Hong Kong

Deacons has a broad banking and finance practice, acting for borrowers and lenders on syndicated and bilateral lending, project finance as well as securities. The firm has built up a strong clientele of multinational, People’s Republic of China (PRC) and local corporate clients, including American Express, Standard Chartered Bank and ORIX Asia. Simon Deane heads the finance and insolvency department and has more than 30 years of experience. He advises on debt financing, structured finance, distressed debt restructuring, banking and finance regulations, banking M&A and anti-money laundering regulations. Other well-known partners include Philip Gilligan and Wing Wo Lam.

Gallant advises banking institutions in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China on banking and compliance matters, including cross-border lending, anti-money laundering compliance and code of banking practice. The firm has been the annual retainer firm for Bank of China, Bank of Communications and Ping An Bank, advising them on Hong Kong and overseas legal matters. Philip Wong heads the banking and finance, and corporate/M&A departments. “Philip Wong has excellent legal knowledge in banking and cross-border finance,” says a client.

Led by Richard Mazzochi, King & Wood Mallesons’s banking team is engaged by key financial institutions for their Hong Kong, Asia-Pacific and global panels and is especially adept in cross-border financings. David Lam advised Ford Motor Company as borrower on HK and PRC-specific issues, including renminbi base interest rate and market disruption matters, in relation to a $13.4 billion syndicated loan. Lam also advised HSBC on its cross-border $250 million syndicated loan to China International Capital, the Hong Kong arm of one of China’s investment banks.

Stevenson Wong & Co operates in association with Chinese law firm AllBright Law Offices. Led by Eric Lui, the banking and finance team advises on domestic and cross-border loan transactions in HK and the PRC. Lui and Heidi Chui, dispute resolution co-head, have been advising the Bank of China’s Paris branch in its claim against Yucheng International Holdings for recovery of a HK$700 million loan. In the past 12 months, the firm has also been advising on aviation-related financing and construction transactions.

Corporate finance firm Charltons advises domestic and multinational clients, controlling shareholders, sponsors and underwriters on IPOs on the main board and the GEM board of the HKSE, as well as compliance with the Hong Kong listing rules. The firm has been advising clients in the minerals sector on listing on the HKSE. Managing Partner Julia Charlton is the main contact.

Deacons is a market leader for equity and debt capital markets work. Ronny Chow and Eugina Chan lead the corporate finance practice group. Sabrina Fung is another name to note. Clients with initial public offerings (IPO) that the team worked on in the past 12 months include Hypebeast, construction and engineering companies AP Rentals, Chinney Kin Wing and FSE Engineering as well as healthcare company Human Health. Kevin Tong acted for Bank of Communications as the issuing and lodging agent as well as joint lead managers Bank of China, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Construction Bank in relation to the Rmb28 billion ($4.2 billion) sovereign bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance of the PRC to institutional investors, central banks and monetary authorities outside Mainland China.

King & Wood Mallesons’s Candy Chan acted as the Hong Kong counsel for the Bank of Zhengshou on its $653 million IPO. She also acted for the Bank of Qingdao on its $607 million IPO. Hao Zhou advised the joint bookrunners and lead managers, Guotai Junan Securities, JP Morgan Securities, BOCI Asia, Orient Securities and Hong Kong International Securities, on the issuance of $180 million-worth of 6.9% guaranteed notes by Hong Kong Airlines. Anthony Wan, an IPO specialist, joined the firm in June 2016. Christine Chen is another partner to note.

Minter Ellison has a strong presence in the capital raisings area, especially in advising mid-cap Chinese businesses on Hong Kong listings and transactions. Barbara Mok advised Hong Kong-listed hotels and restaurants operator Shun Cheong Holdings on its reverse takeover and a substantial acquisition of a crude oil company. Anne Ko acted for Celestial Capital as sponsor of a semiconductor manufacturer's IPO on the GEM board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). Katherine U acted for Vincent Medical Holdings and asphalt mixing plant manufacturer and service provider D&G Technology Holding on their IPOs.

ONC Lawyers acts for issuers or intermediaries in IPOs and assists companies with pre-listing or post-listing financing, including issuing of convertible bonds. Corporate and commercial practice head Raymond Cheung advised Guru Online, Golden Power Group and Lap Kei Engineering on their listings on the GEM board of the HKSE.

