Exceptional client care
Practical legal solutions
Benjamin Bala
B.Sc. (Econ), J.D.
Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore
Benjamin Bala Law Chambers LLC (BBLC) is a boutique dispute resolution practice based in Singapore. The firm is led by Managing Director, Benjamin Bala.
Benjamin is a Law and Economics graduate, having obtained his J.D. from the Singapore Management University (SMU) in 2016. Prior to that, Benjamin completed his Bachelor’s degree in Economics also at SMU.
Prior to starting BBLC, Benjamin spent most of his career working with Senior Counsel on a wide range of matters. He has acted for clients at all levels of the Courts in Singapore (including the SICC) as well as in arbitration including under the SIAC, ICC, UNCITRAL and LCIA arbitral rules. He is experienced in handling shareholder disputes, claims for breach of fiduciary duties and breach of trust, and also advises on insolvency and bankruptcy-related matters, including schemes of arrangement and judicial management.
Benjamin also handles construction disputes, including adjudication proceedings under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2004. In his construction practice, Benjamin has advised and represented developers, owners, main contractors, specialist sub-contractors, consultants and other stakeholders in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Benjamin has been recognised as a Rising Star in the construction practice by AsiaLaw.
While at SMU, Benjamin was part of the Philip C. Jessup Moot team (2016), as well as the team that reached the finals of the Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot (2015). After graduating, Benjamin helped coach SMU’s team that won the university’s first ever Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot competition in 2017. Benjamin also received the Tan Sook Yee Prize for Top Student in Property Law at SMU.
In his free time, Benjamin volunteers with the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and regularly gives his time to Community Legal Clinics.
Key Practice Areas
Commercial Disputes
We handle all manner of commercial disputes. Whether your dispute involves a breach of contract or a claim in tort, we can advise you on your rights and obligations and help you get the best outcomes possible. We regularly advise clients on shareholder disputes, including claims of minority oppression, and disputes relating to lending and borrowing.
Landlord and Tenancy Disputes
We assist landlords and tenants in residential and commercial tenancy disputes and related matters. We handle matters relating to lease agreements, rent disputes, eviction and forfeiture matters, damage claims and disputes arising from tenancy agreements.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency
We advise businesses, creditors, and stakeholders on restructuring and insolvency matters. We also advise and act for individuals in respect of bankruptcy and related matters. Oftentimes such matters involve discussions about debt restructuring, creditor negotiations and recovery strategies aimed at protecting long-term interests. Our insights and expertise will help at every step of the way.
Directors’ Duties and Breaches
We advise on matters relating to directors’ duties and claims involving allegations of breach of directors’ and/or fiduciary duties owed to companies. We also advise directors on their duties under Singapore law including under the Securities and Futures Act 2001.
Building and Construction
We advise and act for contractors and owners in building and construction disputes at all stages, including under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2004. We also assist with payment claims and payment responses, claims involving project delays, defects, and compliance issues.
Enforcement Proceedings
We assist with the enforcement and recognition of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, which is an important step in allowing a successful litigant to enjoy the fruits of his litigation. We are also able to assist with the enforcement of judgments and orders made by the Singapore courts, including by way of a seizure and sale of property of a judgment debtor.
Frequently asked questions
What are your charges?
It depends. We retain full flexibility on our rates and are able to offer competitive rates for our services. We are also able to offer fixed fees and fee caps for appropriate matters. Talk to us if you would like to discuss how you can engage us on your matter.
I am not sure if I should engage a lawyer. Can we still talk?
Absolutely. We are happy to provide you with a free, non-obligatory consultation to help you in your decision-making process. The purpose of engaging a lawyer is to have someone manage your dispute for you and find the best possible outcome. More often that not, this means resolving the dispute without going to trial.
How long will it take for my matter to be resolved?
Matters before the High Court typically take at least about 2 to 3 years to reach their natural conclusion. Some take longer. We believe in managing your dispute as efficiently as possible. This means that while we prepare to fight hard to the end, we will try to bring a sensible resolution to the dispute as quickly as possible.