James OW YONG
DIRECTOR
James graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Singapore Management University and is an Advocate & Solicitor in Singapore. He is familiar with disputes and litigation, having begun his career in criminal litigation, and in recent years focusing on civil and commercial disputes.
James has a proven track record in handling complex cases both litigated in the courts and resolved through negotiated or mediated settlements. His experience covers unlawful means conspiracy, shareholder disputes, breach of directors duties, and employment and intellectual property disputes. James has also acted in corruption matters involving public listed companies, state-owned enterprises and multinational corporations, in both civil and criminal aspects. He has successfully obtained injunction applications, and defended against an injunction against winding up application. Outside of the courts, James has also represented clients in disciplinary tribunals and SAF Court Martial proceedings.
James’ keen interest in tech is frequently kept engaged in his collaboration with technology experts, including digital forensics, in both commercial disputes and criminal investigations.
James is a problem solver with practical solutions. He possesses keen insight into the interests of parties, lending him strength at the negotiation table and at mediation. If push comes to shove, James is a robust litigator who is keenly aware of key legal issues and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients at all stages of proceedings.
James is culturally savvy and works well with clients and professionals from around the world (South East Asia, North and South Americas, Europe, China, India, and South Africa).
James is a family man. In his free time, he tinkers with musical instruments and tech gear. He also advises churches and not-for-profit organisations on issues of legal compliance including corporate and charity law, and Personal Data Protection and Intellectual Property. He also serves on the MINDEF Pro Bono Legal Assistance Panel.
Selected Cases:
Civil Cases
Successfully Defended a minority shareholder in a claim in damages for alleged breach of director's duties (as a shadow director and de facto director). Thereafter successfully wound up company on grounds of the directors acting in their own interests, just and equitable grounds, and inability to pay its debts.
AP Automotive Services Pte Ltd v Liew Nyok Wah [2024] SGHC 246Represented steel manufacturer facing slew of creditors with adverse judgments and potentially fatal enforcement applications that would result in its demise. Successfully fended off creditors and enforcement action, in time for angel investor to buy out controlling shares. Advised in investment and M&A agreements.
Successfully resolved employment and intellectual property dispute between senior application engineer and an Information and Communications Technology multinational corporation, including delineation of IP rights and delivery up of code relating to multiple ongoing projects.
Successfully resolved employment and intellectual property dispute between senior trainer and global insurance firm, involving allegations of unauthorised computer access, breach of confidence, and copyright infringements.
Criminal/Tribunal Cases
Successfully argued against “unusually convincing” requirement and securing acquittal following an appeal against conviction after acting in an outrage of modesty trial: PP v GIF - [2024] SGMC 4.
Successfully obtained adult probation for offender facing multiple Computer Misuse Act charges involving credential stuffing in a very rare case of Community Based Sentence granted for hacking offences.
Successfully defended a Registered Person from allegations of outrage of modesty in Traditional Chinese Medicine Disciplinary Tribunal proceedings: TCMPB IC 2022/8.
Successfully obtained withdrawal of all charges during trial of Women’s Charter offences for living off earnings and managing a place of assignation following examination and critical review of mobile digital forensics reports.
PP v Koh Wen Jie Boaz [2016] 1 SLR 334: Sentencing for young offender who breached probation in Toa Payoh vandalism case.
PP v Chua Leong Aik (unreported): High Court sentencing for an accessory to murder (PP v Chia Kee Chen [2018] 2 SLR 249, [2017] SGHC 5).
Qualifications / Admissions:
LL.B (Hons), Singapore Management University
Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore
M.A. Ministry, TCA College
Memberships:
Member, Law Society of Singapore
Member, Singapore Academy of Law