Hong Kong SAR

Boase Cohen & Collins is widely distinguished for its capability in family and matrimonial and white-collar crime. It has an experienced and versatile team that handles all aspects of matrimonial law including divorce and separation, childcare and custody, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and surrogacy and parental orders. Its criminal law team is best known for handling cases involving fraud, financial irregularities, SFC investigations, anti-corruption and other general corporate crimes.

Co-founder Colin Cohen has vast experience in commercial litigation, securities regulatory issues and complex corporate and financial crimes. Usha Casewell has a long-standing reputation in the family law space.

Founded in 2020 by Kevin Bowers, a former consultant at Tanner De Witt, Bowers has etched itself a formidable niche in the Hong Kong legal landscape with its concentration in representing plaintiffs in employment. The firm’s reputable labour and employment practice handles a full range of work on both the employee and employer sides. It has extensive experience in wide-ranging sectors, and is active in aviation, banking and financial services and insurance.

Bowers specialises in commercial, insurance and employment litigation both in Hong Kong and internationally. He acts for both employers and employees in a wide range of contentious and advisory employment matters, and is experienced in advising upon and handling internal disciplinary investigations and proceedings. Partner Derek Cheuk is another key figure.

The firm advised Dragonair Pilots Association, one of the largest employee unions in Hong Kong, on the fall-out from the ceasing of operations of Cathay Dragon. The firm represented about 375 pilots in relation to their exit from the airline, which involved negotiating terms of separation based upon complex Conditions of Service and discontinuing ongoing employment litigation between the airline and its former pilots.

In another employment dispute, the firm is advising a group of senior executives on retaliation claims after whistleblowing on market misconduct in international investment banks, which entails advising on separate employee claims against separate financial institutions for the victimisation, marginalisation and ostracism of the employees concerned in breach of bank non-retaliation policies.

Newly established construction boutique firm Cocking & Co provides a full spectrum of construction-related legal services in Hong Kong and internationally. The firm assists clients across the entire project life cycle including environmental impact assessment study, procurement methods, contract administration and dispute resolution. The firm frequently instructs contractors, public and private employers, insurers and subcontractors.

Founding partner Ian Cocking is recognised as one of the leading construction specialists in Hong Kong with over 30 years’ experience. Gilbert Kwok is highly experienced in construction disputes across arbitration, litigation and mediation. Dennis Wong handles various complex commercial disputes.

In one case highlight, the firm is acting for National Petrochemical Industrial Company (Natpet) against international consultant ERM- Hong Kong in a High Court action arising out of an explosion of a chemical plant in Yanbu, Saudi, Arabia.

Another case highlight saw the firm acting for Chubb Hong Kong, a registered fire service installation contractor, in six High Court actions to defend against multimillion-dollar claims by various parties all arising from an alarm fire at a container terminal in Hong Kong.

During the research period, the firm hired Vivian Wong as partner from Clyde & Co.

Key clients include Casey Company, iReality Investments, Long Faith Engineering, We Architects and Yearfull Contracting.

Ian Cocking

“Very hands on and attentive to clients’ needs and requirements.”

Davis Polk & Wardwell is one of the strongest corporate law firms in the region, so it comes as no surprise that its strength in dispute resolution is in the financial services sector. The firm is active representing global investment banks, accountancy firms, brokers, insurance companies, as well as trading exchanges before regulators including the HKEX, SFC, SEC, DOJ and Treasury Department. The team also offers renowned and recognised capability for the handling of white-collar crime and international arbitration.

Key names in the firm’s commercial, finance and corporate disputes team include Martin Rogers, Karen Chan, Patrick Sinclair and James Wadham. Rogers, Chan and Sinclair also have particular expertise in white-collar crime and regulatory matters.

In the commercial disputes space during the research period, the firm continues to represent Luckin Coffee, a PRC-based technology-driven retail company listed on the NASDAQ Exchange, in connection with securities class actions filed in federal and state courts in New York, as well as derivative and opt-out claims that have also been filed. The firm also advised the same client in a $175 million settlement of the federal class action, which received preliminary approval from the court in October 2021. In another case sample, the firm is representing Tencent Music Entertainment Group, a PRC-based online music entertainment platform, in a securities class actions filed in federal and state courts in New York.

