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2025 Edition
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Overview
Focus Law Asia is a prominent boutique law firm based in Singapore, renowned for its specialized legal services in shipping, restructuring, and insolvency. It also has a rapidly growing family and matrimonial practice. The team counts major world-class ship owners such as Maersk, Torm and Ardmore Shipping as loyal clients, as well as leading marine insurers like Skuld, UK P&I Club and Japan P&I Club.
One of the firm’s primary strengths lies in its shipping practice. Focus Law Asia is trusted by world-class ship owners such as Maersk and TORM to manage their maritime disputes. The firm’s expertise extends to advising on charter party agreements and bills of lading, making it a go-to for clients requiring guidance in maritime law.
The firm is a member of the One Asia Lawyers network and it boasts Japan and Korea desks with Japanese and Korean lawyers. It uniquely is focused on developing a North Asian disputes practice. The firm recently enhanced its capabilities by hiring a Japanese-qualified shipping lawyer. This strategic addition allows the firm to better serve Japanese shipping companies and offers clients legal advice in their native language.
In the restructuring and insolvency arena, the firm has gained recognition for its adept handling of high-stakes cases. The firm has been involved in significant matters, such as acting for the liquidators of Hin Leong Trading, one of Singapore’s largest oil trading houses, during its compulsory liquidation. This case has been particularly noteworthy, with claims exceeding $4.5 billion. The liquidators rely on the team's expertise to navigate complex financial issues and address numerous creditor claims. This capability is bolstered by the firm’s low-cost structure, allowing it to provide top-tier legal services at competitive rates.
In addition to its shipping and restructuring practices, the firm also offers services in other areas, including commercial litigation, international arbitration, and commodities trading. The firm’s versatility across various legal disciplines allows it to assist clients in navigating a wide range of legal challenges.
Managing director Shem Khoo and directors Mark Tan and Ker Sheon Lim are the key contacts. The firm's approach combines the depth of knowledge typical of larger firms with the personalized service characteristic of boutique practices. This model enables Focus Law Asia to maintain a lean operational structure while actively engaging its senior partners in day-to-day case management.
Client feedback
"They are an experienced and reasonable team that aims to secure just and practical outcomes." – Dispute resolution
"I find that Focus Law is a firm practising professionally. They are not unduly adversarial. They are fair where concessions must be made, and do not waste time writing antagonistic correspondence to fellow practitioners. I found that their work was of good quality as well. Their submissions are clear and easy to read. It was a pleasure to go to trial with them." – Oil and gas
“They detailed in their work, ensuring that every aspect is thoroughly addressed. They exhibit precision in their tasks, which contributes to the quality of their output. Additionally, they are known for providing intelligent and practical solutions to challenges, making them an asset in any situation." – Shipping
Mimi Ahn
"Pleasure to work with, genuine and generous."
Veronica Teo
"Veronica is pragmatic and laser-focused on proposing reasonable and sensible solutions."
Shem Khoo
"He is efficient, practical and intelligent."
"I really like Shem. He is a consummate professional. I found that I could easily pick up the phone to resolve matters with Shem, and trust that he will honour his word on what had been discussed. In a world where trust is a rare commodity, Shem stands out as a practitioner who says what he means and means what he says."
"Shem is a practical lawyer who is easy to work with."
Linked Reviews
Dispute resolution (asialaw)
Work highlights
Acted for a Swiss bank in proceedings against a Chinese aviation oil company for unpaid sums of $19 million, arising from a paper trade with no genuine underlying cargo.
Represented a Japanese holdings corporation and its related companies in a claim against a former director for breaches of fiduciary duties. This case involved allegations of misappropriation and is significant due to the complex corporate governance issues it raises.
Restructuring and insolvency (asialaw)
Work highlights
Acted for and advising the liquidators of Hin Leong in various shipping and trade financing issues arising out of the compulsory liquidation of Hin Leong, including advising on proofs of debts lodged by creditors.
Sought the court’s directions on creditors’ facility letters regarding whether the documents presented to creditors for payment amount to a bill of sale that must be registered as a charge.
Represented the liquidators in an application to the High Court regarding the ownership of oil in storage tanks at Universal Terminal, with multiple parties laying claim to the assets.
Shipping (asialaw)
Work highlights
Acted for Maersk Tankers Singapore in a series of misdelivery claims involving substantial sums from financial institutions.
Advised a Swiss bank in proceedings against a Singapore-based jet fuel buyer and supplier for $19 million, arising from an alleged paper trader with no underlying cargo.
Acted for the liquidators of Hin Leong in various shipping and trade financing issues related to its compulsory liquidation.