Dentons’ Hong Kong team works closely with its China team on a variety of litigation matters, with a particular forte in cross-border disputes around the Greater Bay Area. The firm’s industry strength lies in financial services, technology and communications, energy, aviation and life sciences. In Hong Kong, the firm is active in the international arbitration space. As a result of active involvement in the Belt and Road (BRI) initiative, the firm handles an increasing number of disputes arising out of BRI projects and investments.
Huazhi Yuan and Zhibin Zheng are noted for their work in construction and insolvency disputes. In the Hong Kong office, key figures include Richard Keady and Allan Leung who specialise in commercial disputes and international arbitration.
In an ongoing commercial and transactions matter, the firm is representing the Hong Kong Competition Commission in its enforcement proceedings against two undertakings and three individuals involved in significant anti-competitive conduct. These proceedings stem from a bid-rigging agreement among multiple companies and individuals in relation to numerous procurement tenders. This high-profile enforcement case represents the largest action taken by the Commission thus far. Notably, one of the undertakings involved is a publicly listed company in Hong Kong, and the alleged contravention carries an estimated value of around HK$2 billion ($255 million).
Key clients include Berpu Technology, Changchun High & New Technology Industries Development Parent Company, Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining, Kim Dotcom and Megaupload and the Law Society of Hong Kong.
Client feedback
“As one of the largest international law firms including in the Asia-Pacific region, Dentons is always able to provide legal advice on many cross-border matters.” – Bankruptcy
"Dentons is highly attentive to the key issues facing liquidators and provides concise and commercial advice. The team is very personable and a pleasure to work with." – Bankruptcy
"Dentons is technically strong and a pleasure to work with. They presented a clear action plan for addressing the issues we had identified." – Bankruptcy
“A very well integrated practice, able to rapidly draw on resources from the wider organisation.” – Bankruptcy
“Dentons did very well in assisting us in handling this matter. The case was well managed, we were well guided and provided with practical advice.” – Commercial arbitration
“The efficiency, creativity, professionalism and also the ability to reach other firms globally.” – Commercial and transactions
“Extremely thorough preparation of cases.” – Commercial and transactions
“The organising team has strong expertise and capabilities, with extensive experience and understanding of the types of cases involved. They possess excellent skills in personnel organisation and coordination and provide prompt responses to client inquiries. They maintain good communication with regulatory authorities and all parties involved.” – Government and regulatory
“Maintaining relationship with clients and selecting the right counsel to advise in or appear in litigation.” – International arbitration
“Bright, smart people with excellent service delivery. Proactive and approachable.” – White-collar crime
David Kwok
"I have known David for many years, even before his tenure at Dentons. Given his dual qualification as a certified public accountant and his prior employment with the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council, David possesses extensive knowledge and practical experience in insolvency and auditors-related issues, which is a rare find in the industry."
“David Kwok of Dentons Hong Kong excels in providing comprehensive legal support, particularly in complex matters such as fraud and tracing claims by liquidators. Their expertise in navigating intricate legal challenges and providing strategic guidance is commendable. They are adept at offering thorough and well-researched advice, ensuring comprehensive support for us in facing legal situations.”
"David exhibits a commendable ability to navigate complex legal matters, especially in the field of insolvency. His adeptness in representing us and his proactive approach highlight his versatility and dedication to legal innovation."
Robert Rhoda
“Robert is the partner in charge. He is always accessible and is ready and willing to provide timely advice and assistance. He is well versed and has substantial experience in arbitration.”
Keith Brandt
“Excellent communicator.”
“With nearly four decades in the market, Keith has unparallelled experience in disputes enabling him to provide shrewd strategic advice that supplements his outstanding legal knowledge.”
Nigel Chan
“Very client-friendly and diligent. Easy to work with and good attention to detail.”
Norman Hui
"He has a strong ability to arrange, coordinate, and communicate. He possesses excellent expertise and skills, understanding the local financial and regulatory environment. He can accurately understand clients' business demands. He demonstrates strong time and case management abilities and maintains excellent client tracking. Moreover, he has good relationship maintenance abilities with clients in the Greater China region."
Richard Keady
“Extremely hands-on with the cases he manages and always keeps a very positive outlook. His instructions to counsel are always meticulously well prepared. His legal knowledge is outstanding.”
“Efficient, creative, professional and commercially driven.”
“Richard Keady is a very resourceful lawyer who is always able to identify the key points in a case and explain these clearly to clients.”
“Richard is very experienced in the Hong Kong market. A cool head in contentious matters, Richard has seen it all before.”
“Richard sees the issues clearly and has a knack for finding the right solutions. He understands the constraints that liquidators face and how to navigate the issues on cross-border work.”
“Very hands-on for partner level, facilitates well with client and external counsel.”
“Richard Keady demonstrates excellent client engagement and brings a wealth of experience from various contexts to the evolving field of disputes practice in Hong Kong. His advice reflects thoughtfulness, consideration, and genuine commercial insight and pragmatism.”
Mandy Xu
"She is very optimistic and helpful, with strong communication skills. She is responsible and able to respond to client inquiries and provide constructive responses anytime, anywhere. She has a deep understanding of client needs and possesses extensive professional and industry knowledge."
Richard Keady and Nigel Chan
"Dentons, particularly Richard Keady and Nigel Chan, are highly client-friendly and easy to work with. They provide practical advice and serve as a seamless middleman/gateway between lay-clients and counsel."
