Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution: litigation

Kwok Yih & Chan has a solid track record in handling commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, cross-border insolvency matters, and construction disputes.

Dispute resolution: litigation in Hong Kong

Herbert Smith Freehills

Drawing upon the expertise of three core commercial litigation partners based in Hong Kong, and also able to leverage wider disputes resources housed within the firm’s specialised arbitration, financial services regulatory and competition practices, Herbert Smith Freehills is well-positioned to provide ‘comprehensive and effective‘ representation to clients from a range of sectors in often high-stakes contentious matters. ‘Superb’ team head Gareth Thomas has a longstanding presence in the local market and a track record of involvement in a myriad of high-stakes disputes, affecting both commercial (including many high-profile financial services entities and blue-chip corporates) and private clients. Fluent Mandarin speaker Jojo Fan has established herself as a lynchpin of the firm’s banking litigation offering and provides ‘very commercial and solutions-oriented’ advice across a range of matters, including in the defence of a number of recent mis-selling claims. Rachael Shek‘s return in January 2022 from Clyde & Co LLP was a boost for the department; in August 2022 of Dominic Geiser departed for Latham & Watkins LLP.

Practice head(s):

Gareth Thomas

Other key lawyers:

Jojo Fan; Rachael Shek; Peter NG;Truman Mak; Jocelyn Heng

Testimonials

Gareth Thomas is superb.’

‘Jojo Fan is very commercial and solutions-oriented.’

 

Key clients

Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd.

Bank of China International Limited and BOCI Securities Limited

BYD Company Limited

Credit Suisse

DBS Bank, Hong Kong Branch

Dr KS Lo, Chairman and Managing Director of Great Eagle Holdings Limited and certain other members of the Lo Family, one of Asia’s richest families by net worth

Essilor International SAS and its subsidiary, Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

UBS AG and UBS Europe SE

Work highlights

  • Defending UBS in proceedings commenced by the liquidators of China Metal Recycling (Holdings) Limited (China Metal) in the Court of First Instance in respect of alleged liabilities arising out of its sponsorship on the IPO.
  • Successfully defended DBS Bank in a substantial High Court action brought by the liquidators of Galleria (Hong Kong) Limited (and subsequently on appeal to the Court of Appeal).
  • Successfully assisted Essilor Manufacturing (Thailand) Co. Ltd in obtaining both domestic and worldwide proprietary and Mareva injunction orders against a total of 88 defendants, across two sets of proceedings, in connection with a substantial fraud totalling over $210m.

Allen & Overy

Combining superb tactical and procedural expertise with an ‘excellent understanding of the commercial needs’ of its client base, Allen & Overy is a popular choice among international and regional entities across a broad array of corporate and commercial disputes. Overseen by the ‘very capable and experienced’ Matt Bower, the three-partner Hong Kong-based team is undoubtedly best-known for its work within the financial services sector, both in the context of contentious regulatory matters, as well as across a range of conventional litigation. Drawing upon vast disputes experience, as well as fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese, the ‘detail-oriented’ Fai Hung Cheung is a popular choice among Chinese banks across a range of disputes, while US-qualified Eugene Chen is a vital resource to multinational and Chinese clients subject to regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, both domestically and internationally.

Practice head(s):

Matt Bower

Testimonials

‘The team is very experienced in insolvency-related litigation.’

‘They have an excellent understanding of the commercial needs of the client, and is instrumental in the direction and strategies of the dispute resolution.’

‘Fai Hung Cheung is very thorough in analyzing the complex legal issues and provides insightful advice on strategies and tactics. He is detail-oriented, yet with a sound understanding of the needs and wants of the client.’

Work highlights

  • Represent an APAC-based private equity fund on a multi-jurisdictional and highly complex debt enforcement action concerning two facilities totalling more than $200m granted to a BVI-incorporated company and a Hong Kong-incorporated company for the purposes of financing a property development project in the PRC.
  • Representing a controlling shareholder of a Hong Kong-listed company (List Co), in defending a highly publicised shareholder dispute in which one of its shareholders obtained an interim injunction that prohibits the Company from disposing of its stake in the List Co.
  • Advising the private banking arm of a global bank on court proceedings brought by customers for misrepresentation, breach of trust, breach of contract, breach of duty of care and breach of statutory duties in respect of discretionary hedge fund investment services provided by the bank.

