The ‘knowledgeable and commercial’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises a varied mix of stakeholders, including developers, investors, public authorities and contractors, on all issues throughout the life-cycle of large infrastructure and property development projects in the region. Ilan Freiman has deep strategic and commercial expertise developed over many years’ experience handling transactional work for public and private sector entities, including on the procurement of master planned urban development and integrated infrastructure projects, multi-use sporting and entertainment venues in Asia. The ‘exceptionally good’ Glenn Haley co-heads the team alongside Freiman and takes the lead on contentious matters, providing ‘first-class legal advice’ to clients on both litigation and arbitration. Drawing upon his skills developed in private practice as well as a qualified civil engineer, counsel Mike Docherty is also a valuable member of the team, particularly in the context of arbitration.

King & Wood Mallesons‘ integrated team has the critical mass and depth of expertise to be able to handle a tremendous range and volume of high-profile matters throughout the region for corporates, government agencies and SOEs, both from a transactional and litigation perspective. Sam Farrands takes the lead on large-scale construction projects relating to infrastructure and energy projects, and is also noted for his expertise at handling Hong Kong PPP projects. The firm is, however, perhaps best-known for its litigation prowess and has over the years established an ‘outstanding track record’ in many high-profile Hong Kong disputes. Key to this success can be attributed to the efforts of team head Paul Starr, Edmund Wan and Donovan Ferguson, ‘all of whom are well established and accomplished construction arbitration practitioners’. 

Able to draw upon the expertise of ‘outstandingly bright lawyers’ in Hong Kong with vast local insight and knowledge, and also frequently leveraging lawyers throughout the international network, Pinsent Masons is a popular choice for a varied array of stakeholders engaged in domestic and cross-border projects. Although the firm has strong ties with international clients engaged in inbound work, it is particularly noted for its work for Chinese SOEs on large regional matters and has also been active providing pro-bono contractual advice in the aftermath of Covid-19. As well as a formidable transactional and advisory practice, the team also boasts a market-leading disputes offering which is frequently engaged in local and international arbitrations. Alvin Ho ‘is able to provide valuable advice both on strategy and law’, and is well regarded by Hong Kong contractors and Chinese SOEs. The ‘superb’ Dean Lewis , who co-heads the practice alongside Ho, has vast experience in relation to infrastructure and energy-related international arbitrations, and as well as his fee-earning work also has experience acting as an arbitrator himself. At a more junior level Mohammed Talib  is recognised as a ‘great strategist’ and continues to gain plaudit as a result of his knowledge of the law and commercial considerations, as well as ability to handle the advocacy himself as a result of his solicitor advocate qualifications. Other recommended practitioners include recently promoted partner Hinson Cheung , who provides ‘well-considered and timely advice’ on international arbitrations, and the ‘immensely conscientious’ Karah Howard , whose Japanese language skills have led to a considerable amount of work for Japanese trading houses and contractors on disputed infrastructure projects.

Cocking & Co LLP has provided a viable alternative to full-service firms in the market, and despite its relative infancy in the market has already gained significant market share as a result of the seniority and market reputation of some of its key members. Founding member Ian Cocking utilises the vast experience he has gleaned negotiating, managing and litigating high-profile infrastructure and construction projects throughout Hong Kong and across the Asia region.  Dennis Wong has ‘strong knowledge and gravitas’ in the sector as a result of his extensive litigation expertise, which includes mediation, arbitration, litigation and adjudication with regard to liquidated damages, delays and defects.

Drawing upon ‘a great command of the operation of the industry’, HFW has earned the role as a ‘pragmatic and trusted advisor’ to a range of stakeholders on disputes arising out of a range of domestic and international construction projects. As well as a considerable amount of domestic work in relation to disputes arising in the domestic housing sector, the firm excels in helping stakeholders resolve offshore wind-related disputes, an area that the firm is particularly well-placed to advise as a result of its complementary shipping prowess. ‘Outstanding’ team head Martin Downey provides ‘commercial, strategic and outcomes-focused advice’, which has been honed throughout his many years practising, including on many large-scale infrastructure-related arbitrations. Senior associate Julie-Anne Mallis, who has an interest in renewables, is a key name within the practice. Ben Bury has since left the firm for an in-house position.

Drawing upon an ‘in-depth knowledge of the local construction industry’, Li & Partners provides ‘high quality and solutions-oriented advice’ to developers, contractors and public sector clients’ across a range of construction disputes.  ‘Versatile, persistent and professional’ team head Man Sing Yeung has been pivotal to the firm’s success in the area and is lauded for his ‘effective, innovative’ approach with regard to construction arbitrations including those related to transport infrastructure projects.

Drawing upon ‘strong industry know-how’, Minter Ellison provides ‘professional and sound advice’ on procurement and litigation-related matters for developers, main contractors, subcontractors and consultants in Hong Kong and throughout Asia Pacific. The vastly experienced Malcolm Chin provides ‘easy to understand and direct advice’ to clients utilising conventional litigation and ADR techniques across a myriad of contentious matters, including with regard to matters at the intersection of IP (such as infringement of alleged copyright works of design). Team head Steven Yip has contentious and non-contentious expertise across power plants, transport infrastructure and major facilities.