Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution Lawyers in Singapore

Our civil litigation lawyers in Singapore provide expert legal support for all types of civil claims, from personal injury, debt collection, and property disputes to employment disputes, defamation, and infringements of IP rights.

At IRB Law, we help individuals, businesses, and organisations seek amicable dispute resolution through sending letters of demand and representing our clients during mediation and arbitration. If we have to resort to court to protect your interests, our civil litigation lawyers ensure strong legal representation and always seek to obtain the best possible results.

Pre-Litigation and Dispute Resolution

In Singapore, the Rules of Court 2021 require a party to a dispute to consider amicable resolution before starting civil litigation. These may include sending letters of demand, negotiations, as well as mediation or arbitration sessions.

Letter of Demand

Sending a letter of demand is an important step in many civil disputes, often helping to achieve a settlement without going to court. A letter of demand serves as an important summary of a dispute, articulating the demands, specifying a deadline for fulfilment of obligations, and indicating consequences for non-compliance. In many cases, sending a letter of demand prepared by reputable civil litigation lawyers in Singapore helps to settle the claim without resorting to a civil lawsuit

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration, mediation, and negotiations can help disputing parties reach an amicable settlement without going to court. Both mediation and arbitration allow additional flexibility in settling the dispute and help maintain the confidentiality of the parties’ relationship in the absence of an open court hearing.

At IRB Law, our dispute resolution lawyers offer comprehensive legal support during mediation and arbitration sessions, ensuring a cooperative approach while protecting your best interests.

Civil Litigation

If the letter of demand is ignored and the other party continues to be in default of its obligations, our lawyers can initiate a civil suit on your behalf. We will represent your interests in the appropriate Singapore court, depending on the value of your civil claim.

Small Claims Tribunals

Small claims under S$20,000 (or S$30,000 if the parties sign a Memorandum of Consent) can be brought before the Small Claims Tribunals. A Small Claims Tribunal offers a simplified and expedited process, making it ideal for resolving smaller disputes in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Magistrates’ Courts

Claims between S$20,000 and S$60,000 fall within the jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Courts. These courts handle a wide range of civil cases and employ streamlined procedures to ensure timely resolution.

District Courts

Claims between S$60,000 and S$250,000 are heard in the District Courts. These courts have broader jurisdiction and deal with more complex cases that require greater attention to detail and legal expertise. For traffic accidents or personal injuries arising from industrial accidents, District Courts hear claims of up to S$500,000.

High Court

Claims exceeding S$250,000 fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The High Court handles high-value and complex disputes, offering a forum for cases that require meticulous preparation, sophisticated legal arguments, and extensive evidence.

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Areas including

  • Contract disputes
  • Negligence claims
  • Fraud
  • Libel and slander
  • Sale of  goods
  • Injunctions
  • Property disputes
  • Landlord and tenant disputes
 

Our Areas of Civil Litigation

Personal Injury

We help individuals suffering harm or injury due to negligence or the actions of another party seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Debt Recovery

At IRB Law, our debt recovery lawyers assist creditors in recovering debts through letters of demand, borrower due diligence, and civil litigation.

Contract Disputes

When you have a dispute over the terms, performance, or breach of contract, our dispute resolution lawyers will take legal action to enforce the contract, seek damages, or request specific performance.

Property Disputes

Our civil litigation lawyers can help resolve disputes over real estate, including boundary disputes, ownership claims, or breaches of property agreements, and seek appropriate remedies.

Employment Disputes

At IRB Law, we handle all types of employment disputes, including wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or harassment, assisting in protecting your rights and enforcing legal obligations.

Intellectual Property Infringements

In the event your intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, or trademarks, is infringed, we can initiate civil litigation to stop the infringement and seek an injunction and damages.

Professional Malpractice

When you suffer harm or financial loss due to professional malpractice by doctors, lawyers, accountants, or other professionals, we can help you pursue civil litigation to seek compensation.

Defamation

False statements that harm your reputation can lead to defamation claims and subsequent civil litigation, aiming to obtain damages for reputational harm and to seek injunctions to stop the publication.

Product Liability

If you suffered injuries or damages due to defective or unsafe products, our civil litigation lawyers can help you claim compensation from manufacturers, distributors, or sellers.

Why Choose IRB Law for Civil Litigation in Singapore

Effective Dispute Resolution

Our legal team is highly proficient in alternative dispute resolution in Singapore, including negotiations, the strategic use of letters of demand, as well as mediation and arbitration, to settle disputes before court action.

 

Strategic Guidance

At IRB Law, our lawyers are experts in civil law, legal precedents, and court procedures in Singapore. Engaging our civil litigation lawyers helps protect your civil rights and explore all legal avenues for the most favourable possible outcome.