Baker McKenzie

‘Well-resourced and very client-oriented,’ Baker McKenzie is ‘excellent at handling big litigation’, including for regional and international clients, in multi-jurisdictional matters – where the firm’s vast global network is a strong selling point. The team is also distinguished by its ability to provide an integrated Greater China offering and thereby to represent clients before the local courts, by virtue of the firm’s longstanding joint operation with PRC law firm FenXun Partners. The scope of the disputes work is broad and encompasses standalone mandates, as well as work for existing clients of the firm, covering, inter alia, banking litigation, shareholder disputes and property-related litigation. Cynthia Tang heads up a ‘successful team’ that includes the ‘extremely hardworking and knowledgeable’ Bryan Ng, who excels at handling financial services and regulatory litigation, and the ‘very diligent and meticulous’ Jannice Lau, who is adept at advising on corporate and shareholders disputes.

Practice head(s):

Cynthia Tang

Other key lawyers:

Kwun Yee Cheung; Gary Seib; Bryan Ng; Roberta Chan; Jannice Lau; Gillian Lam

Testimonials

‘Baker McKenzie has a very dedicated team in its litigation department that has always maintained a high standard. Where urgent work is needed, the team members are always prepared to work late and to prepare good drafts of documents with very limited time available.’

‘The team is excellent at handling “big” litigation – it is well resourced and very client oriented.’

‘Cynthia Tang is the head of department, and the fact that she leads such a successful team speaks for itself.’

Key clients

Lead Success (Hong Kong) Limited (“Lead Success”), Hawkins Development Limited (“Hawkins”) and Superfine Group Limited (“Superfine”)

Oasis Beauty Limited

National United Resources Holdings Limited

Haitong International Securities Company Limited

Tongfang Kontafarma Holdings Ltd.

MUFG Bank

EFG Bank AG

China Merchants Group

KPMG

Work highlights

  • Acting for Lead Success, Hawkins and Superfine in the application for stay of execution of a judgment against them, andan appeal, in relation to a complex shareholder dispute.
  • Acting for Oasis Beauty in relation to a highly complex Enforcement of Share Mortgage matter valued at HK$300m.
  • Representing National United Resources Holdings Limited in legal proceedings in the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region against nine defendants for breach of fiduciary/director/employee/ contractual duties; conspiracy; dishonest assistance; fraud; and breach of contract.

Clifford Chance

The ‘extremely well-resourced’ team at Clifford Chance acts on its own, as well as in harness with other offices throughout its international network, ensuring that clients receive a ‘very attentive’ service on domestic and cross-border litigation. Exhibiting ‘excellent substantive knowledge of the law and civil procedure’, the scope of work runs the gamut from shareholder and corporate disputes, through to financial services and white-collar litigation. Appreciated for his ‘realistic and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution’, Soo Khim Keoy‘s arrival in May 2021 from Withers has strengthened the team, in light of his varied caseload that includes disputes relating to M&A, banking and property matters. Other key practitioners include team head Ling Ho, who has a focus on IP and tech-related disputes; the ‘extremely dedicated, thorough and knowledgeable’ Thomas Walsh and Yvonne Shek, who are both particularly accomplished at handling insolvency litigation; and senior associate Jolly Xu, who is a ‘polished advocate despite her tender years’.

Practice head(s):

Ling Ho

Other key lawyers:

Donna Wacker; Thomas Walsh; Cameron Hassall; Soo Khim Keoy; Michael Wang; Jonathan Wong; Yvonne Shek; Jolly Xu

Testimonials

‘Transparent billing, very attentive, good document manange, and excellent substantive knowledge of the law and civil procedure.’

‘The litigation team is very “client savvy” and easy to work with. The team clearly understands that the needs and expectations of a public sector client can differ significantly from a private sector client.’

‘The responsive practice is extremely well resourced, and provides thorough and detailed analysis.’

‘The dispute resolution team is a talent tank. Its speed and quality is better than many other teams in international firms in Hong Kong.’

‘Soo Khim Keoy adopts a realistic and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution.’ 

‘Soo Khim Keoy is an excellent litigator with a wealth of experience.’

Thomas Walsh and Yvonne Shek are extremely dedicated, thorough and knowledgeable practitioners.’

Jolly Xu is a star in the making. She is phenomenally intelligent, sensible to deal with and well respected by her peers. A polished advocate despite her tender years.’