In the white-collar crime space, the firm successfully represented a non-executive director of Magic International Holdings in proceedings brought by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) before the Hong Kong Market Misconduct Tribunal. This is the first and test case in which the SFC have taken action against non-executive directors for the responsibility under legislation introduced in 2013 to ensure adequacy of controls to comply with continuous disclosure obligations.

Client feedback

“Very detailed and thorough advice.” – Commercial and transactions

“Technically very sound and commercial.” – Commercial and transactions

Martin Rogers

“Extremely experienced, technically very sound and commercially astute.”

“Provides insightful advice and top-notch legal analysis.”

One of Hong Kong’s premier litigation firms, Deacons maintains its coveted dominance in the city’s dispute resolution community, a position it has held for decades. The firm maintains top tier in almost all categories including commercial disputes, IP, insolvency and private client. It comprises a long-established client base across a wide range of industries including blue-chip businesses, governments, banks and tech giants. The firm’s growing family law practice team is experienced in handling a wide range of family-related matters including financial disputes and children matters, maintenance, and financial provisions for special needs children and cohabitees.

Key players include commercial litigators Joseph Kwan, Robert Clark and Peter So alongside IP disputes star Charmaine Koo and labour specialist Elsie Chan.

In intellectual property, the firm successfully represented Google in relation to a landmark Hong Kong decision where the Administrative Appeals Board (AAB) confirmed that there is no independent ‘right to be forgotten’ under Hong Kong law.

In another IP case, the firm is acting for Alibaba in IP infringement proceedings commenced in Hong Kong by a cosmetics supplier against three Alibaba companies, Zhejiang Tmall Network, Zhejiang Tmall Technology, and Taobao China Holding and two Mainland China third-party sellers on the www.tmall.com and www.taobao.com platform. This is the first Hong Kong case dealing with online platform operator’s liability.

The firm’s family law practice hired Sherlynn Chan as partner from Stevenson Wong & Co to further expand its service scope.

Client feedback

“They are resourceful, experienced and reliable.”

“Timely service, understand the issues of concern and give concrete advice.”

Cecilia Lau

“Cecilia has a deep understanding of people, which is an integral part of her practice. She is skilled in dealing with high conflict matrimonial cases and can truly understand what is really at stake for her clients and the children involved.”

DLA Piper’s team of substantial litigators in both Hong Kong and China handles a wide range of commercial disputes. The team is frequently sought out for shareholder disputes, regulatory investigations, through to more specialised cases in the areas of banking and finance, employment, IP, construction and shipping. The firm’s litigation and regulatory team is highly experienced in handling private client disputes. It often keeps busy advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals, executors, trustees, wealth advisors, fiduciaries and family offices.

Key names in commercial and transactions include partners Harris Chan, who brings more than 20 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation at all court levels in Hong Kong, as well as in arbitration proceedings, and head of the firm’s litigation and regulatory practice in Asia Kevin Chan, who focuses his practice on civil dispute resolution. Satpal Gobindpuri is another key figure.

In commercial disputes, the firm is acting for Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) (ICBCA) in a Hong Kong High Court action to recover an over HK$1.5 billion defaulted loan from a subsidiary of Lerthai Group, with Lerthai Group itself and its chairman as guarantors. The firm also advised ICBCA on further proceedings in the PRC with regard to the enforcement of securities.

In another case, the firm advised investment office Sand Aire on an ongoing High Court civil action against an individual and Cre8ive Investment for their default in making payment under a settlement agreement with a settlement sum of Rmb270 million.

Key clients include Chow Sang Sang Securities, Combest Holdings, DIO Corporation and Haitong International Assets Management.

