Alastair Henderson
Alastair is ranked among the leading arbitration experts in Asia and is one of the region's best-known names in this field.
Alastair has been based in Singapore and previously Bangkok since 1999 and he is deeply familiar with arbitration and dispute resolution throughout South and Southeast Asia. "Alastair is one of the guys who developed arbitration in Singapore in a big way" (Chambers legal directory).
Alastair represents clients in complex claims and disputes all over the world. He is 'dynamic and authoritative but also down to earth and approachable [and] inspires confidence in clients' (Asia-Pacific Legal 500). He handles cases from many sectors and industries including construction, infrastructure, transport and energy projects; international commercial contract disputes; joint venture and shareholder cases; cross-border trading and investment disputes; and specialist areas of international law. His clients include governments, public bodies, international banks, and major regional and multinational companies.
Alastair is also an active arbitrator and has served on tribunals throughout the region as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and presiding arbitrator. He 'draws praise as “a top-notch and efficient arbitrator”. Market commentators observe, “He has very sound judgement and is very commercially sophisticated”' (Who's Who Legal) He is familiar with cases under the rules of the ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, AIAC (formerly KLRCA), LCIA, Thai Arbitration Institute, Thailand Arbitration Centre (THAC) and Indonesian National Arbitration Institute (BANI) as well as UNCITRAL rules and pure ad hoc cases.
Accolades
- Chambers, Asia Pacific 2023: Ranked Band 1, International Arbitration.
- "He has a thorough grasp of all the key focus areas while still being able to cut to the heart of individual issues. He is able to grasp the key leverage points."
- "He is commercially and practically astute, and he has a comprehensive knowledge of the law and its use that, in hearings, provides confidence that you are getting the best."
- "Alastair is truly one of the best solicitor arbitration practitioners. He is a first-class advocate, frequently advocating in arbitration against SCs from all over the world."
- Asia-Pacific Legal 500 2023: Ranked 'Hall of Fame', International Arbitration
- "Partner Alastair Henderson is an exceptional leader. Dynamic and authoritative but also down to earth and approachable. Inspires confidence in clients and provides clarity and direction, based on many years of professional experience in the field. A very able and persuasive advocate in hearings."
Background
He graduated in law from Oxford University and worked for 5 years in London before moving to Asia in 1993. After several years each in Hong Kong and Bangkok, he is now based in Singapore from where he works on cases across the region and beyond as managing partner for Southeast Asia.
Experience & expertise
Selected matters
Selected matters as counsel
- an international project company in a multi-billion dollar dispute arising from the EPC construction of a refinery and petrochemical project in Southeast Asia, including SIAC arbitration, emergency arbitration proceedings, and related injunction proceedings in regional courts
- an Asian airline in relation to claims concerning Covid 19-induced force majeure under a contract for passenger and ticketing services and software
- an international energy major in arbitration with an Asian state concerning end-of-concession liabilities and offshore infrastructure decommissioning
- an international consultancy firm in ad hoc arbitration in India concerning the impact of Government's demonetization policy on a major commercial contract.
- an international project company pursuing and defending multiple high-value claims under a contract for development of a gas-fired power project in Indonesia, including issues of delay, variations and major defects
- a leading industrial group in a shareholder dispute and arbitration in Singapore arising out of a project to develop a limestone quarry, cement plant and related facilities in Myanmar
- a Chinese state-owned entity in arbitration in Singapore arising out of the cancellation of a high-value contract for the purchase of a large electricity distribution network in west Asia
Selected matters as arbitrator
- Presiding arbitrator (SIAC, Singapore) in a joint venture dispute concerning an Indonesian plantation project, under Indonesian law
- Presiding arbitrator (SIAC, Singapore) in a matter concerning a substantial loan transaction and related security interests in Vietnam, involving issues of English and Vietnamese law
- Presiding arbitrator (ad hoc, Bangkok) in a matter concerning a waste-to-energy project in Thailand, under Thai law
- Sole arbitrator (UNCITRAL, Singapore) in a matter concerning the design and construction of an offshore gas pipeline in Africa
- Sole arbitrator (ACIA, Kuala Lumpur) in a substantial dispute concerning a rail infrastructure project in Malaysia, governed by Malaysian law
- Sole arbitrator (ICC, Singapore) in a matter concerning post-completion claims for breaches of warranties and representations in a share sale and purchase agreement governed by Singapore law
- Co-arbitrator (SIAC, Singapore) in a matter concerning the sale and purchase of industrial machinery and equipment in India
- Co-arbitrator (ICC, Singapore) in a dispute concerning a contract for supply and installation of on-board maritime communications systems
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