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

The ‘knowledgeable‘ team at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has ‘good strength-in-depth’ and provides ‘sound, sharp and timely advice’ to a mix of clients, ranging from listed companies, to private equity houses and banks. Although it does handle some conventional commercial litigation, including as it pertains to shareholder and joint venture disputes, as well as in the context of disputes arising from derivatives and structured products, the firm’s core sweet-spot relates to regulatory investigations and enforcement matters. The ‘responsive, hands-on and client-friendly’ Martin Rogers heads up the Asia litigation function, which also includes James Wadham.

Practice head(s):

Martin Rogers

Other key lawyers:

James Wadham

Testimonials

‘Sound, sharp and timely advice even if the law and factual background is complex.’

‘The team is knowledgeable and has good strength-in-depth.’

‘Martin Rogers’ expertise is second-to-none. He gives his clients the full attention and has the ability to explain and filter through complex issues to make them simple to understand.’

Gibson Dunn

The ‘professional, technical and cost-effective’ team at Gibson Dunn provides ‘commercially-focused’ advice to a compelling mix of corporates, high-net-worth individuals and family offices across a wide spectrum of disputes. Although the team does handle some commercial litigation, and is also able to leverage broader compliance and investigations and antitrust expertise from separate practice groups at the firm, it is best-known for its private client-related disputes offering. Brian Gilchrist is ‘strategically savvy and massively experienced’ and consequently is regularly instructed by many of Hong Kong’s wealthiest individuals in their most sensitive and highest-profile tax, trusts and probate disputes. Elaine Chen co-heads the team with Gilchrist and is ‘masterful in navigating complex legal issues’ for high-net-worth individuals engaged in, inter alia, contentious probate and estate administration disputes.

Practice head(s):

Brian Gilchrist; Elaine Chen

Other key lawyers:

Alex Wong

Testimonials

‘The team is professional, technical and cost-effective.’

‘It is a top-tier litigation and regulatory compliance law firm. They are very well-respected for being technically outstanding and at the same time commercially-focused to help their clients achieve the best-possible outcome.’

‘Gibson Dunn’s litigation and dispute practice is highly regarded for its ability to handle complex and sophisticated contentious probate matters.’

King & Wood Mallesons

Led from Hong Kong by the ‘commercially astute’ Paul Starr and also drawing upon ‘extremely strong PRC connections’, as a result of the firm’s sprawling presence on the Mainland, the ‘very gifted and experienced team’ at King & Wood Mallesons provides ‘speedy, sound and pragmatic advice’ to major listed companies and state-owned enterprises across a range of commercial litigation. High-profile construction disputes remain a mainstay for the practice, with stakeholders, including contractors and developers. Starr remains key to this work, as does ‘gifted lawyer’ Donovan Ferguson. Edmund Wan is also strong at handling contentious construction matters, although he has also effectively diversified his litigation offering to include a range of domestic and cross-border commercial disputes, including insolvency and competition litigation. Peter Bullock is another key member of the team, and ‘provides accurate and friendly support’ to clients engaged in TMT disputes.

Practice head(s):

Paul Starr

Testimonials

‘The firm is recognised for their exceptionally strong capability, efficiency and breath of regional coverage. The team provides speedy, sound and pragmatic advice, with first-rate strategy and case management at commercial rates.’

‘Extremely strong PRC connections. Lots of good PRC work and exposure.’

‘Very gifted and experienced team. Excellent black letter law skill combined with massive industry experience and good judgement. Truly a stellar practice that has brought on younger blood and benefits from their PRC connections and resources.’

Key clients

Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Limited

Deloitte & Touche Financial Advisory Services Limited (Liquidators of Ozner Water International Holding Limited)

Hong Kong Competition Commission

Bank of Communications Trustee Limited

Tahoe Investment Group Co., Limited, Everwin Enterprise (Hong Kong) Limited, Thaihot Investment (Bermuda) Company Limited

Industrial Bank Co, Ltd

Incitec Pivot Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited

Built Pty Ltd

Nexperia B.V

Magnus Leonard Roth

Masterwork Group Co., Ltd.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd

Work highlights

  • A Hong Kong-Beijing cross office team acts for Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Limited in resisting an attempt by a creditor to wind-up the triple-listed (A shares, B shares and H shares), PRC incorporated company in Hong Kong.
  • Advising Deloitte & Touche Financial Advisory Services Limited as Liquidators seeking recognition and assistance in Mainland China, pursuant to the cooperation mechanism between the Courts of the Mainland and of the HKSAR, which was implemented in May 2021.
  • Acting for the Hong Kong Competition Commission (“Commission”) before the Hong Kong Court of Appeal. One is an appeal on the Hong Kong Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”)’s judgment on liability and is the first ever appeal case from the Tribunal heard in the Hong Kong Court of Appeal. In the other matter, the Commission initiated the appeal against the Tribunal’s judgment on sanctions.

