Nine Yards Chambers

Singapore

Analysis

Overview

Nine Yards Chambers is a dispute resolution boutique that was established in late 2022. It has carved out a niche in representing listed Singapore companies in shareholder disputes, oppression claims and hostile takeovers, among other contentious commercial matters. It has a strong track record in investment recovery work, trusts claims and commercial disputes. In its first year alone, the team worked on four written judgments issued by the Singapore High Court. The key contact at the firm is managing director Nichol Yeo.

Client feedback

“Able to understand the rules, assist to perform searches, and make appropriate disclosures.” – Capital markets

Nichol assessed the case facts, including hearing my event recounts and analysing my evidence, and provided professional advice on how to go about claiming the amount payable from the debtor. He has excellent communication skills and asked crucial questions as we arrived at facts irrebuttable by the defendant. Nichol and his team provided timely updates to me about my case such that I did not have to worry about leaving the case entirely in their care.” – Corporate and M&A

We recommend it for professional advice, patience in listening, inclusive discussions, timely responses and empathy regardless of the type of cases. The lawyers have excellent communication that allows discussions regardless of time of the day. They demonstrate expertise in acting in the best interest of the client and evaluating with confidence.” – Dispute resolution

“Knowledgeable about the law and on-the-ground dynamics.” – Dispute resolution

“The lawyers are commercial and have a good grasp of both substantive and technical issues relating to contentious matters. The take a balanced approach to achieve realistic probability adjusted outcome for their client.” – Dispute resolution

“They are very quick in their actions and they provide a holistic guide on possible action to take with respective pros and cons so it is easy to make a decision.” – Dispute resolution

“They fully understand our request and take fast action when we give them permission.” – Dispute resolution

“Effective, timely responses and comprehensive comments.” – Dispute resolution

“Nine Yards provides very practical solutions within the applicable rules and regulations.” – Dispute resolution

“Their managing director Mr. Nichol Yeo's many years of experience in the dispute resolution space value-adds to my needs, providing a very commercial and comprehensive perspective on the case files. Despite their relatively lean team, Nine Yards Chambers has been able to deliver work in a very timely fashion without any compromise in quality. Their team of lawyers also cover a broad spectrum of specialisms such as to position Nine Yards Chambers well to deliver full-suite services to clients with both dispute resolution as well as commercial and corporate transactional needs. I personally also noticed a strong culture of embracing the use of technology in the work of Nine Yards Chambers, such as their adoption of the innovative applications for document review and processing. This increases their productivity which translates into efficient and effective delivery of services to me and my clients.” – Dispute resolution

“We strongly recommend the team for their depth of research into the matter, finding new and better ways to resolve without costly ongoing litigation. They apply appropriate commercial pressure and ensure the other party was aware of the consequences of delaying the resolution. They are two, if not three, steps ahead of opposing counsel.” – Intellectual property

“Their professionalism and dedication to our case were truly commendable, providing us with invaluable support throughout the process. Their assistance was pivotal in resolving the matter efficiently and effectively.” – Private client

“The firm has been extremely understanding and attentive to all areas of my concerns in view of the current MI. As I am the sole provider and care giver of my two elderly parents, the firm always took extra care and trouble to provide valuable advice and assistance to the needs of my family.” – Private client

“Readily responsive and provided great advice.” – Private client

“I am extremely impressed with the exceptional legal services provided by Nine Yards Chambers with Mr. Nichol Yeo. Their attention to details and commitment to accountability were evident throughout the entire process. The detailed reporting and regular updates kept me informed and confident in their handling of my case.

Their thorough forensic evidence-finding skills were impressive, leaving no stone unturned to build a strong case. The clear and transparent communications made the legal process easy to understand, and their guidance was invaluable.

I highly recommend this law firm for their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to delivering outstanding results. Their exceptional service has earned my trust and gratitude.” – Private client

“Competent in applying the appropriate law to the situation.” – Regulatory

“Very fast and responsive. Quick to understand and very easy to communicate with. They are composed, very intelligent, resourceful, and set us at ease with their professionalism.” – Regulatory

Nichol Yeo

“Attentive and able to provide practical solutions.”

“He possesses a professional and convincing demeanour that allows me to feel comfortable having him handle my case.”

“Ability to apply his experience and knowledge into all scenarios. This allows him to advise the client accordingly. The element of using a passive aggressive approach shows his experience in handling cases.”

“Understands the industry very well and is bilingual.”

“Good commercial sense, clear communications and good analytical skills.”

“He is always professional yet friendly in handling our case. He takes time to explain matters in laymen’s terms if necessary.”

“Nichol and his team followed up on our case very closely.”

“Extensive legal knowledge, responds to questions in a timely manner and gives effective answers.”

“Practical, sharp mind and easy to deal with.”

“Nichol brings with him many years of experience in dispute resolution, covering litigation, arbitration and mediation. He has an exceptional work ethic that places the needs and priorities of his clients at the forefront, giving each and every file his close attention and personal touch. His strong intellect and intense intellectual curiosity is an especially cherished attribute in my opinion, making him a most reliable collaborator for co-counselling in complex and high-value dispute resolution matters.”

“He is always on point when it comes to the matter at hand. He is pragmatic, well prepared and researched. He was there to win for us.”

“Nichol is truly understanding and attentive to all areas of my concerns in view of the current MI. He always took extra care and trouble to provide valuable advice and assistances to the needs of my family. Nichol is truly a good lawyer, always ready to help and fight for people. I could always see troubled clients walking into the office to meet Nichol and after they walked out with relieved smiles on their faces. I am indeed blessed to have Nichol and his team as my lawyers.”

“Resolves issues promptly and provides great advice.”

“Empathetic to client’s situation and proactive in finding solutions.”

“Quick-witted, sharp, resourceful, intelligent, practical and direct.”

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Represented the deputy of a high-net-worth individual who had lost mental capacity to recover gifts made to a girlfriend within a period of six months amounting to $9 million. This case sparked off a public discussion and article on the safeguards for vulnerable elderly persons and the protection of their assets, and the importance of lasting powers of attorney to be executed in Singapore.

Successfully resisted a hostile takeover extraordinary general meeting of a Singapore-listed company by applying for a declaration that the requisitionists were not members of the company.

Acted for a “white knight” plaintiff in a case where a novel point of law was argued relating to a “freestanding injunction” to be granted in Singapore to restrain an extraordinary general meeting to be held. This case clarified the law on “freestanding” injunctions.