Clifford Chance’s arbitration practices across Asia-Pacific demonstrate notable strength across locations, with key expertise across Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In Australia, English and New York-qualified Kate Apostolova, newly joined from Mayer Brown ‘s Singapore office in 2024, joining Cameron Hassall and Spencer Flay  are prominent in cross-border disputes. Lei Shi , the managing partner for the Beijing and Shanghai offices, handles high-stakes joint venture and contract disputes, divides her time between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s team is led by Thomas Walsh, who is also well-connected in South Korea.  In Singapore, Nish Shetty and Paul Sandosham co-head a team with expertise in large-scale infrastructure and energy disputes, with Kabir Singh another key contact.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP demonstrates formidable strength in international arbitration across the Asia-Pacific, with leading practitioners based in key jurisdictions. In Singapore, the team is led by Alastair Henderson, with Tomas Furlong, Gitta Satryani, and Daniel Waldek other key contacts – Henderson has a notable track record of work relating to Thailand, while Waldek is notable for his connections to Vietnam. Turning to Hong Kong, Simon Chapman KC is the firm’s global co-head of international arbitration, spearheading an office that also includes Kathryn Sanger, May Tai and Antony Crockett; it also is the home of Justin D’Agostino, a seasoned arbitration professional who is the firm’s global CEO. The firm’s Mainland China practice, operating from Beijing and Shanghai and regularly co-operating with the Hong Kong team, counts Weina Ye and construction specialist Michelle Li  as key figures. In Tokyo, David Gilmore heads the team (which saw Ben Jolley return as head of construction disputes from an in-house role), while South Korea sees Dana Kim and 2023 England and Wales King’s Counsel appointment Mike McClure KC, a solicitor advocate, as key figures; Warathorn Wongsawangsiri in Bangkok adds further firepower to the firm’s offering in ASEAN.

The freshly-merged A&O Shearman’s arbitration practice across the Asia-Pacific region is marked by deep expertise and a strong presence in key markets. In Singapore, Sheila Ahuja  and Emmanuel Jacomy  co-lead a team recognized for navigating complex investment treaty arbitrations, among other cases. In Hong Kong, the firm’s bench strength is spearheaded by Melody Chan and Edward Taylor. Heidi Li  in Hong Kong and Jane Jiang  in Shanghai bring additional strength, with Jiang particularly notable for her expertise in disputes regarding the Mainland Chinese economy.

Baker McKenzie ’s arbitration practice in the Asia-Pacific region is robust, supported by highly regarded teams across key jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, Gary Seib is a key contact in a team that also includes Philipp Hanusch , who combines work as counsel and as arbitrator. In Singapore, Nandakumar Ponniya  leads a dynamic team that includes Ashish Chugh , who has a particular track record in India-related disputes. In Jakarta, Andi Kadir, who heads the firm’s Indonesian disputes practice, frequently handles complex cross-border cases. Beomsu Kim  heads the South Korean team, which also includes  Sunyoung Kim and the Canadian-qualified David Kim. In Thailand, Wynn Pakdeejit and Pisut Attakamol manage substantial commercial arbitrations, while in Vietnam, Minh Tri Quach  and Frederick Burke  bring significant experience, and the firm also has a highly-rated contentious practice in Taiwan.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer demonstrates considerable strength in arbitration across the Asia-Pacific region, with key practitioners stationed in Hong Kong and Singapore. In Singapore, Nicholas Lingard heads the firm’s international arbitration practice across Asia, with locally-qualified Samantha Tan another key contact. In Hong Kong, John Choong  leads a team known for handling high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional disputes, while Xin Liu is a further name with significant experience in acting both for and against Mainland Chinese companies.

King & Wood Mallesons showcases significant strength in arbitration across the Asia-Pacific region, with teams adept at handling cross-border disputes involving investment, construction, and commercial matters. In Australia, Juliana Jorissen and James Wang are key senior names for disputes in Western Australia, while Peter Pether is a key contact in Sydney. The Mainland China team, led by Rihong Yu in Beijing, includes Tao Huang, Yue Dai, Xinyu Li, and Mengdan Lv, who are proficient in complex international arbitration cases. In Hong Kong, Paul Starr leads a team that has experience of heavyweight construction disputes, while Jessica Fei and Ariel Ye divide their time between Hong Kong and Beijing.