Dorsey Whitney is often sought for its multi-jurisdictional contentious offerings, particularly in the commercial and transactions space. The firm is active in litigation and arbitration proceedings involving corporate acquisitions, shareholder disputes, contentious insolvencies and a wide variety of commercial matters related to investments and transactions in the PRC. The firm’s litigation group has profound industry knowledge in the areas of banking and financial services, biotechnology, manufacturing and TMT.

Partner Sirui (Ray) Liu heads the firm’s office in Beijing. He concentrates on international and commercial litigations and arbitrations, primarily those involving cross-border and extraterritorial disputes. Yiqin (Karen) Fan is a partner to note in the Shanghai office. Other key figures include Janet Wong, Lilian Shi and Katherine Cheung.

The firm represented PICC Property & Casualty Company, the largest non-life insurer in Asia, in a variety of major civil actions, product liability litigations, coverage disputes as well as regulatory consultation matters in the US and Canada. The firm has also been representing various subsidiaries of China Huarong Asset Management, the largest Chinese asset management company, in a variety of commercial dispute resolutions, related financial restructuring and capital market compliance matters in Hong Kong and other offshore jurisdictions.

In IP, the firm represented World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) in pursuing trademark infringement and anti-unfair competition claims against Taizhou World Trade Center in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China. The case was selected as one of the eight typical IP cases in Zhejiang in 2020.

Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Mayo Clinic are some of the notable clients of the firm.

Client feedback

“The firm has rich knowledge and experience in those cross-border matters. Some partners have been regularly appointed and known as expert legal counsel and advisers on the most multifaceted and challenging legal and business matters in China and the US. Overall, the firm's deep experience allows the firm to provide real-world advice that balances commercial sensibilities and risk.” – International arbitration

Sirui (Ray) Liu

“Liu is very capable of wading through complex matters to focus on workable solutions for his clients.”

Prominent PRC law firm Fangda Partners opened its office in Hong Kong in 2012. Supported by the firm’s leading practices in corporate and M&A, private equity, and capital markets, its dispute resolution team in Hong Kong advises at the forefront of complex commercial disputes, particularly in respect of cross-border investments and disputes involving entities from various jurisdictions.

Partner Peter Yuen is the head of the firm's dispute resolution practice. His practice covers international and regional arbitration, China-related commercial arbitration and commercial litigation. Other key figures are Andrew Skudder, Olga Boltenko and Howard Chan.

Case highlights include representing SAIF Partners, a leading China-based private equity fund, in proceedings against a former partner before the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal; representing Fullerton Healthcare Group, a leading Singapore-based global healthcare services provider, in devising a legal strategy against its former partners in separate joint ventures in Hong Kong; and acting for act for the Hong Kong subsidiary of China Great Wall Asset Management, an established state-owned financing institution in the PRC, as plaintiff in a set of mortgage enforcement actions before the Hong Kong High Court against four debtor companies for the recovery of a debt of over HK$110 million.

Client feedback

“They have experience with regulators, know how they will proceed and help to formulate our strategies in response to regulators.” – Government and regulatory

“They provide timely and professional advice for us, and have rich resources in selecting attorneys out of China. They're fluent in English and good at communication between Chinese client and foreign legal advisor.” – International arbitration

Howard Chan

“He is very experienced, thoughtful and detail-minded. He provides great advice and points out the areas where we should pay more attention to and help us formulate our plan and strategies in response to regulators.”

Helen Shi

“Rich with experience and has rich legal resources both in China and in abroad. She is very sensitive with loopholes, and good at persuading clients to make right decision.”

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

Famous for its leading white-collar practice, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher draws on significant on-the-ground experience acting on high-profile internal and government investigations across the Asia-Pacific region. It focuses on work involving FCPA, anti-money laundering, securities and trade control laws. The firm has also expanded significantly in the commercial litigation sphere with the arrival of Brian, Elaine and their team from Clifford Chance. It advises on cutting-edge litigation on a full range of complex contentious matters including banking, insurance, contentious probate and tax.

The firm boasts renowned litigators in the market including Kelly Austin, Elaine Chen and Brian Gilchrist. Gilchrist and Chen are highly respected for their commercial disputes expertise, while Austin is prominent in the white-collar and compliance space.