Deacons

Independent Hong Kong-based heavyweight Deacons provides ‘exceptional value and quality advice’ to local and regional companies, public sector entities and private clients, across a wide variety of disputes. ‘Extremely innovative and hardworking’ team head Joseph Kwan‘s eclectic practice – which includes advice on shareholder disputes, financial services regulatory mandates and trusts matters – is emblematic of the diversity of the firm’s offering, ensuring that clients are well-served irrespective of the nature of the dispute. Other key practitioners include the ‘innovative and approachable’ Peter So, who excels at advising financial institutions on contentious regulatory and securities law-related issues, the ‘very experiencedKK Cheung, and associate Michelle Li.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Kwan

Other key lawyers:

Paul Kwan; KK Cheung; Richard Hudson; Peter So; Carmen Ng; Michelle Li

Testimonials

‘The team delivers exceptional value and quality advice.’

‘I am impressed by the team’s ability to understand the issues at hand, to respond promptly to what needs to be undertaken, and actually to get the necessary work executed in good time and competently.’

‘The team members are well versed in guiding clients in handling contentious matters. The advice is practical.’

‘Dispute resolution/litigation services are extremely good and very much client and result oriented.’

‘KK Cheung and Justin Yuen have been very hands-on in dealing with the cases we work in. In every step in the litigation process, the personal attention given to the cases is outstanding.’

‘KK Cheung is very experienced and easy to work with.’

‘Joseph Kwan – exceptional talent in every respect. Brilliant lawyer, tactician and organiser. And extremely hard working, innovative and approachable.’

‘Peter So is very clever, hard working, innovative and approachable.’

Key clients

DP World Djibouti FZCO and two other Plaintiffs

Zhang Caikui

Fook Lee Holdings Limited

Hummingbird Music Ltd.

The Commercial Press (Hong Kong) Limited and Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited

Fulton Corporation Limited

Fu Ka Chun Marco

Beijing Runfeng Capital Management Company Ltd

Tak How Investment Limited

Progetto Jewellery Company Limited

Law Society of Hong Kong

Work highlights

  • Acting for Ian Fok (the 2nd son of the late Henry Fok, a prominent figure in Hong Kong and Mainland China) as the main party in very substantial and high profile actions brought by three of his siblings and involving the late Henry Fok’s Estate.
  • Act for Zhang Cai Kui, a shareholder in a very complex HK$ multi-billion shareholders’ dispute, which generated numerous sets of proceedings in Hong Kong, the trial of one of which recently concluded in 35 days, with 4 plaintiffs, 10 defendants and 17 junior and senior counsel in the courtroom.
  • Act for DP World Djibouti FZCO and two other Plaintiffs, two of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of DP World Ltd, one of the largest port operators in the world, in Hong Kong’s first court case involving a Chinese belt and road project and involving claims for inducing the breach of DP World’s exclusive port concession agreement with Djibouti.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

The ‘outstanding‘ team at Debevoise & Plimpton LLPknows the local courts very well and has great commercial knowledge’, ensuring that it is a popular choice for Asia-based and multinational clients seeking representation in complex domestic and cross-border commercial disputes, white-collar crime and government investigations. ‘Tactically astute’ co-heads Mark Johnson  and Gareth Hughes have vast experience in the market, and impart ‘a very commercial sensible approach to litigation’, particularly on high-profile financial services disputes.

Practice head(s):

Mark Johnson; Gareth Hughes

Other key lawyers:

Emily Austin; Allison Lau; Adam Lee

Testimonials

‘The outstanding team handles the biggest and most complex cases. The team knows the local courts very well and has great commercial knowledge.’

‘Mark Johnson and Gareth Hughes have excellent legal knowledge and a very commercial sensible approach to litigation. They are tactically astute.’

