Dhaniyah Hishammudin
Associate | Singapore
Secretary Joan Lim
Operating as Withers KhattarWong LLP in Singapore.
Dhaniyah is an associate in the White-Collar Defence and Investigations team in Singapore.
Dhaniyah advises and represents individuals in criminal investigations and court proceedings across a broad range of criminal matters.Her experience spans various stages of the criminal justice process, from pre-charge representations to trial proceedings, sentencing and appeals. She has acted in matters involving allegations of dishonesty, corruption, sexual offences, drug-related offences and regulatory breaches.
Recognising the personal and professional implications of criminal proceedings, Dhaniyah adopts a thoughtful and empathetic approach to her practice. She places particular emphasis on understanding her clients' circumstances, fostering open communication and ensuring that they feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.
Alongside her private practice, Dhaniyah has a longstanding commitment to pro bono work and access to justice. She has served as assigned counsel under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (“CLAS”) and as Junior Assisting Counsel under the Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences (“LASCO”), including in matters involving capital charges for murder and drug trafficking.
Achievements
Dhaniyah was awarded Pro Bono Singapore’s Top Volunteer Award (Outreach) in 2025, in recognition of her contributions to pro bono outreach and access to justice.Me in a minute
What I find most compelling about criminal practice is that no two matters are ever quite the same.
The law provides the framework, but the real work often lies in understanding the facts, the people involved and the wider circumstances that shape a case. I enjoy that combination of analysis, advocacy and judgment.
I also value the trust that clients place in their lawyers during what can be an extremely difficult period in their lives. I try to bring a calm and considered perspective to that relationship, while remaining candid about the challenges a case may present. For me, good advocacy begins with listening carefully, understanding the client’s priorities and approaching each matter with both rigour and empathy.
I have also drawn a great deal of perspective and motivation from my pro bono work. It has reinforced for me the importance of approaching each matter without preconception and recognising the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with issues that can have a profound impact on a person’s life.
Outside of practice, I enjoy horse riding, with a particular interest in dressage. I also enjoy travelling and cooking, and I am particularly drawn to the way both offer an opportunity to experience different cultures, perspectives and traditions.
Experience
Talks
- Women in Advocacy: Breaking Barriers, Building Excellence (October 2025) – Moderator
- Secondary School Legal Awareness Programme (September 2025) – Guest Speaker
- Legal Eagle Podcast: Code-Switching, Court Rooms & Cultural Identity (August 2025) – Guest Speaker
- Decoding the Small Claims Tribunals: A Journey through the Small Claims Tribunals Process (August 2025) – Panel Speaker
- Pro Bono SG Fireside Chat with Pro Bono Ambassadors (January 2025) – Moderator
Admissions
- Advocate and Solicitor, Singapore (2021)
Education
- University of Exeter, Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- University of Exeter, Master of Laws (LLM), Distinction
Languages
- English
- Malay
Memberships
- Law Society of Singapore – Member
- Singapore Academy of Law – Member
- Criminal Practice Committee – Co-Secretary
- Community Legal Clinics Committee – Vice-Chairperson
Withers History
- Joined 2026