 

Effective Representation 

When you work with the IRB Law civil litigation and dispute resolution team, you can rest assured that your case will receive the strongest representation in court.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is civil litigation and how does it work in Singapore?
Civil litigation is a legal process for resolving non-criminal disputes between individuals or organisations in Singaporean courts.
What are the steps involved in a civil litigation process in Singapore?
In Singapore, the courts expect the disputing parties to try to resolve their disputes through negotiations first, which can include sending letters of demand or using alternative dispute resolution. Civil litigation starts with writing a writ of summons and statement of claim, serving documents on the defendant, exchanging evidence, attending pre-trial conferences, followed by trial and judgment.
Can I represent myself in civil litigation proceedings in Singapore?
Yes, individuals have the right to represent themselves in civil litigation. However, hiring an experienced civil litigation lawyer in Singapore can help to avoid omissions and ensure the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
What factors should I consider before filing a civil lawsuit in Singapore?
When filing a civil suit in Singapore, you need to consider the strength of your claim, potential costs, the likelihood of success, and whether the defendant has sufficient assets to satisfy a court order.
Can I settle a civil dispute out of court in Singapore?
Yes, the parties can engage in settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration to reach a mutually agreed resolution without going through a full trial.

Can I recover my legal costs if I win my civil lawsuit in Singapore?
In general, if you win your civil lawsuit, the court may award you legal costs. At the same time, the court has discretion in determining the amount, based on various factors and the conduct of the parties.
Are there time limits for filing a civil lawsuit in Singapore?
Yes, civil claims are subject to time limitations known as the limitation period. In Singapore, the limitation period for filing a civil suit is typically six years from the date the dispute arises. At the same time, certain claims may have different limitation periods.
What is the role of mediation in civil litigation in Singapore?
In Singapore, the courts expect disputing parties to first attempt to resolve their disputes through negotiation before filing a civil lawsuit. The Singapore courts encourage mediation as part of the alternative dispute resolution process, which can help parties reach an amicable settlement.
What are the costs of civil litigation in Singapore?
Civil litigation costs may include court fees, legal fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. You can find out more about civil litigation costs and legal fees by contacting a civil litigation lawyer.
Can I file a civil lawsuit against a government entity in Singapore?
Yes, it is possible to bring a civil lawsuit against a government entity in Singapore. Since such cases may involve specific procedures and limitations, you should seek civil legal advice before commencing such a case.
How long does civil litigation typically take to resolve in Singapore?
The duration of civil litigation in Singapore depends on the complexity of the case, the amount in dispute, the parties involved, and other factors. In general, a civil lawsuit in Singapore can take from months to several years to resolve.
What types of disputes are commonly handled through civil litigation?
Civil litigation covers a wide range of disputes, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, defamation cases, employment disputes, and family law matters, among many others.
What are the different courts in Singapore, and how do I know where I should file my claim?
In Singapore, there are several different courts for different claim amounts:

  • Small Claims Tribunals for claims up to S$20,000 (or S$30,000 if the disputing parties sign a Memorandum of Consent),
  • Magistrates’ Courts for claims between S$20,000 and S$60,000,
  • District Courts for claims between S$60,000 and S$250,000, with an extended limit up to S$500,000 for personal injury claims related to traffic and industrial accidents,
  • High Court for claims over S$250,000.
What are the possible outcomes in civil litigation cases?
Possible outcomes in civil litigation in Singapore include obtaining monetary compensation, injunctions, specific performance of contracts, declaratory judgments, or other remedies as determined by the court.
What is the difference between criminal litigation and civil litigation in Singapore?
Civil litigation handles disputes between individuals or entities seeking remedies or compensation, whereas criminal litigation involves prosecution by the state for alleged criminal offences.
Can I appeal a civil court decision in Singapore?
Yes, you can generally appeal a civil court decision to a higher court in Singapore within specified time limits based on grounds such as errors in the application of law or procedural omissions.
Can I enforce a foreign judgment in Singapore?
Yes, under certain conditions, foreign judgments can be enforced in Singapore through the courts according to international conventions or reciprocal arrangements.
Can I change lawyers during the course of civil litigation proceedings?
Yes, you have the right to change a civil litigation lawyer if you are dissatisfied with their service. It is recommended to consult another lawyer before the change to ensure a smooth transition.
Can I recover damages for emotional distress in a civil lawsuit in Singapore?
In some civil litigation cases, for example, in personal injury or defamation cases, the courts may award damages for emotional distress if sufficient evidence is provided.
Can I seek interim relief in civil litigation cases in Singapore?
Yes, parties can apply for interim relief, such as injunctions, to preserve rights or prevent harm pending the court’s decision on the dispute.

Meet Our Key Lawyers

Mohamed Baiross

Founding & Managing Partner, IRB Law LLP

Mohamed Baiross is the managing partner of IRB Law and one of the nation's leading lawyers in multiple practice areas, including civil, corporate, and commercial law. With over three decades of experience as a business lawyer, Mohamed Baiross has built a renowned corporate law firm in Singapore, providing expert legal services to global corporations and local businesses.

Kulvinder Kaur

Partner

Kulvinder Kaur is a prominent commercial and corporate lawyer and an expert in litigation matters. Kaur is well-known in all courts of Singapore for strong legal representation in the most complex cases across multiple practice areas.

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