Civil Litigation
Civil & Commercial Dispute Resolution in Singapore
Clear guidance, practical strategies, and strong advocacy from start to finish.
Civil and commercial disputes can arise between private individuals, businesses, partners, landlords, tenants, or service providers. When disagreements escalate and legal intervention becomes necessary, engaging an experienced civil dispute lawyer can help clarify legal positions, manage risk, and guide the matter toward a structured resolution.
Whether the issue involves a contract, money owed, property rights, or a breakdown in a commercial relationship, clients often want three things:
- A realistic assessment of their position
- A cost-effective path to resolution
- A civil litigation lawyer who can negotiate firmly but also litigate when required
At GJC Law, our approach begins with early intervention and dispute resolution, progressing to litigation only if necessary. This allows clients to make informed decisions at every step.
Pre-Litigation Options & Early Resolution
Before starting a civil claim in Singapore, our team focuses on resolving disputes as early as possible. Many matters can be settled without entering the courtroom, reducing cost, time, and emotional strain.
Below is a more detailed breakdown of the options available before litigation begins.
Comprehensive Pre-Action Assessment
Our first step is to understand the nature of your dispute thoroughly. This includes:
Understanding Your Objectives
Not every client wants the same outcome. Some seek reimbursement, others want a relationship preserved, and others simply want closure.
We take time to understand:
- What outcome you ultimately want
- What outcomes are acceptable alternatives
- Whether time or confidentiality is a priority
- Whether ongoing business relationships must be protected
Evaluating the Strength of Your Case
We examine:
- Contracts, written agreements, or verbal arrangements
- Emails, messages, invoices, and payment history
- The conduct of both parties
- Legal duties that may have been breached
This early legal analysis helps you understand whether the claim is strong, weak, defensible, or likely to succeed.
Identifying Proper Legal Remedies
Possible remedies include:
- Monetary compensation
- Specific performance (forcing the other party to honour a contract)
- Injunctions to stop certain conduct
- Rectification of defective work
- Enforcement of contractual obligations
Negotiation & Private Settlement Options
Early negotiation is often the most efficient way to settle a civil dispute in Singapore. Our civil litigation lawyers assist with:
Formal Letters of Demand
A well-structured letter clarifies your legal position, sets expectations, and encourages early settlement. Poorly drafted letters often escalate disputes or even compromise claims. Our aim to effectively set out the issues and to resolve them.
Without-Prejudice Discussions
These negotiations allow both parties to explore settlement (including remedies not strictly available at law) without affecting their legal rights if litigation proceeds.
Drafting Binding Settlement Agreements
If settlement is reached, we draft a clear agreement to:
- Prevent future disputes
- Set payment timelines
- Establish obligations for both sides
- Protect confidentiality
Many disputes, including contract disagreements, unpaid loans, tenancy issues, and partnership fallouts, resolve at this stage when communication becomes structured and legally guided.
Mediation – A Strong Alternative to Litigation
Mediation is a widely used and highly effective dispute-resolution method in Singapore. It allows parties to reach a mutually acceptable outcome with the help of a neutral mediator.
We guide clients through:
Private Mediation: Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) / Law Society Mediation Scheme (LSMS)
At any time, including prior to the commencement of litigation, parties may participate in mediation in an attempt to efficiently resolve the dispute.
Ms Liesel Chong is a trained and accredited mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) and assists parties in facilitating structured, neutral discussions to explore practical resolutions outside of court proceedings.
Ms Gloria James is also a trained and accredited mediator with the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC). In addition, she serves as an Associate Mediator with the Primary Dispute Resolution Centre, State Courts of Singapore, assisting parties in resolving civil disputes before proceeding to trial.
Court-Directed Mediation
Even after litigation has commenced, Singapore courts actively encourage parties to explore court-directed mediation as a means of resolving disputes efficiently and amicably. Many civil and commercial cases successfully settle at this stage, often after months of escalating tension and legal posturing.
