People

Nanthini Vijayakumar

LL.B. (Hons) (SMU)

Partner

nanthini.v@tsmplaw.com

vCard

“I sleep easiest when I’ve left no stone unturned.”

Since joining TSMP’s Dispute Resolution Department in 2016, Nanthini has advised and acted for clients in a variety of complex corporate and commercial disputes before the Singapore Courts and arbitral tribunals. Her focus is on shareholder, investment and contractual disputes. Nanthini also has experience representing directors in internal investigations.

During her time at the Singapore Management University, Nanthini represented the University in several mooting competitions including the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, where her team won the 2015 Singapore National Rounds and the Best Memorial Prize. Nanthini continued to be involved with the University’s moot programme while in practice, having coached its 2016 and 2017 LawAsia international moot teams to consecutive wins.

Nanthini strongly believes in giving back to society. That aspect of her personality dovetails her legal practice; she actively takes on pro bono matters under the auspices of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, and has acted as assisting counsel with the Legal Aid Scheme for Capital Offences.

In her spare time, Nanthini enjoys collecting artisanal gin and taking long walks (where she plans her next day’s to-do list).

Nanthini was recognised by Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore's 30 Most Influential Lawyers under 40, in 2023.

Notable Briefs

Acting for Dr Goh Jin Hian in proceedings brought by Inter-Pacific Petroleum Pte Ltd for alleged breaches of directors’ and fiduciary duties. Inter-Pacific Petroleum Pte Ltd is claiming in excess of US$150 million.

Acting for a former insurance agent of Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (“PACS”), Mr Peter Tan Shou Yi, for claims relating to breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties. Mr Tan was accused of soliciting 244 former agents of PACS to join a competitor. PACS claimed damages of up to S$2.5 billion against Mr Tan. The High Court largely disallowed PACS’ claim: Prudential Assurance Co Singapore Pte Ltd v Tan Shou Yi Peter [2021] SGHC 109.

Acted for a shareholder of a joint venture company in applying to the Singapore High Court for, among other things, an injunction to restrain the company from distributing its annual accounts. A threshold issue was whether the disputed ought to be litigated or arbitrated: BTY v BUA [2019] 3 SLR 786.

Acted for Actis Excalibur, a fund managed by a leading UK private equity investment firm Actis LLP, in a major corporate dispute concerning its investment in an oil, has and marine products company, KS Distribution Pte Ltd. Actis Excalibur successfully obtained the High Court’s leave pursuant to Section 216A of the Companies Act to commence proceedings on behalf of KS Distribution against errant directors for breaches of fiduciary duties.

Acted for several companies in proceedings before the Singapore High Court to obtain an anti-suit injunction: CCH v CDB [2020] 5 SLR 798.

Acted for Asiana Airlines in an application before the Singapore International Commercial Court and Court of Appeal to set aside an ICC Arbitral Award. The decision of the Singapore International Commercial Court is reported as Asiana Airlines, Inc v Gate Gourmet Korea Co, Ltd [2022] SGHC(I) 8.