December 4, 2024

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The Legal System

Pioneering boutique law firm Providence Law Asia LLC marks 10 years with brand refresh and appointment of second Pro Bono Advocate – Asia Law Portal

Providence Law Asia LLC, a globally recognised Singapore law firm specialising in cross-border commercial disputes, commemorated its 10-year anniversary at the Supreme Court Terrace of the National Gallery of Singapore on Thursday, 24 November. During the celebrations, the firm unveiled a refreshed brand logo and identity and announced the appointment of Ms Bestlyn Loo as its second dedicated Pro Bono Advocate.

Over 300 local and international lawyers and members of the business community were in attendance including Ms Indranee Thurai Rajah, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development.

In a speech commemorating the tenth anniversary of Providence Law, Ms Indranee said, “The firm has positioned itself not only as providing quality dispute resolution services, but also investing in technology, investing in its lawyers, looking for a new way to do new things – and this idea of also doing good as lawyers. …You can do a lot of good as lawyers and having a pro bono practice makes a difference.”

“We are grateful to clients and law firms around the world for consistently referring challenging and substantial disputes to us over the past decade. We have had the opportunity to develop a track record and a professional reputation for the quality of the work we do. We hope to continue representing the Singapore Bar and Singapore law in international disputes, and over time, on an increasingly wider stage. At the same time, pro bono is at the heart of what we do, With the appointment of Ms Bestlyn Loo as our second Pro Bono Advocate, we hope to help improve access to justice for our pro bono clients and inspire other Singapore-based firms to consider doing something similar”, said Mr Abraham Vergis S.C, Founder and Managing Director of Providence Law.

Providence Law’s refreshed brand identity reflects rapid growth

As part of his welcome address, Mr Vergis revealed the firm’s new logo and website[1]. He explained that the firm’s rebrand was the culmination of a year-long effort to reflect on its evolution and growth and identify its core strengths and values.

Providence Law was established in 2012 as a boutique practice focusing only on disputes. Led by a team of lawyers who were all from the Big 4 and international firms, Providence Law was able and willing to take on complex or sensitive briefs which most other firms were not prepared to do, either due to conflicts or other commercial reasons[2]. A decade later, the firm has grown to almost 20 lawyers and is the first port of call for many clients on challenging, controversial, and commercially sensitive disputes. The firm’s clients extend from multi-national corporations to state-owned enterprises and ultra-high-net worth individuals.

The firm credits its growth over the last 10 years to its specialist focus and its ability to work effectively with global partners in complex multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Continuously ranked amongst the top disputes practices in Singapore and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Providence Law was ranked in 2022 as a leading firm for Dispute Resolution by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 and Asialaw Profiles. The firm is also consistently shortlisted as one of the best regional boutique firms by leading legal publications.

Mr Vergis was also recognised by Who’s Who Legal in 2022 as a Global Thought Leader in Commercial Litigation, and he is Recommended as National Leader in Southeast Asia for Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, and Investigation. He was also named “Managing Partner of the Year” at the 2019 Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards.

A full list of the firm’s awards and accolades can be found on their website.

Providence Law’s Pro Bono Practice

Providence Law is one of the first few local firms to establish a full-time position for a lawyer to do pro bono work. Ms Bestlyn Loo was recently appointed the firm’s new Pro Bono Advocate, the firm’s second appointment after the scheme was launched in 2021.

Under the pro bono scheme, Providence Law will offer advice and legal representation for meritorious cases and causes where it believes its lawyers will be able to make a difference. This includes criminal defence, civil claims, administrative and public law issues, and matters of public interest. Members of the firm have done several significant criminal cases representing indigent accused persons facing serious criminal charges. The firm also does not shy away from mounting civil claims for pro bono clients. In 2019, Mr Vergis and Ms Loo led a 30-day trial in the High Court representing the family of an individual in a permanently vegetative state following post-operative complications after brain surgery. The firm regularly works with NGOs to represent migrant workers seeking redress against errant employers. Providence lawyers also regularly advise charities and societies on a host of regulatory and governance issues.

Ms Loo will be responsible for growing the firm’s pro bono practice, and will identify suitable causes, especially for those who cannot access the existing legal assistance schemes in Singapore. She will also work closely with local universities and non-profit organisations to create positive collaboration opportunities.

More information about the firm’s Pro Bono Practice can be found here.

For more information, please refer to: https://www.providencelawasia.com/