Few names in Singapore’s legal landscape command the same level of respect and admiration as Davinder Singh SC. Renowned as the country’s foremost litigator, Singh’s career spans decades of groundbreaking cases, stellar legal victories, and an unwavering commitment to justice. From his early days as a law student to becoming Singapore’s first Sikh Member of Parliament and one of the nation’s most celebrated Senior Counsels, his journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Education of Davinder Singh: The Making of a Legal Luminary
Born on August 1, 1957, Davinder Singh’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination. His father, Amar Singh, migrated from Quetta, British India (present-day Pakistan), to British Malaya in pursuit of better opportunities. Eventually, the family settled in Singapore, where Singh grew up in a humble yet ambitious environment.
Educated at Saint Michael’s School and later Saint Joseph’s Institution, Davinder Singh initially lacked academic focus. However, a turning point came when a teacher’s remark about his exceptional argumentation skills planted the seed of a legal career in his mind. He went on to attend the prestigious National Junior College before enrolling in the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Law.
It was during his time at NUS that Singh’s legal acumen began to shine. His participation in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C., was a defining moment. Competing alongside Steven Chong, V.K. Rajah, and Jimmy Yim, Singh not only led his team to victory but was also named Best Oralist in the Championship round. This achievement solidified his passion for advocacy and set the course for his remarkable legal career.
The Rise of Singapore’s Top Litigator
The Pupil Who Became a Master
Singh’s early legal career was anything but conventional. Despite holding a scholarship with DBS Bank, he realized his passion lay in litigation rather than corporate law. Facing multiple rejections from law firms, he turned to one of his lecturers, who introduced him to Harry Elias of Drew & Napier. This led to his pupillage under Joseph Grimberg, one of Singapore’s most distinguished advocates. Working under Grimberg, Singh refined his skills and absorbed invaluable lessons that would later define his career.
Landmark Cases and Legal Triumphs
For over 37 years at Drew & Napier, Davinder Singh built a reputation as Singapore’s most formidable litigator. His courtroom prowess and razor-sharp cross-examinations became legendary. Some of his most high-profile cases include:
- National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Scandal (2005): Representing Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) against NKF’s CEO, T.T. Durai, Singh’s legal strategy led to Durai dropping his defamation lawsuit, exposing mismanagement within the organization.
- Roy Ngerng Defamation Case (2014-2015): Acting for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singh successfully argued the case against blogger Roy Ngerng, securing a judgment in favor of the Prime Minister.
- Hin Leong Trial & Iswaran Corruption Case: Singh has also been involved in recent high-stakes trials, reinforcing his status as Singapore’s legal titan.
Founding Davinder Singh Chambers
In 2019, after 37 years with Drew & Napier, Davinder Singh embarked on a new chapter by establishing Davinder Singh Chambers LLC. This move allowed him to focus on high-stakes litigation, arbitration, and advisory roles. Today, his firm continues to be the first choice for complex legal disputes, reflecting his unparalleled expertise and dedication to the law.
Political Career: Singapore’s First Sikh MP
Beyond the courtroom, Davinder Singh also served in Singapore’s Parliament from 1988 to 2006 as a People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament. He was Singapore’s first Sikh MP, a role he accepted not for personal gain but to contribute to the nation. Inspired by Lee Kuan Yew, Singh once told his mentor Joseph Grimberg that his goal was to become Lee Kuan Yew’s lawyer—a dream he eventually fulfilled.
Honors and Recognitions
Singh’s contributions to law and governance have been widely acknowledged. He was part of the inaugural batch of Senior Counsels (SCs) in 1997 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). Among his many accolades are:
- ALB South East Asia “Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year” (twice)
- First lawyer from the Asia-Pacific region inducted into the Benchmark Litigation Hall of Fame
- Described as “legendary” and “Singapore’s best cross-examiner”
- Awarded the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal First Class (PHBS) in 2010
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