Hank Lo heads the capital markets practice at Stevenson Wong & Co. He advised steel processor Huajin International Holdings and property management company Zhong Ao Home Group on their listings on the main board of the HKSE. He also advised Orient ZhiHui on the Hong Kong law aspects of its private placement of $150 million-worth of bonds.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo regularly advises Hong Kong companies on IPO work. The firm advised Cheung Kong Property on its listing of shares on the main board of the HKSE as part of the group reorganisation of Cheung Kong and Hutchinson Whampoa. Angelina Lee is a key contact.

Deacons has a well regarded construction practice led by Kwok Kit Cheung, who previously practised as a quantity surveyor and advises on construction arbitration and mediation. The firm acts for local and multinational construction companies as well as the Hong Kong government. Previously a barrister, Joseph Chung specialises in construction litigation and arbitration. He advised Paul Y General Contractors in the 67-day hearing before the commission of inquiry into excess lead found in drinking water in eight public housing estates in Hong Kong.

Well respected dispute resolution lawyer Paul Starr heads the construction and dispute resolution teams at King & Wood Mallesons. Edmund Wan has a broad disputes and arbitration practice and has advised various contractors, consultants and developers on building and infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, the PRC and other countries in Asia.

Steven Yip heads the projects, infrastructure and construction group at Minter Ellison. He has extensive experience in construction and dispute resolution. Malcolm Chin has more than 17 years of experience advising on construction procurement, arbitration, litigation and mediation. Some of the firm’s long-term clients include the Hong Kong government, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, Veolia, AECOM and Bouygues/Dragages. Chin and Yip have been advising China Harbour Engineering, the main contractor for the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge, on disputes related to the alleged infringement of copyright works of design.

PC Woo & Co has a broad property practice that encompasses land development, property development joint ventures in the PRC, property sale and acquisition, leasing and property financing. Emily Lam has extensive experience advising on the sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties. She regularly acts for developers and government bodies in building projects.

Wilkinson & Grist offers a range of real estate services, including disposals and acquisitions, town planning applications, project developments and pre-sales, project and real estate finance, mortgages, leases, and tenancies. Cleresa Wong has been advising Cheung Kong Property on sale and purchase agreements, and mortgage loan documentation for a real estate project consisting of more than 1,100 residential units. Raymond Chan has been advising The Bank of East Asia on the acquisition of a mortgage loan portfolio for HK$6 billion. David Choi joined the real estate department in September 2015 from the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo has a well respected conveyancing department that advises in the areas of sale and purchase of residential, industrial and commercial buildings, land development and redevelopment projects as well as the financing of real estate projects. Dora Chan acted for the subsidiary of a listed company in the sale of a building for HK$1.5 billion. Other names to note are Ma Ho Fai and Catherine Hung.

Charltons focuses on corporate finance law and domestic and cross-border M&A. Managing partner Julia Charlton advised a client on the Hong Kong law aspects of a gold and copper project acquisition in Papua New Guinea and the reverse takeover of a resource company related to the transaction.

Deacons has a corporate finance and corporate commercial group that is led by Ronny Chow and Eugina Chan and advises on public and private M&A transactions, the structuring of multinational business operations and corporate governance. “They are approachable, easy to communicate with and costs are reasonable,” says a client. Alexander Que advised Zhongzhi Capital on its conditional subscription for new shares and acquisition of existing shares in Asian Capital Holdings for HK$737 million. Sabrina Fung and Rhoda Yung are other names to note.

Philip Wong and Wilfred Tsui lead the corporate/M&A department at Gallant. The firm advises Mainland China companies listed in Hong Kong on M&A, joint ventures and disclosure of interests. Philip Wong and Angela Lau advised RFID technology company Myndar on the exit and introduction of private equity investors and potential for expansion in Hong Kong.

King & Wood Mallesons is known for its expertise in cross-border M&A work and advises multinational corporations and PRC enterprises on transactions. Sheldon Tse is the key contact and has extensive experience in M&A, private equity transactions and foreign direct investment projects. Helena Huang advised HK CTS Metropark Hotels on the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the UK’s Kew Green Hotels from Goldman Sachs and TPG Special Situations Partners. Candy Chan is well-respected by her peers and focuses on corporate, M&A and IPO matters in HK and the PRC.

