Dispute resolution: litigation in Hong Kong

‘The team is very responsive and can provide timely and commercial solutions.’

‘Herbert Smith Freehills Hong Kong is one of our go-to firms for litigation matters, providing sound practical advice and strategies to defend our bank on all contentious matters.’

‘Dominic Geiser and Jojo Fan both are superbly client-oriented and knowledgeable; always ready to help at all hours.’

‘The team is diverse and of good chemistry between the seniors and the juniors. They are responsive and there is a level of autonomy given to the juniors.’

‘Baker & McKenzie’s team is extremely diligent, and work very well even under time pressure.’

‘An excellent team that is highly knowledgeable on the law and works extremely hard in clients’ interests. In particular, they have the capacity and experience to handle very large litigation matters with excellent support for barristers.’

‘Cynthia Tang is very practical and able to convince the most difficult of persons within an organisation.’

‘Jannice Lau is always reliable and very diligent. When she gives me instructions or her views, I always have confidence in what she is telling me.’

‘I have a longstanding working relationship with Mr. Bryan Ng. Bryan is a very direct, candid and practical working partner. I am very impressed by his litigation strategy – he always manages to secure the highest risk-reward ratio in favour of his clients. His sensible advice has earned him and his team a very high reputation in Hong Kong.’

‘I have worked a great deal with Jannice Lau and Bryan Ng. Each of them is a first-rate lawyer and are both efficient and client orientated. They inspire confidence in the clients and also offer excellent litigation support.’

‘Dedicated team with a commercial approach. You feel that you will be in safe hands, particularly with bet-the-firm type litigation.’      

‘Martin Rogers is well respected and highly versatile. His experience is second to none.’

‘Brian Gilchrist is simply the best private client/trusts commercial litigator in Hong Kong. His experience, judgment and strategy are unparalleled in my experience. He is always assisted by the most able, conscientious and hard-working of Hong Kong associates, who never seem to sleep. Service is exceptional. I cannot recommend too highly. I would not hesitate to instruct Brian and his team if I had need to do so, and would recommend them without reservation to anyone who asked.’

‘They have two formidable partners in charge of litigation with whom I have previously worked: Mr Brian Gilchrist and Ms Elaine Chen. Both of them are first-class.’

‘Very good team of lawyers. Hardworking and meticulous.’

‘High-quality team with impressive experience and expertise.’ 

‘Brian Gilchrist is exceptional in his experience and approach in handling litigation matters. Both counsel and clients value his opinions.’

‘Elaine Chen is highly practical and offers insightful advice to the clients.’

‘Brian Gilchrist; Elaine Chen – unrivalled experience and judgment.’

‘Good client empathy and sounds legal strategy, with a good team in support. The best in Hong Kong.’

‘Paul Starr is the best in the region. Edmund Wan has a great practice in the domestic market. Donovan Ferguson is a future market-leader.’

‘Large team with wide expertise. Unrivalled access to high-quality PRC legal advice and services.’

‘The firm is highly resourceful with dedicated team members. It has an outstanding ability to respond to clients’ questions in an efficient and well-considered manner. Barbara Chiu, Alex Cheng and Nicole Hou are highly effective lawyers. The cases are well managed with a thorough understanding of the issues involved. This is a team that is always responsive to clients’ needs, and always able to render effective advice and solutions. Overall, an outstanding team.’

‘Professional, attentive and top-quality.’

‘The lawyers are experienced in cross-border disputes.’

‘Rachel Yu is an excellent professional lawyer with rich business experience and patience.’

‘Guy Hardaker knows our business and how we like to operate, his advice is tailored and practical and aimed at helping us achieve our commercial objectives.’

‘Noel Campbell is a formidable global litigator. Immensely experienced, very commercially savvy, and a real fighter. A major plus for any client.‘

‘Noel Campbell is very experienced and combines excellent client relationships and team management with outstanding strategic overview and also attention-to-detail.’

Simon Jerrum is an excellent litigation partner in London, who is able to manage a case very effectively and keep the larger perspective in view whilst dealing with the myriad of day-to-day issues. For a big case that needs all these boxes ticked, they are go-to people.’

‘Linklaters is no doubt a prestigious law firm with a exceptionally strong and experienced dispute resolution team which gives us confidence and effective legal risk management. Their team provides full range of dispute resolution service with expertise advice and practical solutions and effective strategies and runs the cases efficiently and serves the best interests of the clients.’

‘We would unreservedly recommend Mr Justin Tang of Linklaters who is very intelligent and expert in advising and managing various kind of dispute resolution cases on our behalf and his professional advice and practical tactics are well received and we are very satisfied with his outstanding performance which much safeguard our interests.’

‘Good expertise and experience in court litigation and arbitration proceedings.’

‘Mr Justin Tang has good knowledge of HK law, court procedures and also a strategic thinker.’

