About Justin Chan Chambers.

His principal areas of practice include:

• Civil and commercial litigation
• Divorce and family law
• Child custody, care and control, and access disputes
• International child custody and cross-border family disputes
• Resulting trusts, constructive trusts and equitable remedies
• Wills, probate and estate disputes
• Building and construction disputes
• MCST and strata title disputes
• Contract and sale of goods claims
• Banking, guarantees and Moneylenders Act disputes

Justin began his legal career at Drew & Napier LLC. He subsequently joined Tito Isaac & Co LLP, where he rose through the firm to become its Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Head of Banking Practice.

He now leads Justin Chan Chambers LLP, combining extensive courtroom experience with a modern, technology-enabled approach to legal practice.

A Modern and Client-Focused Litigation Practice

Justin believes that effective legal representation requires more than technical knowledge. Every case must be presented at its highest while remaining grounded in the client’s commercial, financial and personal objectives.

He is known for combining rigorous legal analysis with a practical and strategic approach. His work frequently involves complex factual disputes, extensive documentary evidence, expert testimony and issues spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Justin also advises and represents members of Singapore’s expatriate community. In cross-border matters, he takes into account not only the applicable law but also the cultural context, family circumstances and international dimensions of each dispute.

Justin Chan Chambers uses artificial intelligence, legal technology and modern work-management systems to organise evidence, improve legal research, streamline case preparation and maintain a strong focus on deliverables and client communication. Technology supports the firm’s lawyers but does not replace professional judgment, strategic advocacy or personal engagement with clients.

In 2026, Justin Chan Chambers was recognised as one of Singapore’s Best Law Firms in a survey conducted by The Straits Times in collaboration with Statista.

Speaking to The Straits Times about the firm’s approach, Justin explained:

“Along with being committed to presenting your case at its highest, I also strive to establish long-standing and mutually rewarding relationships with my clients.”

He also observed that advances in work-management software and AI allow smaller specialist firms to practise differently, with less reliance on manpower and greater attention to client engagement and meaningful outcomes.

Areas of Practice

Family and Divorce Law

Justin acts in contentious and cross-border family proceedings involving:

• Divorce and ancillary matters
• Division of matrimonial assets
• Child custody, care and control
• Access arrangements
• Relocation and international parenting disputes
• Child abduction and habitual residence
• Enforcement of court orders
• Family violence and protective proceedings

His family practice includes matters involving internationally mobile families, foreign court orders and competing jurisdictions.

Trusts and Equitable Remedies

Justin has substantial experience in disputes concerning beneficial ownership of property, including:

• Resulting trusts
• Common intention constructive trusts
• Proprietary estoppel
• Presumptions of advancement
• Jointly owned property
• Family property disputes
• Partnership property
• Equitable accounting and rental proceeds

He has acted in major High Court proceedings involving valuable residential and commercial properties and complex historical financial evidence.

Wills, Probate and Estate Disputes

Justin advises executors, administrators, beneficiaries and family members in contentious estate matters involving:

• Will disputes
• Executor and administrator duties
• Estate accounts
• Beneficial ownership of estate assets
• Inter-family property disputes
• Trust claims
• Applications for directions and declaratory relief

Building, Construction and MCST Disputes

Justin acts for developers, contractors, MCSTs, subsidiary proprietors and property stakeholders in disputes involving:

• Defective construction works
• Water seepage and waterproofing
• Common-property maintenance
• Rectification costs
• Back-charges
• Defects liability periods
• Contractual warranties
• Expert evidence
• Strata Titles Board proceedings

Commercial and Contract Disputes

Justin’s commercial litigation practice includes:

• Breach of contract
• Sale of goods
• International supply disputes
• Guarantees and security
• Banking claims
• Moneylending allegations
• Partnership disputes
• Misrepresentation
• Recovery of substantial debts and losses

Selected Reported Cases

Trusts and Beneficial Ownership

Ng So Hang v Wong Sang Woo [2018] SGHC 162

Acted for the successful plaintiff in a substantial High Court property and trust dispute concerning a residential property purchased for approximately S$3.1 million and registered in the parties’ joint names.

The defendant claimed a half share based on a common intention constructive trust, proprietary estoppel and the presumption of advancement. Following a lengthy trial involving extensive financial, documentary and witness evidence, the High Court found that the plaintiff had funded the entire purchase price and mortgage redemption.

The Court declared the plaintiff the sole beneficial owner under a resulting trust and dismissed the defendant’s counterclaims for a share of the property, rental proceeds and approximately S$1.54 million. The Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed the defendant’s appeal.

