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 of 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
Joo Toon LLC
Formed in 1999, Joo Toon LLC is a well-established law firm specialising in civil and commercial litigation. The firm is jointly led by Lim Joo Toon and Michael Lukamto.
Lim Joo Toon’s judicial experience includes:
- former District Judge at the Subordinate Courts (now known as State Courts)
- former Senior Assistant Registrar at the Supreme Court
- former State Counsel at the Attorney-General’s Chambers
- arbitrator in international and domestic practice disputes
This experience and in-depth knowledge acquired through private practice allows him to view and analyse legal disputes objectively from the Court’s perspective.
The firm specialises in dispute resolution through litigation, arbitration and mediation. Cases that its lawyers have handled include employment disputes, family law/matrimonial disputes, defamation claims, tenancy disputes, medical negligence and company law disputes.
The firm’s team of lawyers are committed to providing legal services in the most advantageous and cost-effective manner they can.
#06-03 Havelock 2, 2 Havelock Road
6536 1009 | jootoon.com.sg
Regal Law LLC
Established in 2020, this firm’s team of lawyers in Singapore has a collective experience of over 80 years in handling contentious and advisory work, with hands-on litigation experience and regular exposure to cross-border elements. Their practice areas include civil litigation, criminal defence and regulatory matters, and they lend a well-rounded perspective on risk, dispute management and client strategy.
#06-02 The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street
9893 1893 | regallaw.com.sg
Sureshan LLC
Sureshan Kulasingam has been in practice in Singapore for over 20 years. In 2012, he established Sureshan LLC, a boutique law firm that serves individuals and corporate entities in both contentious and non-contentious matters as well as in an advisory capacity. 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.
#08-02 Crown @ Robinson, 140 Robinson Road
6816 2156 | sureshanllc.com
Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC
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. The team specialise in international divorces, child disputes and wills advisory particularly with multiple jurisdictions involved.
#08-168 The Central (Soho 2), 12 Eu Tong Sen Street
6011 6767 | sarahmaethomasllc.com
Fortis Law Corporation
The disputes team at Fortis Law Corporation is well-versed in general insurance claims, contractual claims, commercial and property disputes, bankruptcy and insolvency, debt recovery, employment, and defamation disputes. The civil law firm operates within an extensive network of law firms across Asia and worldwide, offering bespoke solutions for individuals.
Fortis Law Corporation
#23-92 The Central Office Tower 1, 8 Eu Tong Sen Street
6535 8100 | fortislaw.com.sg
Other approaches
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.
In addition to 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!
