Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023 recommends CNPLaw LLP for seven practices and twelve of its lawyers

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Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023 recommends CNPLaw LLP for seven practices and twelve of its lawyers


Date Published: 9 February 2023 




CNPLaw LLP (CNP) is pleased to announce that seven of our practices and twelve of our lawyers have been “Recommended by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023”.

“Thank you Legal 500 Asia Pacific for this recognition. We are grateful for the trust and confidence that our clients have placed in us. Special thanks to our team of talented lawyers and staff, who embody our firm’s 2023 theme of Strength in Unity.”

– CNPLaw’s Managing Partner, Ms Lisa Theng

The practices recommended and the reviews provided by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023:

Banking and Finance:

CNPLaw LLP has a versatile banking and finance practice, which is as comfortable in acquisition, project and corporate financings as it is in specialised areas such as asset finance and debt restructuring. Practice head Quek Li Fei has a strong pedigree for acting for lenders and borrowers in domestic and cross-border financing mandates; he has additional expertise in blockchain and cryptocurrency issues. Banks, financial institutions, investment funds and corporate borrowers also turn to English law qualified Bill Jamieson and Pei-Ling Wong   for assistance in a variety of lending transactions.

Capital Markets – Debt and Equity:

At CNPLaw LLP, the corporate finance team acts for mid-market listed companies, high-net-worth individuals and corporate finance houses in a variety of capital markets deals, including equity, debt, equity-linked and structured securities. The fintech and wider technology sector are at the core of the practice, which often leads advice on placements, share buybacks, capital reductions and restructurings. Leading the department is Min-Li Tan, who focuses on corporate and financial services, with a special emphasis on capital markets transactions in Singapore and throughout the region. Pei-Ling Wong is a key contact for cross-border deals.

One client shared: ‘The team has proven their ability and dedication to really go all-in for the client’s process.’

Corporate and M&A:

At CNPLaw LLP, the team is active across Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia, receiving engagement on M&A and divestment transactions in addition to more general corporate and commercial affairs. The practice caters to public and private clients alike, including a number of Chinese entities, and is headed by Lisa Theng, a lawyer with an intimate knowledge of the entertainment, healthcare, oil and gas, engineering, food and beverage, publishing and leisure industries.

Clients have shared the following testimonials relating to the practice:

CNPLaw LLP’s team is capable, prompt in their response and efficient in carrying out their duties.’

‘Lisa Theng is knowledgeable, kind and helpful in advising her clients holistically. I worked with the lawyers in her corporate team such as Ken Chia and Kenn Lim and Venetia Tan and find all to be professional and customer centric.’

‘Very collaborative. listens attentively before jumping in.’

‘Lisa Theng – listens well. Very pro business practical proposals (instead of textbook answers).’

‘Commercial savviness, can-do attitude, and excellent problem solving skills.’

‘Always makes time when advice is needed. Delivers robust solutions to complex problems very quickly. Understands commercial underpinnings of problems and offers alternative solutions besides the obvious ones.’

Dispute Resolution:

CNPLaw LLP is instructed across all aspects of civil and criminal litigation as well as alternative dispute resolution. Specifically, the practice advises clients within the consumer product manufacturing, financial services and real estate sectors. The team also offers expertise advising developers, main contractors and specialised sub-contractors across the breadth of construction and engineering disputes. The department is overseen by a leadership trio comprising Soo Ling See Tow Venetia Tan and Subramanian Pillai ; the latter represents publicly listed companies, multi-national corporations and high net worth individuals in corporate and commercial disputes.

One client shared: ‘Innovative in suggesting solutions in dispute resolution. Able to think out of the box’

Financial Services Regulatory:

CNPLaw LLP is noted for its dedicated blockchain, cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings group, which is particularly adept at advising clients on the new Payment Services Act 2019 and digital token offerings. Li Fei Quek, who has a background in banking and finance law, is the main point of contact in the team.

Investment Funds:

CNPLaw LLP has a well developed investment funds practice, including extensive experience in Singapore’s VCC regime. The team has impressive Singapore and regional experience, and combines local and international expertise to assist private equity, real estate and mutual funds, among others. Amit Dhume is a notable funds expert with a strong background in fund formation and regulatory matters, while Bill Jamieson provides further cross-border experience in the funds field.

One client shared: Cost effective, high quality, practical advice.’

Labour and Employment:

Balancing both contentious and non-contentious work, CNPLaw LLP represents a significant number of Singapore and regional businesses, along with Singapore-based subsidiaries of multinationals. Drawing on the breadth of experience from across the firm, it has strong experience in employee transfer, employee incentives and has deep specialisation in employment disputes. Wong Pei-Ling has emerged as an important member of the team, alongside Pradeep Kumar Singh and Bill Jamieson.

Start-up and venture capital:

CNPLaw LLP has been endorsed as a firm to watch for Start-up and venture capital.

