Clifford Chance > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Clifford Chance > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hong Kong > Asset finance (including aviation and shipping finance) Tier 1

Praised for its ‘deep experience’, Clifford Chance counts banks, financial institutions, lessors, and investors among its key roster of clients and is noted for its demonstrable capability in handling aviation finance deals. Commended for his ‘exceptional knowledge’, Paul Greenwell leads the team and focuses on asset and structured finance matters, with notable experience of aviation and aircraft finance-related mandates in the PRC and Japanese markets. Hetty Lam is a ‘very experienced and efficient operator’, and advises on cross-border leasing and financing transactions arising out of the aviation sector.

Hong Kong > Banking and finance Tier 1

Clifford Chance’s ‘deep knowledge on the banking and finance law’ makes it a premier choice for all manner of investment banks, private equity sponsors, credit funds, and corporates, who turn to the team for its capabilities in high-profile matters, including complex majority stake acquisitions and loan facilities agreements. Practice chair and 'clients' guiding light', Anthony Wang is widely regarded as a market leader for his capabilities in leveraged and acquisition finance. Dauwood Malik is noted for his extensive experience in debt finance; in a notable pathfinder mandate, he led the first-of-its-kind standard loan documentation advice to the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA). Other senior names include Matthew Truman, general banking and restructuring expert; Maggie Lo, who routinely acts for Chinese state-owned enterprises and financial institutions; and Vicky Ma, project finance expert. The group also leans on Beijing and Shanghai-based Jiahua Ni, and Edith Leung, whose practice is dedicated to leveraged and acquisition finance.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (debt) Tier 1

Drawing upon excellent product knowledge, geographical diversity (including a strong mainland presence) and local, as well as internationally-qualified lawyers, Clifford Chance is well-positioned to advise issuers and underwriters across a broad swathe of DCM work both locally, and in relation to global offerings. Combining her administrative roles as regional managing partner across APAC with a compelling transactional practice, team head Connie Heng leads from the front and continues to handle a range of international securities, including on Rule 144A/Reg S offerings, as well as significant recent experience in RMB capital markets products. Angela Chan has a strong and varied practice which includes a considerable amount of work for Chinese clients on offshore bond issuances, as well as international offerings, including her work for China Merchants Bank on its novel issuance of floating rate blue notes. Mark Chan is also very adept at handling ESG-related bond issuances, including social and green bonds, while vastly experienced US-qualified partner Alan Yeung excels at advising on debt offerings of securities into the US.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 1

Forming a part of a cohesive and extensive Greater China offering that includes a strong presence in mainland China, the ‘professional and service-oriented’ Hong Kong team at Clifford Chance continues to pick up sponsor/underwriter or issuer side roles on many of the largest IPOs on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. US and Hong Kong-qualified Fang Liu is pivotal to much of this work and combines deep local cultural and business sensitivities with an international mindset which is appreciated by clients within a variety of sectors including TMT, financial services and energy. As well as his work in relation to H share listings, Liu has also played a key part on the firm’s work on three out of the four market-first global depositary receipts (GDRs) listings on the SIX Swiss Exchange by China-listed issuers. In addition to her transactional expertise, Virginia Lee has deep regulatory knowledge (she is currently a serving member of the HKEC Listing Committee) which she effectively utilises on post listing compliance work, as well as in the furtherance of potential change within the Hong Kong capital market. Tim Wang heads up the overarching Greater China ECM offering.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 1

One of the pre-eminent international arbitration offerings in Greater China, Clifford Chance is distinct when taking both a common and civil law approach to disputes, conducting arbitrations in Chinese, English or both. The team has also established an exemplary reputation in a number of key sectors, including private equity and financial institutions, mainland corporate transactions, and IP and tech; with partner Ling Ho being an expert in arbitrations concerning the latter. Thomas Walsh jointly leads the practice from Hong Kong, extremely well-versed in multi-jurisdictional disputes and sitting as an arbitrator under all the major rules, including HKIAC, ICC and SIAC. Shanghai-based co-head Lei Shi is also a commanding figure in this space and has represented an extensive number of major PRC banks, financial investors and tech companies. Cameron Hassall is a veteran of commercial cross-border arbitration, having recently been granted higher rights of audience in Hong Kong, while Jonathan Wong is a trusted advisor to numerous financial investors and large multinationals. Below partner level, quadrilingual lead associate Tania Tse has a solid reputation for handling JV related disputes in ICC arbitration, and counsel Dianna Shao has a particular focus on PE and M&A-related arbitrations.

Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 1

Clifford Chance remains a popular choice among investors and funds due to its deep institutional knowledge base built up over its many years in the market, and its ability to draw from broader resources both in the region and globally through its international network of offices. Following the retirement of Mark Shipman in May 2023, Matthias Feldmann heads the team, and combines deep industry knowledge, gleaned through strong trade body relationships, including the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) with strong credibility among hedge and private real estate fund managers, in particular. Liyong Xing, who joined in June 2022 from Kirkland & Ellis, has strong connections with regionally headquartered funds including private equity funds, which she advises on structuring and regulatory matters, as well as on secondary transactions. As part of his broad ranging practice across asset classes, Rocky Mui has developed particular skill in relation to fintech matters.

Hong Kong > Regulatory Tier 1

Clifford Chance is a popular choice among a stellar roster of banking and funds clients to advise on a myriad of regulatory issues, both on a standalone basis as well as in the context of transactional work. In this context, not only is the firm able to call upon market-leading product experts who act on the front end of deals, but also core regulatory experts who are at the cutting edge of developments in the market. Although it does handle purely domestic work, many of the mandates handled by the team have a cross-border complexion, where the firm is particularly well-suited to act by virtue of its ability to work alongside colleagues with product and regulatory expertise in key global offices, including in the US, UK and Europe. Rocky Mui handles non-contentious matters, both in relation to conventional funds/banking regulatory matters as well as within the fintech space – a sector which he has particular expertise and insight. Donna Wacker heads up the overarching APAC financial regulatory group and specialises in contentious mandates including enforcement actions and internal investigations. Financial services luminary Mark Shipman retired in May 2023.

Hong Kong > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 1

The global financial markets restructuring team at Clifford Chance regularly advises major international banks, funds, private equity investors, and corporates on a wide spectrum of R&I work. Most matters are cross-border, as the the firm leverages its pan-Asian coverage and its capacity to combine expertise across a full spectrum of products and practices, such as finance, litigation, and dispute resolution. An illustrative instance of this strength is the team’s robust response to the aftermath of disruptions in the airline industry, which has notably affected many of the firm’s clients, leading to a collaborative effort between the R&I practice and the aviation finance practice. In addition to its expertise in aviation, the team excels in sectors like TMT, food and beverage, and energy. Donna Wacker heads the contentious insolvency practice and regularly leads on complex cross-border liquidations. The non-contentious side of the practice is led by Scott Bache, a key contact for international corporates seeking guidance on the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency matters. Other key figures within the team include Soo Khim Keoy, an experienced litigator, the ‘extremely hard-working and exceptionally intelligent’ Phoebe Lo, who specialises in corporate insolvency and restructuring work, and Thomas Walsh, whose practice focuses on cross-border disputes.

Hong Kong > Corporate (including M&A) Tier 2

Clifford Chance’s team exhibits expertise in a variety of matters, including inbound and outbound M&A within China, multijurisdictional transactions, and both public and private M&A. Practice head Andrew Crook assists clients across a broad range of sectors, including energy, education, and technology. Emma Davies leads the healthcare and life sciences group, advising a broad range of international clients on corporate restructuring. Virginia Lee handles an array of issues, including equity fundraisings and pre-IPO investments, and is a committee member of the SFC’s Share Registrars’ Disciplinary Committee. The team welcomed Alex Bidlake who joined from Linklaters in August 2023.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 2