Case highlights during the research period include representing one of the beneficiaries of the estate of a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist in Hong Kong and the PRC, involving billions of assets located in various jurisdictions; representing an international trustee and successfully defending two high-profile High Court actions commenced by a settlor and beneficiary of the trust, and in another related high-profile action commenced by another beneficiary; and advising an international auction house on disputes and proceedings in relation to consignments for auction and private sales of world-class works of art.

The firm hired William Hallatt from Herbert Smith Freehills as partner in April 2021. He has extensive experience in handling regulatory investigations, particularly high-stakes enforcement matters brought by key financial services regulators. Earlier the year, Oliver Welch was promoted to partner.

Premium Hong Kong independent law firm Howse Williams offers an extensive scope of litigation expertise. The firm handles complex multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes involving shareholders, joint ventures, financial and corporate regulatory, clinical negligence, employment, family and probate, and insurance. The firm is also known for professional indemnity and shipping disputes.

Senior partner Chris Howse is a key name for commercial disputes, insurance and shipping matters. Kevin So is recognised for his expertise in commercial disputes and contentious private client work. Other key members include family and matrimonial disputes stars Linda Heathfield and Stacey Devoy and employment focused Michael Withington.

K&L Gates’ dispute resolution practice is active in commercial and transactions. The firm has experience handling debt restructuring, fraud, professional liability, and contentious employment matters, as well as construction, securities and investment company litigation. In addition, it has been handling an increasing number of technology and intellectual property related disputes.

Key partners include two Hong Kong-based partners Christopher Tung and Sacha Cheong. Tung is active in construction, environmental law, clean energy, and carbon finance. Cheong, on the other hand, specialises in commercial cases, white collar crime, employment and construction. Jay Chiu is another key contact.

The firm is assisting Idemitsu Chemicals, a publicly listed company on the Japanese Stock Exchange, in relation to a litigation matter before the Hong Kong High Court concerning the recovery of $35 million resulting from a sophisticated fraudulent scam. The firm has secured refunds and judgments against 24 of the 32 defendants, and there are on-going steps against the remaining eight defendants.

One IP dispute highlight shows the firm acting for Luxshare Precision, one of the biggest and most well-known connector companies in China, and its subsidiaries, in ITC litigation against US company Amphenol.

Some of the new clients of the firm are American Express International, China Silver Asset Management, CS Asia Opportunities Master Fund, Idemitsu Chemicals (Hong Kong), Wuyi Bairong Electric Appliance and ZTE Corporation.

Client feedback

“The partners are approachable and attentive to clients' needs. K&L Gates offers pragmatic and sensible advice to clients with resolving client's problems rather than unnecessarily inflating bills as the ultimate goal.” – Commercial and transactions

“Knowledgeable and providing effective solutions swiftly.” – Insolvency

Sacha Cheong

“Cheong responds to queries very quickly, which is rare for a partner. He gives frank and pragmatic advice at the early stages of litigation, so that the client will not have unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, he has solid knowledge and experience in litigation to back up his advice. A very nice person to work with.”

Eugene Yeung

“Very connected in the market. Eager to interact with clients proactively and think for the best solutions.”

LC Lawyers, a member of the EY global network of law firms, specialises in dispute resolution and compliance and investigations. Its team is led by Kareena Teh who is recognised for her strong commercial litigation experience. The firm is best known for its solid strategies, effective advocacy and commercial and pragmatic approach in resolving complex cross-border disputes. The firm is also active in Mainland China-related disputes and enforcement actions.

Case highlights in the past 12 months include representing Daimler in opposing an application for an inquiry into damages allegedly suffered as a result of an interim injunction; acting for Justice Without Borders and a migrant domestic worker in claims for compensation for unfair dismissal; and representing Chiho Environmental Group and its operating subsidiary in Hong Kong proceedings, defending claims relating to convertible bonds and pre-listing loan for payment of trade debts.