The lawyers recommended by the publication:

About the Legal 500 Asia Pacific

The Legal 500 ranks law firms based on client feedback, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers. In doing so, the Legal 500 provides a guide to the world’s leading law firms and lawyers.


Lisa Theng-Oct2017
Managing Partner

    As the Managing Partner, Lisa sees a need to ensure that our clients see us as their business partner and not as just a legal service provider. Our aim is to provide innovative legal solutions for our clients across Asia with a high level of service and support that will help our clients better manage and succeed in their own businesses. She has been involved with healthcare, oil and gas, manufacturing, engineering, distribution, trading, exhibition, publishing, food and beverage and leisure and entertainment companies on a range of issues. She also regularly works with private equity and venture capital companies and funds.



    Pradeep Kumar Singh Admin Partner at CNPLaw
    Admin Partner

      Pradeep acts for corporations, whether they are private or listed companies, on all aspects of their business including advice and drafting of documentation on investments, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and restructurings. Pradeep is “Recommended” by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 and is rated as a “Highly Regarded” lawyer by IFLR1000 Thirtieth Edition.



      Tan Min Li legal Partner at CNPLaw LLP image
      Partner

        Min-Li’s principal areas of expertise are in corporate and financial services. For 2018 and 2019, she was recognised as Singapore’s Top 100 private practice lawyers by Asia Business Law Journal. For 2021, She is rated as “Highly Regarded”, ranked as a “Distinguished Practitioner” and “Recommended” for Capital Markets by IFLR1000, Asialaw Leading Lawyers and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific respectively.



        Quek Li Fei Legal Partner at CNPLaw LLP image
        Partner

          In addition to Li Fei’s experience in acting for banks on varied transactions and in general corporate law, he also helps individuals in estate planning, including the legal aspects of wealth management, advising on and setting up trusts and off-shore structures to secure their future and the future of their families. Li Fei is also recognised as a Recommended Lawyer for Banking and Finance and Financial Services Regulatory by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021.



          Bill Jamieson is a Partner at CNPLaw LLP. Bill is an English lawyer who is also registered to practise Singapore law in the areas of corporate law, banking and finance and securities laws. He enjoys working in the diverse and dynamic Asian market and helping his clients to achieve their goals.
          Partner

            Bill’s practice focuses on corporate financing transactions, investment funds, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and employment law matters. His experience includes 10 years in the City of London and over 20 years in Asia. Before joining CNP, Bill was a partner in a well-known international law firm. He is recommended lawyer for Corporate and M&A, Banking and Finance, Investment Funds and Labour and Employment in Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021. Bill is one of the firm’s contacts for Interlaw, a network of independent full-service corporate law firms ranked by Chambers and Partners in its highest category, “Elite”, amongst all global law firm networks.



            See Tow Soo Ling - Oct2017
            Partner

              Soo Ling’s main areas of practice are intellectual property and dispute resolution. She has experience in a diverse range of matters such as building construction, company law, commercial law, disciplinary proceedings, employment law, family law, intellectual property, property law, probate & administration and shareholder disputes. Soo Ling is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 for the Dispute Resolution practice, and is featured as a leading individual in the 2021 Edition of the World Trademark Review 1000, under the Prosecution and Strategy category.



              Subramanian Pillai Partner at CNPLaw
              Partner

                Subramanian’s practice has been primarily in the field of commercial litigation and arbitration. He heads the firm’s International Arbitration and Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure teams. Subramanian is “Recommended” by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020 for the Dispute Resolution practice.



                Ken Chia Legal Partner at CNPLaw LLP image
                Partner

                  Ken heads the Corporate advisory team in the firm and has an international focus in his corporate and M&A work and worked in business development positions with various subsidiaries of the Hang Lung Group in Shanghai and with Informa plc in Singapore. Ken is “Recommended” by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 for the Corporate and M&A practice and is rated as a “Notable Practitioner” in the IFLR1000 Thirtieth Edition.



                  Amit Dhume Partner at CNPLaw LLP
                  Partner

                    Amit’s practice focuses on corporate law, investment funds, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory and compliance matters. He has over 15 years’ experience in these areas of law. Amit’s expertise has been recognised in Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2021 as a Recommended Lawyer for Corporate and M&A as well as Investment Funds. In December 2016, Amit was named by Singapore Business Review as one of the 70 most influential lawyers in Singapore under the age of 40.



                    Wong Pei Ling Senior Legal Associate at CNPLaw LLP image
                    Partner

                      Pei-Ling has over 23 years of legal experience and has advised clients with Malaysian and Singaporean interests on their cross-border transactions, joint ventures, investments, commercial and technology agreements. Pei-Ling is recognised as a recommended lawyer for Banking and Finance by the Legal 500 Asia Pacific for 2021.