Clifford Chance combines its renowned international capabilities with an in-depth understanding of the local Chinese market, having a particularly strong presence in the banking litigation space and regularly advising leading financial institutions, investors and corporates on complex cross-border mandates. Practice head Ling Ho brings over three decades of experience advising on IP and tech-related disputes, while the considerable breadth of Soo Khim Keoy’s expertise spans the likes of commercial and financial litigation, shareholder and JR disputes and contentious insolvency proceedings. Michael Wang’s practice focuses primarily on banking litigation and contentious regulatory matters, being a trusted advisor to top banks, investment funds, brokerage firms and listed companies. Below partner level, counsel Yvonne Shek and senior associate Jolly Xu are key contacts, with the former having developed a solid reputation for JV, insolvency and trust disputes.

Hong Kong > Private equity Tier 2

Jointly led by Andrew Crook and Terence Foo, the practice at Clifford Chance handles a variety of issues, including PIPEs, take-privates, and mezzanine financings. The team is recognised for its leveraged financing expertise, in addition to its combined knowledge of venture and growth capital investments. Crook has broad experience in assisting financial investors across a broad range of sectors, including energy and resources, education, and healthcare. Promoted to partner in May 2023, Julie Fu utilises her vast expertise in private equity led joint ventures and M&A within greater China to advise a range of pharmaceutical companies and international funds. Bryan Koo maintains a diverse practice consisting of fundraisings, secondaries transactions and restructurings, often assisting Chinese PE funds and financial investors.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 2

Clifford Chance is well-placed to advise on transformational technology projects, platform collaborations and TMT transactions, in addition to regulatory issues relating to the implementation of technologies such as blockchain and AI. The team is co-headed by the Singapore-based Stella Cramer, who joined in April 2023 from Norton Rose Fulbright, and Ling Ho, whose contentious and non-contentious practice extends to technology-related IP litigation and licensing issues. Fang Liu specialises in TMT work with a capital markets dimension and counsel Clarice Yue joined from Bird & Bird in December 2022, and advises on cross-border data transfer issues in the context of the rolling out of digital platforms.

Hong Kong > Intellectual property Tier 3

Acting on its own as well as frequently forming part of a multidisciplinary offering drawing upon broader corporate, litigation, employment and commercial expertise, Clifford Chance’s Hong Kong-based team provides broad ranging IP expertise for clients within the healthcare, financial services, telecommunications media and technology sectors, among others, both in local and multi-jurisdictional matters. As well as having core knowledge in trade mark, copyright and patent issues, team head Ling Ho is also adept at advising on tangential matters including, IT outsourcing cyber, data privacy and defamation. Ho’s breadth of knowledge ensures that clients have access to one point of contact on often complex matters which involve multi-faceted issues. Thomas Walsh also handles some technology and IP-related disputes for clients as a function of his wide-ranging arbitration practice.

Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 3

Clifford Chance's employment practice is widely acclaimed for its ‘very efficient and effective’ management of complex litigation spanning multiple jurisdictions and overseeing diverse employment initiatives; this is particularly notable for clients within the corporate and financial service sectors. Post the pandemic, the team demonstrated its adaptability to meet challenges by harnessing legal technology and data analysis to optimise the delivery of legal services; this strategic approach proved useful in tackling the heightened instances of contentious departures of senior personnel, organisational restructurings, discrimination claims, and the complexities of transitioning back to physical workplaces in the post-pandemic landscape. Leading the team is the ‘very detailed-oriented’ Anita Lam, often sought after by clients who seek advice in contentious employment disputes, such as internal investigations and C-suite executive exits.

Hong Kong > Real estate Tier 3

Often in collaboration with its robust M&A and banking and finance teams, Clifford Chance's real estate team stands as a key choice for a diverse range of vendors, purchasers, developers, and other market participants, primarily focusing on commercial property deals. In tandem with Mark Currell, who co-heads the group from Sydney, Amy Ho leads the team, specialising in advising on real estate M&A deals and the retail sector in Hong Kong. Other key standouts include syndicated finance specialist Dauwood Malik and Michael Pallaras, who has extensive experience advising commercial lenders on real estate projects across the Asia Pacific region.

