Construction: Local firms

WongPartnership LLP

WongPartnership LLP stands out for the ability of senior team members to expertly handle both front-end and disputes matters. It is widely recognised for its adeptness in handling construction engagements from project inception and management of project to managing disputes and any formal proceedings. The team has gained further traction in front-end renewable energy engagements and is increasingly active in cross-border disputes, especially those involving Vietnam and Indonesia, including those linked to the construction of data centres. The firm is noted for representing large owners and employers, along with prominent contractors. Ian de Vaz and Tay Peng Cheng are leading names, covering both front-end and disputes engagements. Lesley Tan and newly-elected partner Vishi Sundar (‘a future market leader’) are also rated. Christopher Chuah and Lee Hwai Bin have left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'One of the top construction practices in market.’
‘Lesley Tan is simply the best. I've been working with her on various matters over several years, and she always delivers top quality work. She has a deep knowledge of technical issues and does not shy away from dealing with complex delay, quantum and technical issues that arise in a dispute. She manages her team well in cases she works on, but is also on top of the details of the case. Lesley is able to come up with innovative solutions to difficult legal and technical issues that arise in the case. She will make a great leader for the construction practice.’
‘Ian de Vaz is a skilled litigator and top class strategic thinker. Vishi Sundar is a stellar advocate in court. Someone you want on your side. Nimble and good on his feet.’
‘I believe WongPartnership is the standout law firm for construction disputes in the region. They are extremely responsive and provide top-notch advice which is very practical and commercially astute. We have also engaged them to act for us in several complex construction disputes, and their approach, from pre-action strategising to the conduct of the proceedings, has been top-tier.’
‘Vishi Sundar from WongPartnership is our counsel of choice for our major litigation and arbitration disputes. He is an excellent lawyer, extremely responsive, and easy to work with. What sets him apart is his strategic thinking, and his ability to provide clear, crisp, and concise advice that goes to the heart of the issues and considers our key commercial objective. Having watched him conduct a trial on our behalf recently, he is also really very impressive on his feet in court. I have worked with many lawyers over my 30-year career in the construction industry, and Vishi is, in my view, a sure bet as a future market leader.’
‘The legal team put in place well considered our needs for different contract forms to cater for the needs of our project. It included lawyers who were well versed in construction law and also data protection and security. Each of them provided their expert opinions to holistically meet our legal needs.’
‘Kua Lay Theng is very dedicated and committed as our legal consultant. Despite a short turnaround, she sees to it to constantly engage us to ascertain our contract needs to advise accordingly. She is also mindful of our tight timeline and would see that the team respond in time.’
‘Vishi Sundar stands out particularly in terms of industry knowledge and professionalism in handling the variations in the case developments.’

Key clients

Resorts World at Sentosa
UOL Group
OKP Holdings
Tiong Seng
Ministry of Health Singapore
InnovEng
MCC Land
China Jingye Construction Engineering
Surbana Jurong Consultants
Wee Poh Construction
Lum Chang Holdings
Woh Hup

Work highlights

Acted for a contractor against the employer and other members of a consortium in respect of disputes arising out of a power plant project in Southeast Asia involving issues such as delays and extensions of time and apportionment of liability for delays.