Top Corporate Law Firms in Singapore

What is corporate law?

Corporate law is a highly diverse practice area and is crucial to both legal and business industries. Also referred to as company law, it is the practice area of lawyers who provide legal advice to corporations and their directors and controlling shareholders on the formation, governance, and day-to-day legal problems of the business entities.

Most corporate lawyers are viewed as generalists as their advisory services may involve a myriad range of matters including proper conduct of the board, executive compensation, shareholder agreements and voting rights, compliance with statutory regulations, mergers and acquisitions, and even commercial contracts with the corporation’s suppliers and customers. 

Depending on the size of the industry in which the corporate lawyer practices as well as the size of the law firm, he or she may need to handle the full spectrum of the corporation’s legal matters. For larger law firms, the legal responsibility may be shared among lawyers from other practice areas. While the corporate lawyer with the principal client relationship is expected to be familiar with all the potential legal issues that the corporation may face, he or she may engage lawyers from other practice areas to support issues that may require special expertise, such as tax issues litigation, or insolvency. 

Is there a difference between corporate law and commercial law?

Corporate law and commercial law are two commonly grouped practice areas. While both practice areas involve dealing with corporations and their respective businesses, there are some nuances between both practice areas.

Corporate law deals with the rights, relations and conduct of the corporation’s business. It is highly dependent on the governance of the corporation and its structure that allows for the business to continue operating. Corporate law matters more often than not relates to the launch, growth, maturity or decline of the corporation.

Commercial law, on the other hand, is primarily related to the commercial activities that the corporation engages in. These activities are often transactional in nature, which means that the large bulk of the work is related to contracts or transfer of assets. Some of the matters covered under commercial law may include employment law, contract law, intellectual property law and property law.

Why do corporate laws exist?

Corporate laws exist simply to implement a set of rules that govern corporations to ensure that each and every corporation operates on a level playing field. The idea is not to make it difficult to get things done but to be fair to every corporation. These rules exist to ensure that corporations act in predictable ways in which other corporations can rely on.

Understanding Singapore’s corporate legal system

Singapore’s corporate legal system is governed by the Singapore Companies Act. The Singapore Companies Act is meant to regulate business formation, company structure, shareholder rights, specify the duties of directors and officers as well as other legal compliance requirements.

Companies

In Singapore, there are three categories in which corporations fall into: Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporate Governance.

Shareholders

It is mandated by law that Singapore companies must have at least one shareholder. Ownership of the corporation’s shares is usually documented by issuing share certificates to the shareholders. However, given that the corporation is a separate legal entity, owning a share in a corporation does not necessarily give the shareholder a legal interest in the corporation’s properties, assets, or intellectual property.

Directors

For private corporations, there needs to be at least one director and for public corporations, there must be at least three or more directors. For both private and public corporations, one director must be a local resident of Singapore. Directors are usually voted in by the corporation’s shareholders. 

As mandated by the Singapore Company Law, directors typically have broad powers of management. For smaller private corporations, the role of the director is likely to manage the entire company business, overseeing the majority of the daily business decisions. For large corporations, the director will usually take on a more supervisory and strategic role, while the management team will execute the strategies and drive the day-to-day operations.

Company Secretary

Under the Singapore law, it is required that every corporation appoint a Company Secretary. The company secretary must be a local resident of Singapore. If there is only one director within the company, the corporation cannot appoint the director as the company secretary.

The role of the company secretary is to ensure regulatory corporate compliance by preparing the necessary paperwork with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory AuthoritY (ACRA) and ensuring and process requirements are met. The key duties also include organising mandated meetings of directors and shareholders, taking meeting minutes, maintaining the company registers, and acting as an advisor to and intermediary between directors, shareholders, and other employees.

Who practices corporate law?

Most corporate lawyers work for medium-sized to large-sized law firms. This is because the legal needs of an established corporation are usually quite significant. A corporate may require legal advice and support on a diverse set of issues at any point in time. As such, a medium or large-sized law firm is usually adequately staffed with lawyers and attorneys with diverse skill sets to meet the legal needs of the corporation.

Similarly, business leaders and C-level executives often prefer to have a “one-stop shopping place” for their corporate needs. By sticking with a single law firm, they are able to establish a long-term relationship with the lawyers and attorneys, and have their legal needs met conveniently through this long-term relationship.

However, some corporations may prefer to hire lawyers to work exclusively as an employee for the corporation. These corporate lawyers are then referred to as in-house counsel. They will typically advise the corporation on a wide array of legal matters relating to corporate law and business activities.

For smaller corporations or startups who are unable to afford the legal fees of a large law firm, they may then turn to corporate lawyers who work individually or represent a small boutique law firm. These corporate lawyers may build their base of clients within a similar industry and help the corporation to get started or expand. However, they may refer clients to other law firms for legal matters that they do not specialise in.

Here are some of the top law firms in Singapore that offers offer corporate law as one of their areas of practice

Law Firm	WHM Law Corporation
Speciality	A boutique law firm established by lawyers who are keenly attuned to clients’ needs and obsessed with utmost quality Commercial, Construction, Criminal, and Family Lawyers
Website	https://www.wmhlaw.com.sg/
Address	6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #07-17/18, Singapore 059817
Contact	6514 6350 concierge@wmhlaw.com.sg

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Law Firm	Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP
Speciality	One of Singapore’s largest law firms providing high quality legal services in Singapore Bring together leading local law firms across 10 countries Specialises in Commercial law across wide ranging industries
Website	https://www.rajahtannasia.com/
Address	9 Straits View #06-07 Marina One West Tower, 018937
Contact	6535 3600 info@rajahtannasia.com
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

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Law Firm	Allen & Gledhill LLP
Speciality	Their Corporate & Commercial Practice is one of the oldest and most established corporate and commercial practices of its kind The lawyers regularly handle a diverse and comprehensive range of corporate and commercial matters across a wide spectrum of domestic and cross-border transactions Covers various practices including Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Private Wealth and Employment, Health & Safety
Website	https://www.allenandgledhill.com/
Address	1 Marina Blvd, #28-00, Singapore 018989
Contact	65 6890 7188 enquiries@allenandgledhill.com
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

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Law Firm	WongPartnership LLP
Speciality	WongPartnership is an award-winning law firm and one of the largest in the country They are a leading provider of legal services in ASEAN, China and the Middle East Their practice covers corporate and financial services, and international practices
Website	https://www.wongpartnership.com/
Address	12 Marina Boulevard Level 28 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 Singapore 018982
Contact	65 6416 8000

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Law Firm	Bird & Bird ATMP
Speciality	Bird & Bird is an international leading law firm in business sectors where technology plays a key role Wide ranging practice areas covering diverse industries including Automotive, Defence & Security and Financial Services
Website	https://www.twobirds.com/
Address	2 Shenton Way #18-01, SGX Centre 1, Singapore 068804
Contact	+65 6534 5266 Singapore@twobirds.com

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Law Firm	Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP
Speciality	Named by Law360 as one of the top five “mightiest” M&A practices, they offer an experienced team of more than 1,500 corporate lawyers acting for clients around the globe, Provide clients with high-level sector capabilities, including one of the most renowned energy teams in the world and unparalleled strength in mining, technology, manufacturing, financial services, real estate, health care, private equity and industrials
Website	https://www.dentons.com/en
Address	80 Raffles Place, #33-00 UOB Plaza 1, Singapore 048624
Contact	Contact via form here
Opening Hours	Weekdays, 8.45am – 5.45pm

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Law Firm	Drew & Napier LLC
Speciality	Drew & Napier is a full service law firm. Their lawyers are fluent in issues across a broad spectrum of practices and sectors It has been regarding as one of the “Big Four” law firms The law firm regularly advises governments, government institutions, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, local and multi-national corporations including Fortune 500 and blue chip companies, conglomerates, educational and non-profit organisations and high-profile individuals
Website	https://www.drewnapier.com/
Address	10 Collyer Quay, 10th Floor Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315
Contact	6535 0733 mail@drewnapier.com
Opening Hours	Weekdays, 9am – 5pm

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Law Firm	Shook Lin & Bok LLP
Speciality	Shook Lin & Bok is a leading Singapore law firm with a unique appreciation of the complex legal and regulatory challenges faced by enterprises in Singapore and the rest of Asia Our partners, associates and foreign lawyers have diverse legal education and language capabilities, having qualified in many jurisdictions, including Singapore, the United Kingdom, India and the People’s Republic of China They are a full service law firm which provides a comprehensive range of high quality legal services to our clients both in Singapore and across the region.
Website	https://www.shooklin.com/en/
Address	1 Robinson Road, #18-00 AIA Tower, Singapore 048542
Contact	65 6535 1944 slb@shooklin.com

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Law Firm	TSMP Law Corporation
Speciality	TSMP Law Corporation is a law firm with both dispute resolution and transactional law capabilities Their clients range from MNCs and banks to high-net-worth individuals and promising startups They focus on high-stakes disputes, cutting-edge transactions and ground-breaking law
Website	https://www.tsmplaw.com/
Address	6 Battery Rd, Singapore 049909
Contact	65 6534 4877

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Law Firm	Gloria James-Civetta & Co
Speciality	Provides an experienced team of employment contract lawyers is ready to offer comprehensive and efficient services to corporate and individual clients on the drafting and vetting of employment contracts, and the resolution and settlement of employment contract disputes The team have years of experience in advising and representing different types of clients across all areas of corporate and commercial practice
Website	https://www.gjclaw.com.sg/areas-of-practice/commercial-corporate-law/
Address	3 Church Street #15-04, Samsung Hub, Singapore 049483
Contact	+65 6337 0469 consult@gjclaw.com.sg
Opening Hours	Contact for appointment

