionals on behalf of our clients. This further facilitates the increasing contact and exchanges between M & A and its clients and their solicitors in these countries.

M & A Law Corporation's increasing workload from outside Singapore has strengthened further our commitment to regional clients from these countries and it has generated a higher level of understanding of the business and cultural aspects that are required to ensure a successful and smooth running of their business transactions here in Singapore. 

“we cannot always assure the future of our friends;
we have a better chance of assuring our future if we remember who our friends are”

henry kissinger (1923 - )

Corporate & Commercial Law

M & A Law Corporation is a niche law practice that focuses on commercial issues. We represent both, international entities and small medium businesses, and advise on the management of their businesses. This includes issues of general corporate governance and specialist areas of mergers and acquisitions.

Corporate Governance
Our lawyers are well versed in all aspects of corporate governance. We are keen to understand our clients’ businesses to better advise on their legal and commercial needs. This includes advise on the corporate structure of businesses and the incorporation of companies and partnerships. We also ensure that clients’ varied transactions, both internal and external, are conducted in accordance with the companies’ memorandum and articles of associations, shareholders agreements and other corporate documents.

Corporate Law
Too often, lawyers are seen as obstacles to the successful completion of business deals through unreasonable insistence of terms that may not necessarily go to the root of the contract. To this end, we pride ourselves in our ability to “think out of the box”, to better assist clients in closing deals whilst fully protecting their rights and interests. To this end, our lawyers are regularly involved in all aspects of the transaction from the negotiating table, conducting due diligence to the drafting of the contractual documents.

Investments
Our lawyers provide services relating to investment structures. We advise on debt and convertible instruments and are also regularly involved in joint venture work.

Mergers & Acquisitions
In light of our close connection with clients in the region, in particular, Malaysia and Indonesia, we are in a unique position to assist clients by bringing them into contact with new business opportunities. This is of particular relevance to today’s business environment, which often demands instant growth through mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures. To this end, our lawyers regularly advise on all aspects of such transactions from conducting due diligence, participating in negotiations to drafting the commercial documents.

Exit Strategy
Not all investments bear fruit. On the contrary, recent times have seen many more such investments going bad. This is especially so in the dot.com industry, which had seen a spectacular rise followed by an equally spectacular, crash.

These developments have required services of a different kind – the formulation of a strategy to allow for the pulling out of such investments in the quickest possible time i.e. in essence a salvage operation.

Our lawyers have extensive experience in such transactions. We have successfully acted for both venture capitalists and private investors in formulating “exit-strategies” in situations where the financial prospects of the investment companies appear less than encouraging. We pride ourselves in having the ability to manage such situations to best protect clients’ investments. 

“business, more than any other occupation, is a continual dealing with the future;
it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight”

henry luce

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