Michelle Li

Introduction

Michelle Li joined Rajah & Tann Singapore in 2025 as China head of its international arbitration, construction and projects practice. She is based in mainland China.

Li has 20 years’ experience advising PRC and international clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors on contracts, claims, disputes as well as transactional matters. Her experience spans a wide range of industries, including conventional energy (pipelines, FPSO, tanks, receiving terminals, oil rigs, LNG supply), chemicals, petrochemicals, mining, rail (heavy, high-speed, metro, freight), roads and the power generation (thermal, hydro, solar) sectors, in relation to projects in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australasia.

Li is familiar with many international standard forms of contract, frequently advising on EPC contracts as well as concession-based project contracts.

As part of her practice, Li assists PRC and international clients in arbitration, court litigation and mediation in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, London and other Southeast Asian as well as African nations.

Li is a listed panel arbitrator for various leading mainland Chinese institutions such as the Beijing International Arbitration Court, Shanghai International Arbitration Centre – in total more than 10 arbitration institutions in mainland China. Li is also a listed expert for construction dispute review accredited by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.

Li is ranked by leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) in the areas of arbitration and construction. She was recognised by The Legal 500 in its inaugural (2023) China Arbitration PowerList and is one of the recognised Growth Drivers in China Business Law Journal’s The A-List 2024. Li is also the proud sole recipient of Lexology’s Client Choice Award for Arbitration in China for 2024 and 2025.

Li’s team (as part of her former Herbert Smith Freehills practice) was shortlisted for the Real Estate and Construction Law Firm of the Year Award in The Legal 500’s China Award 2024. Li was personally recognised as the winner of the Real Estate and Construction Lawyer of the Year Award in The Legal 500’s China Award 2024.