Oon & Bazul, Singapore’s largest conflict-free firm, is best known for its international arbitration, insolvency, shipping and commercial disputes practices. On top of its traditional strength in shipping, the firm has been frequently engaged in sectors such as energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and fintech. The firm launched its new tax practice last year and has grown its experience in cross-border fraud disputes and asset recovery. On the shipping side, the firm is noted for its expertise in the highly specialised area of mis-delivery claims and regularly acts for shipowners and bill of lading holders. The shipping practitioners also have substantial experience applying for and defending mandatory injunctions taken up by shipowners under letters of indemnity in both the Singapore and UK courts. This has led to substantial instructions in the wake of the collapse of Hin Leong Trading and Hontop Energy, and other oil trading entities.
Bazul Ashhab heads the firm alongside key disputes partners: arbitration-focused Suresh Divyanathan, head of litigation Kelly Yap, head of shipping Prakaash Silvam and insolvency head Keith Han. There are 11 disputes-focused partners on the team. Insolvency veteran Meiyen Tan departed last year for Ascendant Law.
In one notable victory, the team acted for Universal Metal Coating company in civil proceedings against a local company and its director, which were used as vehicles for fraud arising out of fraudulent shipping documents, including letters of credit. It successfully obtained final judgment for the client against the defendant.
Client feedback
“Quality advice. Innovative solutions. Personalised delivery. Quick turnaround. Reasonable fees.” – Bankruptcy
“Oon & Bazul are very responsive.” – Bankruptcy
“Oon & Bazul, particularly Keith Han, who is head of the restructuring and insolvency practice, is very commercial and turns work around very quickly” – Bankruptcy
“Extremely responsible and responsive. Nimble team with great legal understanding and commercial awareness.” – Commercial and transactions
“They provide in-depth analysis and are very commercial in their approach.” – International arbitration
“Oon & Bazul is an alternative to the big four, except that you are managed by senior partners who will see the matter through. They are also cost-effective and very solutions-focused.” –
Shipping
“They provide succinct, well-researched submissions.” – Shipping
“They are timely, thorough and have guided us through the process.” – Trusts and estates
Bazul Ashhab
“He works hard for his clients, has a commercial approach to the resolution of disputes and good in-depth knowledge of the facts and the law relating to the disputes.”
“He provides lucid submissions.”
Keith Han
“Responsive, knowledgeable and personalized advice.”
“He is responsive and always meets deadlines and is willing to work to a schedule convenient to others.”
“Extremely intelligent, sharp and quick on his feet.”
“Keith has strong industry knowledge and is very commercial and practical. He is great at coming up with various innovative solutions for the clients to consider. He is an excellent communicator and manages relationships well.”
Ray Shankar
“He explains the process and answers all my questions tirelessly.”
