Niklas is a senior associate in the firm’s Asia dispute resolution group and is based in Hong Kong. He specialises in complex and high-stakes dispute resolution matters, with a special focus on international arbitration, cross-border investigations and litigation, and is frequently involved in M&A and investments related disputes.
Prior to joining Freshfields, Niklas practised in Singapore where he has been named by the Singapore Business Review (2020) as one of Singapore's most influential lawyers under 40, and practised as an advocate before the Singapore courts and arbitral tribunals, with significant trial and cross-examination experience.
Niklas has also acted as amicus curiae to the Singapore High Court, and has acted in various pro bono matters including a landmark case confirming the applicability of litigation privilege in criminal proceedings. Niklas was also engaged by the Singapore Management University to teach an elective course on Shareholder Deals and Litigation.
- Representing a China-based company in a high-profile joint venture dispute with a leading US-based company, both Top 10 players in the industry, in an ICC arbitration.
- Representing a private equity fund in an UNCITRAL arbitration in relation to an M&A dispute pertaining to an acquisition in excess of US$1 billion, including conducting investigations into complex and technical factual issues around representations made and the due diligence process.
- Representing a Chinese state-owned entity in defending claims before the Hong Kong and BVI courts in respect of defaulted bonds in excess of US$2 billion involving complex issues of fact and PRC, Hong Kong and English law, as well as providing advice on restructuring solutions
- Representing an emerging market private equity fund (with over US$7bn AUM) to investigate and commence proceedings in respect of a joint venture company arising out of over S$300 million in related party transactions involving numerous off-shore companies.
- Representing plaintiff companies in one of Singapore's largest trust disputes involving assets valued at over US$600 million.
- Defending an ultra high net worth individual in a S$2.5 billion claim for alleged breaches of contractual and fiduciary duties and involving complex actuarial quantum issues, eventually succeeding on most points of law and reducing damages claimed by over 99 percent.
- Representing a minority shareholder in a shareholders' dispute involving control over one of Singapore's leading bunker suppliers, successfully obtaining a settlement and buy-out of majority shareholders.
55th Floor, One Island East
Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay