SINGAPORE — The legal landscape in the Lion City is entering 2026 with a clear message: dominance is no longer just about size; it is about “hyper-specialization” and regional integration. As Singapore cements its status as the world’s leading hub for international arbitration and green finance, the competition among its elite law firms has reached a fever pitch.
According to the latest Straits Times/Statista 2026 rankings released in late 2025, the traditional “Big Four” continue to hold the line, but a new “Big Five” narrative is firmly established as international mergers redefine what it means to be a “local” powerhouse.
Here is the news breakdown of the Top 10 law firms in Singapore for 2025–2026.
The “Big Four” Titans
These firms remain the undisputed heavyweights of the Singapore legal market, boasting the largest headcounts and the deepest roots in the domestic judiciary.
1. Rajah & Tann Singapore
For the fifth consecutive year, Rajah & Tann has topped the “Best Law Firms” survey. With a massive regional network (Rajah & Tann Asia) spanning ten countries, they are the go-to for cross-border disputes in Southeast Asia.
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Key Strength: Dispute Resolution, Maritime, and ESG.
2. Allen & Gledhill
Often cited as the most “prestigious” by peer reviews, A&G remains a Tier 1 fixture across nearly every practice area. They are the primary choice for the Singapore government and major sovereign wealth funds.
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Key Strength: Banking & Finance, M&A, and Capital Markets.
3. WongPartnership
Known for its aggressive growth in the tech and private equity sectors, WongPartnership is widely considered the most “modern” of the Big Four. Their litigation department is legendary, often appearing in the city’s most complex commercial trials.
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Key Strength: Construction, Intellectual Property, and Tech-focused M&A.
4. Drew & Napier
While slightly smaller in total headcount than Rajah & Tann, Drew & Napier is the undisputed king of “the courtroom.” Led by some of the most famous Senior Counsel in the country, they are the first choice for high-stakes litigation.
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Key Strength: Dispute Resolution and Restructuring & Insolvency.
The Challengers & Global Giants
The gap between the Big Four and the rest of the field is narrowing, driven by firms that have successfully merged local expertise with global resources.
| Rank | Law Firm | Type | Focus Area |
| 5 | Dentons Rodyk | Global/Local | The “Big Five” contender; dominant in Real Estate and IP. |
| 6 | Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow | International | The leading international brand with full “Joint Law Venture” capabilities. |
| 7 | Shook Lin & Bok | Local | A legacy firm with an elite reputation in Banking and Securities. |
| 8 | CNPLaw | Local | A rising star known for its agile Private Equity and Venture Capital teams. |
| 9 | Bird & Bird ATMD | International | The market leader for Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT). |
| 10 | Withers KhattarWong | International | The top choice for “Private Client” work, High-Net-Worth individuals, and Tax. |
2025 Industry Trends: What’s Moving the Needle?
The Rise of the “Specialist Boutique”
While the Top 10 handle the billion-dollar IPOs, 2025 has seen a surge in “specialist boutiques.” Firms like Adsan Law (which topped 8 practice fields in the recent ST survey) and LVM Law Chambers are successfully poaching talent from larger firms to offer more competitive rates for mid-market clients.
The “Arbitration Hub” Effect
Singapore’s Maxwell Chambers is now busier than ever. As more global contracts list Singapore as the seat of arbitration (over London or Hong Kong), top-tier firms are pivoting their resources toward International Arbitration, which now accounts for a significant portion of the revenue for firms like Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy (A&O Shearman) in their Singapore offices.
Green Law & ESG
With the introduction of mandatory climate reporting in Singapore this year, firms like Rajah & Tann and WongPartnership have launched dedicated ESG practices, helping companies navigate the complex web of ASEAN green taxonomies.
Conclusion: Which Firm is Right for You?
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For High-Stakes Litigation: Drew & Napier or Rajah & Tann.
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For Government/Regulatory Work: Allen & Gledhill.
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For Tech & Startups: WongPartnership or CNPLaw.
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For International Expansion: Baker McKenzie or Dentons Rodyk.
