Freshfields

Hong Kong

Review

Dispute resolution

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is the go-to firm for Chinese POEs and SOEs involved in litigation outside of China. Its dispute resolution strength lies in commercial and transactions, international arbitration and white-collar crime. The team is frequently trusted by top-tier financial institutions, including bulge-bracket investment banks and leading private equity funds, in connection with their litigation matters stemming from their transactions.

The firm houses renowned litigation stars John Choong and Georgia Dawson. Choong specialises in international arbitration, cross-border investigations and other dispute resolution matters, whereas Dawson is experienced in internal and regulatory investigations, complex multi-jurisdictional litigation, and compliance advice in relation to anti-money laundering, anti-bribery and corruption and human rights. Tim Mak and William Robinson are other key figures.

In commercial and transactions, the firm represented Tsinghua Unigroup, one of the largest semiconductor and chip designers and manufacturers in China, in defending various offshore bondholders’ claims in the Hong Kong courts. The firm also represented a European manufacturer of pet food in relation to a contractual dispute arising from the termination of distribution agreement.

In international arbitration, the firm is advising a leading Chinese preschool education group in a dispute with a global fund concerning redemption rights and associated alleged breaches. In another case sample, the firm is advising a China-based state-owned company on a high-value dispute involving an offshore oil project.

The rest of the clients the firm has acted for during the research period remain confidential.

Client feedback

“Responds promptly and meets the expected requirement.” – Government and regulatory

“It provides speedy and strategic advice. Whilst it has depth of knowledge it is very practical, and solutions driven.” – Insolvency