Minter Ellison has a strong corporate/M&A practice that is experienced in takeover bids, trade sales and acquisitions, private equity transactions, privatisations and mergers by schemes of arrangement. Managing partner Fred Kinmonth has extensive experience in the field. Barbara Mok advised Golden Meditech on the disposal of shares in China Cord Blood Corporation for Rmb7.6 billion. She has also been advising Sinomax Group on a variety of private M&A, overseas joint ventures and compliance with listing rules and regulations in HK. Geraldine Johns-Putra and senior consultant Henry Sherman have been acting for Jetstar Hong Kong Airways in its application for a licence to operate scheduled air services in Hong Kong. 

Oldham Li & Nie is a mid-sized firm with a diverse corporate practice that advises local and overseas entrepreneurs and businesses. The firm has been advising Pavilions Resorts on its holding structure, tax matters and acquisition transactions in its expansion plan across Asia and Europe. Senior partner Gordon Oldham and Christopher Hooley are key contacts. “Christopher Hooley has great analytical ability and attention to detail,” says a client. “Hooley is professional, knowledgeable and quick to respond,” says another client. The department was bolstered by the arrival of Tony Chik in 2015.

Headed by Raymond Cheung, the corporate and commercial practice at ONC Lawyers offers a range of services, including M&A, regulatory and compliance, corporate restructuring and loans and finance, to local and PRC companies. Cheung has more than 20 years of experience in M&A, corporate finance and banking.

Stevenson Wong & Co advises public and private corporations, especially those from the PRC, on M&A and general commercial matters such as company formation and secretarial services. Hank Lo has been advising personal hygiene company Vinda on its acquisition of businesses across Asia for HK$2.8 billion. Eric Lui is another key contact.

Tanner De Witt’s corporate practice has a strong focus on the mid-tier market and works with multinational corporations in Hong Kong and increasingly from the PRC. The firm advises on M&A, joint ventures, business sales and purchases, investment and shareholder agreements, due diligence and private-equity related transactions. Eddie Look heads up the practice and has been advising babywear retailer Bumps to Babes on its HK$60 million cash and part share swap into a China entity.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo is known for its corporate work with blue-chip companies in Hong Kong. The firm advised Power Asset Holdings in the share exchange offer by Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings to privatise the former company for HK$88 billion. The firm also advised New World Development in its privatisation of New World China Land for HK$21 billion. Angelina Lee, Carmelo Lee and Candy Lau are key contacts.

Joseph Kwan leads the litigation and dispute resolution practice at Deacons. He has represented a number of banks in dealing with Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) investigations from the sale of Lehman mini-bonds. Commercial disputes specialist Robert Clark has been advising Chinachem Group on a number of litigation matters, including acting for two companies in the group against feng shui master Peter Chan in claims totalling HK$2.06 billion. Clark is also defending Google in three writ actions commenced by Oriental Press Group. Daisy Tong acted for HK Cable Television and i-Cable in answering enquiries from the Communications Authority about compliance with the non-competition provisions of the Broadcasting Ordinance. KK Cheung has been representing Zhang Cai Kui, a shareholder in and director of China Shanshui Investment, in a complicated shareholders’s dispute that has generated more than 13 sets of legal proceedings.

Gall has established a good reputation in dispute litigation. The firm has worked on a variety matters, including commercial litigation, insolvencies, employment disputes and fraud. Gall has also been gaining referral work from local and international firms. “Gall is knowledgeable and experienced, and reasonable in terms of costs,” says a client. Nick Gall is well-respected by his peers. “Nick Gall is a very good communicator,” says a client. Chris Wong has a strong focus on PRC matters and has been advising Zhang Lan in a dispute with CVC Capital Partners, which has a controlling stake in Zhang’s South Beauty restaurant chain. “Chris is thorough, reliable, quick and is a good communicator,” says a client. Rising star Brooke Holden was promoted to partner in July 2015.

Howse Williams Bowers has a reputable dispute resolution and litigation practice, especially in shipping, insurance, commercial and clinical negligence matters. The team was further strengthened with the addition of Michael Withington in 2015. Previously a partner at Gall, he has extensive experience in a range of contentious matters, especially in professional indemnity insurance claims, employment matters, shareholder disputes and regulatory investigations. The well respected Chris Howse specialises in maritime and commercial dispute resolution, handling a range of disputes in the Hong Kong courts, international arbitrations and mediations throughout Asia. Kevin Bowers’s specialties are commercial, insurance and employment litigation, and domestic and international dispute resolution. He has extensive experience handling complex multijurisdictional commercial cases.

