About
We are advisors, advocates, and arbitrators specialising in international arbitration.
Dunbar & Lim Chambers is helmed by experienced practitioners, Simon Dunbar and Kevin Lim.
Combined, they have been involved in more than 100 international arbitrations. They have spent 25 years in top-tier global law firms exclusively practising international arbitration.
Simon and Kevin have particular expertise in joint venture, energy, technology, telecommunications, hospitality, real estate, infrastructure, and investor-state disputes.
They count among their clients some of the world’s largest multinationals, governments, and high-net worth individuals.
Simon and Kevin are individually ranked in the major directories. Simon is recognized as “a brilliant lawyer” who “goes the extra mile for clients” and “shows a mastery of international arbitration procedures”. Kevin is described as “a trailblazer” with “excellent cross-examination skills”, whose knowledge of arbitration is “second to none”, and who “cannot be recommended highly enough” for high-value disputes.
Philosophy
We offer boutique firm independence and flexibility, with dedicated partner attention throughout a case, and at all times, world-class service and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Large and complex cases are our forte. We have successfully argued bet-the-company cases against the world’s largest firms and the best lawyers in the business. We handle all aspects of our cases, including advocacy at trial. Nothing fazes us.
Each of our matters benefits from dedicated, senior-level partner input – right from the very beginning and throughout a case.
Employing this approach, we are not only more efficient, but also able to provide strategic guidance at every stage of a case and maximise the full potential of our clients’ cases.
Most of our lawyers are admitted in multiple jurisdictions, covering some of the most widely-used laws in cross-border commercial disputes – English, Singapore, and New York law.
We have also represented clients in arbitrations governed by a range of other applicable laws, subject to all of the major institutional rules, and seated in all of the leading arbitral jurisdictions.
We know from experience that seemingly obscure facts can make or break a case. No detail is too small for us to investigate and master.
Quality drafting is also an important tenet of our approach. Each sentence matters. We believe that half the battle can be won through persuasive written submissions.
We understand how interim measures can play a decisive role in resolving even the most intractable disputes.
We have successfully obtained or defended against freezing injunctions, anti-suit injunctions, security for costs, security for claims, strike-out of claims, and bifurcation of proceedings. These were instrumental in resolving matters with millions or billions at stake.
Alongside their counsel practice, Simon and Kevin sit regularly as arbitrator, bringing to bear their wealth of experience, regional knowledge, and attention to detail.
They are Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and have issued multiple awards in commercial cases. They are included on arbitrator lists and panels of major arbitral institutions, including the SIAC, HKIAC, KCAB, AIAC, and THAC.
Recognition
A team of recognised and widely respected individuals
Simon and Kevin bring to the firm “a team of recognised and widely respected individuals” and a practice that was recently ranked as one of “The Elite” international arbitration practices in Singapore.
Chambers & Partners also recognise Simon and Kevin collectively as “top-notch partners” who “are very practical”, “always provide timely, focused and expert advice”, and “take a strategic interest in resolving the client’s concerns”.
In addition, they are each ranked individually in the major directories.