S.L.M. Counsel
Dispute resolution Singapore

Resolve business conflicts strategically.

When negotiation fails, the way you resolve the dispute defines your business future. S.L.M. Counsel assesses the facts early, then selects the right path through mediation, arbitration or litigation.

Clear advice before a costly commitment.

Lawyers reviewing commercial dispute documents in a Singapore negotiation room
S$50M+ in commercial claims mediated without trial
Built for pressure

Our Dispute Resolution Toolkit

Choose the method that fits the evidence, the relationship and the commercial target. Every route starts with a clear view of risk.

Mediation

Private, focused sessions that keep control in the hands of the parties.

  • Position papers and settlement ranges
  • Without-prejudice negotiation
Explore this service

Arbitration

Binding resolution with procedural flexibility for local and cross-border claims.

  • SIAC and ICC proceedings
  • Ad-hoc rules and enforcement advice
Explore this service

Litigation

Firm representation when a court decision is the right commercial answer.

  • State Courts and High Court matters
  • Appeals and urgent applications
Explore this service

Debt Recovery

Decisive action to turn an overdue account into a recoverable claim.

  • Letters of demand and statutory demands
  • Winding-up threats and enforcement
Explore this service

Shareholder Disputes

Practical advice where ownership, control or director conduct has broken down.

  • Unfair prejudice and derivative actions
  • Buy-out negotiations
Explore this service
A measured response

Our 4-Phase Dispute Resolution Process

Good dispute work begins before the first letter is sent. We keep the next decision visible.

  1. 1
    Conflict Audit

    We gather the contract, correspondence and key records. You receive an assessment of legal exposure, likely evidence gaps and the decisions that cannot wait.

  2. 2
    Strategy Design

    We compare negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation against your objectives. The recommendation covers timing, cost pressure, enforceability and the business relationship.

  3. 3
    Execution

    We prepare letters of demand, initiate proceedings, manage evidence and appear at hearings. You know who is doing what before each major step.

  4. 4
    Enforcement & Closure

    We document the settlement or pursue judgment enforcement. Debt recovery is treated as complete only when the agreed result is properly secured.

Commercial disputes

Recovering S$2.3M across borders without litigation.

A Singapore-based electronics distributor faced a European buyer who had stopped payment. We moved quickly, preserved the asset position and used urgent mediation.

8 weeks to reach full settlement
S$400K estimated litigation cost avoided
Singapore business owner in a tailored jacket seated in a bright office
"They understood the cash-flow pressure and kept the discussion moving. We reached a commercial outcome in weeks."
Annisha D., electronics distributor
Straight answers

Common Dispute Resolution Questions

The right first step depends on the agreement, the evidence and the urgency.

Is mediation required before going to court in Singapore?

It is not required in every dispute. A contract, court direction or sector process may call for mediation, and an early settlement attempt can protect time and relationships. See our mediation service.

What are the advantages of SIAC arbitration over litigation?

SIAC arbitration can offer a private process, specialist decision-makers and a framework suited to cross-border enforcement. The best choice depends on the arbitration clause and the assets involved. Read about arbitration counsel.

How long does debt recovery typically take?

Timing depends on the debtor's position, the quality of the records and whether enforcement is contested. Some matters settle after a demand; others require court action. Start with our debt recovery approach.

Can a shareholder force a buy-out in a private company?

In suitable cases, an unfair prejudice claim may support a buy-out or another court remedy. The articles, shareholder agreement and conduct history matter. Explore shareholder dispute advice.

Don't let a dispute dictate your future.

Bring us the contract, the timeline and the outcome you need. We'll help chart the most effective resolution path.