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Walter Silvester

Managing Director

Bachelor of Laws (Hons) – National University of Singapore
Bachelor of Business Administration – National University of Singapore

A formidable force in shareholder and boardroom disputes, Walter is the strategist clients trust when the stakes are high.

Known for his precision, insight, and unrelenting drive to win, Walter leads Silvester Legal’s commercial litigation and dispute resolution practice with clarity and conviction. Trained at Singapore’s top law firms and mentored by some of the nation’s most prominent legal minds, he brings unmatched insight to complex business conflicts.

With dual degrees in Business and Law from the National University of Singapore, Walter is uniquely equipped to advise on shareholder dynamics and strategic decision-making.

As the firm’s founder and Managing Director, he is a steady and assertive presence, empowering clients to operate with confidence and control.

What it means to have Walter fight for you.

It means having one of Singapore’s most experienced commercial disputes lawyers fully engaged in your case.

From the outset, Walter works harder than the other side expects. He prepares as if the outcome hinges on details others overlook, diving deep into the facts early to anticipate the opposing side's next move. Strategy is built around what works in reality, not what sounds good in theory.

You receive straight answers. Bad news is not softened or delayed. Walter tells you exactly where you stand, the risks involved, and what your real options look like.

Every step is taken with one objective in mind, protecting your position and advancing the case.

You are kept informed at every stage. Walter explains what is happening, why it matters, and what comes next, so there are no surprises as the dispute develops.

It is not just another file. Walter takes personal responsibility and remains fully committed until the matter is resolved.

Shareholders & Directors Disputes

Commercial Litigation

Business Advisory, Transactions & Commercial Agreements

International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

Recognised as Singapore's Top-Rated Lawyers 2026 by Straits Times

Nominated as Finalist for Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year at ALB Asia Law Awards 2025.

Recognised as Singapore's Top-Rated Lawyers 2025 by Straits Times for his contributions to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Recognised as Super 50 Disputes Lawyers 2023 by Asian Legal Business.

Acted for the minority shareholder and secured a court-ordered buy-out of the client's 30% stake at approximately S$4 million, with the Appellate Division rejecting minority and lack of control or marketability discounts.

Acted successfully for a shareholder in a claim against fellow shareholders for minority oppression. We obtained the full sum claimed by settlement without having client go through the ordeal of a trial.

Successfully acted for a shareholder in a claim against fellow shareholders for minority oppression. We obtained the full sum claimed by settlement without having client go through the ordeal of a trial.

Acted as part of an arbitration team representing an aviation operator in a US$1 billion breach of contract claim against a government, resolved in favour of the client.

Acted successfully for an individual for monies invested with a property investment. Money was returned in full, with costs and interest.

Represented an investor in a fraud and breach of contract claim against a commodities trading company, achieving a favourable resolution.

Advised a marine feeder firm against an international shipping company for breach of contract.

Acted successfully for a company listed on the SGX main board to settle a dispute with an international shipping company.

Acted successfully for a company listed on the SGX main board in a claim for breach of contract against a local shipping company.

Represented a local direct marketing company against their parent company from the United States, achieving a favourable settlement.

Represented a multi-chain restaurant group in a negligence claim against a contractor relating to construction damages.

Defended an investment banker against claim by his ex-company for breach of his employment contract. The claim was successfully defended and we succeeded in the counterclaim.

Acted successfully for a prominent businessman to have dismissed an application against him for committal. Successfully acted for a director and shareholder to defend a claim against him by an investor and fellow shareholder of the company.

Acted in several High Court matrimonial proceedings, including matters successfully determined before the Court of Appeal.

POP Holdings Pte Ltd v Teo Ban Lim and others [2025] SGCA 51

Thia Tiong Siong v POP Holdings Pte Ltd [2025] SGHC(A) 9

H8 Holdings Pte Ltd v RIC Dormitory (SG) Pte Ltd [2024] SGHC 177 (High Court)

Deniyal bin Kamis v Mapo Engineering Pte Ltd and others [2023] SGHC 183

Seelahudeen Dean Mohamad Kamal v Tiger Hong Security Services & Consultants Pte Ltd HC/S 378/2021

Omae Capital Management Pte Ltd v Tetsuya Motomura [2020] SGHC 126

UUO v UUP [2019] SGFC 44

TIC v TID [2019] 1 SLR 180; [2018] SGCA 75

UUE v UUF [2019] SGFC 29

Coca International Singapore Co Pte Ltd v Bio-Care Grease Control Pte Ltd [2017] SGDC 315

TIC v TID [2017] SGHCF 30

Omae Capital Management Pte Ltd v Tetsuya Motomura [2015] SGHCR 8

Mitora Pte Ltd v Agritrade International (Pte) Ltd [2013] SGCA 38

Mitora Pte Ltd v Agritrade International (Pte) Ltd [2012] SGHC 178

ATS Specialized Inc. (trading as ATA Wind Energy Services) v LAP Projects (Asia) Pte Ltd [2012] SGHC 173

Deldar Tony Singh and another v Rajinder Singh and others [2012] SGHCR 13

Yip Holdings Pte Ltd v Asia Link Marine Industries Pte Ltd [2012] 1 SLR 131; [2011] SGHC 227

Member, Law Society of Singapore

Member, Singapore Academy of Law

Member, International Advisory Experts

Member, Executive's Global Network

Head of Singapore Chapter, ArbDossier

Member of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (MSIArb)

"Every case we take on gets my full commitment and that of my team. We fight relentlessly for you because we understand what is at stake. As a founder myself, I know exactly how important this is to you and what it means when everything you worked so damn hard for is on the line."

Our victories.
In our clients’ words.