Mayer Brown > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Mayer Brown > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hong Kong > Asset finance (including aviation and shipping finance)

With an ‘outstanding understanding and knowledge of the industry and industry players in Asia’, the team at Mayer Brown serves as a trusted adviser to major airlines and financiers across the aviation and shipping sectors, handling a broad spectrum of work encompassing multi-jurisdictional aircraft and ship leasing transactions, export financing, as well as aviation dispute management, litigation, and arbitration matters. Richard Stock leads the aviation finance practice, representing clients in a range of proceedings seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the aftermath of the pandemic within the aviation market, especially in China and Hong Kong. Counsel Evelyn Lok is another key team member, contributing not only to the commercial airline aspect but also to corporate and private jet financings. In the latter role, Lok regularly advises international banks providing financing for new and used corporate jets. Hallam Chow advises both Chinese and international lenders and borrowers in outbound and inbound aviation asset finance transactions. Following Conor Warde’s departure to CMS in February 2023, Maggie Cheung has taken the helm of the maritime finance offering. Cheung is particularly well-versed in handling PRC-related transactions within the realm of ship finance and leasing.

Hong Kong > Construction Tier 1

Under the leadership of Geoffrey Chan , the ‘exceptionally strong and well-balanced team’ at Mayer Brown provides  ‘intelligent and strategic advice’ to public and private sector clients on domestic as well as large-scale cross-border construction projects, where it is particularly well-suited to act by virtue of its expansive network of international offices. Infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, residential and cultural projects are particular areas of strength, and the firm is often sought out by clients to advise on high-profile local/regional projects including its ongoing work for The Hong Kong Jockey Club on the Conghua Training Centre in China. On the litigation front, Menachem Hasofer  is appreciated by clients for his ability to ‘come up with brilliant solutions to resolve difficult issues’, including on complex judicial review proceedings as well as conventional arbitration proceedings. In addition, Hasofer excels in public procurement matters and has developed niche expertise advising on bid challenges under the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). The ‘very experienced’ Mei Ling Lew  is noted for her ‘great eye for detail’ and is ‘able to efficiently handle large-scale complex disputes’, including recent involvement in two major Commissions of Inquiry.

Hong Kong > Insurance Tier 1

The ‘very strong’ team at Mayer Brown draws upon an ‘in-depth knowledge of insurance law’, ensuring that it is well-placed to advise on disputes across financial lines products (including D&O and professional indemnity claims), personal injury and public liability. Angela Yim regularly takes the lead on major insurance litigation, including casualty claims relating to high-profile automotive accidents which have involved issues of liability/quantum and sensitive handling of claims handling. Tow Lu Lim is praised for his ability to provide ‘creative and feasible solutions’ in claims against professionals across a variety of industry sectors, as well as advising on regulatory issues and having niche cybersecurity incident response expertise. Marina Fung co-heads the team alongside Yim and Lim and is noted for her expertise at handling insurance litigation regarding motor liability, public liability and employee compensation claims.

Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 1

Mayer Brown's Hong Kong team excels in handling a broad spectrum of employment-related matters, ranging from advisory and dispute resolution to transactional and strategic issues, supporting clients across diverse industries, including aviation, education, real estate, and government entities. Notably, the team also has substantial expertise in offering guidance on a wide range of HR concerns, actively participating in various employment-related chambers and committees in Hong Kong, reinforcing its network within the HR community across the broader Asia-Pacific region. Leading the practice is Hong Tran, a seasoned lawyer with substantial experience in handling contentious matters, frequently representing employers involved in investigations from the Labour Tribunal to the Court of Final Appeal. Notably, Tran also holds the role of chair for the firm’s Asia Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a position that lends him insights that further enrich his work, which includes handling discrimination cases. Duncan Abate is another stand out, sought after by clients for guidance on labour relations, employment terminations, data privacy matters, and regulatory employment mandates, in addition to managing the entire process of establishing, maintaining, and restructuring occupational retirement schemes. Another key figure at partner level is the ‘personable and compassionate’ Jennifer Tam, an experienced litigator who frequently handles investigations and complaints to various employment bodies in Hong Kong, as well as dealing with trade unions and labour relations matters.

