Nanyang Law LLC v Alphomega Research Group Ltd

Choo Han Teck J:

[1] These applications concerned one Dr Tan Choon Yong (“Dr Tan”), an unusual party (the non-party) in an unusual situation. The story began as long ago as 2008 when Dr Tan commenced an action in Suit 49 of 2008 against the majority shareholders in Alphomega Research Group Ltd (“Alphomega”) (the plaintiff in the counterclaim in this suit – Suit 540 of 2009). Dr Tan was then represented by Drew & Napier LLC. Alphomega was represented, first by the first defendant in the counterclaim, Nanyang Law LLC, and then by Sterling Law Corporation.

[2] In Suit No 49 of 2008, Tan Lee Meng J found in favour of Dr Tan at trial and the majority shareholders were ordered to buy over Dr Tan’s shareholding in Alphomega. What transpired thereafter was the reverse. Dr Tan bought over the shareholding of his opponents instead. When its fees were not paid, Nanyang Law LLC sued in this action for payment. It obtained judgment in default in July 2009. Dr Tan was re-appointed a director of Alphomega on 28 September 2009 and the company obtained a court order setting aside the judgment in default and proceeded to pursue a counterclaim against Nanyang Law LLC and various parties involved.