 

Dentons Hong Kong

Often working closely with lawyers in situ in China, as well as frequently drawing upon resources from throughout the firm’s vast global network, Dentons Hong Kong‘s forte lies in representing regional and international clients on cross-border mandates. The vastly experienced team, that is headed by ‘shrewd tactician’ Keith Brandt, has excellent credibility before the local courts, and is particularly active in injunctions work. The ‘efficient, capable and creative’ Richard Keady excels in handling contentious matters for clients in highly regulated environments and is noted for his expertise advising on professional negligence and disciplinary matters. Recognised as ‘the doyen of Hong Kong commercial litigation’, senior consultant Allan Leung also has vast experience in the market.

Practice head(s):

Keith Brandt

Other key lawyers:

Allan Leung; Richard Keady; Robert Rhoda; Jenny Zhuang

Testimonials

‘They work fast, they communicate effectively. There is diversity and they use technology and resources well.’

‘They can serve clients anywhere in the world and enlist the help of any of their world wide network if clients require assistance in any foreign jurisdiction.’

‘They display exceptional devotion to their clients’ cases and are willing to work extremely hard in their interests, very “switched on” both legally and tactically.’

‘The very knowledgeable Keith Brandt is a shrewd tactician that is highly organised and motivated.’

‘Richard Keady is efficient, capable and creative.’

‘Allan Leung – the doyen of Hong Kong Civil/Commercial litigation. He knows the rules of the game inside out and is also a phenomenal tactician.’

‘Robert Rhoda and Jenny Zhuang are very impressive and are fully on top of the details of the clients’ cases.’

Key clients

Abercrombie & Fitch

Amazon

Bayin Resources Company Limited

BASF

Berpu Technology Co., Limited and Provision Investment Co., Limited

China Sonangol International Limited

Dr Martens

Ernst & Young

Hong Kong Solicitors Indemnity Fund

Huarong International Securities Limited

Kazuo Okada

Kim Dotcom and Megaupload Limited

Kung Hing Chii, Yu King Yeung, and Yu King Yeungtrading as PTA & Co.

Lane Xang Minerals Limited

Law Society of Hong Kong

Ocean Sino Limited, PBM Asset Management Limited

The National Trust Ltd.

Virgin Atlantic

Zhenjiang Danyang Zhengtong Investment Fund (Limited Partnership)

Work highlights

  • Defending companies associated with LunanPharmaceutical Group Ltd in the latest chapter of protracted trust litigation relating to competing claims forownership of a substantial shareholding in this major PRC pharmaceuticals company.
  • Acting for the majority shareholder in an acrimonious boardroom dispute between two prominent Chinese businesswomen who are fighting for control of a multibillion- dollar international business group.

DLA Piper

Well-versed in the law and procedures but also in strategy and business issues’, DLA Piper is well-positioned to provide very ‘solutions-oriented’ advice across a range of commercial litigation, as well as on private client disputes. With many in the team displaying ‘strong Chinese language capability’, it has particularly strong traction among financial institutions on the Mainland, including in the context of debt enforcement work, as well as creditors in contentious insolvency matters. Team head Kevin Chan is able to ‘evaluate difficult situations calmly and sensibly’, including on behalf of Chinese state-owned companies in cross-border and overseas disputes. Other key contacts include Harris Chan, who ‘provides practical case analysis and solutions’, including in shareholder and estates disputes, and the ‘very trustworthy’ Satpal Gobindpuri , who still maintains an active and diverse litigation practice alongside his duties as co-regional managing partner of Asia.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Chan

Other key lawyers:

Harris Chan; Satpal Gobindpuri; KC Tai

Testimonials

‘They are well-versed in the law and procedures but also in strategy and business issues. These combinations are significantly important.’

They provide pragmatic and solutions-oriented advice.’

The team has strong Chinese language capability and proactively explored feasible solutions for clients. Given their success in assisting clients from time to time, the team has been repeatedly engaged by clients such as Chinese financial institutions.’

‘Kevin Chan can always evaluate difficult situations calmly and sensibly, and provide his valuable insight to clients. He puts his clients’ interests first and proposes a combination of legal and/or commercial strategies to resolve problems.’

‘The experienced Harris Chan provides practical case analysis and solutions.’

‘Satpal Gobindpuri takes cares of the issues we were encountering, advises us on different options, and very clearly explains the consequences for the different options. He is very trustworthy and we feel very safe having him taking care of all our legal matters.’

‘Satpal Gobindpuri has been a pleasure to work with and he has always provided us with the appropriate counsel we needed in representing us in the dispute. His experience and collaborative approach has been positive and allowed us, as stakeholders, to properly engage and discuss strategic matters.’