Our litigation lawyers are trained and experienced in mediation advocacy, with formal qualifications in dispute resolution and extensive hands-on experience in court-mandated and voluntary mediation proceedings. We regularly represent clients in mediations conducted under the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) and court-annexed mediation frameworks.
By combining strong litigation strategy with principled negotiation, we have helped numerous clients achieve favourable pre-trial settlements, avoiding prolonged trials, reducing legal costs, and preserving important business or personal relationships. We approach mediation with the same level of preparation as trial, ensuring your legal position is clearly articulated while pursuing practical, outcome-driven solutions.
Where early resolution is possible, our mediation expertise often proves decisive.
Community Mediation
Useful for neighbour disputes, minor property issues, and non-commercial disagreements.
Why Mediation Works:
- Lower cost than litigation
- Faster resolution
- Flexible and creative outcomes
- Confidential
- Preserves business and personal relationships
- High success rate
Our lawyers help prepare mediation briefs, evaluate settlement proposals, and ensure that any agreement reached is fair and enforceable.
Related Article: What happens at a Mediation Session?When Litigation Becomes Necessary
If early resolution does not succeed or if the other party is unwilling to negotiate, litigation becomes necessary. Our role is to advocate for you throughout the Singapore civil litigation process, ensuring your case is prepared thoroughly and presented clearly.
Litigation does not always mean a long trial, many cases still settle after proceedings begin. However, we prepare every matter as if it may go before a judge, ensuring strong positioning from the start.
The Civil Litigation Process in Singapore — Detailed Overview
Commencing Proceedings
- Originating Claim – when disputes involve factual disagreements requiring witness evidence.
- Originating Application – when matters can be decided mainly through documents or legal principles.
We explain:
- Which process applies to your case
- The strategic advantages of each route
- How quickly proceedings can begin
Pleadings Stage (Defence, Counterclaim, Reply)
Once a claim is filed:
- The Defendant must file a Defence
- The Defendant may also file a Counterclaim if they also have a separate legal claim against the Claimant
- The Claimant must file a Defence to the Counterclaim
- After these pleadings are filed, no further pleadings may be exchanged unless permission is granted by the Court.
This stage defines the core issues in the dispute.
Interlocutory Proceedings
Interlocutory proceedings are court proceedings that take place between the commencement of a lawsuit and the final trial or resolution of the case. They deal with procedural or interim matters. This is one of the most important stages in civil litigation, including:
- Production of Documents: Seeking an order for parties to disclose relevant documents in their possession, custody or power
- Interim injunctions: Applications for urgent relief to restrain harmful or prejudicial conduct pending final resolution of the matter
- Default judgment: Sought where a party fails to file and serve a Notice of Intention to Contest or Not Contest, or a Defence within the prescribed timelines
- Striking out applications: Applications to eliminate pleadings which are abuses of process, have no reasonable cause of action or defence, or where it is in the interests of justice to do so.
- Summary judgment: To enter into judgment summarily against the Defendant where the Defendant has no real defence to the claim
Interlocutory applications can significantly shape the outcome of a civil lawsuit.
Pre-Trial Preparation
As the matter approaches trial, we prepare:
- Witness statements (AEICs) setting out each witness’s evidence
- Expert evidence, where necessary, to address technical or specialised issues
- Agreed bundles of documents and written court submissions
- Trial strategy, including cross-examination themes
Clients are guided through each stage of the process, so they know what to expect.
Trial & Judgment
At trial:
- Witnesses give evidence and are cross-examined
- Lawyers present arguments
- The judge makes a decision based on the evidence and applicable law
After judgment, we assist with:
- Enforcement proceedings to give effect to the judgment
- Examination of enforcement respondent: Applying for permission to question the enforcement respondent under oath to find out what assets they own, so as to determine how the debt can be paid.
- Seizure and sale of property: Applying for enforcement orders to seize and sell property belonging to the enforcement respondent to satisfy the judgment debt.
- Delivery or possession of property: Obtaining orders to seize and deliver specific property that is in the possession or control of the enforcement respondent.