Hong Kong > Real estate Tier 1

Leveraging several branches of expertise in the finance, funds, and disputes spheres, Mayer Brown‘s thirteen-partner team is well placed to provide property developers, banks, and financial sponsors with advice regarding the real estate sector, with key areas of strength extending to the commercial, residential, and retail markets, among others. The sizeable practice is headed up by Keith Cheung, a veteran lawyer with considerable experience in all aspects of debt financing, representing banks and real estate developers for acquisition-related facilities in both Hong Kong and the PRC. Other key figures at partner level include Robert Lynn, a trusted advisor to the leading Hong Kong and China-based property developers, and Eugene Wong, who is ‘very professional in handling matters’. Also noted for his real estate financing capabilities, Fun Kuen Au is additionally well-versed in advising the Real Estate Developers Association, while Ricky Yiu is noted for his niche expertise in the hotel sector. Jasmine Chiu is another notable figure, drawing from her real estate and banking and finance experience to build strong relations with high-profile commercial real estate banks. Peter Ho is recommended for the breadth of his real estate investment expertise.

Hong Kong > Antitrust and competition Tier 2

Mayer Brown houses a broad team which leverages its global network to assist clients across Europe and the US with the competition aspects of transactions, dawn raid response programmes, and compliance within China. Practice co-head Hannah Ha has broad, longstanding experience in assisting clients with HKCC investigations and compliance, in addition to merger control filings within the PRC. John Hickin acts for both global brands and domestic companies in requests and inquiries, internal investigations, and the establishment of joint ventures.

Hong Kong > Banking and finance Tier 2

Praised as ‘professional and responsive‘, Mayer Brown‘s Hong Kong office has developed a market-leading reputation representing major Chinese companies on the full spectrum of banking and finance transactions. A significant proportion of the deal flows relates to syndicated lending mandates, including in the context of acquisition, asset finance, as well as within the real estate and energy sectors. The team focuses its attention particularly on the aviation industry, and practice head Richard Stock has led on many of the firm’s high-profile matters relating to assisting airlines, lessors and financial institutions to document aircraft and aviation-related transactions. Francis Chen is also a key contact for international banks and corporates in cross-border financing structures, and his recent highlights include advising HSBC on a variety of sustainable-linked loans facilities. Fanny Wang retired in April 2023.

Hong Kong > Data protection and cyber security Tier 2

Mayer Brown has strong regulatory capabilities when acting on mandates concerning national security and data security requirements within Hong Kong, and the implications of the PIPL. The group is also known for handling procedures in relation to ransom demands. The well known Gabriela Kennedy leads the team, and is noted for her experience in handling cyber incident responses, often advising on post incident strategies and responses to customers and regulators. Kennedy has broad expertise in the privacy aspects of digital transformation projects, including issues such as data audits, the sovereignty of data, and adequacy assessments under Hong Kong national security rules and GDPR. With ‘unparalleled‘ experience, TL Lim takes a ‘dynamic‘ approach when acting as a breach coach in notifications and communication strategies, often conducting workshops with international corporations.

Hong Kong > Intellectual property Tier 2

Leveraging its strong credentials in Hong Kong and on Mainland China, Mayer Brown is accomplished at advising clients from a range of sectors including financial services, construction, manufacturing, retail, luxury and fashion, in relation to both regional and global IPR protection. On the litigation front, a particular strength is the firm’s ability to effectively mobilise local law and US law advice for Chinese clients on cross-border IP litigation, including as it relates to Section 337 of the International Trade Commission (ITC). Combining strong broad-based TMT knowledge with core IP experience, ‘very professional’ team head Gabriela Kennedy provides ‘sound advice’ to clients seeking to protect, enforce and commercialise their brands throughout Asia and beyond. In addition, Kennedy is well-versed in domain name disputes and has niche data privacy expertise. Amita Haylock is particularly adept at advising on IP issues arising within the software and technology sectors, including arbitration of copyright infringement and disputes arising out of licensing agreements. Counsel Michelle Yee has strong credentials advising on brand management matters.

