BlackOak

BlackOak is a restructuring and insolvency specialist law firm setup in 2016 by former TSMP Law Corporation partners Ashok Kumar and Darius Tay.

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Advised BLD Investments on the restructuring of 8.3% guaranteed equity linked bonds due 2015, issued by BLD and guaranteed by PT Bakrieland Development, the parent company of BLD which is an Indonesian property development conglomerate which holds investments in projects across South East Asia.

Acted for Glencore Singapore, one of the world’s leading commodities traders, in relation to its winding up application and claims against Jurong Aromatics Corporation (JAC) as well as related proceedings brought by the receivers and managers against Glencore.

Key clients

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Noble Resources International, PricewaterhouseCoopers, State General Reserve Fund

Client feedback

“Excellent legal advice and very commercial and expedient with delivery. Also it is the only firm in Singapore that has no conflict of interest to ask for investment fund clients when the client is potentially up against a bank. Black Oak has a team that is comparable in size and better in quality to the big four in Singapore.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Commercially astute, swift responses, clear advice.” – Dispute resolution

“Black Oak is top of its class in Singapore. Its lawyers are technically excellent, commercially savvy and creative. Comfortably the best restructuring and insolvency offering in Singapore.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Excellent. The best independent insolvency and restructuring practice in Singapore. Led by Ashok Kumar, who is a leader in the field and especially knowledgeable about litigation funding in the insolvency sector in Singapore.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“They achieved what we set out to do with outstanding, effective advice on the back of very insightful strategy and direction.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“I have worked with Ashok for a long time (since he was at TSMP). He has been my only contact at BlackOak and my impression of the firm is based on my interactions with him. He is an extremely strong insolvency lawyer who doesn't have the conflicts of many others in the field.” “Excellent at restructuring work and very collaborative.” “Ashok is an experienced and well connected insolvency lawyer. He combines technical excellence with commercial and responsive client service.” “Excellent. My go-to person for insolvency matters.” “He has a great sense of strategy backed with an excellent grasp of the technical aspects of the insolvency regime.” - Ashok Kumar

“Very responsive, commercial lawyer with good legal analytical skills.” - Sean Lee