The ALB Asia Super 50 Disputes Lawyers list, now in its sixth year, recognizes leading advocates across Asia for their exceptional client feedback and track records in high-stakes legal battles. Selected alphabetically with detailed profiles, the list highlights practitioners shaping the region’s evolving disputes environment. This year’s honorees demonstrate expertise in arbitration, litigation, and cross-border legal challenges, with many handling matters that set precedents in complex jurisdictions.
Asia’s Leading Dispute Resolution Lawyers
Dharmendra Chatur, a partner at Poovayya & Co. in Bengaluru and New Delhi, exemplifies the caliber of legal strategists on the list. Specializing in dispute resolution, arbitration, and insolvency, Chatur has advised on multi-billion-dollar cases spanning India, the Gulf, and Europe. In the last 12 months, Chatur represented a leading Indian public sector bank in multi-billion-dollar insolvency and civil proceedings before the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the English courts arising from the administration of the NMC Group. The matters, the largest claim ever brought against an Indian bank in any jurisdiction, raised novel cross-border insolvency and banking issues and were successfully resolved by settlement in July 2026.
He is known for clear, candid advice, meticulous preparation and seamless coordination of multi-jurisdictional teams. Clients praise Chatur for an “unparalleled work ethic” and a “brilliant legal mind,” noting his “conceptual clarity,” “vigor and enthusiasm in court,” and ability to “instantly win confidence.” His academic credentials include a degree from Christ University and the University of Chicago Law School, and he is pursuing a part-time doctorate at Durham University on comparative civil procedure and international litigation. Beyond his practice, Chatur contributes to thought leadership and pro bono initiatives, while endowing scholarships for first-generation law students at his alma mater.
Kho Sze Jia, managing partner and head of dispute resolution at Izad Kazran & Co (IKC) in Malaysia, brings 13 years of experience to the list. Recent work includes securing $2,052,607 (RM 8,344,052.87) in an AIAC award for Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, with ongoing set-aside resistance and enforcement. In Regal Elite Letrik v Country Garden Danga Bay [2026] 5 CLJ 136, he defeated a contractor’s claim of $398,649 (RM 1,620,546.02). In Rushoe v Advanced Innergy [2026] MLJU 2323, he represented a UK company specializing in fireproofing, insulation and coating solutions since 1986, securing the striking out of a $570,050.27 claim based on an English jurisdiction clause and contractual liability limits. His practice spans construction, banking, and cross-border disputes.
Clients describe him as “highly professional and responsive,” “able to identify issues quickly and provide suitable solutions,” and “never talks down to the client.” His leadership in defending nine CIPAA adjudications for China-linked developers further demonstrates his depth. Kho’s recent appointment as a Commissioner for Oaths and his role leading IKC’s China Businesses and Enterprises Desk highlight his multidimensional expertise in complex legal environments.
Singapore’s Premier Advocates
Jared Kok is a partner at Rajah & Tann Singapore specialising in high-stakes private wealth and commercial disputes. With 16 years of experience, Kok regularly advises high-net-worth individuals and families on conflicts involving closely held businesses, trust and asset management, estate succession, and claims against errant fiduciaries. Recent highlights include acting for a Forbes-listed client in a multi-jurisdictional shareholders’ dispute concerning a family-owned conglomerate before the Singapore High Court.
His successful discharge of an injunction over $500 million in assets for a private investment company demonstrates his strategic acumen. Kok’s practice also extends to emerging asset classes, such as cryptocurrency, where he recovered $15 million for a client following Three Arrows Capital’s collapse. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and an Independent Director of a Singapore Institution of Public Character, he bridges arbitration and private wealth disciplines with precision.
Christy Leung, a partner at Eric Chow & Co. in Hong Kong, leads complex, multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes. Her recent representation of a minority shareholder in a winding-up petition against a Hong Kong company involved securing injunctive relief over PRC-stored accounting records. She also defends high-net-worth individuals in cases involving investments exceeding HK$700 million. Leung’s work spans Hong Kong, Mainland China, and offshore forums, with clients praising her “commercial first” approach and ability to “distill complex, voluminous evidence into a persuasive, action.”
Her clients de, valuing her “sound judgment under pressure” and commitment to “smooth and efficient” proceedings. Recent matters include defending against rescission claims in listed acquisitions and managing multi-forum disputes over $770 million in PRC and Cayman structures. Leung’s expertise in securities, fund structures, and cross-border evidence issues positions her as a trusted advisor in high-stakes financial litigation.
Lin Shum, a director at Drew & Napier in Singapore, brings 18 years of experience in international arbitration and web3 disputes. Her recent success as lead counsel for Media Matters for America in striking out a defamation lawsuit by Twitter Asia on jurisdictional grounds shows her strategic prowess. She also leads SIAC arbitrations for a global stablecoin platform involving claims exceeding $456 million, demonstrating her ability to handle cutting-edge legal challenges in emerging technologies.