‘Very efficient and able. The team provides commercial, responsive, and pragmatic advice.’

‘Stephanie Chan’s team (including Adrian Tang and Louisa Wong) is very strong at handling the various needs of client and is well-positioned to provide valuable insight/advice to client in matrimonial litigations and company related matters.’

‘Asha Sharma works with us in most of the projects and she is able to understand what our company needs to give appropriate advice. ’

‘Highly driven and effective team running a wide variety of complex matters. Client service is prioritised. Stephanie Chan is also very driven and effective.’

‘I was exceptionally pleased by the level of service and professionalism displayed by the team. The matters involved very complex cross-border legal, financial and valuation issues, and the team was always ready to guide us through the hurdles and provide strategic and insightful advice on how to proactively take the matters forward. Stephanie Chan’s team had an excellent understanding of the issues, the unique considerations related to our industry, and that we could depend on the team to handle our matters efficiently and effectively. I am impressed by the team’s language capabilities to deliver legal advice and draft documents and correspondence in both English and Chinese.’

‘From the outset, Stephanie Chan provided excellent client service and was very accommodating in meeting our business requirements. She is a consummate professional and an experienced litigator. Stephanie also demonstrated an excellent understanding of our commercial objectives and was able to devise innovative ways to achieve our goals’ including advising on the appropriate timing to make appropriate strategic moves in the litigation proceedings to seize the advantage.’

‘I would also like to especially mention the stellar performance of the team’s two main associates, namely Adrian Tang and Louisa Wong. They both handled themselves very professionally and diligently, and demonstrated outstanding attention-to-detail. Adrian, in particular, exhibited strong technical and financial acumen. Meanwhile, Louisa was very proactive in handling the team’s communications with us and demonstrated a strong grasp of the issues in her detailed explanations. Louisa is conscientious and easy to work with and she also speaks fluent Mandarin.’

‘Dedicated and focused on doing everything they can to present the best case possible. Practical, useful and realistic advice for client.’

‘Donald Sham has excellent judgment on both commercial and legal aspects of the case and gives sound strategic direction.’

‘Matthew Lam is leading a balanced team with full services capabilities in disputes. Willing to build long term relationship and flexible in terms of approaches and fees arrangements.’

‘Matthew is quite upfront in his assessments and strategies formulation which can save time and help to manage the business teams’ expectations. Michael Ng is strong in written submissions and case analysis. Rita Hung is good at regulators and is experienced in dealing with regulators.’

‘The team owns expertise in various areas which provides one-stop services to the clients.’

‘Simon McConnell always provide practical advice on the clients.’

‘Allan Leung is an exceptional lawyer and individual. He genuinely listens, and asks relevant questions to get a full picture and make sure he understands the clients’ objectives. He gives clear and well-reasoned advice backed by comprehensive research and years of experience. I appreciate his hands-on approach, bespoke strategies and prompt response.’

‘They have a very strong dispute resolution practice with some key notable senior lawyers. With the quality of service that they deliver, we consider their charge to be very reasonable.’

‘Richard Keady has solid experience in dispute resolution. He is very client-friendly and is able to provide practical solution to corporations.’

‘Always thinking of what is best for the client. Our go-to firm for local disputes.’

‘Nick Gall: the founder and leader always looking to make sure clients’ needs are met. Chris Wong: next gen partner who knows everything on HK courts.’

‘A firm which combines international standards of excellence with real local insight.’

‘Chris Wong is a highly experienced, wise and capable litigator.’

‘Gall has a strong presence in the commercial litigation arena, particularly in cases with cross-border/private international law elements.’

‘Chris Wong is an extremely good communicator and can understand what a client truly needs.’

‘A very solid and competent disputes team. Punches well above its weight and its strong suit is collaboration with overseas law firms on Hong Kong law elements.’

‘Chris Wong is the star leading their disputes team. A straight, efficient and competent litigator who gives practical solutions.’

‘The team is not only full of specialists but they work really hard to produce the quality preparation necessary to achieve the best result. Their paperwork is top-notch. They are engaging as individuals, and individually and collectively committed to their clients’ litigation. Their instructions to counsel are always helpful and their analysis always insightful. Although good on the law, they are extremely practical and have a good commercial sense.’ 

‘Christine Tsang, Sandy Cho and Meiling Yip all share the same understated but serious and mature dedication to their cases. They are all excellent lawyers and team leaders who insist on excellence.’

‘Kennedys’ litigation team constantly delivers very high-quality services. Rudy Chung, Wilson Tam and their respective teams put the client’s interests first and are efficient in providing practical, suitable and commercial solutions to clients.’

‘Rudy Chung is a top-notch lawyer who has abundant experience in working with in-house legal team and knows what the team needs. Rudy always manages to analyse the factual situation for client and provide the right solution. Rudy stands out from his competitors because he knows exactly what his client wants and can offer a wide range of options to suit client’s needs.’

