Civil Litigation Lawyer in Singapore

By Keith Hsu, Joint Managing Director, Emerald Law LLC · Last updated: October 2026

Who do we act for?

We act for both sides: people and businesses who want to bring a claim, and those who have been sued or threatened with one. Our clients include individuals owed money by friends, relatives or contractors; SMEs with unpaid invoices or supplier problems; directors and shareholders; landlords and tenants; employers and employees; and people whose reputation has been attacked, or who are accused of defamation.

What civil disputes do we handle?

Civil litigation covers disputes between private parties, usually for money, for an order to do or stop doing something (an injunction), or for a declaration of rights. It is separate from criminal proceedings. For a plain-English explainer, see what civil litigation is in Singapore.

Which court will hear my claim?

It depends mainly on the amount claimed and the type of claim. The State Courts hear claims up to S$250,000; larger claims usually go to the General Division of the High Court. Some smaller consumer-type claims go to the Small Claims Tribunals, where lawyers cannot represent parties at hearings.

The limits come from the State Courts Act 1970 and the Small Claims Tribunals Act 1984. For a fuller comparison, see our guide to Small Claims Tribunals vs the civil courts.

How does a civil case work in Singapore?

Most cases follow the same broad path under the Rules of Court 2021, which apply to civil cases started on or after 1 April 2022.

1. Early advice. We review your documents and messages, check the time limit (most contract and tort claims must be started within 6 years under section 6 of the Limitation Act 1959; see our time limit guide), and assess whether the other side can pay.
2. Letter of demand and offer to settle. Order 5 of the Rules of Court 2021 requires parties to consider amicable resolution and, unless there are reasonable grounds not to, to make a written offer before starting a claim. The offer must stay open for at least 14 days unless the parties agree otherwise. See what a letter of demand does.
3. Originating claim. If the dispute does not settle, the claim is started with an originating claim (this replaced the “writ of summons” in 2022). See our originating claim guide.
4. The defendant responds. A defendant served in Singapore must file a notice of intention to contest or not contest within 14 days after the statement of claim is served, and a defence within 21 days. Missing these deadlines can lead to a default judgment.
5. Case conferences and documents. The court manages the case, and the parties exchange documents and may make applications, such as summary judgment where there is no real defence.
6. Mediation. The court can order the parties to attempt amicable resolution. See mediation for civil disputes.
7. Trial and judgment.
8. Enforcement. If the losing party does not pay, the judgment can be enforced.

How long this takes varies widely; see how long a civil case takes in Singapore.

What if I have been sued or received a letter of demand?

Act quickly, because the court deadlines are short. If you do nothing, the claimant can ask for judgment without a trial. See what to do after receiving a letter of demand, and bring us the papers and the date you received them.

How much does a civil litigation lawyer cost?

Legal fees depend on the value and complexity of the dispute and how far it goes; a case that settles after a letter of demand costs a fraction of one that goes to trial. We give a written estimate before starting work.

You will also pay court fees. For filing an originating claim, the Singapore Courts list these fees for filing the originating process and pleadings:

Further fees apply for the statement of claim, service and electronic filing. If you win, the court usually orders the losing party to pay part of your costs (Order 21, rule 3 of the Rules of Court 2021), but rarely all of them. Our civil litigation cost guide explains this.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

There are other options. The Legal Aid Bureau helps Singapore citizens and permanent residents who pass its means and merits tests with civil matters such as contract and tort claims and tenancy disputes. The Law Society’s Pro Bono Services runs community legal clinics that give basic legal advice.

How do I choose a civil lawyer?

Choose someone who regularly handles your type of dispute, explains the risks candidly, and puts the fee estimate in writing. A good first meeting should tell you whether your claim or defence is worth pursuing, whether the other side can pay, and what each stage is likely to cost compared with what is at stake. A second opinion is sensible if you are unsure.

Why Emerald Law LLC?

• Practising since 1987. Emerald Law LLC was formerly B Rao & K.S Rajah.
• Led by Keith Hsu. Our civil practice is led by Keith Hsu, Joint Managing Director, who also advises on corporate and family matters.
• Both sides of disputes. We act for claimants and defendants, so we know how the other side is likely to approach your case.
• Recognition. Emerald Law LLC was named one of The Straits Times’ Singapore’s Best Law Firms in 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
• Central office. We are at Shenton House in the CBD, and our team includes Malay-speaking lawyers.