Hong Kong – August 29, 2025 – In a candid interview with Law.com, Friven Yeoh, the newly appointed head of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom’s International Litigation and Arbitration Group in Asia, shared insights into his journey to leadership and the key principles that have defined his success. Yeoh, who joined the elite global law firm in October 2024 from Sidley Austin, emphasized that effective leadership in a high-stakes practice like international arbitration isn’t about doing it all yourself—it’s about empowering your team. “I’ve learned that you can’t do everything at once, and you don’t need to do everything alone. Delegation and trust in your team are critical. We have incredibly talented lawyers and staff, and part of leadership is empowering others to take ownership—whether it’s leading a pitch, managing a matter, or contributing to the growth strategy.”
Yeoh’s appointment marks a significant expansion for Skadden’s Asia disputes practice, where he splits his time between the firm’s Hong Kong and Singapore offices. As a Band 1 Leading Individual in Chambers Greater China Region and a recognized Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific, Yeoh brings over two decades of experience in resolving complex, “bet-the-company” business disputes across industries like energy, financial services, life sciences, and product liability.
From Solicitor-Advocate to Practice Group Leader
Yeoh’s path to the top of Skadden’s Asia litigation and arbitration group began with a solid foundation in international law. A graduate of the University of Melbourne (LL.B.) and the London School of Economics (LL.M., 2001), he started his career at firms like Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Herbert Smith Freehills before moving to O’Melveny & Myers and then Sidley Austin in 2016. At Sidley, he co-led the Global Arbitration, Trade and Advocacy group for eight years, overseeing high-profile arbitrations under rules from institutions like the ICC, HKIAC, CIETAC, SIAC, and UNCITRAL.
His move to Skadden in 2024 was driven by the firm’s global platform and market-leading reputation. “Skadden’s global platform as well as its leading market position and reputation for excellence present an unmatched opportunity to grow my practice,” Yeoh said upon joining. In his new role, he advises on commercial litigation, regulatory investigations, and serves as a tribunal chair or co-arbitrator in major international cases. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, Yeoh’s Hong Kong solicitor-advocate qualifications and registration as a foreign lawyer in Singapore’s International Commercial Court make him a unique asset for cross-border disputes.
Reflecting on his ascent to practice group chair, Yeoh highlighted the importance of strategic career moves and building a collaborative environment. “Leadership in our field requires not just legal acumen but the ability to foster trust and delegate effectively,” he told Law.com. This philosophy has been honed through representing clients in multimillion-dollar arbitrations, such as advising a private equity fund in a US$500 million HKIAC dispute against a Hong Kong-listed transport company and a global biotech firm in a $340 million New York-seated ICC arbitration.
Lessons in Leadership: Delegation as a Cornerstone
Yeoh’s advice resonates in the context of Big Law’s evolving demands, where practice leaders must balance client service, business development, and team management amid economic pressures. He stressed that trusting your team to handle key responsibilities— from pitching new clients to strategizing growth—frees up leaders to focus on high-level vision. This approach, he noted, has been instrumental in Skadden’s push to strengthen its Asia disputes offerings alongside its renowned corporate practice.
Skadden Executive Partner Jeremy London praised Yeoh’s hire: “Friven’s proven track record of driving favorable resolutions in a wide variety of highly complicated matters has earned him an outstanding reputation among clients and peers across Asia and beyond.” Global head of litigation Ryan Junck added that Yeoh’s expertise “perfectly matches” the firm’s international arbitration capabilities, enhancing its ability to serve clients in the region.
Broader Implications for Asia’s Legal Landscape
Yeoh’s leadership comes at a time when Asia’s arbitration scene is booming, with institutions like HKIAC and SIAC handling record caseloads. His emphasis on delegation aligns with industry trends toward collaborative, merit-based teams, especially as firms like Skadden compete with rivals such as Sidley and Freshfields for top talent. Legal observers note that Yeoh’s bilingual skills and deep regional knowledge position Skadden to capture more cross-border work in sectors like tech and energy.
On X (formerly Twitter), legal professionals have lauded Yeoh’s insights, with one post stating, “Friven Yeoh’s take on delegation in Big Law leadership is spot on—trust your team to shine!” Discussions highlight how such strategies can boost firm morale and client satisfaction in a competitive market.
As head of the group, Yeoh is focused on expanding Skadden’s footprint in Asia, writing and speaking on arbitration developments while mentoring the next generation. His story serves as inspiration for aspiring leaders: Success in practice group chairs isn’t solitary—it’s built on trust, empowerment, and strategic delegation.
Sources: Law.com, Skadden.com, Chambers and Partners, Bloomberg Law, LinkedIn