Hong Kong > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 2

The ‘commercially-minded’ restructuring and insolvency team at Mayer Brown  is led by John Marsden, who specialises in a wide range of matters in the commercial and corporate context, including financing transactions, non-performing loan disposals, and corporate restructurings. The practice stands out with its unique integration throughout the APAC region, further bolstered by the firm’s robust restructuring prowess spanning Europe and America. It acts for a diverse clientele of all types of stakeholders, like PRC policy banks, international banks, AMCs, funds, and professional services firms. Assisting Marsden is Benjamin McCosker, a highly experienced practitioner with triple qualifications in Hong Kong, Bermuda, and Australia. McCosker became part of the firm’s team in July 2022, bringing with him well-rounded expertise that encompasses both the contentious and non-contentious dimensions of complex distressed scenarios.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 2

Mayer Brown’s IP and TMT practice is well-regarded for its handling of IT and fintech projects, with the team frequently assisting on issues pertaining to fintech, regtech, AI and payments. Other key areas of expertise include cyber security and data privacy, in addition to regulatory telecoms matters. The team also advises on the establishment of virtual banks, cross-border data transfers and the implementation of fintech and e-commerce platforms. Practice leader Gabriela Kennedy handles data privacy mandates throughout Asia, as well as domain name and IT matters. Amita Haylock stands out for her expertise in cross-border arbitrations involving licensing, technology and IP issues, while TL Lim is a key contact for cybersecurity work extending to response strategies after catastrophic accidents. Joshua Woo, who advises on technology-related transactions, is another key contact in the group.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (debt) Tier 3

Deeply embedded into the local ecosystem, both from a regulatory, cultural and business view point, as a result of the legacy firm’s longstanding roots in Hong Kong, Mayer Brown effectively combines regional sensibilities with an international mindset to good effect for underwriters and issuers engaged in DCM transactions under New York, English and Hong Kong law. New York-law qualified partner Jason Elder has a strong reputation advising on global offerings of high yield and investment grade debt, as well as advising on mandates within developed economies, and is also well-versed at handling work within emerging and frontier market jurisdictions, including Mongolia and Indonesia. Thomas Kollar also excels at cross-border mandates (including Rule 144A/Regulation S) involving a breadth of DCM products, and has a similarly wide geographical reach as Elder, including work in relation to Indonesian, Mongolian and Vietnamese sovereign bond issuances. Guiping Lu has an excellent reputation advising banks as underwriters on debt raised by PRC companies, including his involvement on the first Shanghai FTZ bond offering involving an offshore trustee.

Hong Kong > Corporate (including M&A) Tier 3

Mayer Brown handles a broad array of matters for clients, including recapitalisations, asset sales and purchases, and competition clearance for transactions. Hannah Ha leads the team with her longstanding expertise in advising global corporations, sovereign wealth funds, and Chinese companies within the pharmaceutical, aviation, and hospitality sectors. Mark Uhrynuk has broad expertise in private equity and ESG related matters, frequently dispensing advice on joint ventures, divestitures, and fund formation; and Jeckle Chiu often represents investment banks and corporates in matters concerning convertible securities, IPOs, and corporate finance issues.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 3

Mayer Brown offers extensive experience, as both advocates and arbitrators, across the gamut of international arbitration and dispute settlement procedures in the region, spanning HKIAC, CIETAC, SIAC, ICC and SCIA. The firm’s arbitration specialists have expertise across a broad range of key economic and regulated sectors, from energy and construction to finance and insurance. Practice co-head Menachem Hasofer’s practice has a particular focus on disputes arising from building construction and infrastructure projects. Geoffrey Chan jointly leads the practice and is highly experienced in construction arbitration and ADR in Hong Kong, China and Macau.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3

The disputes resolution team at Mayer Brown is highly experienced across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions, with a notable offering in the fields of commercial, banking and finance, and real estate litigation, as well as recognisable skill in the regulatory investigations space. Co-head of the firm’s global litigation practice Geoffrey Chan fronts the Hong Kong offering and is especially highly regarded for his skills handling complex contentious construction matters. Alan Linning also brings over three decades of commercial litigation experience, with his practice focusing on financial services regulatory matters and investigations.

Hong Kong > Structured finance and securitisation Tier 3

Mayer Brown's Hong Kong practice is the go-to choice for a wide range of corporates and financial institutions seeking expertise across a broad spectrum of high-value derivatives and structured finance matters. The team handles a diverse portfolio, including intricate repackaging transactions, structured fund-linked financing, regulatory concerns, and multi-jurisdictional matters, with a notable focus on serving China-based multinational and local clients, an area in which the group has been notably active recently. Standing at the helm is Richard Stock, an accomplished banking and finance lawyer, while Vincent Sum oversees derivatives and structured matters, serving as a primary contact for major international and China-based banks.

Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 4

Headed by the ‘commercially aware’ Paul Moloney, the combined regulatory and fund formation team at Mayer Brown provides ‘high-quality and cost-effective’ advice to a GP-focused client base on the establishment, fundraising and ongoing compliance issues associated with hedge and private equity funds. In this regard, clients also benefit from access to lawyers spread through key global offices, including in the US, UK, mainland China and Singapore, for cross-border issues. Maloney also handles some investor side work and advises asset managers based in Asia on the formation of European domiciled public (UCITS) and private funds (AIFs).

Hong Kong > Regulatory: anti-corruption and compliance Tier 4

Leveraging the firm’s broader commercial litigation credentials, Mayer Brown's white-collar group, which is led by Alan Linning, is well-positioned to represent a myriad of financial services entities and listed companies regarding regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. As well as his significant experience in private practice, clients also benefit from Linning's in-house experience at a major investment bank, as well as the regulatory insights he gained in his former role as executive director of enforcement at the SFC. Raymond Chan is also a key member of the team and has experience handling internal investigations, as well as investigations before the ICAC and the SFC.

Hong Kong > Regulatory Tier 4

Mayer Brown is well-positioned to advise financial services clients across the full spectrum of their regulatory needs, ranging from licensing requirements and new products to regulatory issues associated with transactions in the sector, and regulatory investigations/enforcement actions. Alan Linning, who co-heads the team alongside Sara Or, has vast experience in the sector gleaned through his time in private practice, as well as in-house at a major investment bank and a stint as Executive Director of the Enforcement team of the SFC. Tow Lu Lim is ‘always capable of providing timely, practical and actionable advice’ on regulatory issues impacting clients in the insurance sector.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 5

Mayer Brown handles a steady flow of work for issuers and underwriters on mid-sized listings and global offerings on the HKSE, as well as on follow-on offerings and convertible bond offerings. Chinese speaking team head Billy Au  has strong traction among Chinese state-owned and privately-owned enterprises (including within regulated sectors), which regularly instruct him on their ECM work and broader corporate finance mandates.

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms Tier 3

Mayer Brown has international arbitration practices spanning the region, notably with extensive experience in Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul. Energy sector knowledge is a particular strength of the team, with LNG sector disputes, oil & gas, energy-related commodities, and renewable power all falling under the remit of practitioners within the team. Also of note is the work the team undertakes related to the Asian infrastructure sector, along with financial disputes and insurance disputes practices. In the Hong Kong office, Menachem Hasofer and Geoffrey Chan lead the team, with Terence Tung acting as head of the China arbitration practice. Based in Singapore, Yu-Jin Tay is the head of the practice, with Kay-Jannes Wegner, Paul Teo, and Kate Apostolova all key names.

China > Investment funds: foreign firms Tier 3

Mayer Brown's investment funds practice, based in Hong Kong with a global reach spanning four continents, stands ready to offer expert counsel to top-tier companies and financial institutions. They provide comprehensive guidance on legal, regulatory, and commercial matters, serving the needs of fund sponsors, institutional investors, and players in the alternative investment sector. Led by seasoned professionals Paul Moloney and Mark Uhrynuk , the practice excels in managing the complete fund lifecycle, from inception and ongoing compliance to the intricacies of restructuring and winding-up processes.

China > Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms Tier 3

Mayer Brown is a ‘commercially-minded and exceptionally supportive‘ full-service restructuring practice with extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team’s expertise covers bond restructurings, trust asset claim adjudication and cross-border enforcement. The practitioners act for creditors, issuers, insolvency practitioners and corporate trustees, with notably clients such as CDB, ICBC and Maybank. The head of practice, John Marsden, represents clients in a wide range of matters and is highly knowledgeable in financing transactions, non-performing loan disposals and corporate restructurings. The team also includes Terence Tung , who has extensive experience in cross-border disputes; the highly experienced Pierre Dzakpasu, and Benjamin McCosker, whose expertise covers complex, multi-jurisdictional restructuring transactions.

