Joint Managing Director
Head of Construction and Arbitration Practice
Head of Defamation and Reputation Protection Practice
LL.B (Summa Cum Laude)
Advocate and Solicitor, Singapore
DID: 6514 6351
International Arbitration, Construction Practice, Defamation Practice, Matrimonial Practice
“Wilbur is the sword and shield that you want on your side when the going gets tough.”
Wilbur’s main portfolio consists of defamation suits and construction arbitrations. He also handles a range of commercial and matrimonial matters. Wilbur's clients include individuals and large corporations, as well as foreign listed company with annual turnover of approximately USD$1 billion.
In terms of international arbitration, Wilbur had acted as the lead counsel for high quantum construction disputes, with complex issues involving conflict of laws and compelling unwilling parties to arbitration. Such arbitration also involved energy and commodities related claims. He is the lead counsel for domestic arbitrations involving the construction of highly specialised machineries.
Wilbur handles high profile defamation suits. Most recently, he had successfully defended Ishiro (OSEAS Pte Ltd) against defamation claims filed by another F&B entity, The Social Outcast. The suit had garnered intense media scrutiny as a number of F&B businesses had alleged Ishiro of defaming competitors. Wilbur had not only succeeded in defending Ishiro against the entire defamation claim, he had also succeeded in Ishiro's counterclaims in defamation against the claimant in the same suit. The Court had found that front page of the claimant's letter of demand had been published to third parties and that the "published contents are defamatory" of Ishiro. He had also successfully represented practising lawyer in one of the few claims in defamation against former client.
Wilbur taught Construction Law at the Singapore Management University's School of Law as an Adjunct Faculty. He had also been invited to give talks and seminars on a wide range of topics including but not limited to Employment, Private Wealth, Matrimonial, Civil Litigation, Criminal Litigation, and Islamic Law matters. He is also the co-author of the leading Guide on Collaborative Contracting in the Construction Industry published by the Singapore Academy of Law.
He is one of the youngest lawyers in Singapore to be selected as a finalist for the prestigious ALB's South East Asia Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2016.
Wilbur is also the youngest lawyer in Singapore to be selected for the Asia's "40 under 40 lawyers" list published by ALB in 2017. The coveted list showcases the top 40 outstanding lawyers in Asia under the age of 40, based on their deals and disputes handled, as well as accolades from peers and clients. In particular, Wilbur was lauded for his "remarkable strategies" and "sound guidance" that help clients save on legal costs.
In 2024, Wilbur was selected by Asian Legal Business as a finalist for the Managing Partner of the Year in Singapore.
In addition to the above, Wilbur was appointed as a committee member to the Law Reform Committee - Building and Construction Law Subcommittee in 2018. The role of the committee is to examine how the laws governing the industry could be reformed, taking into account the latest developments.
Shortly after having graduated amongst the top in his law school with Highest Honours, Summa Cum Laude (First Class Honours), Wilbur commenced his practice at a Singapore Big Four law firm. He was heavily involved in arbitration, litigation, and construction adjudication during his years in the firm.
Wilbur sits as a committee member in the Law Society's Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Advocacy Committee, Criminal Legal Aid Scheme Committee, and Small Firms Committee. He is presently on the panel of solicitors for both the Legal Aid Bureau and Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. Wilbur is also on the lead lawyer panel for CLAS, a panel consisting of experienced practitioners in criminal law. Concurrently, Wilbur is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.
For his contributions, Wilbur was honoured as one of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme Top Volunteers of the Year in 2019. The award was presented by the president of the Law Society of Singapore.
Wilbur graduated amongst the top in his law school, obtaining the highest honours, summa cum laude (First Class Honours). Besides being placed on the Dean’s List for four consecutive years, Wilbur’s stellar academic performance also bagged him awards including but not limited to the Michael Hwang Prize for the Top Student in International Arbitration, the Top Student for Property Law, and the Top Student for Ethics and Social Responsibility. He had also represented his law school in the prestigious International Commercial Court Mediation Competition held in Paris, further reinforcing his belief in the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
"Mr Lim is a lawyer whom even lawyers go to when they require representation.”
"Wilbur is a lawyer who listens attentively. He provides remarkable strategies, works on time, and is always available to discuss. His sound guidance also helps us save on legal costs. Further, Wilbur conveys his advice in a simple and logical manner...”
“With a wealth of experience in his field, he was quick-witted and helped us tremendously to the success of our case. Our company is very grateful to have such a top-notch lawyer...”
"Mr. Lim handled my appeal to the High Court efficiently and promptly. My ex-husband’s appeal was dismissed by the High Court eventually..."
“Wilbur’s sincere advice, quick preparation of legal documents and speedy responses even after working hours, together with his concern for my well being, have managed to resolve the years of issues that I had with my business partners...”
Wilbur is the lead counsel in numerous high profile matters, including but not limited to the following:-