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Law Firm	CNPLaw LLP
Speciality	Provides Singapore law advice across Asia Many of their lawyers are knowledgeable of the language and/or business culture of another country outside Singapore They are able to guide clients through business practices and local laws in Asia.
Website	https://www.cnplaw.com/
Address	600 North Bridge Road #13-01 Parkview Square, 188778
Contact	contact@cnplaw.com +65 6323 8383
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

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Law Firm	Pinsent Masons
Speciality	Their business is built around decades of experience supporting clients in five strategic global sectors Covers various sectors including Financial Services, Energy, Infrastructure and Real Estate
Website	https://www.pinsentmasons.com/
Address	182 Cecil St, #32-01 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547
Contact	65 6305 0901
Opening Hours	Open 24 hours

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Law Firm	Duane Morris LLP
Speciality	Provides clients with access to legal services in markets throughout the Asia Pacific region and the rest of the world Their corporate their Corporate Practice Group are experienced with mergers and acquisitions, including negotiated acquisitions and divestitures, hostile acquisitions and defense against takeover attempts
Website	https://www.duanemorris.com/offices/singapore.html
Address	16 Collyer Quay #17-00, Singapore 049318
Contact	65 6311 0030

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Law Firm	Clifford Chance Singapore
Speciality	One of the longest established international law firms in the region They have a strong team of more than 120 lawyers combining local and international talent across all key areas of their practice Covers various local sectors including Banking, Consumer Goods & Retail, Insurance, and Energy & Resources
Website	https://www.cliffordchance.com/
Address	12 Marina Boulevard, Tower 3, #25-00, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 018982
Contact	6564102200

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Law Firm	Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC
Speciality	They are a multi-disciplinary law practice led by a team of experienced lawyers with varying specialist expertise. The quality, breadth and depth of their legal expertise allows us to serve a broad range of client groups, including private high net-worth family offices, multi-national corporations, private equity funds and other institutional clients.
Website	https://www.quahewoo.com/
Address	180 Clemenceau Avenue, Haw Par Centre #02-02, Singapore 239922
Contact	+65 6622 0366 enquiry@quahewoo.com
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

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Law Firm	Lee & Lee
Speciality	Lee & Lee’s corporate department provides a full range of corporate, commercial and finance legal services to businesses at every stage of their development They work closely with bankers, merchant bankers, brokers and the regulatory authorities to explore and create new financial instruments and refine existing ones to suit clients’ specific requirements Lee & Lee’s associations and long established relationships with other reputable legal firms and contacts in the world have enabled the firm to keep in touch with legal developments in other financial markets and to provide a more cosmopolitan approach to clients’ needs
Website	https://www.leenlee.com.sg/practice-areas/corporate/
Address	50 Raffles Place, #06-00 Singapore Land Tower Singapore 048623
Contact	+6562200666 leenlee@leenlee.com.sg
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

 

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Law Firm	Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
Speciality	Their lawyers in Singapore are featured in the world’s leading legal directories for their work on high-profile transactions They have the know-how to help both domestic and international companies.
Website	https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/locations/asia-pacific/singapore
Address	8 Marina Boulevard, #05-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981
Contact	65 6338 1888
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

 

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Law Firm	Prolegis LLC
Speciality	Prolegis LLC is a premier boutique corporate and commercial law firm in Singapore, advising local and multinational corporations, financial institutions and government entities. Their Formal Law Alliance (FLA) with international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills allows Prolegis’ clients seamless access to services across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and the US
Website	https://www.pro-legis.com/
Address	50 Raffles Place, #24-01, Singapore Land Tower, Singapore 048623
Contact	Tel: +65 6812 1350 Email: office@pro-legis.com

 

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Law Firm	Harry Elias Partnership LLP
Speciality	Their firm is a leader in the evolution of the legal landscape They have been on the cutting edge of legal changes, particularly on the litigation front Their lawyers have been involved in a number of construction masterpieces and have also advised and represented corporate and individual clients on complex cross-border deals
Website	https://www.harryelias.com/people
Address	4 Shenton Way, #17-01 SGX Centre, Singapore 068807
Contact	65 6535 0550 enquiries@harryelias.com
Opening Hours	Weekdays: 9am – 6pm

 

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Law Firm	Virtus Law LLP
Speciality	Their lawyers are well known in the industry and have an excellent reputation in the following areas: setting up operations abroad, trusts, anti-competition law, banking and finance, and capital markets
Website	https://www.virtus-law.com/
Address	1 Raffles Place #18-61 Tower 2, Singapore 048616
Contact	65 6737 1234

 

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