Hong Kong > Structured finance and securitisation

Asia Pacific: Regional International Arbitration > Leading firms Tier 1

Clifford Chance has vast reach across the region, with offices across China, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore, advising on complex international law issues across all sectors. The firm has a range of experienced practitioners across all offices in the region. Nish Shetty is dual-qualified in England and Singapore, and leads the Singapore practice alongside Paul Sandosham, who brings vast energy expertise to the wider team. In greater China, the firm has one of the pre-eminent international arbitration offerings, conducting arbitrations in both Mandarin Chinese and English. Hong-Kong based Thomas Walsh leads the practice in that region – with experience of sitting as an arbitrator under all major rules, including the HKIAC, ICC, and SIAC – alongside Shanghai-based Lei Shi, who frequently represents mainland Chinese financial instutions. In Australia, the firm has practitioners working out of Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne, frequently conducting arbitrations in English, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Sam Lutrell and Cameron Hassall are key names in the Perth and Sydney offices, with Spencer Flay in the former bringing extensive strength regarding construction work.

China > Restructuring and insolvency: foreign firms Tier 2

Clifford Chance’s restructuring team provides advice and technical expertise to creditors, lenders, coordinating committees, private equity sponsors, insolvency practitioners, and debtors on complex cross-border matters. The Hong Kong-based team comprises restructuring and insolvency specialists as well as experts from other practice areas to offer well-rounded advice to clients. Asia Pacific restructuring and insolvency group head, Scott Bache, specialises in advising financial institutions, hedge funds, private equity funds, and financial advisors on a broad range of restructuring matters. Donna Wacker, who heads the contentious insolvency practice, has expertise advising clients on complex issues around close-out valuations, custodian duties, asset valuations, asset recovery and cross-border insolvency issues. Other key team members include Soo Khim Keoy , Phoebe Lo, Thomas Walsh, Yvonne Shek, and associate Hinny Leung.

South Korea > International arbitration Tier 4

Continuing to advise from its Hong Kong office, the team at Clifford Chance handles a wide range of multi-jurisdictional arbitrations relating to Korea, particularly in the oil and gas, and construction industries. Thomas Walsh in Singapore leads the Korean disputes practice, with expertise in post M&A, private equity and tech-related disputes. Paul Sandosham - managing partner of the firm's Singapore venture Cavenagh Law - specialises in energy, infrastructure and resources disputes for South East Asia, and Sachin Trikha, advising from the London office, is also recommended.

Australia > Dispute resolution: arbitration

The arbitration team at Clifford Chance operates domestically, regionally and internationally, with practitioners working out of Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, conducting advocacy in English, French, Spanish and Chinese. Sam Luttrell and Cameron Hassall co-lead the team from Perth and Sydney, respectively. Luttrell has notable experience in French-speaking markets, Hassall in Hong Kong and China. Spencer Flay has particular strength regarding construction matters; operating out of Perth, he advises developers, project sponsors and contractors on disputes arising from natural resources, oil and gas, and infrastructure development projects. Sydney-based counsel Robert Tang and Julia Dreosti specialise in energy and resources, and aerospace and defence, respectively. In Perth, senior associate Rodolphe Ruffié-Farugia is noted for his cross-border work.

Belgium > Competition: EU and global

China > Fintech: foreign firms

Winning plaudits for its work on transformational work across key areas including blockchain, smart contracts, tokenisation, stablecoins and insurtech, Clifford Chance LLP is a popular choice for major tech companies, financial institutions, and fintechs ranging exchange platforms to e-wallet service providers. Kelly Gregory and Rocky Mui share leadership duties, with the latter well versed in mandates involving emerging asset classes such as tokenisation, stablecoins and digital infrastructure. Ling Ho is at the forefront of technology-related IP matters, while Brian Harley is a trusted counsel for technology-driven transactional work.