China > TMT: foreign firms Tier 3

Mayer Brown’s Hong Kong-based team offers advice on a diverse array of contemporary issues, from AI, blockchain, and virtual banking to cybersecurity and the nuances of fintech platforms. Gabriela Kennedy leads the team with her experience in handling data privacy and cybersecurity issues across various Asian jurisdictions, and proficiency in media litigation, IT sourcing, and telecoms regulations. Amita Haylock specialises in complex litigation and alternate dispute resolution, particularly in telecoms, broadcasting, IP, and competition law.

Mongolia > Leading firms Tier 3

Mayer Brown regularly represents domestic and international clients, including international banks, lenders, and development finance institutions. The firm’s experience with cross-border matters enables it to advise its clients on a wide range of issues, including mandates regarding capital markets, financing transactions, and real estate development. The firm also maintains a strong practice in corporate trust matters concerning bond issuances, liability management, and restructurings. The practice is led by Jason Elder, whose focus is on high-yield bonds issues, alongside Thomas Kollar, who advises on cross-border capital markets transactions and general corporate matters.

China > Private equity: foreign firms Tier 4

A global firm with a well integrated regional presence, Mayer Brown’s private equity group regularly advises top PE, venture capital, hedge, real estate, infrastructure and sovereign wealth funds across the spectrum of transactions. The Hong Kong-based team of Mark Uhrynuk, David Ellis and Ricky Yiu are key players, being considered experts in the ESG and real estate sectors respectively. Steven Tran departed to Morrison Foerster in December 2022.

South Korea > International arbitration Tier 4

After expanding its international arbitration practice in 2022, Mayer Brown‘s team continues to be active in the energy and power sectors, with two of the recent arrivals still involved with longstanding defence procurement and construction-related arbitrations. The practice is jointly led by managing partner Yu-Jin Tay, Menachem Hasofer, and Geoffrey Chan, and the team handles the full-range of renewable power and natural resources related disputes. With two decades of international arbitration experience, Kay-Jannes Wegner joined from Kim & Chang in May 2022, and focuses on cross-border disputes in telecommunications and joint ventures. Senior associate Edern Coent also joined from the same firm in April 2022.

China > Real estate and construction: foreign firms

The real estate and construction practice at Mayer Brown handles traditional real estate projects and investments, as well as contentious and non-contentious construction issues. The sizable team enables the firm to advise on a broad array of matters, including development, finance, M&A, disposals, and disputes related to real estate. The team is known for its expertise on real estate-related M&A, funds, and financing transactions. The firm’s clientele includes numerous major banks and financiers, where the firm advises on acquisition development and property-related financing. Outbound investments and cross-border transactions are also key areas. The team is co-led by Keith Cheung, Tom Fu, Andy Yeo, and Geoffrey Chan, who are based across Hong Kong and China. Fu splits his time between Hong Kong and Beijing, specialising in construction projects, while Hong Kong-based Chan handles complex arbitration matters. Also noted are counsel Rosalyn Han who works with international developers and contractors on high-value projects from Beijing, and Shanghai-based senior associate Ellen Zhang who focuses on direct property acquisition and joint ventures.

China > Intellectual property: foreign firms

Mayer Brown's Hong Kong-based IP team has enviable roots in IP dispute resolution, handling matters pertaining to company hijacking, litigation and arbitration, most of which involve insolvency issues or cross-border elements. The department's combined sectoral experience encompasses the financial services, construction, manufacturing, retail, fashion, real estate, hospitality, media, tech and telecommunications sectors. Team head and co-leader of the firm's global IP practice Gabriela Kennedy is a towering figure in the IP and TMT fields; her clients include tech start-ups, media companies and universities. Other recommended individuals include Amita Haylock, whose IP expertise covers trademarks, copyright, designs and patents; and counsel Michelle Yee, who is head of brand management and specialises in the biotech sector.

China > Banking and finance: foreign firms

Mayer Brown‘s team advises lenders and borrowers on the full spectrum of banking and finance transactions, including leveraged and acquisition finance, and bilateral and syndicated loans. Richard Stock, who has longstanding experience in assisting airlines, lessors and financial institutions with aviation-related transactions, leads the banking and finance practice in Asia from Hong Kong. Former Beijing partners Hallam Chow and Boya Shen departed in September 2023 to join Haiwen & Partners.