Koh Lian Chye and another v Koh Ah Leng and another [2020] SGHC 131

Acted for Koh Ah Leng in a High Court dispute between brothers concerning the beneficial ownership of an HDB shophouse acquired in the joint names of the brothers and their late father.

The case involved resulting trusts, common intention constructive trusts, proprietary estoppel, the presumption of advancement and whether the property constituted an asset of a family partnership.

The High Court rejected the opposing party’s claim to sole beneficial ownership and found that Koh Ah Leng held a 42.85% beneficial interest in the property. The Court ordered an open-market sale and the distribution of the sale proceeds and rental income according to the parties’ beneficial shares. The subsequent appeals were dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Cross-Border Family Law

XRG v XRH [2025] SGFC 105

Acted for the successful applicant mother in a cross-border child custody dispute involving Singapore and China.

The respondent father sought to set aside substituted service and stay the Singapore proceedings in favour of China. The case concerned forum non conveniens, habitual residence, earlier foreign custody arrangements and the paramount importance of the children’s welfare.

The Family Court dismissed the father’s applications. It found that he was ordinarily resident in Singapore, that substituted service remained valid despite his temporary absence and that he had not established China as the clearly or distinctly more appropriate forum.

The Court also found that the available immigration, education and residency evidence pointed to the children being habitually resident in Singapore. The earlier Chinese custody arrangements did not prevent the Singapore Court from reconsidering custody and access in light of changed circumstances and the children’s welfare.

MCST and Strata Title Disputes

Evershine Development Pte Ltd v The MCST Plan No. 2053, STB No. 29 of 2023 (Eunos Park)

Served as lead counsel for the successful MCST in Strata Titles Board proceedings concerning alleged water seepage from a common-property roof into a two-storey unit.

The case addressed the MCST’s statutory duty to maintain and repair common property, the distinction between reasonable repairs and wholesale replacement, the evidential value of expert reports and the Board’s jurisdiction to award damages.

The Board accepted the MCST’s evidence that it had investigated the complaints, engaged an appropriate roofing contractor and undertaken reasonable waterproofing and rectification works. It preferred the contractor’s direct site evidence and photographs over the conclusions of the jointly appointed expert, whose reports were not supported by independent testing or cogent evidence of defective flashings.

The applicant’s claim was dismissed in full and it was ordered to pay the MCST costs and disbursements of S$10,000.

Moneylenders Act and Guarantees

Lena Leowardi v Yeap Cheen Soo [2014] SGCA 57

Acted for Lena Leowardi in a Court of Appeal matter concerning the enforceability of personal guarantees and the application of the Moneylenders Act.

The respondent guarantor argued that the underlying loans were illegal and unenforceable moneylending transactions because separate promissory notes provided for additional contingent payments.

The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal. It held that the moneylending defence was fatally deficient because the relevant promissory notes and statutory presumption had not been properly pleaded. It further found that the loan agreements did not require repayment of a larger sum and that the additional payments were contingent upon the borrower receiving alleged inheritance funds.

The Court restored Lena Leowardi’s claim under the guarantees and awarded her the costs of the appeal and the trial below. The decision is an important authority on no-case-to-answer submissions, pleading illegality and distinguishing an ordinary loan from prohibited unlicensed moneylending.

Building and Construction

Ho Pak Kim Realty Co Pte Ltd v Revitech Pte Ltd [2013] SGHC 41

Acted for the successful defendant developer, Revitech Pte Ltd, in High Court appeals arising from the assessment of damages for defective construction works at the Kovan Primera condominium development.

The case concerned back-charges, rectification costs, contractual warranties, the defects liability period and the developer’s continuing responsibility to the MCST and subsidiary proprietors.

The High Court dismissed the contractor’s appeal and allowed Revitech’s appeal in relation to three principal heads of damage. It accepted the developer’s quantity surveyor evidence, rejected allegations of double-counting and held that findings of liability could not be reopened during the assessment of damages.

Revitech recovered:

• S$136,242.62 in back-charges;
• S$124,417.04 for rectification costs;
• S$53,720 for the failure to provide warranties; and
• S$27,768.67 for the failure to honour the defects liability period.

The contractor’s appeal was dismissed with costs, and Revitech was awarded the costs of its successful appeal.

Contract and Sale of Goods

Culindo Livestock (1994) Pte Ltd v Ananda UK (China) Limited [2014] SGHC 178

Acted for the successful plaintiff in a High Court dispute arising from 11 international contracts for the sale of pharmaceutical products used in the livestock industry.

