The largest law firms in Singapore by headcount and revenue include Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann Asia, WongPartnership, Drew & Napier, and Clifford Chance. These firms handle the bulk of major corporate, finance, and dispute resolution work in the city-state, serving multinational clients, government-linked companies, and regional businesses across Southeast Asia.
The Leading Singapore-Founded Firms
Allen & Gledhill is consistently ranked among the largest and most active local firms, with over 500 lawyers and a strong focus on banking, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and structured finance. The firm has acted on many of Singapore’s landmark transactions over the past decade.
Rajah & Tann Asia operates as a regional network spanning ten countries, making it the largest Southeast Asian law firm by geographic reach. Its Singapore base anchors a team of more than 700 lawyers across the network, with particular strength in cross-border M&A, restructuring, and competition law.
WongPartnership, now part of the global Dentons network, has around 400 lawyers in Singapore. It is well known for real estate, private equity, and corporate advisory work, and its integration with Dentons gives it access to a global platform for cross-border mandates.
Drew & Napier is one of Singapore’s oldest firms, with a reputation built on dispute resolution and corporate law. It regularly acts in Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) proceedings and High Court litigation, and fields specialist teams in competition, IP, and regulatory matters.
Major International Firms Operating in Singapore
Several global firms have a significant presence under Singapore’s Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP) licence, which allows them to practise Singapore law in permitted areas. Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman), Herbert Smith Freehills, and Latham & Watkins all operate under this framework.
Clifford Chance and Linklaters are particularly active in banking and finance transactions, often advising on loans, bonds, and project finance deals across the region. Herbert Smith Freehills has a strong disputes practice alongside its corporate team. These firms typically work alongside local Singapore counsel on matters that require full Singapore law coverage.
Baker McKenzie and Norton Rose Fulbright also maintain large teams in Singapore, covering a mix of corporate, employment, and disputes work across ASEAN markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest law firm in Singapore?
By Singapore-based headcount, Allen & Gledhill and Rajah & Tann are the two largest local firms. If regional network size is included, Rajah & Tann Asia claims the largest footprint in Southeast Asia with lawyers across ten jurisdictions.
Can foreign law firms practise Singapore law?
Foreign firms must hold a Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP) licence issued by the Ministry of Law to advise on Singapore law in permitted practice areas. Without a licence, foreign firms can only advise on foreign and international law from their Singapore offices.
Which Singapore law firms handle international arbitration?
Drew & Napier, Allen & Gledhill, Rajah & Tann, and WongPartnership all have active international arbitration practices. International firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills and Freshfields also handle significant arbitration caseloads out of their Singapore offices, often through the SIAC or ICC.