Client feedback

“Provided very useful, all-rounded analysis of the current situation and options, and provided sound advice on the next steps to take.” – Commercial and transactions

“LC Lawyers was able to comprehensively and succinctly summarise the objectives and concerns of the lay client to counsel, as well as to relay counsel's views to the lay client effectively.” – Commercial and transactions

“The legal team at LC Lawyers was extremely diligent. In preparing for both the appeal and the re-trial, they paid careful attention to every detail of the case, and showed great dedication to the work they're doing for the client.” – Labour and employment

Kareena Teh

“Provided thorough analysis of the situation, give sound advice on the next steps; patient in explaining the histories of the case as we are new to pick up the case.”

“Kareena Teh is an extremely competent litigator with exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.”

Recognised for its dispute resolution expertise especially in the commercial and transaction space, Norton Rose Fulbright has an excellent track record of managing large and complex transactions, projects, and disputes in China and internationally. The firm also regularly advises clients on IP related disputes, with a particular niche in the technology and life sciences sector.

Partners Camille Jojo and Alfred Wu are two reputable dispute resolution stars from the firm. Jojo handles a wide range of complex finance disputes, whereas Wu often advises clients on an extensive range of general commercial litigation and arbitration.

Case highlights include the firm defending a former independent non-executive director of Freeman FinTech Corporation, a company listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKSE), against the petition of the Securities and Futures Commission in the High Court seeking disqualification orders against him and nine other former directors of Freeman for breaching their director duties in the acquisition and the subsequent disposal of shares in Liu’s Holdings in 2011 by Ambition Union (a subsidiary of Freeman); and acting for Zhaoheng Hydropower in defending a High Court action in relation to a contractual claim lodged by Tailong Group, a hydroelectric business in the PRC.

In the private client space, the firm is acting for one of the executors of the Fok Estate on disputes relating to a settlement agreement. This case is one of the most prominent tycoon estate disputes in Hong Kong, receiving wide-spread coverage in the press since 2015.

The firm promoted Kevin Hong to partner in January 2021. He advises domestic and multinational corporations on fraud and asset recovery and in resolving joint venture, shareholders, shipping, sale of goods, product liability, insurance and other contractual disputes. Counsel Daniel Ng has also been promoted to partner in early 2022. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, particularly on advising and representing banks, financial institutions and corporates on contentious matters.

Notable clients include Asia Allied, Champ Prestige, ChinaCast, Gammon Construction, GFG Alliance and Paloma Company.

Client feedback

“This firm is excellent at meeting the expectations of its clients.” – Commercial and transactions

“Calmly getting on with managing matters, providing solid and timely legal advice as requested with sound commercial reference points and insights, safeguarding clients' interests with determination and rigour.” – Family and matrimonial

Camille Jojo

“He is very hands on in case management and always has excellent rapport with the client.”

Founded by Gregory Payne, Payne Clermont Velasco is a litigation-focused boutique established in Hong Kong. The firm serves local and international clients with strength in civil and commercial litigation, criminal, family and matrimonial disputes. Other than Payne, Adam Clermont and Jaerey Velasco are key members of the firm.

In the past 12 months, the firm primarily handled commercial disputes as well as family and matrimonial proceedings. Particularly in one commercial and transactions matter, the firm has been acting for Universal Entertainment Corporation and Tiger Resort Asia in claiming damages of up to $620 million against its former director for overspending on a construction project in breach of fiduciary duties and governance rules for costs control.

The details of the rest of the cases the firm worked on during the research period remain confidential.

Client feedback

“They are very professional, well prepared for the hearing, and have an in-depth understanding of the sector. They genuinely care about the clients and work towards achieving the results, rather dragging it on as some other financially bloodsucking lawyers.” – Family and matrimonial

“Great communications and thinking strategically.” – Family and matrimonial

Gregory Payne

“Prepping clients, giving them valuable advice and guidance. Knowledgeable of the legal systems and structure. Sense of humour to help clients feel at ease.”

Jaerey Velasco

“Very good at thinking strategically beyond just the process. Outstanding communications and staying on top of the relevant aspects of the case. Extremely knowledgeable on the relevant law and cases.”

