Interview with Cavinder Bull SC, one of ALB Asia's Top 30 Litigators for 2025
Cavinder Bull, one of Asia's most prominent litigators, underscores the importance of meticulous case preparation and strategic execution in litigation. Recognized as one of the Top 30 Asia Litigators for 2025 by Asian Legal Business, Bull's approach to litigation has remained constant over the years, focusing on these two key elements.
Bull advises against basing a litigation strategy on first impressions or what might seem relevant. Instead, he advocates for a thorough investigation of the case and the client's evidence at the start of an engagement. This approach aims to avoid "nasty surprises" down the road for the client.
In high-stakes litigation, client relationship building is crucial. Bull believes in earning clients' trust through honesty and fighting for them with all available resources. Honest communication with clients is also essential for building trust, according to Bull. He maintains a professional rather than social relationship with clients, allowing for some measure of social interaction.
Bull values building and maintaining client trust by understanding their business and personal situations. He emphasizes the importance of delivering difficult truths to clients during high-stakes litigation.
When it comes to multi-jurisdictional disputes, Bull highlights the significance of managing these disputes through cultural understanding and regional legal alliances. He finds Drew Network Asia (DNA), an alliance with four blue-chip law firms in Southeast Asia, to be particularly helpful in facilitating multi-jurisdictional work.
Bull's strategy for handling multi-jurisdictional disputes involves leveraging regional legal alliances to navigate cultural differences and legal complexities. Understanding cultural differences is crucial in dealing with multi-jurisdictional disputes, as diverse legal traditions coexist in Asia.
As CEO of Drew & Napier, a leading law firm with a significant presence across Asia, it is likely that the firm — and by extension Cavinder Bull — engages heavily with cross-border disputes and values cultural and regional legal alliances. DNA operates as one unit, delivering the same integration as large international firms but through the best local law firms in the region.
Bull's strategy after thorough case preparation and client advice involves executing with focus and determination. His approach to litigation has been shaped by the increasing complexity in commercial disputes, technological advancements, and more emphasis on strategic, multidisciplinary teamwork.
In conclusion, Cavinder Bull's approach to litigation is grounded in thorough case preparation, strategic execution, and a deep understanding of the client's business and personal situation. His emphasis on honesty, open communication, and cultural understanding sets him apart as a top litigator in Asia.
Law firms, such as Drew & Napier, can leverage regional legal alliances, like Drew Network Asia (DNA), to navigate cultural differences and legal complexities in multi-jurisdictional disputes. Cavinder Bull, a top litigator and CEO of Drew & Napier, highlights the importance of building and maintaining client trust by understanding their business and personal situations, even if there's a professional rather than social relationship developed. In a commitment to sustainable living, Bull upholds the value of delivering difficult truths to clients during high-stakes litigation and emphasizes the necessity of meticulous case preparation and strategic execution, a lifestyle reflecting a thoughtful approach to both legal matters and home-and-garden projects.
