Singapore (asialaw)

 “* Effective 31 July 2025, BlackOak has ceased to provide legal services and the entire team joined Bird & Bird ATMD as of 1 August 2025 *”

Incorporated in 2016, BlackOak is a dedicated distress and special situations firm active in all fields of the corporate and insolvency process. Peers consistently nod to its expertise and unique offering in the market, and the firm remains solidified in the top tier again this year for R&I. BlackOak is often instructed in various cross-border restructurings by, among others, the debtors, creditors, and white knight investors. Its size and structure allow it greater independence compared to larger law firms, and keeps the firm nimble for non-domestic mandates. Under the leadership of Ashok Kumar and Darius Tay, the firm handles both contentious and non-contentious aspects of the practice. It is also particularly active in bond restructurings. The team has been growing its cross-border capabilities and building up its global networks, particularly in southeast Asia.

Client feedback

“Experienced, knowledgeable, commercial and incredibly hard-working.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Intellectual, commercial, experienced and client-driven.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Prompt responses and practical advice.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Proactive, strong technical skills and good communication skills.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Approachable, friendly, proactive, quick response time and flexible.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“They are as good if not better than any of the Big Four law firm restructuring teams. They are dedicated with heavy partner involvement, and strategic advice 24 hours a day.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“They are good at strategising and taking charge of matters.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Great technical insolvency expertise, efficient and works well with international counsel.” – Restructuring and insolvency

“Competent team with innovative ideas on both the commercial and legal front. Willing and able to walk into unchartered territory. For example, they helped obtain the first ever recognition of a Malaysian scheme in Singapore.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Ashok Kumar

“Friendly and knowledgeable.”

Darius Tay

“Client-focused, very experienced and incredibly bright!”

“Incredibly hard-working, dedicated to getting the client what they need and super-fast and flexible. He is the best!”

“A market leader. A perfect blend of commercial knowledge, cutting-edge legal knowledge and with the advocacy in the courtroom.”

“He is good at taking charge of a matter and leading it.”

“Darius Tay is a great lawyer, technically astute and a leader amongst his peers.”

“Undoubtedly a rising star in the Singapore legal fraternity. Able to think on his feet, provide innovative solutions and has an impressively short turnaround time.”