- Attachment of debts: Attaching debts owed to the enforcement respondent by third parties, including funds held in bank accounts or other financial institutions.
- Committal proceedings: Applying for an order that punishes a party for deliberately disobeying a court order. This may involve a fine, imprisonment, or both.
- Appeals (if appropriate)
Which Court Will Hear Your Civil Dispute?
| Court | Jurisdiction | Typical Disputes |
|---|---|---|
| Magistrate’s Court | Up to $20,000–$60,000 | Minor contract issues, small business claims, tenancy matters |
| District Court | Up to $250,000 | Mid-level commercial disputes, property disagreements, employment-related civil claims |
| General Division of the High Court | Above $250,000 or complex cases | Corporate litigation, partnership disputes, high-value contract issues |
| Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) | Cross-border commercial matters | Multi-jurisdictional contract and business disputes |
Types of Civil & Commercial Disputes we Handle
Our litigation lawyers represent individuals, SMEs, and corporations in a wide range of disputes:
- Contractual breaches and enforcement matters
- Business, partnership, and shareholder disputes
- Unpaid loans and debt recovery actions
- Sale of goods and services disputes
- Negligence & misrepresentation claims
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- Employment-related civil litigation
- Defamation and harassment disputes
- Property & construction disagreements
- Estate, trust, and probate disputes
How Our Civil Litigation Team Supports You
Strategic Review & Case Planning
We assess your claim from both a legal and practical viewpoint, identifying key strengths and weaknesses, advising on risks, realistic outcomes and strategic options.
Guidance Throughout Negotiation, Mediation & Litigation
We assist with:
- Settlement negotiations and without-prejudice discussions
- Mediation preparation and representation
- Drafting court documents
- Managing interlocutory applications
- Trial advocacy and hearing preparation
- Enforcement of judgments following resolution
Strong, Clear Communication
We ensure clients understand every step of the process, key timelines, and cost considerations.
Defending a Civil Claim
Being served with a civil claim can be unsettling, particularly when timelines are short and the legal issues are complex or unclear. At GJC Law, our litigation lawyers guide clients through the defence process with structured advice, practical and realistic strategy, and clear communication, ensuring you understand what is required and what to expect at every stage of proceedings.
Understanding the Claim and Your Legal Position
The first step is to analyse the documents that have been served on you — typically an Originating Application or an Originating Claim. We explain:
- The allegations made against you
- The legal basis of the claim
- The evidence the other party may rely on
- Potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their case
Clients often feel overwhelmed when reading these documents. Our role is to break the issues down clearly and systematically, so you understand exactly what you are facing and can respond with confidence.
Assessing Viable Defences and Strategic Options
Once the claim is understood, we assess the full range of available defence strategies. These may include:
- Denying the allegations where they are factually inaccurate
- Challenging the Claimant’s ability to prove essential elements of their case
- Raising common law or statutory defences
- Demonstrating that the Claimant has suffered no actual loss or damage
- Filing a counterclaim if you have a claim against the Claimant
We also advise strategically on the most appropriate course of action, such as early settlement, mediation, or a robust defence, based on the legal merits of your case, commercial realities, and your broader objectives.
Responding Within Court Timelines
Civil procedure is governed by strict timelines. Missing them may result in default judgment being entered against you.
Our lawyers ensure:
- A Notice of Intention to Contest is filed (if required)
- Your Defence is drafted carefully and filed within the prescribed timeline
- Any Counterclaim is properly prepared and filed within the prescribed timeline
- All deadlines are tracked and complied with
By managing the procedural requirements end-to-end, our team ensures that your position is protected and that no critical deadlines are missed.
Challenging Weak or Defective Claims
Not every claim will proceed to a full trial. Where appropriate, we may take proactive steps to challenge the claim at an early stage, including:
- Applying to strike out pleadings where the pleadings show no reasonable cause of action or defence, amount to an abuse of process, or where it is in the interests of justice
- Apply for security for costs if there is a real risk that the Claimant will be unable to satisfy an adverse costs order
- Request further and better particulars where the claim is vague, unclear, or insufficiently pleaded, and the further particulars sought are necessary on the facts of the case
These strategic applications can narrow the dispute, reduce costs, or even bring the proceedings to an early and decisive conclusion.