Minter Ellison’s dispute resolution and arbitration team is led by Malcolm Chin, Steven Yip and senior consultant Henry Sherman.  Chin and Yip acted for Chinaplus Wines in contractual and tort claims for more than HK$3 billion arising from UK wine supplier Berry Bros & Rudd’s alleged breach of contract. The four court actions were settled in December 2015. Chin advised Aerbin, an investment company with a stake in the Dalian Aerbin Football Club, in a High Court action against claims by its former football player Leon Benko in relation to rights and obligations under an employment agreement.

Led by Richard Healy, the dispute resolution practice of Oldham Li & Nie is known for its litigation work in shareholder and company disputes as well as employment related matters, especially in the hospitality, property and finance sectors. “The firm offers timely and effective advice and action,” says a client. “Gordon Oldham has a great combination of commercial and legal skills and expertise,” says a client.

Managing partner Sherman Yan heads the litigation and dispute resolution practice at ONC Lawyers which has been acting increasingly in shareholder disputes as well as defamation, insolvency and professional negligence cases. Senior partner Ludwig Ng specialises in restructuring and insolvency. “Ludwig Ng is strong in insolvency and shareholder disputes,” says a client.

PC Woo & Co works in association with ZhongLun W&D Law Firm, servicing PRC clients in addition to local clients. Simon Tang is experienced in multijurisdictional commercial disputes and has also handled defamation and professional indemnity matters. George Sit focuses on civil and commercial litigation.

As a result of a formal association, the dispute resolution lawyers of Peter Yuen & Associates are part of Fangda Partners’s Greater China dispute resolution team. Peter Yuen himself has been representing shampoo manufacturer BaWang in seeking damages and relief against Next Magazine for a defamatory article.

Barry Hoy heads the dispute resolution practice of Robertsons Solicitors. He has more than 25 years of experience in commercial litigation. The firm acts in a broad range of contentious matters involving shareholder disputes, labour-related disputes, financial regulatory investigations and probate. 

Stevenson Wong & Co’s dispute resolution practice is led by Heidi Chui and Neville Watkins. The team is particularly experienced in cross-border litigation and resolving disputes concerning PRC investment. Chui has been acting for Bank of China’s Paris branch against Yucheng International Holdings for recovery of loans amounting to HK$700 million in relation to the Ezubao business that operated as a scam. The practice was bolstered by the hiring of Stephen Wong, who focuses on regulatory enforcement, in July 2015.

Tanner De Witt’s litigation and dispute resolution practice has been active in regulatory disputes and cybercrime work in the past 12 months. The firm has also been advising on the Hong Kong aspects of large international cases. Ian De Witt is very well respected by his peers. Jeff Lane acted for Swiss businessman and art dealer Yves Bouvier in setting aside injunctions in Hong Kong in relation to the allegation of secret profit made in trading high value artwork. “Jeff Lane has a strategic approach and asset recovery expertise,” says a client. “Jeff has good legal knowledge, the ability to put a strong case in court and he’s very professional,” says a client. “Mark Side is very personable with excellent knowledge of the jurisdiction,” says a client.

Wilkinson & Grist has established an excellent reputation in probate litigation. Keith Ho heads the dispute resolution and litigation practice. The firm advised on the preparation of the scheme of administration of the charitable trusts of the late Nina Wang. Ho has been acting for Timothy Fok Tsun-ting in connection with a dispute over his father Henry Fok Ying-Tung’s estate.  Ho and Florence Chan acted for Man Chun So and Choon Onn Chin as the joint and several receivers of shares in Hang Fat Ginseng Holdings to vary a Mareva injunction (court order to freeze assets). Ivan Chu has been acting for Penny’s Bay Investment in a land dispute.

Woo Kwan Lee & Lo is known for its property litigation capability. Kenneth Wong, Bucky Chan and Sam Shum have been acting for a Cheung Kong group company over the sale, enquiry by SFC and subsequent transaction cancellations of hotel room units of The Apex Horizon. Other clients include the Hong Kong Housing Authority, Link Properties and the Urban Renewal Authority.