China > Banking and finance: foreign firms

‘Right up to date with the latest legal and regulatory developments in the PRC and Greater China‘, Clifford Chance‘s sizeable banking and finance team acts for international and domestic investment banks, private equity sponsors, credit funds and corporations on a range of cross-border financing transactions. Maggie Lo, who works across the Beijing and Hong Kong offices, has a strong track record of advising Chinese state-owned enterprises and Chinese financial institutions, and Mainland China-based Jiahua Ni specialises in PRC-related cross‑border financings. In Hong Kong, Anthony Wang, who has extensive experience in acquisition and syndicated loan financings in Asia, heads the Asia-Pacific finance group; Matthew Truman is an expert in acquisition finance, general banking and restructuring; and Dauwood Malik‘s practice covers debt finance, including corporate credit, infrastructure financings, and real estate development and investment financing. Other highly rated Hong Kong partners are Edith Leung and Vicky Ma.

China > Corporate and M&A: foreign firms

Clifford Chance LLP‘s sizeable Greater China M&A team has an enviable track record of advising on international and Chinese clients’ headline deals, including private and public M&A, China inbound and outbound matters, and multi-jurisdictional transactions. The group also has the ability to call upon the expertise of colleagues from its Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas and Africa offices during major cross-border deals. In Beijing, cross-border M&A and joint venture specialist Terence Foo has particular expertise in the energy, mining, agribusiness, financial services, TMT, and consumer goods and retail sectors, and Yufei Liao focuses on technology transactions. Over in Shanghai, Kelly Gregory is an expert in China-related M&A and joint ventures, including cross-border deals, joint ventures, sales, and reorganisations; Tim Wang advises large Chinese companies on their outbound investments; and Yi Yang handles matters across a range of sectors. Andrew Crook heads up the firm’s APAC corporate and private equity practice from Hong Kong.

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: foreign firms

Clifford Chance LLP‘s ‘litigation team is absolutely top-notch‘. With longstanding on-the-ground experience in Greater China, the firm’s disputes practice is consistently selected by both corporations and individuals to act in high-value commercial litigation. Representative areas of expertise include shareholder disputes, as well as trust and commercial conflicts that involve cross-jurisdictional issues. Clients further appreciate the firm’s regulatory defence practice’s credentials. IP and technology disputes expert Ling Ho is Hong Kong litigation and dispute resolution head; Donna Wacker is a renowned senior practitioner who handles complex commercial, financial services and insolvency litigation; Soo Khim Keoy is a ‘first-rate litigator‘; and Thomas Walsh is an aviation and insolvency-related litigation specialist. Also in Hong Kong, Michael Wang focuses on banking litigation and contentious regulatory matters, and Jonathan Wong represents financial institutions, investors and multinationals in disputes. In Shanghai, PRC, Hong Kong and New York-qualified practitioner Lei Shi is experienced in PRC-related commercial litigation.

China > Investment funds: foreign firms

With offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Clifford Chance LLP is the first port of call for international and regional fund managers in the establishment and operation of the full range of alternative private investment funds. The team’s extensive offering spans over 25 years and includes advice on fund life cycles, including raising, structuring, and launch, with further expertise in governance and investment vehicles. Practice head Matthias Feldmann – who splits his time between Hong Kong and Singapore – is noted for his advice on hedge fund and private real estate fund launches. Other recommended individuals include funds and investment management head Ying White (Beijing and Shanghai); Viola Lui, a financial regulatory expert with a strong funds practice; and Liyong Xing who joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in mid 2022 and is an advisor to emerging fund sponsors. All named individuals are based in Hong Kong unless noted otherwise. Former practice head Mark Shipman retired in April 2023.

Philippines > Foreign firms

Clifford Chance has extensive experience in advising national and multinational clients on various complex transactions in the Philippines and covers a wide array of matters from banking, finance, and corporate to restructuring and project financing. Other core areas of expertise span capital markets work and dispute resolution, while the firm also has a large arbitration practice. Paul Landless, who is based at the Singapore office, specialises in structured finance, derivatives and other financial markets products; he leads the team jointly with Hong-Kong-based Cameron Hassall, who has considerable expertise in Asia related to international arbitration and litigation. Melissa Ng is also recommended.

