Contact MATO
Mato Kotwani is a partner at PDLegal LLC. His areas of practice include complex commercial litigation, white-collar crime, employment law, and corporate advisory in the fields of company law, data protection and other regulatory advice.
With over seven years of experience, Mato represents individual clients as well as organisations ranging from SMEs to multinational corporations. Mato is known for handling high-stakes cases before the State Courts, High Court, and Court of Appeal.
Recognised as one of Singapore’s Rising Stars in 2024 by the Asian Legal Business, Mato’s work reflects a deep understanding of commercial disputes, criminal law, employment law and regulations, in the local and regional contexts.
Mato represents a diverse client base, ranging from individual clients to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations. His clients rely on his expertise for strategic advice and representation in complex litigation, regulatory compliance, and corporate disputes. Mato’s ability to build trust with his clients is evidenced by his continued retention for sensitive and high-profile cases across various industries.
Work Highlights
- Landplus Property Network v Y.H.H. Marine Engineering Pte Ltd [2024] SGDC 280 – Successfully defended a claim for commissions from a S$9.5 million property sale, addressing complex issues in contract and agency law.
- PP v CPS [2024] SGCA 59 – Acted as lead counsel in a novel case before the High Court and Court of Appeal, addressing reformative training for young offenders charged with serious sexual crimes, with significant implications for sentencing in sexual offence cases.
- Bybit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin & Ors [2023] 5 SLR 1748 – Acted as part of a team for the Claimant in this seminal decision resulting in the High Court finding for the first time that crypto assets met the definition of ‘property’ and was capable of being held on trust.
- Taking of Evidence in Aid of Foreign Proceedings – Lead counsel in an application for evidence under the Evidence (Civil Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions) Act, dealing with complex cross-border issues related to shipping standards and quality control.
- Public Prosecutor v Dinesh s/o Rajantheran [2023] SGDC 39- Achieved a full acquittal for a client charged with bribery of judicial witnesses, challenging the credibility of key prosecution evidence.
- Oleo Chem Far East Pte Ltd – Represented a distressed company in defending against claims exceeding US$30 million.
- Large Scale Excise Duty Evasion – Lead counsel defending a co-accused in a large-scale excise duty evasion case, resulting in a favorable sentence amidst complex regulatory issues. (https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/29-million-fine-for-supplier-who-was-part-of-largest-syndicate-involving-duty-unpaid-alcohol)
- CPIB Prosecution – Acted as assisting counsel in a CPIB prosecution, successfully challenging the admissibility of confessions obtained under oppressive conditions.
- World Bank Expert Contributor on Employment Law – Appointed as one of four expert contributors on employment law in Singapore for the 2024 Business Ready Report, focusing on regulatory updates and best practices for businesses operating in the region.
Memberships in Professional Bodies
- Member, Law Society of Singapore
- Member, Singapore Academy of Law
- CLAS Merits Test Panel, Law Society Pro Bono Services
Advisory and Volunteer Work
- Advisor, Singapore Talent, Artistes & Resources Association (STAR)
- Volunteer, Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS)
Let's Get In Touch
Please fill in your details and we will get back to you shortly
For New Clients / Queries: (65) 9828 4000
For Existing Clients / Matters: (65) 6220 0325
Fax: (65) 6220 0392
Other Lawyers
We, at PDLegal LLC, take pride in being astute, meticulous and holistic in our approach. Our “clients first” philosophy is guaranteed to build lasting relationships.
-
Peter Doraisamy Group Managing Partner
