Focus Law Asia is a specialist litigation and arbitration boutique with a particular strength in shipping and insurance matters. The team counts major world-class ship owners such as Maersk, Torm and Ardmore Shipping as loyal clients, as well as leading marine insurers like Skuld, UK P&I Club and Japan P&I Club. The firm is a member of the One Asia Lawyers network and it boasts Japan and Korea desks with Japanese and Korean lawyers. It uniquely is focused on developing a North-Asian disputes practice. Managing director Shem Khoo and directors Mark Tan, Ker Sheon Lim and June Lim are the key contacts. Lim is a family law specialist who joined the team in early 2024 from her own matrimonial boutique, Eden Law Corporation.
Work highlights
Acted for Banque de Commerce et de Placements in proceedings against China Aviation Oil Corporation for unpaid sums of $19 million, arising from a paper trade with no genuine underlying cargo.
Representing Maersk Tankers Singapore in several matters including its claim against Winson Oil Trading pursuant to a letter of indemnity granted by Winson Oil to the client for the discharge of cargoes without the original bills of lading.
Client feedback
“Responsive and senior attention is given to my matters.” – Restructuring and insolvency
“Effective and efficient.” – Shipping
Shem Khoo
“Very responsive and knowledgeable about litigation and insolvency strategies.”
“Represented our client in Singapore court efficiently and effectively.”
“He knows the area of law well. He is able to appreciate both the legal and practical issues involved.”
“Shem Khoo is a good lawyer. He knows the area of work and is capable.”
Work highlights
Acting for Torm, a Danish shipping group, on its claims against its bunker supplier, Petrochina International Singapore arising out of the supply of contaminated marine fuel to numerous Torm vessels which subsequently damaged vessel machinery and caused significant delays out of the need to de-bunker and re-bunker fuel.
Advised Plymouth Shipco on the potential arrest of its vessel Ardmore Seawolf by CIMB Bank for a potential claim that had arisen out of the misdelivery of cargo without the original bills of lading.
Acted for Japan P&I Clun and shipowner of the vessel Jeil Crystal on a $2.1 million claim by Banque Cantonale de Geneve.
