Top insolvency lawyer and former Rajah & Tann managing partner Patrick Ang dies at 61
Patrick Ang
dies at 61
Patrick Ang, former managing partner at Rajah & Tann, one of Singapore's Big Four law firms, has died at the age of 61. The firm confirmed his death in a statement on June 14.
Ng Kim Beng, managing partner at Rajah & Tann (R&T), said, 'R&T has lost a celebrated lawyer, a selfless leader, and most of all, a cherished and deeply loved friend and colleague. His sudden and unexpected passing leaves an immense void.'
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Ang was a leading
insolvency lawyer
in Singapore, with over three decades of legal experience. He was known for his role in major corporate collapse cases including China Aviation Oil, Hin Leong, Lehman Brothers, and Swiber.
He was the first Singaporean and the fourth Asian lawyer inducted into the
American College of Bankruptcy
, an international body of top bankruptcy and insolvency professionals.
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Ang became managing partner at R&T in 2019, succeeding Senior Counsel Lee Eng Beng. During his leadership, he spearheaded the law firm's regionalisation through Rajah & Tann Asia, a network of legal practices operating across Southeast Asia.
He was named Managing Partner of the Year at the Asia Legal Business South-east Asia Law Awards in both 2024 and 2025. Earlier in 2025, Ang stepped down from his managing partner role but remained as vice-chairman of Rajah & Tann Asia.
Contributions to law and public service recognized
Minister for Law Edwin Tong paid tribute to Ang in a statement on June 14, calling him a 'formidable legal mind' and commending his 'unwavering stout heart for Singapore.'
'In my earlier years of practice, we often found ourselves on opposite sides of the table in complex restructuring matters,' Tong wrote. 'Even then, I found it impossible not to respect him.'
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Tong noted that Ang approached negotiations with 'integrity and grace,' and consistently maintained professionalism, even in difficult legal matters.
Ang also contributed to Singapore's public service. He played a role in drafting the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill and was awarded the Public Service Star (Covid-19) National Day Award in recognition of his work.
'His passing is not only a profound loss to his firm, but also to the legal profession and to Singapore, which he served with quiet resolve, unwavering strength and deep purpose,' said Tong.
Family and academic legacy
Ang is survived by his wife, Marina Chin, Senior Counsel and joint managing partner at Tan Kok Quan Partnership, and their three daughters.
His brother, Ang Peng Hwa, is a professor at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.
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