‘I have also worked with Wilson Tam before on litigation and EC claims matters. Wilson is very good at maintaining relationships with clients and is attentive to clients’ needs. He is easily accessible and it makes seeking legal advice so much easier.’

‘Pragmatic. Responsive. Efficient.’

‘Rudy Chung actually looks at a dispute from the client’s perspective and gives honest advice with commercial sense.’

‘The team is always approachable and easy to work with. Rudy Chung gives efficient and practical advice to solve problems.’

‘Very strong team. Always responsive to client needs. Deep bench of knowledge in technical issues as well as practical. Good advocacy skills.’

‘I would recommend Denis Brock, the lead partner, and Kieran Humphrey. Denis in particular is excellent at arguing a case effectively. He is pragmatic in settlement discussions and always able to clearly articulate the issues for decisions. Importantly, he can be robust enough to deal with difficult clients and to get across the advice that the client needs to hear. I have been impressed in the past at how Denis and Kieran are able to dissect the problem and provide very strong strategic advice to get to a desired outcome.’

‘The team at O’Melveny is very commercial and responsive. The team in HK provides excellent coverage in terms of the scope and depth of their advice. Kieran Humphrey is a trusted counsellor and sounding board, and can be relied upon to give clear and practical advice, based on his extensive experience across a number of key markets and industries. He has always been focused on understanding and meeting our needs.’

‘Denis Brock is a trusted source of sage counsel.’

‘The dispute resolution team of Skadden fully embraces the needs of the client, and is able to insightfully identify core issues of the cross-border disputes, with sufficient legal experience and bilingual communication skills.’

‘We would like to commend Mr. Wilfred Ho, who has talented case management skills in comprehensive legal fields, can always provide useful legal opinions within a tight timeframe around the clock, and represents the team’s spirit of professionality and cooperation as well as the ability to overcome challenges.’

‘Having worked with Skadden for seven years, I have worked with at least nine trainees during their seat in dispute resolution. Whether they are Hong Kong trainees or seconded over from London, they are invariably confident, fully aware of what is going on (without me having to explain how the case has progressed before they joined) and very commercially sensible. In other words, they do not feel like trainees. I have therefore long had the view that the firm/department must therefore be very good at identifying and cultivating talent. Bravo to them for willing to invest the time and resources to do so.’

‘Wilfred Ho and James Tennison are both exceptionally talented lawyers at Skadden. They are able to think of clever arguments that others have not, are very meticulous (James in particular lays matters out very clearly so one is not left guessing at anything) and are very receptive to points of view from others (which is not always the case with bright lawyers).’

‘Minter Ellison has an excellent litigation team that is very experienced. Their work product is always of a high quality, delivered in a timely manner and within a reasonable budget. Their practical advice is always appreciated and they can be relied on to be accessible. Highly recommended.’

‘Desmond Liaw is an experienced litigator who is very knowledgeable in this area of practice. His expertise is always highly valued and it is comforting that he will always be available when needed. He has an excellent work ethic and is always able to provide practical and meaningful advice. I would highly recommend him.’

‘Doesn’t matter who, I know the whole team are up to speed, incredibly efficient and extremely proactive.’

‘Jonathan Crompton can head up a very able team. Jason Carmichael is always available for support and guidance. Very approachable firm and nothing is ever too much trouble.’

‘I have been extremely impressed by the firm in terms of their professionalism, attention-to-detail, innovative solutions proposed and client communication and efforts.’

‘The dispute resolution team at Simmons & Simmons has assisted in us critical matters where major commercial decisions were to be taken basis timely legal advice provided by them. The team is constantly available for any queries and even while working with strict timelines, the quality of the work product is top-notch. We would highly recommend.’

‘The team is good at dealing with cross-jurisdictional disputes between Mainland China and Hong Kong, and keeps good contact and close cooperation with lawyers and experts in Mainland China.’

‘Partner Gary Yin offers a high level of professionalism and experience. Associate Rico Chan had significant involvement into the issue and provided timely and helpful advice on the case. Always available 24/7.’

‘Tom Fyfe and Jacky Cheng; it is difficult to overstate Tom’s skills; he is a consummate professional, highly intelligent and excellent lawyer with a fine appreciation of legal and strategic issues. Jacky provides excellent support and is also a fine lawyer.’

‘Eric Chan, Benjamin Wong, and Tom Fyfe are very responsive and provide added value, being legally very sound and willing to make you feel you are the most important client. Silvia Yuen and Denise Leung are both very competent, down-to-earth and easy to work with. I couldn’t speak more highly of them.’

‘With close cooperation with our lawyers in Mainland China, they provide efficient and timely feedback. They are able to consider the overall interests of the client, rather than just handle legal disputes within the jurisdiction of Hong Kong.’