Renuka Chettiar

Renuka Chettiar

Renuka Chettiar is a seasoned Singapore-based lawyer with over three decades of experience in the legal profession. Since being called to the Singapore Bar in 1994, she has built a distinguished career in civil litigation, particularly in personal injury cases, known for her dedication to justice and client-centred approach.

Qualifications

  • LLB (Honours), University of London: Renuka graduated with honours
  • Barrister at Law, Middle Temple
  • Advocate and Solicitor of Singapore: Called to the Singapore Bar in 1994
  • Accredited Mediator, Singapore Mediation Centre (since 2010)
  • Fellow, Singapore Institute of Arbitrators

Professional Experience
Renuka has dedicated her career to civil litigation, with a particular emphasis on personal injury cases. She is adept at handling complex and sensitive matters, navigating intricate legal challenges while consistently prioritizing her clients’ needs.

Key Skills

  • Skilled in negotiation, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Experienced Mediator and Neutral Evaluator, fostering amicable and efficient dispute resolutions.
  • Strong in client communication and advisory, offering guidance with empathy and clarity.

Service to the Legal Community

Renuka actively contributes to Singapore’s legal fraternity in various capacities –

  • Legal Aid Bureau – Serves as a Panel Solicitor, providing legal assistance to those in need
  • Personal Injury Review Committee (PIRC) – Contributed as a representative of the Law Society of Singapore to the committee that published the Singapore Actuarial Tables. Renuka continues to serve on the PIRC Standing Committee, advocating for the advancement of personal injury litigation.
  • Law Society of Singapore – Played a pivotal role in key committees, including:
    • Co-Chair of the Personal Injury and Property Damages (PIPD) Committee, shaping policies in her area of specialization.
    • Member of the Mediation Committee, promoting alternative dispute resolution practices.
  • Singapore Academy of Law, Professional Affairs Committee – Co-Chair of the PIPD Working Group.

Community Involvement
Renuka is deeply committed to access to justice and the development of the legal profession. She contributes through pro bono initiatives, mentoring young lawyers, and representing the specialized bar in personal injury litigation.

Personal Attributes
Renuka is known for her integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and a compassionate yet tenacious approach to work. Whether advocating in court or advising clients, she remains steadfast in her commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.

Leisure and Interests
Outside her professional life, Renuka enjoys cooking, reading, listening to music, and dancing, reflecting her well-rounded personality and love for creative pursuits.

Notable Cases

  • Gunapathy Muniandy v James Khoo and Others – [2001] SGHC 165 – a medical negligence case where she acted for the doctors in the matter
  • Yap Boon Sim (intended administrator of the estate of Goh Jik Lian, deceased) vLee Meng Kuan and another – [2000] 3 SLR(R) 790; [2000] SGHC 255 – acted as a second counsel on an application under S. __ of the Civil Law Act
  • Man Mohan Singh s/o Jothirambal Singh and Another v Dilveer Singh Gill s/o Shokdarchan Singh and Another – [2007] SGHC 73 –
  • Karuppiah Nirmala vSingapore Bus Services Ltd – [2002] 1 SLR(R) 934; [2002] SGHC 99
  • Wong Foong Chai vLin Kuo Hao – [2005] 3 SLR(R) 74; [2005] SGHC 77 – review of taxation of solicitor and client costs involving the Public Trustee
  • Murugasu Euan vSingapore Airlines Ltd – [2004] 3 SLR(R) 463; [2004] SGHC 132
  • Scott Grayham De Silva vComfort Transportation Pte Ltd and others [2017] SGDC 215
  • Pierre Gupson vWong Kok Huay – [2014] SGHCR 9
  • Salwa Binte Mohamed Khajah alias Shalynn Sasha Chua v Koh Tua Soon – [2008] SGDC 373
  • Man Mohan Singh s/o Jothirambal Singh and another vZurich Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd (now known as QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd) and another and another appeal – [2008] 3 SLR(R) 735; [2008] SGCA 24
  • Jasbir Singh Mann v Ong Keh Choo – [2008] SGDC 388
  • Ramesh s/o Ayakanno (suing by the committee of the person and the estate, Ramiah Naragatha Vally) v Chua Gim Hock – [2008] SGHC 33
  • Chin Swey Min a patient suing by his wife and next friend Lim Siew Lee v Nor Nizar Bin Mohamed – [2004] SGHC 27
  • Mohamed Yunus Valibhoy v Mohamed Shariff Valibhoy – [1999] SGHC 95
  • Wang Ding v Chong Koi Pin – [2006] SGDC 244
  • Goh Yeow Hua (Wu Yaohua) VChong Leong Wei – [2014] SGDC 197
  • Tan Kwee Hwang vLim Yik Yi and another – [2023] SGDC 107
  • Buy Ee Seng Jonathan vQuek Seng Huat – [2020] SGDC 187
  • Vineshwaran S/O Sambath vChandrashegaran S/O Rajagopal & Anor – [2016] SGDC 114
  • Balasubramanian Venkatesh vZhuo Shiyun, Cheryl – [2022] SGDC 121
  • Leow Peng Yam vKang Jia Dian Aryall – [2022] 2 SLR 725; [2022] SGHC(A) 25