Clients highlight Lin’s “impressive attention to detail” and her rare skill in translating technical complexity into “clear and actionable advice.” Her landmark work in Singapore’s first representative action—the S$1 billion De La Sala family trust case—reshaped evidentiary standards and trustee recoupment principles, setting precedents still cited today.
Expanding Expertise Across Asia and Beyond
Kartikey Mahajan, a partner at Khaitan & Co based in Singapore and Dubai, brings 15 years of experience in international arbitration, cross-border litigation, and white-collar crime. His recent mandate for a European pension fund in a SIAC arbitration enforced shareholder rights in Indian SPVs, while his representation of Kingdon Capital LLC in investigations related to the Adani Enterprises controversy highlights his focus on high-stakes financial matters. Mahajan also advised Builder.ai’s board during internal probes into alleged fictitious revenues, which triggered winding-up proceedings in India and the UK. Clients commend his “strategic and responsive” approach, noting his “candid advice” and “meticulous preparation.”
Adam Maniam, a director at Drew & Napier with 17 years of experience, led Singapore’s first successful Deferred Prosecution Agreement under the country’s DPA framework, marking a landmark in its criminal justice system. His work includes representing a former Singapore minister in a high-profile prosecution and managing a $40 million gasoil theft case linked to Bukom Island. Clients describe him as “exceptional,” a “superior and elite advocate,” with “clear and precise analysis,” “first-class advocacy,” and a steady composure, ensuring favorable outcomes in complex, high-value disputes. Maniam’s broader portfolio includes a $4 billion acquisition-related arbitration and a $1.48 billion representative action for the De La Sala family trust.
Indonesia’s Legal Leaders
Mulyadi, a senior partner at Nurjadin Sumono Mulyadi & Partners (NSMP), brings over 25 years of experience in complex dispute resolution. His clients include Seatrium and members of the De La Sala family, who commend him as an “exceptional” advocate with “clear and precise analysis” and “first-class advocacy.” They highlight his “meticulous attention to detail,” responsiveness, and calm presence, ensuring strategic outcomes.
Depth in Insolvency and Cross-Border Enforcement
Farih Romdoni Putra, a partner in Jakarta’s Romdoni & Rajab, leverages his doctorate in insolvency law to handle PKPU and bankruptcy cases. His recent defense in a high-profile case tied to Gregorius Ronald Tannur’s acquittal and his advisory role for Indonesian state-owned enterprises in disputes linked to national sporting events show his expertise. Clients praise his “exceptional critical thinking” and “straightforward guidance,” noting his ability to transform uncertainty into clarity. Putra’s focus on projects and energy law, including advising on a nickel industrial park designated as a National Strategic Project, reflects his commercial acumen.
Rando Purba, a senior partner at Maramis, Purba, Santi, Singara Law Firm, handles complex arbitration across sectors like energy and construction. His management of a $553 million corporate fraud case and a $600 million national strategic project dispute demonstrates his analytical rigor. Clients highlight his meticulous preparation and focused questioning, which enable him to test expert opinions, expose weaknesses in opposing evidence, and obtain critical admissions from witnesses.
Global and Emerging Legal Challenges
Mahesh Rai, managing director at Drew & Napier, spearheaded Singapore’s first representative action in the SICC, representing 370 investors seeking $65.6 million over the TerraUSD stablecoin collapse. His work includes a $500 million investor-state claim against Switzerland over Credit Suisse bond write-downs, among the first globally. Clients describe him as “dependable” and “innovative,” valuing his “out-of-the-box thinking” to resolve complex disputes. Rai’s practice spans thermal power plant contracts, shipping arbitrations, and high-value EPC claims, reflecting his adaptability across jurisdictions.
His recent leadership in a $1 billion UNCITRAL case for an Asian state and a $7 billion private equity dispute demonstrate his prowess in high-stakes matters. Clients praise his “brilliant advocacy” and “smooth style,” noting his commercial instincts and describing him as “strategic”, “commercially savvy” and an advocate who “thinks two steps ahead.” Tan’s expertise includes defending insurers in complex claims and advising on technology transfer disputes exceeding $100 million, with peers recognizing his “exceptional preparation” and strategic foresight.
Benedict Teo, a director at Drew & Napier with 22 years in banking and finance, recently acted for a Singapore financial institution in $90 million escrow disputes and represented 90 private banking clients seeking redress for Credit Suisse AT1 bond losses. His ability to secure an anti-suit injunction for a PRC businessman and defend a Swiss bank against a $2.5 million claim highlights his precision. Clients commend his “clarity and confidence,” valuing his skill in handling complex legal environments.
Vu Le Bang, a partner at Nishimura & Asahi’s Vietnam branch, secured a complete victory for a chemicals client in VIAC and SIAC proceedings, followed by global asset-tracing. His advisory role in a $100 million technology transfer dispute and a $110 million estate administration case showcases his cross-border acumen. Clients describe him as “intuitive and thorough,” praising his “pragmatic outcomes” and “skilled arbitration tactics.” Bang’s membership in the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association and his role as a presiding arbitrator at VIAC reflect his standing in the region’s legal community.
