Singapore (asialaw)

Watershed Law is a Singapore disputes boutique that has quickly gained traction in complex commercial litigation, maritime disputes and cross-border arbitration. Founded in December 2024 by former Oon & Bazul lawyers Christian Teo and Esther Yong, the firm combines specialist shipping and commodities knowledge with the agility and direct senior involvement of a focused practice. Within its first year, the team handled more than 20 significant disputes, including multimillion-dollar claims involving international trade, financial arrangements and distressed counterparties.

Commercial and maritime disputes form the core of the practice. The team acts on contractual claims, fraud allegations, directors’ duties, insolvency proceedings and contentious employment matters, often where several counterparties or forums are involved. Its recent caseload includes high-profile real-estate litigation, trade-finance disputes and proceedings concerning the responsibilities of directors and senior executives.

Shipping is a particular strength. The firm advises shipowners, charterers, commodity traders and other industry participants on charterparty disputes, cargo claims, marine insurance, vessel arrests and casualties. Its experience at the intersection of shipping and insolvency is especially valuable where unpaid supplies, moratorium applications or distressed counterparties require enforcement and recovery strategies to be pursued alongside maritime claims.

The practice also represents clients in arbitrations administered by major international institutions and specialist trade and maritime forums. Many of these matters involve English-law contracts, overseas counterparties and coordination with foreign counsel, giving the firm an international reach that exceeds its compact size.

Director Teo leads the practice and focuses on commercial litigation, international arbitration, shipping and insolvency. He is an Accredited Specialist in Maritime and Shipping Law under the Singapore Academy of Law’s specialist accreditation scheme. Associate director Yong acts on commercial and maritime disputes involving sanctions, insolvency and cross-border fraud and has experience before all levels of the Singapore courts and major arbitral institutions.

Client feedback

“The team approaches matters with an open mind and does not allow preconceived views to affect its ability to act in the client’s best interests. It considers precedent carefully without allowing it to outweigh the specific facts and circumstances of a case.” – Dispute resolution

“The team provides prompt legal advice and manages disputes professionally.” – Dispute resolution

“They are very responsive and their advice is well thought out and addresses key points well.” – Dispute resolution

“The lawyers at Watershed Law are responsive and commercially savvy. They provide practical, solutions-oriented advice that is tailored to clients' business objectives and delivered with efficiency and clarity.” – Dispute resolution

Christian Teo

“Christian is thoughtful, considerate and confident. He prioritises clients’ interests while balancing commercial realities and providing a holistic perspective.”

“He demonstrates a high level of professionalism.”