Key clients

Dymocks Franchise Systems (China) Limited

Everwill Industrial Limited

Haitong

Huarong

Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

Industrial Bank

MHK Restaurants Limited

Sand Aire Limited

HFW

Leveraging ‘excellent technical and litigation skills’ and also demonstrating a ‘very collaborative approach‘ between the firm’s Hong Kong and Shanghai offices, HFW provides a cohesive and powerful offering to international and regional clients, particularly those operating within core areas of sector strength, including commodities and shipping. ‘A heavyweight litigator and brilliant strategist’, team head Noel Campbell is particularly adept at handling contentious insolvency matters which include elements of fraud. George Lamplough also handles cross-border fraud cases, as well as a considerable volume of shipping-related litigation work.

Practice head(s):

Noel Campbell

Other key lawyers:

George Lamplough; Karen Cheung

Testimonials

‘It’s the strength-in-depth of the team which makes them stand out. Each member of the team has excellent technical and litigation skills, and they demonstrate a very collaborate approach.’

‘Noel Campbell is a heavyweight litigator and brilliant strategist. He outsmarts all his opponents with skill and charm.’

Key clients

Deloitte

Australian Pension Fund

The Joint and Several Liquidators of China Metal Recycling (Holdings) Ltd (In Liquidation)

Grey Reach Investment Limited

Grant Thornton – The Joint Liquidators of Twenty Two East Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for partners at Deloitte as liquidators and its subsidiaries, in relation to a HK$728.9m claim for professional negligence against its former auditors, coupled with claims against the company’s former director.
  • Advising the Liquidators of China Metal Recycling (CMR) in an audit negligence case against CMR’s former auditors.
  • Acting for a BVI company, Grey Reach Investment Limited, in recovery of money lost in a cyber-fraud, where money was wrongly directed to a bank account in HK as the result of fraud.

Hogan Lovells

The ‘well-resourced and proactive’ team at Hogan Lovells provides a ‘first-class service’ to international and regional clients seeking recourse through litigation across a plethora of domestic and cross-border commercial disputes. Insolvency litigation is a particular strength, with team head Chris Dobby regularly instructed by liquidators, including in the context of multi-jurisdictional asset recovery actions. ‘Seasoned litigator’ Mark Lin is also highly regarded and excels in handling cross-border disputes for TMT and financial services clients.

Practice head(s):

Chris Dobby

Other key lawyers:

Mark Lin; Antonia Croke; Byron Phillips

Testimonials

‘They provide a first-class service and a great outcome. They under promised and over delivered.’

‘The practitioners are dedicated and pragmatic lateral thinkers. ’

‘A top-tier litigation team in Hong Kong having a wealth of experience, know-how, and talented solicitors who are able to deal with different challenging situations swiftly in a professional manner.’

‘A well-resourced and proactive team that brings an excellent range of skills and advice to addressing complex issues.’

‘Mark Lin is a well-known seasoned litigator with a strong strategic mindset which is highly desirable and sought-after.’

‘Chris Dobby combines exceptional legal knowledge with a very fine sense of commercial and practical issues.’

Key clients

Roderick Sutton and Vincent Fok of FTI Consulting

D&P China (HK) Limited (trading as Kroll) (formerly known as Borrelli Walsh)

The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Kfir Gavrieli in a US Chapter 11 proceedings

Kroll (formerly known as Borrelli Walsh)

Citicorp International Limited

Asahi Beer Asia Ltd

Linklaters

Frequently working alongside practitioners throughout Asia (including Singapore and mainland China) and beyond, Linklaters‘ ‘responsive and knowledgeable’ Hong Kong offering is a popular choice for financial services clients, in particular, where it has the ‘cross-border expertise to deal with high-profile and sensitive matters’. Justin Tang has ‘a good grasp of the law and regulatory framework, as well as the court processes’, and alongside the ‘sharp and very insightful’ Denise Fung is one of the main Hong Kong-based contacts within the Southeast Asia disputes practice, which is led out of Singapore by Jelita Pandjaitan.  

Other key lawyers:

Justin Tang; Denise Fung; Andrew Chung; Michael Lamson

Testimonials

‘The firm possesses good knowledge of the local laws and regulations and the regulatory framework. They are also attentive to client’s need.’

‘The team is responsive and knowledgeable. Advice is always detailed and comprehensive.’

‘The firm has strong cross-border expertise to deal with high-profile and sensitive matters.’