The case involved the Sale of Goods Act, sales by description, satisfactory quality, implied contractual terms and extensive scientific evidence concerning whether the product supplied was the contracted antibiotic, ceftiofur sodium sterile.

The High Court accepted the plaintiff’s independent laboratory evidence and found that the goods supplied under the disputed contracts were cefotaxime sodium rather than ceftiofur sodium sterile. It held that the supplier had breached the implied conditions that the goods correspond with their contractual description and were of satisfactory quality.

The Court rejected the supplier’s attempt to characterise the transactions as sales by sample or to restrict testing to its supplier’s in-house standard. Culindo succeeded on the disputed contracts, defeated the supplier’s counterclaim and recovered damages for replacement purchases, laboratory testing and storage costs. It was also awarded fixed costs of S$100,000 inclusive of disbursements.

Professional Reputation and Service

Justin is known among clients and fellow practitioners as a determined and experienced advocate who maintains professional courtesy and respect in contentious proceedings.

Clients value his ability to explain difficult legal issues clearly, identify practical solutions and remain focused on the matters that are most important to them. His approach is firm where necessary, but always directed towards achieving a commercially or personally meaningful outcome.

Mindful of the legal profession’s commitment to integrity and self-regulation, Justin has served as a member of the Law Society of Singapore’s Inquiry Committee, following his appointment by the Honourable Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon in 2022.

Languages

Justin is proficient in:

• English
• Mandarin
• Hokkien

Outside the Law

Outside legal practice, Justin is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time in nature.

He also served for 22 years as an operationally ready National Serviceman. Major (NS) Justin Chan completed his National Service duties in 2017, with his final appointment as Intelligence Officer, or S2, of the 56th Singapore Armoured Brigade.

Despite being relatively young in practice, Abigail has already assisted in two reported Singapore decisions involving distinct and complex areas of law: strata title and MCST disputes and cross-border child custody proceedings.

Strata Title and MCST Disputes

In Evershine Development Pte Ltd v The MCST Plan No. 2053, STB No. 29 of 2023 (Eunos Park), Abigail assisted in proceedings before the Singapore Strata Titles Boards concerning alleged water seepage from a common-property roof into a condominium unit.

The dispute involved the statutory duties of a Management Corporation Strata Title, commonly known as an MCST, to maintain and repair common property under Singapore’s building maintenance and strata management laws. It also raised issues concerning:

• the distinction between repairing and replacing common property;
• the appropriate investigation and rectification of water seepage;
• the evidential weight of expert reports;
• the reasonableness of an MCST’s response to reported defects; and
• the Strata Titles Boards’ jurisdiction to award damages.

The claim against the MCST was dismissed. The Strata Titles Boards found that the MCST had acted reasonably in investigating the reported water leakages and carrying out rectification works.

This matter gave Abigail practical experience in Singapore condominium disputes, MCST litigation, common-property defects, water seepage claims, expert evidence and proceedings before the Strata Titles Boards.

Cross-Border Family Law and Child Custody

Abigail also assisted in representing the successful applicant mother in XRG v XRH [2025] SGFC 105, a cross-border child custody dispute involving Singapore and China.

The proceedings concerned important issues of Singapore family law and private international law, including:

• substituted service of court documents;
• challenges to the Singapore Family Court’s jurisdiction;
• applications for a stay of proceedings on the ground of forum non conveniens;
• the children’s habitual residence;
• the relevance of earlier foreign custody arrangements;
• international relocation and the children’s connections to Singapore; and
• the paramount importance of the children’s welfare and best interests.

The Singapore Family Court dismissed the respondent father’s applications to set aside service and stay the Singapore proceedings. The Court found that the father had not established that China was clearly or distinctly the more appropriate forum. The available evidence also supported the conclusion that the children were habitually resident in Singapore.

The case gave Abigail direct experience in Singapore divorce and family law proceedings, international child custody disputes, habitual residence, forum disputes, substituted service and applications concerning the welfare of children.

Abigail’s Approach to Legal Practice

In the courtroom, Abigail is a tenacious and resourceful litigator who examines the evidence carefully and searches for practical, legally sound solutions. She understands that effective litigation requires not only firm advocacy, but also a clear appreciation of the client’s objectives and the real-world consequences of each legal strategy.

Outside the courtroom, Abigail is known for her compassion, patience and willingness to listen. She recognises that clients involved in divorce, child custody proceedings, family disputes, harassment matters, condominium disputes and other difficult legal situations may be experiencing significant emotional and financial pressure.

Abigail therefore combines determined legal representation with a thoughtful and client-focused approach. She is committed to ensuring that every client is heard, properly advised and confidently guided through the Singapore legal process.

