The Legal 500

The ‘preeminent’ practice in Hong Kong, Allen & Overy has genuine arbitration credibility, with the immensely experienced Matthew Gearing (‘the best arbitration lawyer in Hong Kong’) leading the charge on investor-state, corporate and banking disputes around Asia. The team recently acted for an international bank in bringing a claim under the Germany-Sri Lanka Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) against Sri Lanka. Consultant Frances van Eupen provides further senior firepower.

Herbert Smith is commended for its ‘mastering of the documentation’ and ‘preparation for a case’, to the extent that is often enables clients to ‘settle advantageously’. Much credit should go to lead partner Justin D’Agostino, who is ‘splendid’, ‘clear’, ‘completely on top of matters’ and noted in particular for energy and infrastructure disputes. Clients also commend him for being able to ‘graft on to the management team’ and ‘not be afraid to say what the best course of action should be’. D’Agostino is also credited with assembling a high-quality department.

Clifford Chance’s Cameron Hassall is ‘building up a good practice’, with clients also recognising the importance of Martin Rogers’ presence in the event of particularly sticky disputes. The team has a fine standing in cross-border investment disputes, particularly in the energy and infrastructure, private equity and financial institutions sectors.

Fulbright & Jaworski LLP’s energy and power sector expertise is used to great effect in Hong Kong, with solicitor advocate and former barrister Richard Hill being one of the most recognised arbitration specialists in town. Hill also acts as arbitrator on occasion and outside the firm’s natural energy environment has appeared in a number of transport-related cases. Counsel Jia Fei is also a key member of the team.

Founded on a market leading construction practice, Mallesons Stephen Jaques has successfully nurtured a strong presence in arbitration. Although construction and infrastructure cases dominate, it has a broad practice, with David Bateson and Paul Starr considered to be ‘smart lawyers’ that do ‘real arbitration work’.

O’Melveny & Myers LLP has a burgeoning arbitration practice, most notably in relation to China FDI cases, including foreign joint-ventures, and power disputes. Clients commend the ‘outstanding’ team’s ‘international knowledge on legal advice and in-depth understanding of the China market’. Friven Yeoh is the lead partner.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP’s Robert Pé (‘someone I rate’) has become a major figure in Asia-based arbitrations and the firm has made significant headway under his leadership. Amongst a number of notable cases in which he has demonstrated solid advocacy skills, Pé has represented a number of private equity funds in connection with disputes relating to real estate investments.

For Sidley Austin arbitration is a key pillar of the dispute resolution practice, given additional weight by the relocation of Yang Ing Loong (‘well known’, ‘sensible’) to Hong Kong from Singapore. Allen Kim is another recognised arbitration specialist, particularly in disputes involving Korean parties, while Charles Allen is also a regular in arbitral proceedings. The latter recently appeared in a landmark case relating to sovereign immunity.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s Paul Mitchard QC is a big name in the arbitration sector. Though also involved in Hong Kong litigation, he is gradually building one of the leading arbitration practices in town. Much of the practice is investment related, including disputes over PRC joint ventures.

With close connections to major Indian energy companies and Chinese SOEs, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is a genuine player in the international arbitration scene in Hong Kong. Much credit should go to the ‘truly outstanding’ Christopher Walker who is ‘very strategic’, ‘incredibly clever’ and ‘always accessible’. Walker’s longstanding experience with India-related disputes is ‘unparalleled’.

Baker & McKenzie enhanced its credentials with the hire of genuine arbitration specialist James Kwan from Simmons & Simmons in 2011. He has a fine reputation in CIETAC and Hong Kong arbitrations, while head of the dispute resolution department Gary Seib is also a recognised arbitration expert.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has global credibility including in investor-state disputes in Asia. Peter Yuen is particularly well reputed in connection with PRC-related arbitrations.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s dispute resolution practice is now principally focused on international arbitration and Hong Kong stalwart Simon Powell has made significant progress since joining the firm from Jones Day. Investment, trade and shareholder disputes across Asia dominate.

Linklaters is a little less specialised in international arbitration compared to its traditional rivals, but it has practitioners that are more than a match for many of their peers. Tom Lidstrom is becoming a recognised name in arbitration, recently acting for a defendant in a HKIAC arbitration involving alleged accounting fraud and representing an Asian conglomerate in an SIAC commodities arbitration.