Looking for lawyers in Singapore? Do you need a civil lawyer for litigation or can you resolve your issue by representing yourself in the Small Claims Court? We are fortunate to live in a country with clearly defined laws to protect our interests. However, sometimes disputes are inevitable. As a former British colony, civil law in Singapore is based on English common law and is usually referred to when dealing with private disputes between parties.
Civil law deals with the rights of individuals and companies, and covers a range legal disputes. These can range from employment matters and labour disputes, to banking, financial and also insolvency disputes. It also covers issues arising between landlords and tenants, and consumer protection.
Civil Lawyers in Singapore
Sureshan LLC
Sureshan Kulasingam has been in practice in Singapore for over 26 years. He is also a barrister of the Middle Temple (UK). In 2012, he established Sureshan LLC, a boutique law firm that serves individuals to corporate entities in both contentious and non-contentious matters as well as on an advisory capacity. He is joined by associate director Mr Nevinjit Singh, and together they are committed to delivering exceptional legal advice to clients in need.
The firm covers a broad range of areas from commercial, corporate and penal infringement advisory to complex civil litigation, arbitration, matrimonial matters, probate and life-planning. They have also represented parties in matters involving foreign and cross-border elements and disputes.
Sureshan LLC
#08-02 Crown @ Robinson, 140 Robinson Road
6816 2156 | sureshanllc.com
Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC
The team at Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC has set itself apart as being a Singaporean law firm with a strong global perspective. Sarah-Mae qualified in Melbourne, Australia and spent many years living and working there. She brings an empathy and awareness of cross border matters, particularly in the family law arena.
The firm has embarked on many matters involving international custody, relocation and matrimonial asset disputes. This means that, as a client, you’ll feel at ease knowing that your matters are well looked after and your best case put forward. The team specialise in international divorces, child disputes and wills advisory particularly with multiple jurisdictions involved.
Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC
#08-168 The Central (Soho 2), 12 Eu Tong Sen Street
6011 6767 | sarahmaethomasllc.com
Fortis Law Corporation
Fortis Law Corporation is a boutique private client law firm serving high-net-worth clients, many who are business owners and entrepreneurs. Given its client base, Fortis Law Corporation also has a strong team providing support and expertise in navigating the complexities of civil law and litigation. The disputes team is well-versed in general insurance claims, contractual claims, commercial and property disputes, bankruptcy and insolvency, debt recovery, employment, and defamation disputes.
When you engage Fortis Law Corporation, you not only gain access to resolute courtroom advocates but also adept negotiators who specialise in mediation and alternative dispute resolution forums. Their approach centres on pragmatic and viable solutions, blending their client-centric ethos with a sharp understanding of realities.
Fortis Law Corporation operates within an extensive network of law firms across Asia and worldwide, collaborating with private client partners, financial institutions, auditors and more. This integrated approach enables them to fashion inclusive and effective strategies tailored to each client’s specific situation.
Their lawyers embrace the personal nature of law offering bespoke solutions for individuals, reflecting a deep passion for delivering quality service and outcomes.
Fortis Law Corporation
#23-92 The Central Office Tower 1, 8 Eu Tong Sen Street
6535 8100 | fortislaw.com.sg
Eugene Thuraisingam LLP
This premier dispute resolution firm has a reputable team of civil and criminal lawyers based in Singapore. The firm has been recognised for various practice areas. These include ‘White-collar Crime’ and ‘Commercial and Transactions’ by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2020, and ‘Dispute Resolution’ by Asialaw Profiles 2020. It was also named as one of the ‘Firms to Watch 2019’ by Asian Legal Business.
As civil litigators with an accomplished criminal practice, they bring specialist trial skills to pursue claims – particularly where factual or expert evidence is strongly contested. They are experienced in dealing with a wide array of disputes ranging from professional, to financial, insolvency, banking, employment and labour cases.
IRB Law LLP
This full-service law firm offers the full breadth of legal services to private individuals and businesses of all sizes. Founded in 2012, it has grown organically to over 50 employees. Boasting one of the biggest family law teams, it has a strong reputation for corporate and criminal law services. Another speciality is employment law, assisting with employment and labour disputes.
The IRB Law team are well versed working with individuals and small businesses to larger companies and corporations. They consider themselves to be a contemporary practice offering legal solutions instead of mere legal advice.
While some matters might call for a civil lawyer in Singapore, there are other non-legal options too. They include the following:
Small Claims Tribunal
For example, you can approach the Small Claims Tribunal as a first option to settle cases with a value of up to $20,000. It’s an efficient system where you represent yourself and resolve matters relatively quickly using the court’s online document uploading service. Depending on the situation, there may also be an option to e-negotiate final settlements. This avoids a hearing altogether.
Once a claim is filed, a consultation date is arranged for both parties to attend. At the consultation, your claim will be assessed. If it’s within the tribunal’s jurisdiction, you’ll get a chance to discuss your situation and hopefully resolve it amicably with the other party.
If the matter isn’t settled, a hearing date will be set. That’s when a Tribunal Magistrate will hear both sides and make an order.
CASE (Consumer Association of Singapore)
Bought a dodgy TV and the retailer is refusing to refund it? For all matters relating to consumer protection, you can lodge a complaint with the Consumer Association of Singapore.
You can access a walk-in consultation, and opt for assistance or file a case. Unresolved matters can be escalated for mediation or referred to the Small Claims Tribunal.
If you find yourself needing legal advice in Singapore around any civil law or litigation issues, it’s best to consult a professional legal firm specialising in civil law disputes specifically.
Along with this guide to lawyers in Singapore who you can consult in the event of litigation, you can also read about expats and divorce law.
We also have loads of helpful information about setting up a business in Singapore.