At Pro Bono SG, Suria supported the organisation’s mission of improving access to justice and legal assistance for vulnerable and underserved members of the community. He assisted individuals facing a wide range of legal issues, including divorce proceedings, child custody and access disputes, maintenance claims, Personal Protection Order applications, Protection from Harassment Act matters, family violence concerns and other family law disputes.

The variety of cases handled by Pro Bono SG gave Suria valuable exposure to a broad spectrum of Singapore legal concepts, court procedures and practical considerations. His experience included assisting individuals dealing with emotionally difficult and legally complex situations, particularly where family relationships, personal safety, children’s welfare and financial support were involved.

Through this work, Suria developed the ability to identify both the legal and personal issues underlying each matter. He understands that clients involved in divorce, Personal Protection Order proceedings, harassment disputes and other family law matters often require not only clear legal guidance, but also patience, empathy and a compassionate listening ear.

Suria’s early experience in pro bono legal services continues to shape his client-focused approach. He is committed to ensuring that every client is heard, understood and treated with dignity, particularly during difficult or uncertain periods in their lives.

University of Bristol Law Clinic

While studying at the University of Bristol, Gabrielle served as a Student Advisor with the University of Bristol Law Clinic, a pro bono legal clinic that provides free legal advice to members of the public while giving law students practical experience in client care and legal problem-solving.

Gabrielle was selected as one of only 32 first-year Student Advisors from a cohort of approximately 400 students. In this role, she assisted with organising and conducting client interviews, identifying the legal and practical issues affecting clients, undertaking detailed legal research and preparing written letters of advice.

Her work at the University of Bristol Law Clinic exposed her to a broad range of legal matters, including:

• family law and family disputes;
• property and housing law;
• disability discrimination;
• employment law;
• welfare rights and government benefits; and
• general civil legal issues.

During a simulated family law matter, Gabrielle was commended for her “notable client interviewing skills”. This early experience strengthened her ability to listen carefully, ask focused questions and communicate legal advice in a manner that is clear, sensitive and accessible to clients.

Leadership and the United Kingdom Singapore Students’ Council

Gabrielle also held several leadership positions with the United Kingdom Singapore Students’ Council, an organisation serving the Singaporean student community in the United Kingdom.

She served on the Council’s 26th Executive Committee as Vice President for Operations before assuming the role of Interim President. In these leadership positions, Gabrielle was involved in organisational planning, internal operations, team coordination and engagement with students and external stakeholders.

Before joining the Executive Committee, Gabrielle served as a Communications Associate with the Council’s 25th Committee. Her responsibilities included supporting the management of the Council’s social media platforms, preparing publicity materials, producing editorial content and assisting with communications involving members and strategic partners.

These leadership roles developed Gabrielle’s ability to manage competing responsibilities, communicate with diverse audiences and work collaboratively towards practical outcomes.

Legal Training at Justin Chan Chambers

At Justin Chan Chambers, Gabrielle continues to develop her practical legal knowledge and advocacy skills under the supervision of the firm’s lawyers. She has assisted with a range of Singapore civil litigation, family law and private client matters.

Her experience includes assisting in:

• a Singapore High Court civil claim involving alleged misrepresentation;
• divorce and matrimonial proceedings;
• disputes concerning children’s custody, care and control;
• child access and parenting arrangements;
• applications to vary consent orders;
• family law negotiations and court applications;
• wills and estate planning;
• probate and estate administration; and
• general civil dispute resolution.

Through her work on a High Court misrepresentation claim, Gabrielle has gained exposure to the analysis of documentary evidence, the identification of factual inconsistencies and the legal principles governing false representations, reliance and loss.

Her family law experience includes assisting with matters concerning divorce, children’s welfare, custody, care and control, access arrangements and applications to vary existing court orders. These cases have helped her appreciate that family proceedings require both careful legal analysis and sensitivity to the emotional and practical concerns of parents and children.

Gabrielle has also assisted with wills and probate matters, including the preparation and review of estate-planning documents and issues arising in the administration of deceased persons’ estates.

Gabrielle’s Approach

Gabrielle approaches legal practice with intellectual curiosity, diligence and empathy. Her experience at the University of Bristol Law Clinic taught her the importance of listening closely to clients, identifying the concerns underlying their instructions and explaining legal issues in a clear and practical manner.

She is committed to developing as a Singapore lawyer who combines careful legal research with sound judgment and compassionate client care. Whether assisting with civil litigation, divorce and family law proceedings, children’s matters, wills or probate, Gabrielle strives to understand each client’s objectives and contribute towards a practical and legally effective solution.