2023 Singapore silk appointment Kelvin Poon SC heads the arbitration practice of Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, a firm which has built presences across ASEAN jurisdictions and into China, including handling investor-state disputes and cases involving India. In addition to Poon SC, key names in Singapore include Avinash Pradhan, Francis Xavier SC, Ng Kim Beng and shipping specialist Kendall Tan. The firm’s regional coverage, via the firm’s offices and partner firms, also include Eri Hertiawan in Jakarta, Savada Prom in Phnom Penh, Ben Dominic R. Yap  in Manila, and Chau Huy Quang  and Logan Leung in the firm’s Vietnam offices. Recent recruits include Hew Kian Heong in Shanghai, as well as Shilin Huang and Vanina Sucharitkul in Singapore – the latter two bringing with them specialist expertise relating to Taiwan and Thailand respectively.

The Asia-Pacific arbitration practice of Allen & Gledhill LLP showcases significant regional expertise, with prominent figures across major hubs. In Singapore, the firm’s home city, Dinesh Dhillon, Yee Leong Chong, and Ramesh Selvaraj lead the team, with Yong Seng Tay is another key contact in the team with experience crossing over international arbitration and court litigation in the city state. In Malaysia, Lambert Rasa-Ratnam is a key contact in the firm’s disputes practice on that side of the Johor Strait.

Ashurst ADTLaw demonstrates a robust arbitration presence across the Asia-Pacific region, with key practitioners based in Singapore and Australia, a jurisdiction in which the firm has particularly strong roots dating back to its entry into Australia in the 2010s through merger with then-“Big Six” firm Blake Dawson. In Singapore, Rob Palmer leads the practice, handling complex energy disputes, while Sylvia Tee  and Michael Weatherley bring extensive arbitration expertise under various procedural rules. In Australia, Georgia Quick  heads the international arbitration team, with Jeremy Chenoweth  noted for infrastructure disputes and Adam Firth  specializing in energy and resources.

Clyde & Co demonstrates significant arbitration capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. In Singapore, Prakash Pillai leads the international arbitration practice, with Junxiang Koh playing a key role in complex commercial disputes. Meanwhile, the firm’s China team showcases sector expertise under the guidance of Ik Wei Chong, based in Shanghai and Singapore, and Nicholas Lum, also based in Shanghai, who focuses on cross-border dispute resolution.

CMS demonstrates robust arbitration capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region, with notable strength in Hong Kong and Singapore. In Hong Kong, Mariel Dimsey, former Secretary-General of the HKIAC, leads the team, specializing in international commercial and investment arbitrations, supported by Nicolas Wiegand and Steven Wise, the latter contributing notable expertise in shipping law. In Singapore, Lakshanthi Fernando, Kelvin Aw, and Lynette Chew co-lead, with Asya Jamaludin a notable name for work involving energy and commodities issues.

Dentons’ Asia-Pacific arbitration practice demonstrates strength in different centres in the region, with key lawyers based across Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore. In Hong Kong, Keith Brandt leads the firm’s broader disputes arbitration  with support from Robert Rhoda, who heads the firm’s international arbitration team in the city, as well as Alfred Wu, Philip Nunn, Muriel Cheng and Richard Keady. Meanwhile in Singapore, Lawrence Teh and Herman Jeremiah  co-lead, with Kirindeep Singh  also recognized for his construction arbitration expertise. Gading Sanyjaya  in the firm’s Indonesia office is another key contact in the firm’s international arbitration offering, which can also call on outposts in India, South Korea and Vietnam, among other jurisdictions.

DLA Piper has a notable presence in arbitration work in the Pacific region. In Australia, Sydney-based Gitanjali Bajaj and Cameron Scholes, Brisbane’s Liam Prescott, Melbourne’s Gowri Kangeson, and Perth’s Richard Edwards handle high-profile arbitrations across industries such as energy, transport, and construction. In New Zealand, Iain Thain leads a prominent practice. Turning to South East Asia, in Thailand Don Rojanapenkul and Robert Tang bring strong cross-border and international arbitration experience to the firm’s offerings.

Fangda Partners demonstrates a strong arbitration capability across Greater China. Key figures include Peter Yuen  in Hong Kong, Nuo Ji in Shanghai, and Helen Shi  in Beijing, who offer expertise across major arbitration forums, including ICC, SCC, LCIA, and HKIAC. Further key practitioners include English-qualified solicitor Andrew Skudder, as well as Daniel Huang, Yanhua Lin and Yang Liu.

Hogan Lovells demonstrates strong arbitration capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region, with notable arbitration practices in Greater China and ASEAN. In Hong Kong, James Kwan and Zoe Dong bring substantial experience in complex, high-value disputes, particularly in technology, energy, and life sciences. The firm’s Jakarta alliance partner has a notable offering led by the firm’s country managing partner Chalid Heyder.

