Dorothy Tan is the Deputy Co-Head of the Family & Divorce Practice Group at PKWA Law, where she also serves as a Senior Associate Director. She consistently receives accolades from leading legal publications, and is widely recognised as a leading family lawyer in Singapore.
Dorothy is known for her exceptional courtroom achievements and strategic approach to complex matrimonial matters. She has won two Court of Appeal cases, including one in which she increased her client’s share from 25% to 75% of $13.6 million in matrimonial assets (winning $10.2 million, up from $3.4 million). This is arguably one of the largest swings in Singapore legal history.
Accolades & Recognition
Dorothy’s extensive contributions to the legal field have earned her consistent recognition from numerous legal publications:
- Doyle’s Guide: Consistently ranked as a Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer (2016–2025).
- Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific: Named one of the Top 100 Women in Litigation (2021, 2022)
- Benchmark Litigation: Named a Litigation Star in Family Law (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025).
- Asian Legal Business: Shortlisted for “Woman Lawyer of the Year” (2018, 2024).
- Asian Legal Business: Named among Asia’s “40 under 40 – Asia’s Brightest Young Legal Minds” (2016).
- Singapore Business Review: Honoured as one of “Singapore’s Most Influential Lawyers Aged 40 and Under” (2016).
Landmark Cases & Career Highlights
Dorothy’s courtroom success includes landmark cases that are significant in family law in Singapore.
- TQU v TQT [2020] SGCA 08: Dorothy achieved a significant victory in the Singapore Court of Appeal, increasing her client’s share of matrimonial assets from 25% to 75% in a S$13.6 million case (winning $10.2 million for her client, up from $3.4 million). This is one of the largest percentage increases in Singapore’s legal history.
- WOS v WOT [2024] SGHC(A) 11: Dorothy successfully secured over S$6 million for a homemaker client in a complex, six-year legal battle against a five-member legal team.
- XIK v XIL [2025] SGHCF 16: She recently secured 72.5% of the matrimonial assets for a client in a High Court case. This amounted to $2.7 million out of a total matrimonial pool of $3.7 million.
- Twiss, Christopher James Hans v Twiss, Yvonne Prendergast [2015] SGCA 52: At just 25 years old, Dorothy successfully argued her first Court of Appeal case, solidifying her reputation as a formidable advocate early in her career.
Professional Contributions & Appointments
Beyond her practice, Dorothy is dedicated to shaping the legal community and upholding professional standards.
- Author & Contributor: Co-author of the book “Divorce Done Right: A Guide to Family Law in Singapore” and a contributor to Lexis Practical Guidance – Family Law Module.
- Accredited Mediator: Accredited as a Mediator and Collaborative Family Practitioner (CFP) with the Singapore Mediation Centre. She also serves on the Law Society Mediation Scheme Panel.
- Industry Leadership: Appointed by the Chief Justice to the Inquiry Panel of the Law Society of Singapore. She has also served as a course facilitator for the Family Law Practice module at the Singapore Institute of Legal Education.
- Community Roles: Member of the Review Board and Discharge Committee for the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
- Appointed as a mentor for young lawyers through the Singapore Law Society Mentorship Scheme
Take the Next Step with a Free Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to answer your questions, assess your needs, and provide clear, personalised advice.
Our lawyers will explain your options clearly, outline your costs upfront, and help you take the next step with confidence.
Contact us at:
Tel: +65 6854 5336
Whatapp: +65 9090 3158
Email: enquiry@pkwalaw.com
In my hour of need, I was recommended to PKWA. Dorothy Tan LISTENED to my case and worked tirelessly over the holidays and weekends to meet impossible deadlines. A very upsetting and stressful time, but I will be forever grateful as Dorothy believed in my case and sought a fair and just resolution against insurmountable odds. At every juncture, Dorothy provided realistic, honest assessments and I proceeded based on her recommendations. If Dorothy and her team decide to champion your cause, you should consider yourself very fortunate.
Christopher Twiss
I wish to convey my appreciation to Dorothy and her team Ing Yee and Firdaus who represented me in my divorce. I have received excellent legal representation and professionalism in every aspect of the process.
Dorothy took the time to listen to all my concerns and responded with clear, concise notes outlining all the different courses of action including the positives and negatives with each choice.
I felt greatly assured by this outstanding team of professionals. I am grateful to have Dorothy and her team who handled this case with what I would consider perfection, dedication and utmost competence.
It was a great pleasure working with this wonderful team.
Franck L
All of you show me that genuine great lawyers exist. Many more people out there who deserve justice ought to know you.
Ms K
I have no hesitation in recommending PKWA and Dorothy to anyone looking for competent, knowledgeable, sympathetic, and efficient representation.
Bjorn Vang Jansen
In my hour of need, I was recommended to PKWA. Dorothy Tan LISTENED to my case and worked tirelessly over the holidays and weekends to meet impossible deadlines. A very upsetting and stressful time, but I will be forever grateful as Dorothy believed in my case and sought a fair and just resolution against insurmountable odds. At every juncture, Dorothy provided realistic, honest assessments and I proceeded based on her recommendations. If Dorothy and her team decide to champion your cause, you should consider yourself very fortunate.
Christopher Twiss
I wish to convey my appreciation to Dorothy and her team Ing Yee and Firdaus who represented me in my divorce. I have received excellent legal representation and professionalism in every aspect of the process.
Dorothy took the time to listen to all my concerns and responded with clear, concise notes outlining all the different courses of action including the positives and negatives with each choice.
I felt greatly assured by this outstanding team of professionals. I am grateful to have Dorothy and her team who handled this case with what I would consider perfection, dedication and utmost competence.
It was a great pleasure working with this wonderful team.
Franck L
All of you show me that genuine great lawyers exist. Many more people out there who deserve justice ought to know you.
Ms K
I have no hesitation in recommending PKWA and Dorothy to anyone looking for competent, knowledgeable, sympathetic, and efficient representation.