Jane McBride leads Deacons’s licensing, compliance and regulatory team. “The lawyers we have been dealing with at Deacons are very knowledgeable of how the regulations have evolved and we are able to navigate through them. Also, they really know what is achievable from a regulatory perspective and what is not,” says a client. “Jeremy Lam is knowledgeable, responsive, friendly, practical and approachable,” says a client. Richard Hudson has extensive experience in SFC investigations and proceedings.

Headed by Eric Lui, the financial services regulatory practice at Stevenson Wong & Co focuses on both contentious regulatory matters as well as non-contentious issues such as licensing and trade resumption applications. Stephen Wong, who previously worked as an SFC officer, joined the team in July 2015.

Mark Side and Russell Bennett lead Tanner De Witt’s financial services regulatory practice. The firm has been advising on alternative investment products and collective investment schemes driven by a marked increase in SFC investigations and prosecutions. Edmond Leung focuses on the licensing aspects of M&A transactions while Jeff Lane has been advising on SFC investigations.

Timothy Loh Solicitors specialises in financial regulation and investment funds. Timothy Loh is representing a client in Market Misconduct Tribunal (MMT) proceedings commenced by the SFC, alleging that the client was negligent in failing to disclose inside information. Loh is also representing an activist short seller in MMT proceedings over allegations of false or misleading information in the publication of a report regarding Evergrande, a PRC real estate company. In non-contentious matters, Loh has been advising a futures and derivatives exchange and clearing operator on preparing written submissions to the SFC to shape new over-the-counter derivatives legislation.

Christine M Koo & Ip offers insurance expertise in both advisory and litigation matters to clients that include local, PRC and international companies. Christine Koo and Fanny Lee both have in-house experience with multinational insurance companies. Koo has been advising Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation on reviewing life insurance policies relating to its reverse mortgage programme. The firm has been advising a number of insurance bodies in Hong Kong on regulatory matters.

Alfred Tam heads the insurance practice at Deacons, which is highly regarded for acting for insurers in the region and internationally in a range of personal injury cases, including employees’s compensation, occupiers’s liability and road traffic accidents. The firm regularly defends insurers and advises on regulatory matters and policy documentation. Clients include ACE, Allianz, Blue Cross and China Taiping.

Howse Williams Bowers has a well recognised insurance practice. The firm acts for underwriters, brokers and intermediaries, with a focus on policy issues and coverage disputes as well as personal injury and employee compensation claims. The firm can advise on a range of insurance and reinsurance services, including policy drafting and interpretation, regulatory advice and crisis management. With a leading maritime law practice in Hong Kong, the firm advises on admiralty insurance in addition to corporate and regulatory insurance, professional indemnity and personal injury. Kevin Bowers specialises in insurance, commercial and employment litigation and dispute resolution.

Deacons has earned a strong reputation for its IP work. Co-head of the practice Charmaine Koo together with Patsy Lau, who specialises in large multinational and regional trade mark portfolios, acted for Tsit Wing Group against TWG Tea Company over the use of the TWG trade mark at the Court of Final Appeal. Catherine Zheng advised Chinese state-owned company JAC Capital on the IP and technology transfer in the $1.8 billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors’s RF power amplifier business. 

Ella Cheong has gained a solid reputation in the IP field. The firm works closely with government research agencies and universities to strengthen technology transfer initiatives and has a strong focus on patent prosecution. 

Headed by managing partner Anthony Tong, the IP practice at Robin Bridge & John Liu advises local and international clients on a range of IP matters, especially in the fashion, entertainment and toys industries.

Sit Fung Kwong & Shum’s IP department is led by senior partner CK Kwong. The firm offers both contentious and non-contentious IP services, including patent, design, copyright and trade mark registration, licensing and enforcement.

Senior partner Vivien Chan leads the IP practice at Vivien Chan & Co. She has more than 30 years of experience in IP. She has been advising a resort brand in cross-border infringement litigation against a shadow company in Hong Kong.

Andrea Fong leads the established IP practice at Wilkinson & Grist. The firm has worked with clients such as Porsche, 7-Eleven, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, Kao, Hallmark Cards and Galaxy Entertainment. The firm has a strong team that advises on the protection of trade marks, designs and patents; enforcement and strategy in addition to domain names.