Preparing for Negotiation, Mediation, or Trial
As the defence progresses, we prepare you for the various pathways the matter may take, including:
- Negotiation: We assess settlement proposals objectively and advise on whether they are fair, commercially sensible, and aligned with your interests.
- Mediation: We prepare detailed mediation briefs and guide you through the process, helping you weigh options clearly.
- Trial Preparation: If the matter proceeds to trial, we organise and analyse evidence, prepare for examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and develop a clear litigation strategy tailored to the key issues in dispute.
Throughout the process, we ensure you understand what to expect, the realistic outcomes, and the costs involved.
Related Article: How a Lawyer Protects Your Commercial Lease InterestsSpeak to Our Civil & Commercial Disputes Team
Civil and commercial disputes can quickly escalate if not managed with structure, clarity, and strategy. At GJC Law, your matter is handled by senior practitioners who bring both litigation experience and advanced dispute-resolution training, ensuring that you receive steady guidance throughout the process.
Ms Chong Xin Yi (Liesel), Head of the Dispute Resolution Practice, oversees the full spectrum of civil and commercial matters, including contractual disputes, negligence, employment-related claims, landlord–tenant issues, defamation, partnership disagreements, and enforcement proceedings.
She leads files from pre-action assessment through negotiation, mediation, interlocutory applications, and trial preparation. Clients value her analytical approach, meticulous preparation, and ability to structure cases clearly from the outset — qualities essential for both settlement and litigation.
Alongside her is Ms Gloria James, Head Lawyer, a certified Associate Mediator with the State Courts of Singapore and the Singapore Mediation Centre, where she also serves as a court-appointed mediator. She has guided many civil disputes to resolution without the need for trial.
Gloria has received specialised training in conflict resolution through the Harvard Mediation Program, and further training in mediation, psychotherapy, and psychology at Regent’s University London.
Her mediation skill set positions clients for constructive negotiation and durable settlement outcomes, even in matters that begin in highly acrimonious or emotionally charged circumstances.
Together, our dispute-resolution team provides clients with a comprehensive and balanced approach. From the outset, we offer clear and realistic assessments so clients understand the strengths of their position and the options available to them.
Throughout negotiation or mediation, we provide structured guidance aimed at achieving practical and durable outcomes. When litigation becomes necessary, we develop and execute a focused strategy tailored to the issues in dispute, while maintaining open communication at every stage so clients remain informed, prepared, and confident in the process.
If you are dealing with a civil or commercial dispute and require experienced direction, our team is ready to assist you with clarity, strategy, and practical solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to settle early?
Often, yes. Settlement avoids lengthy proceedings, reduces legal costs and provides certainty. However, where the other party is unreasonable or the claim against you lacks merit, litigation may be necessary to protect your interests.
How long does a civil case take in Singapore?
Timelines vary depending on complexity. Simple matters may resolve within a few months, while more complex disputes can take a year or longer. Mediation at any stage can significantly shorten the litigation process.
What will it cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of the matter, the court level, and the duration of proceedings. We provide clear cost estimates at the outset and throughout the proceedings.
Do I need to attend trial?
In many cases, yes, especially if your evidence is required as a witness testimony. Some matters, however, may be resolved through written submissions, interlocutory applications, or settlement without a full trial.
What documents should I prepare?
In addition to the originating application or claim and any documents served on you, relevant documents typically include contracts, invoices and receipts, emails, messages, bank records, and any other correspondence or materials relating to the dispute.
Speak to Our Civil & Commercial Disputes Team
At GJC Law, we take a structured, resolution-focused approach to civil and commercial disputes. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our priority is helping you achieve a fair and efficient outcome.
If you are facing a civil or commercial dispute in Singapore, our team is ready to guide you through your next steps.
