Shobna Chandran is a disputes boutique that was founded in late 2023. It is best known for its prowess in complex commercial litigation, insurance litigation, international arbitration, and appellate advocacy. The firm's eponymous partner, Shobna Chandran, is the driving force behind its success. The firm’s clients include global financial institutions, major private-equity funds, and multinational corporations.
Chandran is a skilled litigator with a robust track record of winning high-stakes cases. She has handled commercial disputes across a wide range of industries, including financial services, technology, renewable energy, and more. Her expertise extends to insolvency-related matters, joint venture and shareholder disputes, and insurance litigation. Her meticulous preparation and ability to distil complex issues into clear, persuasive arguments have earned her a reputation as a formidable advocate. Beyond her courtroom skills, Chandran is active in international arbitration. She has handled arbitration matters worth over a billion dollars, spanning jurisdictions from Asia to the US and Africa
One of the firm’s unique strengths is its appellate advocacy practice. Chandran is recognised as an experienced appellate lawyer, often being sought out by other firms to argue their cases before the Singapore Court of Appeal and Appellate Division. The firm's private client practice is another area of distinction. It routinely represents high-net-worth individuals and family businesses in local and cross-border disputes, as well as on private client matters. The firm works closely with other professional advisers, such as those in banking, accounting and tax, to provide clients with comprehensive and discreet legal counsel.
Work highlights
Represented Singapore Airlines in the high-profile case CSDS Aircraft Sales & Leasing Inc v Singapore Airlines Ltd, where the court ruled in favour of Singapore Airlines on several key issues.
Acted for the estate of a high-net-worth individual in a $20 million dispute against beneficiaries in the Singapore High Court.
Represented the Independent State of Papua New Guinea in the case of PNG Sustainable Development Program, securing a favourable outcome for the client
Acted for an American technology company in a SIAC arbitration related to a breach of a distributorship agreement with a Vietnamese provider, securing a favourable award for the client.
Represented an international bank in a SIAC arbitration related to a breach of a derivatives agreement, with a claim worth over $250 million.
Acted for a major service provider in the airline industry against a joint venture partner in south Asia, in an LCIA arbitration with a claim sum of $450 million.
Successfully argued the CSDS Aircraft Sales & Leasing Inc v Singapore Airlines Ltd case before the Singapore Court of Appeal, where the lower court's decision was upheld.
Represented VTB Bank in the landmark case AnAn Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd v VTB Bank, where the Court of Appeal considered complex points of law regarding the interaction between arbitration and insolvency.
Defended the estate of a patriarch in a case involving claims of breach of fiduciary duties, securing a favourable outcome for the client.