China > Dispute resolution: Arbitration: foreign firms

Clifford Chance LLP fields a ‘fantastic team with a truly specialised arbitration practice‘ that routinely acts for international clients involved in disputes involving Mainland China. The team is also sought out by Chinese clients that are involved in conflicts at global levels. Working across the firm’s Beijing and Shanghai offices, Lei Shi, who specialises in international arbitration (particularly PRC-related matters), ‘has a deep understanding of Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas markets‘, and counsel Feifei Yu, who splits her time between the Mainland China and Hong Kong offices, is an arbitration expert who regularly handles China-related disputes. In Hong Kong, Thomas Walsh is particularly focused on post-M&A, private equity and tech-related matters, and Cameron Hassall, who maintains a practice in both Greater China and Sydney, specialises in energy and infrastructure, corporate, M&A, private equity, aviation and banking disputes.

China > Projects and energy: foreign firms

Offering ‘high-quality, professional and approachable’ legal services, Clifford Chance LLP assists its clients in navigating rapid market and regulatory shifts, from entering new markets to managing risk and fortifying business operations. The practice’s capabilities include climate change-related projects, such as in the renewable energy, clean technology, energy transition, and sustainable development spheres. Leading the team is Jiahua Ni, a banking and finance specialist with a focus on PRC-related cross-border financings, guiding major Chinese banks in outbound financings spanning Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Africa. Kelly Gregory and Terence Foo have carved a niche in cross-border M&As and joint ventures, particularly within the energy sector. Maggie Lo offers insights to both Chinese and international financial institutions on cross-border project financings, while Vicky Ma brings a profound understanding of international project financing transactions, with deep involvement in Belt and Road energy and infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

China > Real estate and construction: foreign firms

Clifford Chance LLP combines the regional real estate team with the gaming and lodging team, enabling it to advise on high-end real estate conveyancing, real estate-related M&A, finance, and joint ventures. The team also uses its varied expertise to assist with real estate funds formation work and IPOs. Clients include real estate investors, international banks, and private equity investors. Amy Ho heads up the practice and works across Hong Kong and China on corporate real estate transactions, while Sydney-based Mark Currell leads the real estate group and focuses on transformational real estate matters. Matthias Feldmann and Dauwood Malik are also noted.

China > Regulatory/compliance: foreign firms

Clifford Chance LLP is well-versed in aiding domestic financial institutions and corporates, as well as global banks, funds, and other multinational groups in their overseas regulatory compliance matters. The team handles both contentious and non-contentious issues such as financial regulations, anti-corruption, data compliance, and internal investigations. The team is jointly led by Terry Yang, who resides in Hong Kong and Shanghai, and focuses on regulatory matters for international and domestic clients, and co-head Lei Shi, who splits his time between Beijing and Shanghai, and covers anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions and export control for the team.

Australia > White-collar crime

Primarily based in Sydney, the practice group at Clifford Chance handles mandates involving enforcement agencies, displaying broad expertise in advising on post-settlement remedial actions, crisis management and proceeds of crime matters.  Angela Pearsall is particularly adept at acting for accounting firms in financial reporting litigation. Dividing her time between Hong Kong and Sydney, Donna Wacker frequently handles investigations into cryptocurrency trading platforms and rate-fixing. Since publication, former practice co-head Tim Grave departed in February 2024.

Australia > Capital markets

Clifford Chance‘s capital markets team is co-led by Richard Gordon and David Clee in Sydney, and Mark Chan in Hong Kong, and also has team members based in Perth. It operates as a regional team collaborating with colleagues across Asia Pacific, offering deals structured according to Australian, Singapore, Japanese, US, English and Hong Kong law. The firm's focus is on advising financial institutions acting in arranger and manager roles on Australian debt issuance programmes, with additional expertise in acting as issuer counsel, specifically for banking clients.