Managing partner Julia Charlton at boutique corporate finance firm Charltons is well-respected by clients. “Charltons is very knowledgeable, responsive, accurate and client friendly,” says one. The firm is sought after for its experience in advising on the formation and management of offshore, Hong Kong and China investment funds “Julia has good sector knowledge, integrity and drive,” says another client.

Led by Jeremy Lam, the top-tier investment funds practice at Deacons advises on the structuring and authorisation of retail funds, hedge funds, and private equity funds as well as PRC funds entering the Hong Kong market. The firm has worked with clients such as Allianz, BlackRock, HSBC, JP Morgan, Robeco and Schroders. “Deacons is very active in the market and has extensive knowledge to leverage efficient and comprehensive outcomes,” says a client. Lam has more than 20 years of experience in the establishment of private funds and has advised on regulatory and compliance matters. “Jeremy has great industry and regulatory insights, sound judgement and responsiveness,” says a client. Other partners to note are Taylor Hui and Jane McBride.

King & Wood Mallesons has an excellent reputation in the investment funds practice, especially for its real estate and infrastructure funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) expertise. Hayden Flinn is noted for his all-round, multi-jurisdictional experience. Guo Sun Lee was promoted to partner in July 2015. Lee advised Adamas Asset Management on a joint venture with Ping An Trust to set up a fund to provide alternative liquidity to fast-growing SMEs in Greater China. Minny Siu and Helena Huang are sought after for their expertise in Rmb products.

Timothy Loh Solicitors has a well-regarded investment funds practice led by Timothy Loh himself. Loh advised a Cayman Islands’ PRC-focused master fund on restructuring a hybrid fund. In another matter, Loh advised a Hong Kong asset manager on obtaining its asset management licence and on regulatory issues connected with the establishment of its first investment fund.

Cynthia Chung heads the employment practice at Deacons. The firm works with domestic and international companies on matters ranging from dismissals to employment audits. “Their advice was professional and their research was very thorough,” says one client. “They are timely, knowledgeable and experienced,” says another. Chung advised a real estate services client in relation to a dispute on termination of employment. In another matter, Chung advised a global supply chain on the review of their employment agreements and restrictive covenants for Hong Kong and 14 other jurisdictions.

Led by senior partner Nick Gall, the employment practice at Gall acts for both employers and employees on matters ranging from employee termination to negotiation of exit packages. Gall successfully acted for Sunny Tadjudin against Bank of America in the Court of Appeal in relation to her termination by the bank to avoid paying a bonus. Andrea Randall was promoted to partner in May 2016. “Andrea Randall has an impressive knowledge of HK and English employment law,” says a client. “Andrea offers creative legal strategies,” says another.

Howse Williams Bowers’s employment practice is led by Kevin Bowers and Michael Withington. Both are experienced in advising both employers and employees on a variety of employment matters, including discrimination claims, partnership disputes, claims over termination and remuneration, and enforcement of post-termination restrictions.

Oldham Li & Nie has a strong reputation for providing top-class contentious and non-contentious employment advice, especially to high net worth individuals and companies in the banking and financial services sectors. Adam Hugill and Christopher Hooley are the names to note.

Headed by Kim Boreham and Russell Bennett, Tanner De Witt’s employment practice advises both employers and employees on contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm regularly advises employers and senior executives on the negotiation of employment contracts, termination agreements, breaches of confidentiality, privacy and discrimination claims. The firm also takes on a substantial amount of pro bono and legal aid work. “Russell offers great expertise and has a confident and calm approach to resolving issues,” says one client. “They are knowledgeable and patient,” says another.

Charltons is well respected in the private equity practice. Julia Charlton and Clinton Morrow advised Chayora Holdings, a developer and operator of data centres, on a strategic investment of $73 million from Standard Chartered Bank Principal Finance Real Estate. The duo also advised Asia-focused alternative investment firm Orion Partners on its partnership with BNP Paribas Investment Partners. The firm also advised a venture capital firm on a $200 million investment in online education platform TutorGroup.

Headed by Jeremy Lam, the highly regarded financial services department at Deacons has been advising a variety of private equity funds. Robert Woll advised a client in a pan-Asian water infrastructure fund, an asset manager in establishing a film fund and Sino-Rock Investment Management in a co-investment limited partnership organised by Hillhouse Capital in relation to a $1.2 billion financing for Uber Technologies to fund its China operations.

