Nicholas Ngo
吴树祥
LL.B. (Hons) (NUS)
Director
“A few things common between life and law: appreciating and acknowledging the circumstances, then having the tenacity and wisdom to chart the path forward.”
Flexible and diverse, Nicholas’ practice in disputes, with his particular niches in employment and tech law, often sees him taking on an array of contentious and non-contentious work. He has represented listed companies in high-stakes litigation, while also facilitating billion-dollar mergers and acquisitions. He also regularly advises C-suites, SMEs and MNCs on various aspects of employment law.
Nicholas handles his matters with empathy and resolve, values he cultivated as a former thespian and Muay Thai practitioner. Common to both, he says, is decisiveness, creativity, and grit. The empathic side of Nicholas also sees him frequently working with non-profit organisations and advocating for the rights of those without means.
The bulk of his childhood spent dismantling and reassembling Lego pieces, Nicholas carries his inquisitive nature through to practice, leading him to be lauded by clients as one who quickly grasps commercial concerns. It’s also no wonder why he’s been dubbed the “tech-wizard” of his team, and spends his spare time delving into and writing about technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, Web 3.0, the metaverse, and cryptocurrencies.
Nicholas was recognised by Singapore Business Review as one of Singapore's 30 Most Influential Lawyers under 40, in 2023.
Testimonials
The Legal 500
He was highlighted by a client for his “impressive legal knowledge and understanding”.
Notable Briefs
Assisted home-grown insurer Singapore Life (Singlife) on executive and director compensation and equity issues arising from its 2020 merger with Aviva Singapore (valued at S$3.2 billion), and subsequently its 2023 acquisition by Sumitomo Life Insurance (valued at S$4.6 billion).
Acted for a German DAX 40 logistics and supply chain multinational in an international dispute involving its subsidiaries' executives and directors conducting US$148 million worth of fraudulent sales, round-tripping and quasi-loans.
Acted as lead counsel for a cryptocurrency multinational in defending a claim by ex-employees for US$1.4 million worth of cryptocurrencies claims, paving the way for a settlement at less than 50% of the claimed amount.
Acted for the 50% shareholder of the iconic Capitol project in a joint-venture dispute with the other 50% shareholder, with matters resolved by a buy-out of the other shareholder’s interests (Perennial (Capitol) Pte Ltd and another v Capitol Investment Holdings Pte Ltd and other matters [2017] SGHC 84, and on appeal [2018] 1 SLR 763).
Acted as lead counsel for a Regional Sales Head who had left a top elevator company to join another equally well-known competitor, successfully holding off non-compete injunctions and amicably settling the matter.
Penned by Nicholas Ngo
24 February 2023
Has AI Finally Come For Our Jobs?
By Stefanie Yuen Thio, Nicholas Ngo, Uma Jitendra Sharma
Nicholas Ngo in the News
12 June 2024
Nicholas Ngo quoted in International Employment Lawyer: “Indian IT worker jailed for hacking Singapore employer”
11 March 2024
Nicholas Ngo interviewed by International Employment Lawyer: “Review of Non-competes Could Benefit Singapore’s Economy”