                      Venetia2018
                      Partner

                        Venetia is a disputes lawyer with experience handling international arbitration, litigation and advisory work on international and local commercial disputes, in particular, disputes relating to foreign investments and joint ventures, financing, distributorships, and jurisdictional challenges. Venetia was listed as Singapore’s 20 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under in 2018 by the Singapore Business Review, and is also recognised as one of Asia’s Super 50 Dispute Lawyers by the Asian Legal Business in 2021.



                        Daphne-Tan-professional-shot
                        Partner

                          Senior Associate
                          Daphne is a Senior Associate in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team. Her main area of focus is in contentious work, and her past experience in this area encompasses civil, corporate, and commercial disputes across the construction, investment, telecommunication, food and beverage, real estate, and entertainment sectors.





                          The lawyers from the Banking & Finance Practice Group (BFPG) have always taken pride in providing a comprehensive range of banking and finance services to our clients, including domestic and foreign international banks, other financial institutions as well as non-bank lenders and borrowers, and foreign legal firms acting for parties outside Singapore.

                          Our banking & finance practice covers the whole spectrum of domestic and international banking & financing work, including restructurings, financings and financial institutions advisory work. We can draw upon a broad base of partners, senior, mid-level and junior associates, all with strong and varied banking & finance product line and country experience.

                          Our reach is further widened and enhanced by our ability to draw upon the resources of our network of correspondent firms in the region and globally.





                          We have a particular passion and interest in blockchain technology applications, cryptocurrencies and ICOs. We currently advise issuers of tokens, ICO advisors, venture capital firms and entrepreneurs involved in this space on Singapore legal issues and regulatory compliance for a range of planned business activities, ranging from utilization of blockchain to enable business applications in diverse fields (including money remittance, solar energy, consumer rewards, structured social interaction; music and entertainment industry; holiday & leisure industry; employment marketplace, consumer rewards, crypto asset security applications); to setting up cryptocurrency exchanges and issue of tokens on proprietary platforms.





                          Being a corporate lawyer is more than just translating legalese and churning out documents based on clients’ instructions. Our corporate lawyers understand that their role extends far beyond what is commonly expected. We seek to explore the spectrum of options with our clients and tailor an approach to suit each client’s personality and commercial needs. This is why our corporate lawyers are always keen to learn more than just a client’s business and industry; we want to understand the character of the business through its story and the parties involved in building it.

                          At CNPLaw, we aim to forge relationships beyond one-time transactions. We are committed to helping our clients grow their businesses, and play a part in its success.





                          Having handled transactions for numerous local and foreign companies across Asia, extending across a wide range of businesses and industries, we have accumulated significant experience advising on an extensive range of corporate finance transactions.

                          This includes Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Right issues, Private placements, Convertible bonds issues, Warrants issues, Capitalisation issues, Privatisations, Takeovers and reverse takeovers, Share buybacks, Interested person transactions, Employee share option schemes and performance share schemes, Compliance with the requirements of the Singapore Exchange.





                          With globalisation providing not only a myriad of opportunities but also increased challenges in dealing with the various stakeholders, disputes are bound to arise in the normal course of businesses and transactions.

                          At CNPLaw, our dispute resolution lawyers seek to provide support to our clients through the lifecycle of transactions. At the very beginning, we seek to mitigate risk and avoid disputes. However, should it transpire to the latter, our lawyers work closely with our clients to either resolve the matter through alternative dispute resolution matters like arbitration and mediation, or through litigating the matter, either in the civil or criminal courts. We have extensive legal experience at every level of the Singapore courts of justice, and our lawyers have appeared in a number of cases reported in the Singapore Law Reports.





                          Employment issues are of fundamental concern to both individuals and corporations alike. This is especially so given the growing emphasis on human capital development across the world. Such issues involve an intricate interplay between commercial objectives and normative considerations. Here at CNPLaw, our lawyers strive to help our clients find the balance required to nurture a positive working environment. We advise both employers and employees (whether local or foreign) on the areas below.





                          We provide legal advisory services to fund managers, investors and investee companies in relation to both open-end funds and closed-end funds that deal with a variety of asset classes and employ different investment strategies including hedge funds, private equity funds, venture capital funds, mutual funds, commodity funds and exchange traded funds.





                          Each M&A deal entails the confluence of multiple legal disciplines. That is why we take great care when assembling a team for each deal, ensuring that there is an optimal mix of specialisation in the clients’ identified areas of concern, such as tax, employment and intellectual property, and necessary industry-specific experience.

                          We provide support to our clients at every stage of the deal. We will be there at the beginning of the process, helping to facilitate the negotiations between the parties and advising on the structure of the transaction. Once the parties have reached a consensus, we meticulously prepare the necessary documentation. Recognising that M&A deals are often the first page of a new chapter for the parties involved, we also provide post-transaction support to ensure a smooth transition such as the preparation of shareholder agreements, employment agreements, and other relevant commercial documentation.