The international arbitration team of Korean firm Kim & Chang is led by Byung-Chol Yoon, who is recommended for his extensive expertise in ICC and investment treaty arbitrations. Sae Youn Kim is a ‘first-class advocate‘ known for representing Korean clients in Singapore-based disputes, while Chul-Won Lee has a track record of pharma and maritime disputes. Joel Richardson leads the firm’s North American arbitration group, often acting as an arbitrator and a mediator. Matthew Christensen is well-versed in commercial disputes and cases involving international defence and construction projects, and Shul Park has handled a number of notable M&A disputes. While the firm’s centre of gravity is in the firm’s Seoul headquarters, the firm also has outposts in Singapore, Jakarta and both major cities in Vietnam.

Mayer Brown showcases a robust arbitration practice in Asia’s largest legal entrepôts. In Hong Kong, Menachem Hasofer and Geoffrey Chan lead a team specializing in construction, engineering, and real estate disputes. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Yu-Jin Tay heads the team with expertise in energy-related arbitrations across the region, while Kay-Jannes Wegner – dual-qualified in Germany and as an English solicitor – is well-connected in Korea.

Nishimura & Asahi, in addition to its leading position in its home Japanese market has capable outposts in several cities in ASEAN. Hiroyuki Tezuka  heads the firm’s disputes practice in Tokyo, with Akihiro Hironaka another notable bengoshi in the practice, which also includes Lars Markert and Chié Nakahara, who are both in demand as arbitrators. Shintaro Uno leads notable cases in the firm's Singapore office, which also includes English-qualified solicitor-advocate Natalie Yap. Further north, Vira Kammee heads a practice group in Bangkok capable of handling significant construction disputes. The firm is also well-connected in Taiwan and Vietnam.

Norton Rose Fulbright boasts a robust arbitration practice across Asia-Pacific, centred around Hong Kong and Singapore. In Hong Kong, Camille Jojo (a senior consultant at the firm) and Kevin Hong lead the team, managing complex cross-border disputes, including infrastructure, energy, and commercial cases. In Singapore, Katie Chung  and Kent Phillips – a 2023 recruit from Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee  – head the practice, bringing significant expertise in ICC, SIAC, and HKIAC arbitrations, especially in energy and M&A disputes.

Pinsent Masons is active across the engineering arbitration piece, often but not exclusively handling complex arbitrations regarding large construction projects with Chinese involvement. Dean Lewis, Alvin Ho and construction specialist Mohammed Talib are key contacts in the firm’s Hong Kong office, which also includes Jennifer Wu, who is active in technology-related disputes. In Singapore, Sam Boyling   who is also involved in major energy-construction disputes, is well-connected among mainland China’s contractors; Frederic Gillon is also a notable name in the office – he has a following among European contractors. Rachel Turner is a key contact in Shanghai.

Reed Smith LLP has notable presences on both of the Pacific’s two main global hubs, primarily serving Greater China from Hong Kong but also with notable practitioners in Singapore. Lianjun Li is a key contact for work in the Greater China region, as are Matthew Townsend, who is notable for carrying out advocacy, and Steve Tam. Hong Kong solicitor Zeldar Wang, managing partner of the firm’s Shanghai office, is also involved in complex arbitrations, often with mainland-Hong Kong jurisdictional points. Turning to ASEAN, Timothy Cooke  is a key contact in the firm’s Singapore office.

Sidley Austin covers international arbitration from its offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, where it handles a full spectrum of commercial disputes, including ones sitting against a backdrop of US-China relations. Tai-Heng Cheng in Singapore has a track record of claimant-side investor-state arbitration work. Greater China related disputes are key areas of activity for Desmond Ang, Friven Yeoh  and Yan Zhang, all of whom are based in Hong Kong.

Singaporean firm WongPartnership LLP handles disputes across a broad range of sectors such as energy, oil and gas, healthcare, and technology from the firm’s headquarters, although it also has outposts elsewhere in ASEAN, and in mainland China. Chou Sean Yu heads the litigation and disputes team, while Koh Swee Yen SC leads the international arbitration practice at the firm – she acts for both prominent companies and states. Wendy Lin is another recommended member of the team with expertise in navigating high-value commercial disputes. Joel Quek is also noted for his experience with investor-state arbitrations. Daniel Gaw joined from Dechert in January 2024.

Originally in Mainland China with a notable practice in Hong Kong, Zhong Lun Law Firm is recognised for its work across the region. In mainland China, the team is led by Lijun Cao  and Baosheng Zhang, with other prominent practitioners including Wilson (Wei) Huo, and Wei Sun. Frederick Hui and Gilbert Leung fly the flag for the firm in Hong Kong.