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 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 specialises in commercial disputes and international arbitration.
In commercial and transactions, the firm represented Bayin Resources in successfully defending claims for damages ranging between HK$17 million ($2.2 million) and HK$1 billion ($127 million) for an alleged fraudulent trade finance scheme. The firm successfully recovered legal costs of HK$20 million ($2.55 million) from the plaintiff.
Another commercial and transactions case saw the firm acting for The National Trust, a PRC-licensed trust financial institution, in its application for an urgent domestic and worldwide
Mareva injunction against its debtor and obligors. The firm successfully obtained an injunction restricting them from disposing their assets up to the amount of Rmb3 billion ($436 million), as part of its China proceedings in recovering its outstanding loan.
In international arbitration, the firm is acting for Southwest Pacific Bauxite (HK) in an HKIAC arbitration regarding a shareholder dispute. The decision was important because it established for the first time in Hong Kong that a company could not be wound up based on a debt arising out of a contract containing an arbitration clause.
Key clients include Abercrombie & Fitch, Berpu Technology, Ocean Sino and PBM Asset Management.
Client feedback
“The firm provides prompt and relevant advice.”
– Commercial and transactions
“They often come up with creative ideas and arguments to put forward in our litigation.” – Commercial and transactions
“A very proactive team – they are always on top of the issues. They flag and address potential issues before they arise, which keeps matters on track.” – Insolvency
“The team provides highly professional, timely, innovative and proactive dispute resolution services to clients.” – Insolvency
“The firm provides prompt advice. They pay attention to details and have good client service attitude.” – International arbitration
“They demonstrate high-quality and professional client representation in commercial arbitrations including advocacy with strong technical law skills combined with good judgement and commercial awareness.” – International arbitration
“They pay meticulous attention to detail and to the client’s commercial interests.” – International arbitration
Keith Brandt
“Excellent management of both his clients and his team.”
Richard Keady
“He is efficient, creative and hard working. Very responsive too.”
“Richard is a real pleasure to work with. He handles the issues in a calm and composed manner. There is a real depth and experience to his team.”
“Extremely good at identifying the most important issues in the case.”
Robert Rhoda
“He is an accomplished arbitration solicitor and a very able advocate. He combines shrewd professional judgement with strong black letter law skills and a tribunal-friendly manner. He is an all-round performer that is a delight to have in an arbitration – an asset not just to his firm and his clients but to the wider arbitration community.”
