Shook Lin & Bok (Singapore)

Shook Lin & Bok works with an impressive roster of clients, including major banks, multinational corporations and private equity investors, on large transactions locally and across the region. The firm is highly active in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and restructuring and insolvency. It is also skilled in advising on real estate finance, particularly on the lender side. Key lawyers include Kai Zee Liew for banking and finance, Marilyn See for capital markets, David Chong for corporate and M&A, Sarjit Singh Gill and David Chan for dispute resolution and insolvency.

Banking and finance

Work highlights

Acted for United Overseas Bank in part financing the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of Jackspeed Corporation, a local leather trim manufacturer for car seats.

Key clients

CapitaLand, Maybank, Plaza Ventures, United Overseas Bank

Capital markets

Work highlights

Acted for DBS Trustee, the trustee of Prime US REIT, in relation to Prime US REIT’s IPO and listing on the SGX raising $612 million.

Key clients

AsiaMedic, CTR Holdings, Maxi-Cash Financial Services Corporation, Perpetual (Asia), Vashion Group

Construction

Work highlights

Advising Snakepit-BP on a construction contract to build and construct a new facility at One-North, which is intended to serve as the new headquarters for Razer, a gaming-peripheral company.

Key clients

Apollo Aquarium and Cube 2, Digital Realty, Dredging International Asia Pacific, Kyo Ei Denko

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Acted as Singapore counsel for South Korea’s top food delivery app owner Woowa Brothers on its acquisition of an 87% stake by German food delivery company Delivery Hero for $4 billion.

Key clients

Diginex, Fujifilm Holding Corporation, L3Harris Technologies, PBA International, SoftBank Group

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advised the independent panel of Aljunied-Hougang Town Council in a claim against the appointed members and elected members of parliament over alleged improper payments.

Key clients

Advantage Overseas, China Star Food Group, Cougar Pacific, Pacific Fertility Institutes (Singapore)

Investment funds

Work highlights

Acted for HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore), trustee for CapitaLand Commercial Trust (CCT) and CapitaLand Mall Trust (CMT), in the proposed merger of CCT and CMT to form a diversified commercial real estate investment trust to be named CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT). The merger is expected to create the third-largest REIT in Asia-Pacific, and the largest REIT in Singapore, with a market capitalization of approximately S$16.8 billion.

Key clients

CDL Hospitality Trusts, DBS Trustee, HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore), Meilun Asset Management

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Representing UTI International Singapore and its key senior management in two suits commenced by a former employee who is seeking redress for alleged wrongful dismissal.

Key clients

Beyond Trust Corporation, GroupM Singapore, JC Consulting, MBK Real Estate Asia, Ogilvy Singapore

Restructuring and insolvency

Work highlights

Acting for one of the largest creditors in the judicial management of Swiber Holdings and Swiber Offshore Construction. This is one of the largest corporate insolvencies in Singapore.

Acting for Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) in respect of insolvency proceedings relating to KrisEnergy.

Client feedback

“Very knowledgeable on all aspects. Easy to deal with and approachable. Good understanding of the business and issues that needed to be dealt with.” – Banking and finance

“The people were extremely helpful and willing to work the extra miles and provided very good advice.” – Corporate and M&A

“Technically sound and quick turnaround. Willing to go beyond what is required.” – Corporate and M&A

“The partner, Woon Hum, and his team that we work with are very knowledgeable, reliable and prompt in advice and replies. The firm has also participated in the pilot launch of the Singapore VCC fund structure and in numerous regulatory updates and panel talks. This keeps the team updated in the ever-changing regulatory landscape.” – Investment funds

“People are a firm's assets, and we like to work with the team at Shook Lin & Bok because they are dynamic, professional and customer-oriented.” – Real estate

Mei Choo Chew

“We followed Ms Chew to Shook Lin & Bok when she left her previous firm. Her intelligence, ability to get to the root of the issue and communication skills have seen us engaging her on many of our transactions.”

Dayne Ho

“Positive and provided valuable advice and solutions.”

Stanley Lim

“Extensively well-versed in general legal knowledge and holding corporate statutes within his fingertips, Stanley possesses sharp business acumen in balancing both legal risks and commercial benefits. Given his diverse experience in the banking industry, Stanley Lim is humble and approachable and is certainly on my speed dial. Absolutely, a legal star to watch out for!”

“Helpful, professional and knowledgeable.”

Daniel Tan

“Rapid responses and thinks through commercial and legal issues.”

Woon Hum Tan

“Knows the business and industry extremely well, always available and approachable, provides excellent services and value for money. Always willing to go the extra step for clients.”

“Woon Hum has been such a wonderful legal counsel to our firm. He is always providing us with business-friendly advice and frequent industry updates as well. He is very knowledgeable in fund management regulations and provides very valuable advice in fund structuring. This provides clients with confidence and the ability to make sound decisions.”

Mae Shaan Teo

“Friendly and easy to communicate with. Positive attitude towards solving problems.”

“She is responsive and accessible.”