Colin LIEW

Since graduating at the top of his year from the University of Oxford where he won multiple academic prizes, Colin has had over a decade’s experience representing clients in high-stakes commercial disputes. Dual-qualified in Singapore and England and Wales, and registered as a DIFC foreign lawyer, he has acted against Senior and King’s Counsel in a broad spectrum of high-profile matters involving state-owned entities, statutory boards, multinational corporations and high net worth individuals.

Colin has handled large-scale ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, covering sectors such as M&A, construction, cryptocurrency and digital assets, commodities and sale of goods. As part of his practice, Colin has substantial experience in arbitration-related litigation, having been counsel in landmark cases concerning the application of the China-Laos BIT to Macau SAR, the validity of the Intra-EU Objection to investor-State arbitrations under the Energy Charter Treaty, and the circumstances in which third parties to an arbitration agreement may obtain antisuit
relief. Additionally, Colin has taken on appointments as both sole and presiding arbitrator, and has often been instructed as an expert on Singapore law before foreign courts and tribunals.

Colin has been ranked as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Arbitration (Under 45), and described as “one of the sharpest legal minds of his generation” who is “an excellent practitioner: extremely responsive, commercial and sharp” (Lexology). Clients note that he is “always well-considered, works in a lightning quick manner, and insightful in his analysis”, a “formidable lawyer and very user-friendly", and “an exceptional advocate who is able to digest the most complex of cases” (Legal500).