Calvin Chan

With more than 15 years in Singapore and close to a decade of prior experience in New York, London, Hong Kong, and Paris – where he worked with prominent international arbitrator Jan Paulsson – Calvin brings a seasoned global perspective to his practice.

He has led or advised on more than 350 investigations and regulatory enforcement and compliance matters across the Asia-Pacific region. His work spans China, India, Southeast Asia (including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand), Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Australia. Many of these matters have involved inquiries or probes by government agencies and regulators, as well as companies operating under monitorship, across various industry sectors including energy, life sciences, global transportation, commodities trading and industrial manufacturing.

Calvin advises clients on matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act and other anti-corruption and bribery laws, anti-money laundering, U.S. economic sanctions, national security, securities and accounting fraud, and misuse or misappropriation of proprietary data. He also advises on related governance and corporate compliance issues.

Chambers Asia-Pacific lauds Calvin as a “seasoned professional” who is “highly intelligent” and “experienced,” “technically strong and well versed in various markets,” and “who understands business needs with a problem-solving mind." It cites clients “who appreciate his ability to find alternatives when faced with difficult situations” and for his ability to “engage with the client and quicky formulate solutions based on different scenarios and explain each solution’s implications.” Clients further praise Calvin for his “highly tactical and commercial perspective” and for being a “stellar performer who is in his element when delving into issues and challenges that often come up in these situations, honed by years of experience in the field” and who find him “commercial and client-focused,” and “calm, calculated and level-headed during times of pressure,” as well as advising clients in a manner that is “attuned to business and commercial realities.”

This is echoed in The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, where clients report that Calvin is a “top-class operator” and “is easily one of the sharpest investigation lawyers I've worked with - strategic, unflappable, and incredibly effective in high-pressure situations. He has a rare ability to distill complex issues quickly and guide clients with clarity and confidence.” Clients further report that they are impressed by "his ability to expertly navigate issues where there are competing legal and regulatory considerations for the client,” “strong sense of responsibility, profound expertise, flexible investigative strategies, and proactive mindset,” and for being "sharp with legal issues.” He has also been recognized by Euromoney’s Expert Guides as an “expert” in white-collar crime.

Calvin is also highlighted by Global Investigations Review, where clients reported that he is their “trusted and number one lawyer in the region for complex and sensitive investigations and regulatory enforcement advisory work.” Clients note that Calvin “combines strong technical legal representation with keen commercial awareness, and consistently provides robust, fluid advice with an eye for anticipating issues and helping clients avoid pitfalls. He is highly responsive, hands-on, and has a strong grasp of not only the facts and the law but also the dynamics of every situation. His integrity and professionalism are exceptional.”

Calvin’s team is likewise recognised and ranked in leading legal directories, such as Chambers Asia-Pacific and The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, for its investigations and white-collar crime expertise in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chambers Asia-Pacific reports that the team “has abundant experience with various types of investigations in the APAC region” and is a “strong and capable team” that is “comfortable handling complex and sophisticated matters.” The team further draws praise from a client for its “deep understanding of risks, and practical solutions to resolve the matter,” while other clients comment that “I especially like their problem-solving skills. Most law firms find problems; Reed Smith takes the next step to problem-solve. Their answers are very effective and to the point,” while bringing “a practical and solution-oriented approach that is truly collaborative and focused on delivering results for the client.” The team has also been recognised for their “strong lines of communication on a matter, and for their ability to offer innovative approaches to dealing with thorny issues while also being above and beyond in response time and deliverables."

The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific cites similar client praise, including that “[t]he team brings a practical and solutions-oriented approach that is truly collaborative and focused on delivering results for the client. Having worked extensively with this team, I can appreciate why they are a go-to team in the Asia-Pacific region for hard cases.” Other clients report that “Reed Smith has a top-class white-collar crime practice. I consistently get practical and actionable advice on difficult issues arising from the company operating in challenging jurisdictions,” that “[t]his team is extremely innovative and is always able to come up with a solution,” and that “[t]he team is very knowledgeable and responsive. Advice given is always carefully considered and holistic, taking into account clients’ concerns.”

Calvin has also been recognised as a leading international arbitration lawyer and continues to work on cross-border disputes. Chambers Global and Chambers Asia-Pacific have repeatedly cited his “substantial arbitration experience,” “combination of commercial and investor-state arbitration expertise,” “considerable international experience,” and “keen cross-border expertise.” Additionally, Calvin has been recognised for his arbitration proficiency in The Legal 500; Euromoney’s “Guide to the World’s Leading Experts in Commercial Arbitration;” Euromoney’s Expert Guides as a Rising Star in international commercial arbitration; Benchmark Litigation: Asia Pacific as a “local disputes star” in international arbitration; and Global Arbitration Review as “a name to know.” Best Lawyers has also repeatedly recognized him in its Arbitration and Mediation category.