Singapore (asialaw)

Focus Law Asia is a specialist Singapore disputes firm distinguished by its strength in shipping and commodities and one of the market’s few dedicated North Asian disputes platforms. The firm combines maritime, trade-finance and insolvency expertise with Japanese and Korean language and legal capabilities, allowing it to manage complex regional disputes while retaining direct senior involvement. Its experience acting on major cases arising from the collapse of prominent commodity traders has made it a natural choice for shipping companies, banks, liquidators and trading businesses facing intertwined questions of ownership, security and contractual liability.

Shipping and commodities remains central to the firm’s identity. The practice advises shipowners, charterers, underwriters, traders and financial institutions on disputes arising from charterparties, bills of lading, marine insurance, cargo delivery and commodity trades. Its lawyers act from the earliest stages of a dispute through litigation, arbitration, mediation and enforcement, frequently working alongside international firms requiring specialist Singapore-law input.

The team is particularly experienced where maritime operations intersect with trade finance and insolvency. Its work arising from the collapse of Hin Leong Trading includes representing liquidators in extensive interpleader proceedings and defending shipping companies against claims concerning the misdelivery of pledged cargoes. These cases require close analysis of financing documents, cargo ownership, proprietary claims and the allocation of loss among vessel interests, traders and banks.

The broader commercial disputes practice has developed alongside the firm’s maritime work. Focus Law Asia represents listed companies, international corporations, financial institutions and private clients in litigation and arbitration involving investments, shareholder relationships, joint ventures, construction projects, employment matters and foreign judgments. Its lawyers appear before the Singapore High Court, Court of Appeal and Singapore International Commercial Court and act in international arbitrations seated in Singapore and other regional centres.

A particular differentiator is the firm’s ability to support clients from Japan and Korea in cross-border proceedings. Its Japan Desk includes lawyers qualified in Japan and Singapore, while its Korea Desk is led by a Singapore-qualified Korean lawyer. This allows the team to conduct proceedings locally while remaining aligned with clients’ home-jurisdiction legal frameworks and commercial expectations. The firm’s role as a founding member of the One Asia Lawyers network further extends its reach across Asia-Pacific.

Insolvency-related disputes form another important part of the platform. The firm acts for liquidators, secured creditors and other stakeholders in matters arising from corporate collapses in the shipping and commodities markets. Its lawyers are experienced in coordinating proceedings involving banks, traders, vessel operators and foreign counsel, particularly where the underlying transactions span several governing laws and jurisdictions.

The practice is led by managing director Shem Khoo, who has more than two decades of experience in shipping, commodities and international disputes. He appears before the Singapore courts and in arbitrations under major institutional rules and has acted on significant shipping and commodity insolvencies. Director Mark Tan brings extensive commercial litigation and arbitration experience, with a practice encompassing maritime disputes, trade finance and boardroom and joint-venture conflicts.

Directors Mimi Ahn, Ker Sheon Lim, Hannah Cheang and Gordon Lim broaden the firm’s contentious offering. Ahn is central to the Korea-facing practice and advises on cross-border commercial, shipping and insolvency disputes. Ker Sheon Lim adds construction and infrastructure capability, while Cheang focuses on commercial, family and private-wealth matters. Gordon Lim’s experience includes shareholder, employment, tenancy, data-protection and public-law disputes. Associate director Veronica Teo is active in commercial and maritime cases involving liquidators, banks and multinational businesses.

Through its specialist maritime knowledge, North Asian capability and experience in sophisticated cross-border disputes, Focus Law Asia provides a distinctive platform for matters requiring close coordination between shipping, finance, insolvency and commercial litigation.

Client feedback

“They are responsive and can provide effective legal solutions.” – Corporate and M&A

“It is cost-effective, responsive and commercially savvy.” – Dispute resolution

“The team demonstrates a high level of professionalism and technical knowledge, and responds quickly.” – Restructuring and insolvency

Shem Khoo

“Shem is approachable and is a strong litigator.”

Gordon Lim

“He provides clear, prompt and solution-focused advice.”