Civil litigation lawyers in Singapore
When a dispute can't be resolved on its own, you need someone who will tell you honestly how strong your position is, what it will cost to pursue, and the fastest sensible route to an outcome.
General information on civil litigation in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
How we run a dispute
An honest view of your case
We tell you where your case is strong, where it's weak, and whether it's worth fighting, before you spend money on it.
The same lawyer throughout
The lawyer who assesses your claim is the one who runs it, from the first letter through to hearings. No handoffs.
Costs you can plan for
Litigation costs can escalate. We scope each stage, tell you what it's likely to cost, and keep you updated before anything changes.
Our civil litigation services
We act for individuals and businesses, both bringing claims and defending them, across a wide range of civil disputes.
- Contract & commercial disputes
- Debt recovery
- Employment disputes
- Property & tenancy disputes
- Shareholder & partnership disputes
- Negligence claims
- Defamation
- Harassment claims
- Estate & inheritance disputes
- Enforcement of judgments
- Mediation & settlement negotiations
- Defending claims brought against you
How civil litigation works in Singapore
Civil proceedings in Singapore are governed by the Rules of Court 2021, which require parties to make a genuine attempt at amicable resolution before and during a case. Knowing the stages helps you make better decisions along the way.
Which court hears your claim
Where a claim is heard depends mainly on how much is at stake.
- Small Claims Tribunals
- For certain claims up to $20,000 (or $30,000 if both parties agree). Lawyers can't appear for you here, but we can advise you behind the scenes.
- Magistrate's Court
- Claims up to $60,000.
- District Court
- Claims above $60,000 and up to $250,000.
- General Division of the High Court
- Claims above $250,000, and certain types of case regardless of value.
The main stages of a claim
- 1.
Assessment and letter of demand
We review the facts and documents, give you a frank view of the merits, and usually write to the other side setting out the claim and inviting settlement.
- 2.
Starting the claim
If the dispute isn't resolved, the claim is filed in court by way of an Originating Claim with a Statement of Claim. The other side then files its defence.
- 3.
Case management
The court manages the case through conferences, directing the parties on documents, witness statements and attempts at mediation or other dispute resolution.
- 4.
Trial and judgment
If the case doesn't settle, it goes to trial. Each side presents evidence and arguments, and the judge decides. The losing party is usually ordered to pay part of the winner's legal costs.
- 5.
Enforcement
Winning a judgment is not the same as being paid. If the other side doesn't comply, enforcement steps can include seizing and selling their property or attaching money owed to them.
Employment claims start with mediation
Most salary-related and wrongful dismissal claims by employees go first to mediation at the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), then to the Employment Claims Tribunals if unresolved. Lawyers can't appear at the Tribunals, but we can advise you on your position and options before and during the process.
Time limits
Claims must be brought within strict time limits under the Limitation Act. Once a limit passes, you may lose the right to sue altogether.
- Contract claims
- Generally six years from the date of the breach.
- Negligence (non-injury)
- Generally six years, with some extensions where the damage wasn't discoverable earlier.
- Personal injury
- Generally three years from the injury, or from when you knew of it.
Fees
Litigation is hard to price as a single number, so we break it into stages and quote each one. You always know what the next step will cost before you decide to take it.
| Initial assessmentReview of your documents and a frank view of your position and options. | Fixed fee |
|---|---|
| Letter of demandA formal demand to the other side setting out your claim and a deadline to respond. | Fixed fee |
| Court proceedingsFiling or defending a claim through to mediation, trial or settlement. | Quoted per stage |
Every engagement includes
- An honest assessment of merits and risks
- A cost estimate before each stage begins
- Regular updates on progress and settlement options
- Representation by the lawyer you met
You will have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit to anything.
Get a frank view of your case
Whether you've received a letter of demand or need to bring a claim, book an initial consultation. We'll review your documents, explain your options and what each would cost, and tell you honestly what we'd do in your position.
Common questions
I've received a letter of demand. What should I do?
Don't ignore it, and don't reply in anger. Note the deadline, gather any documents related to the dispute, and get advice before you respond. What you say at this stage can be used later, and a measured response often prevents a court claim altogether.
Do I have to go to court to resolve a dispute?
No. Most civil disputes settle through negotiation or mediation, and the Rules of Court 2021 actively require parties to consider amicable resolution. Court is the last resort, not the first step.
How long does a civil case take?
It varies widely. A dispute resolved by a letter of demand can be over in weeks. A claim that goes to trial commonly takes a year or more, depending on complexity, the court, and how co-operative the other side is.
If I win, will the other side pay my legal fees?
Usually only in part. Singapore courts generally order the losing party to pay a portion of the winner's legal costs, but rarely the full amount you've paid your lawyer. The reverse applies if you lose, which is why an honest early assessment matters.
My employer owes me salary. Can you help?
Yes. Most employee salary and wrongful dismissal claims start with mediation at TADM and then go to the Employment Claims Tribunals. Lawyers can't appear at the Tribunals, but we can assess your claim, advise on strategy, and help with claims that fall outside the Tribunals' scope.
What happens if the other side doesn't pay after I win?
You can apply to the court to enforce the judgment. Depending on the debtor's assets, this can include seizing and selling property, or attaching money owed to them, such as funds in a bank account. We'll advise on the most effective route.
How much does civil litigation cost?
It depends on the complexity of the dispute and how far it goes. We quote each stage separately, from initial assessment to trial, so you can decide at every point whether to continue. You'll have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit.
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