Helena Huang heads the private equity practice at King & Wood Mallesons. Other key partners include Hayden Flinn, Wen Huang and Yi Zhang. The firm is known for its multijurisdictional expertise in Asia. Raymond Wong advised China Africa Development Fund on its subscription for $10 million of convertible bonds of China Glass Holdings, as well as the formation of a joint venture with a number of construction and engineering companies to invest in infrastructure projects in China and Africa.

Minter Ellison’s projects, infrastructure and construction practice is led by Sam Farrands. The regional firm has gained a strong footing in a practice area largely dominated by international firms. The team advises on transport, road, rail and ports projects, social infrastructure and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Farrands is sought after for his experience on projects and privatisations in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, including China, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. Rebecca Silli has more than 15 years of experience advising sponsors and multilateral institutions on projects in the water, wastewater, solid waste, public transportation, nuclear power, airports and sport facilities sectors in HK, China, Myanmar, India and Indonesia. The firm advised Veolia on a number of landmark projects in Hong Kong. Other clients include Bouygues/Dragages, Leighton, China Light and Power and the Hospital Authority. 

Philip Gilligan and Richard Hudson lead the reputable restructuring and insolvency practice at Deacons. “They offer commercially sound advice and timely delivery of the highest standard of work,” says a client. Gilligan has more than 20 years of experience in representing liquidators, trustees, creditors and debtors in upstream and downstream restructuring, bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Hudson focuses on contentious insolvency matters.

Gall has been handling contentious insolvency matters, with Nick Gall and Chris Wong leading the practice. “Nick Gall is incisive, pragmatic and tenacious,” says a client. Chris Wong has been advising Deloitte as court-appointed receivers of a Hong Kong company. In another matter, Wong is representing Cellmark in defending a claim by Deloitte for conspiracy and diversion of company assets. Wong has also been advising the chairman of a solar company in relation to debt obligations and bankruptcy proceedings. 

ONC Lawyers is especially well known for its insolvency practice. Senior partner Ludwig Ng advised the trustees on the bankruptcy of the beneficiary of a discretionary trust set up by famous singer Anita Mui. In another matter, Ng advised a former partner of Grant Thornton in a partnership dispute. Dominic Wai joined the team in May 2016 from Baker & McKenzie.

Stevenson Wong & Co’s restructuring and insolvency team has advised corporate debtors, directors, creditors and financial institutions in multijurisdictional distressed cases. Heidi Chui has been advising the joint and several liquidators of Pan Sino International Holding on the investigation and asset recovery work in relation to the winding-up of the company.

Tanner De Witt has a well-known insolvency and restructuring practice that is often instructed by international law firms and professional service firms to advise on Hong Kong-specific issues. “Ian De Witt and Robin Darton are very knowledgeable in the area of insolvency,” says a client. Darton advised PRC real estate developer Kaisa Group on the restructuring of its offshore debt of more than $2.5 billion. Darton is also advising the liquidators of the Hong Kong arm of marine fuel supplier OW Bunker China on issues regarding security, cross-border insolvency and maritime law. De Witt is advising the joint and several liquidators of dry bulk carrier STX Pan Ocean on complex cross-border issues after it was wound up in August 2013.

Wilkinson & Grist’s restructuring and insolvency practice has a strong focus on litigation. Lawrence Chan is acting for the liquidators of Asia Aluminum Holdings on a cross-border insolvency matter. Chan also acted for the provisional liquidators of Sunlink against Deloitte for alleged negligence over its auditing of financial statements.

Howse Williams Bowers added a shipping, international trade and insurance team in 2015. Headed by William Leung, who joined from Eversheds, the practice covers logistics, transport and maritime disputes and arbitration. Leung has acted for a number of container terminal operators and third and fourth-party logistics providers in Hong Kong. Chris Howse advised Univan Ship Management on its merger with Anglo-Eastern. David Coogans has more than 25 years of experience in all types of wet and dry shipping matters and has handled collision, salvage and pollution cases as well as charter-party disputes. 

Laracy & Co operates in association with international law firm Hill Dickinson. The firm is best known for its shipping and maritime expertise. Damien Laracy is a litigator and arbitrator who regularly acts on contentious shipping and trade matters. He defended an international yacht broker in the High Court in a claim against it over the delivery of a yacht.