“Velasco is adept at providing her clients with meaningful advice. She is able to help clients consider the reality and consequences of different choices. She is pragmatic and works collaboratively with other professionals including other lawyers.”

“Jaerey Velasco is pragmatic and supportive of her clients.”

Ropes & Gray is best known in Hong Kong and China for its white-collar expertise handling international investigations, anti-corruption matters and regulatory compliance. The firm is the choice for clients operating in some of the most highly regulated sectors in the region including life sciences, private equity, financial services, real estate, technology and consumer goods. It has been expanding the areas of expertise including insolvency.

Partners Andrew Dale, Geoffrey Atkins and David Zhang are recognised in the white-collar crime sphere.

The firm acted on a range of white-collar crime cases involving investigations, fraud, anti-corruption, compliance and sanctions, although all cases provided during the research period remain highly confidential. The firm also represented several cross-border general commercial litigation and arbitration matters such as shareholders’ disputes, joint venture disputes and contractual disputes.

With decades of Hong Kong dispute resolution experience, RPC is best known for its dispute matters related to banking and finance, insurance, technology and regulatory. The firm’s diverse arbitration practice has profound knowledge across various industry sectors, some of which are banking and financial services, fintech, insurance, retail and technology. The team has extensive experience acting in disputes under a variety of arbitral rules, including ad hoc arbitrations and administered arbitration under the HKIAC, ICC, UNCITRAL, SIAC and CIETAC rules in particular.

Key figures of the firm are litigation star Charles Allen and Antony Sassi, the firm’s managing partner in Asia.

In commercial and transactions, the firm is acting for BDO in defending a $1.95 billion claim commenced by the Sino-Forest Corporation Litigation Trust. This ongoing claim is one of the largest and highest-value litigations currently going through the Hong Kong courts. In another case sample, the firm is acting for BDO in defending against a Rmb6.5 billion claim commenced by the provisional liquidators of China Lumena New Materials Corp.

The firm is also representing the victim of the largest telephone and mobile phone app scam in Hong Kong history, in recovering sums lost in the fraud.

In international arbitration, the firm is representing Noble Prestige in a multi-jurisdictional arbitration and court dispute over the non-payment of sums due under a loan facility agreement.

In early 2021, the firm welcomed renowned employment lawyer Andrea Randall from Gall as partner to set up a local employment practice.

Shearman & Sterling is best known for its work in white-collar crime with a team where every attorney who works on China investigations is fluent in Mandarin. The firm is particularly active in China-related compliance and investigations, acting for clients across pharmaceuticals, media, financial services, consumer goods, energy and insurance sectors. The firm also has an established international arbitration team on the ground.

Brian Burke oversees Asia-Pacific matters and splits his time between China and the US. Burke is well regarded in the areas of corporate investigations, anti-corruption and FCPA enforcement relating to China. Nils Eliasson is an international arbitration expert who splits his time between Singapore and Beijing. He regularly acts on investment treaty arbitrations, project development and construction-related disputes.

Work highlights in the past 12 months include acting on global and regional anti-corruption compliance and investigations matters for clients in the technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, oil and gas and automobile sectors.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett offers deep expertise in disputes arising from white-collar crime including criminal bid-rigging and price-fixing, securities and financial fraud, FCPA and anti-corruption violations and government and internal investigations. With partner Adam Goldberg who is fluent in both English and Chinese, the team is able to provide in-depth local experience and understanding of the region. The firm is experienced in representing financial institutions, multinational companies, professional services firms and senior executives. The firm also often assists clients with structuring corporate compliance programmes. Goldberg is the key figure and contact for disputes.

Case highlights include acting for Korean telecommunications company KT Corporation in an US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) FCPA investigation; acting for a global pharmaceutical manufacturer in a anti-corruption investigation focused on alleged misconduct in multiple jurisdictions; and representing a telecommunications company and individual officers in an anti-corruption investigation by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The firm welcomed several new partners in 2021: Antonio Bavasso, Martin Bell and Marc Berger. Meaghan Kelly and Noritaka Kumamoto were promoted to partners.

Client feedback

“Commercial advice, proactive and constructive suggestions to improve programme design.” – White-collar crime

“Analysis of sensitive US-law issues as they relate to enforcement and investigation matters in China.” – White-collar crime

Adam Goldberg

“Excellent commercial and practical legal and business advice.”

“He provides practical advice and guidance on sensitive matters.”

Shipping specialist Tang & Co operates in association with Singapore international law firm Helmsman. The firm’s Hong Kong office specialises in shipping and commodities disputes and transactional work, insolvency, shareholders disputes, and general commercial litigation. Managing partner Chong Jun Tang is a key figure.

Work highlights include representing Toyota Tsusho Corporation in disputes arising from the sale and purchase of Oman crude oil, and the recovery of approximately $24 million from Brightoil group; advising China Base, the majority shareholder of Camsing International, in a contract dispute against Shanghai Gopher; and representing Quaestus Capital in a securities fraud against Everton Associates and Axis Capital concerning the recovery of 90 million shares in China Metal Resources Utilization.

Key clients include Index-Cool Marine & Industry, PASLA Services and POW! Entertainment.

Chong Jun Tang

“Excellent knowledge of the law and procedures and great customer service.”

With over 30 years’ experience, Vivien Chan & Co has built itself a strong reputation in general disputes and intellectual property. The firm is frequently seen working with in-house counsel of multinational companies as well as high-net-worth individuals. Senior partner Vivien Chan oversees the practice. Partner Owen Tse is a key contact for arbitration and construction matters. For IP disputes, Anna Mae Koo is a well-regarded practitioner.

Case highlights include acting for a world leading direct-selling company Alticor in stopping an established business from using a highly similar tradename in Hong Kong; acting for Merck, a multinational pharmaceutical company, in investigation plans in relation to counterfeit vaccines seized at medical centres in Hong Kong; advising one of the founders of a decacorn company in securing her interest in a dispute with other founders; and acting for a corporate purchaser of a major commercial premises to successfully defend claims of commission of exceeding HK$15 million from a consultant.

Boutique law firm William KW Leung & Co is active in corporate litigation, including shareholders disputes, derivative actions, restructuring, and cross-border proceedings. The firm’s IP team handles all aspects of trademark, design, patent and domain name registration, licensing and distribution rights including computer contracts, IP consultancy, and infringement matters. William KW Leung is the key contact.

Case highlights include acting for a Hong Kong company in making an application of evidence preservation to the PRC Court via HKIAC; advising the liquidators of a company in liquidation to commence a claim against the former directors and shareholders to recover the company’s assets; acting for a Russian corporate on a claim of damages arisen out of contractual dispute; and advising the charterer on a Mareva injunction commenced by the owner against the charterer.

Withers’ family and matrimonial practice positions itself as a formidable player in the market with the largest dedicated team in Hong Kong. The team includes specialist accredited Hong Kong lawyers, trained collaborative lawyers and English family law specialists. It has profound experience acting for high net-worth individuals with international trusts and complex corporate assets. The firm also expanded its general litigation and international arbitration practice by hiring experienced partners and teams. Its newly established team covers a wide range of disputes across the construction, commodities, energy, financial services, healthcare and technology industries.

There was a flurry of moves during the research period. The firm hired Joseph Chu and Michael Chik as partners, who joined from Simmons & Simmons and Bird & Bird, respectively. Partner Soo Khim Keoy departed and joined Clifford Chance. In early 2022, family and divorce specialist Rita Ku left firm and established her own eponymous boutique firm, Rita Ku & Solicitors. She was joined shortly after by family and divorce law doyenne Sharon Ser.

In the family and matrimonial space, case highlights include the firm acting for an individual on a ground-breaking LGBT rights case; successfully setting aside two consent summonses signed on divorce settlement; and representing an individual and acting on disputes arising from the issue of 'habitual residence' in the context of the jurisdictional basis for a divorce of a Japanese nationals couple.