Key clients

UBS

Nan Hai Corporation

KPMG

Jardine Matheson

HSBC

Hang Seng Bank

Shanghai Industrial Holdings Limited

J.P. Morgan

Ernst & Young

Citibank

Blackrock

CCB International

Ping An Securities

Societe Generale

FTI Consulting

The Bank of East Asia

PwC

Genting

Mayer Brown

Drawing upon significant resources throughout Greater China, as well as being able to leverage expertise across its vast international network, Mayer Brown is able to represent clients in a domestic and cross-border context, across a broad swathe of disputes, running the gamut from commercial and banking litigation to real estate disputes, as well as regulatory investigations. Alan Linning  excels in financing litigation and regulatory matters, and drawing upon his experience as former executive director at the SFC, has an excellent perspective defending financial institutions in regulatory matters and pursuant enforcement actions. Team head Geoffrey Chan excels at handling major construction litigation.

Practice head(s):

Geoffrey Chan

Other key lawyers:

Alan Linning; John Hickin; Susanne Harris; Billy Lam; Menachem Hasofer; Vincent Law; Nancy Leung; Bill Amos; Vivien Yip; Mei Ling Lew; Raymond Chan; Wilson Fung

Key clients

ETON Properties Group

First Laser Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for a cruise operator in the Hong Kong proceeding and worked alongside a local counsel in Japan on getting the Hong Kong judgment recognized in Japanese court.    
  • Representing two of the defendants, who are members of the Eton Properties Group, to defend this long-running claim, first commenced by the plaintiff in 2007, in purported enforcement of an arbitral award made by CIETAC in Beijing.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright combines ‘excellent knowledge of the law with first-in-class client handling’ and is a popular choice among directors, corporates and financial institutions across a range of commercial disputes and contentious private client matters. ‘Knowledgeable, efficient and easy to work with’, team head Camille Jojo is regarded as ‘a top litigation practitioner‘ and has a versatile practice that includes shareholder litigation, as well as contentious trust and probate cases. Construction litigation is also a strength, an area that Alfred Wu  and the ‘brilliant’ Kevin Hong are recommended. Daniel Ng was promoted to partner in January 2022, a testament to his popularity among clients across a range of commercial litigation.

Practice head(s):

Camille Jojo

Other key lawyers:

Alfred Wu; Kevin Hong; Daniel Ng

Testimonials

‘This is a first-tier litigation team in Hong Kong. They combine excellent knowledge of the law with first-in-class client handling.’

‘They are very reliable and always provide professional advice.’

‘Camille Jojo is a top litigation practitioner who is knowledgable, efficient and easy to work with.’

‘Camille Jojo is always very hands-on in his management of the cases in which he is involved.’

‘Kevin Hong is a very competent lawyer. He can offer us a faster but practical solution to resolve complex issues.’

‘Kevin Hong is brilliant. We always appreciate his strong support to achieve the best for our clients. We could understand the whole picture of the case and arguments easily from his comments.’

Key clients

Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Ltd (Asia Allied)

Hsin Chong Aster Building Services Limited (Hsin Chong)

ST Engineering Mission Software & Services Pte. Ltd. (ST Engineering)

GFG Alliance

LAE Technologies Hong Kong Limited

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Limited

Harbour Plaza Hotel Management Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on the Fok Estate dispute – one of the most prominent tycoon estate disputes in Hong Kong.
  • Advising a minority shareholder of a Hong Kong company listed on the Korean Stock Exchange in an urgent injunction application against the company and its directors to restrain them from carrying out a proposed issue of shares in the company and an application for just and equitable winding up against the company in order to appoint provisional liquidators over it.
  • Representing a beneficiary in a court application against his younger brother and younger sister concerning the administration of the Estates.

Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP

Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP has a strong presence throughout Greater China, ensuring that it excels in local and regional matters, as well as being ‘more than capable of handling complex cases that involve matters across various jurisdictions’, by virtue of its strong international network. Although it is skilled at handling disputes across a range of sectors, the firm is perhaps best known for its expertise at handling shipping and international trade, an area that Lianjun Li is particularly effective. Li co-heads the overarching disputes team alongside Asha Sharma, who regularly handles shareholder and corporate disputes.

Practice head(s):

Lianjun Li; Asha Sharma

Other key lawyers:

Mark West; Min Li; Stephanie Chan; Donald Sham; Steve Tam

Testimonials

‘The team is more than capable of handling complex cases that involve matters across various jurisdictions. They are always on top of the matter and pay attention to each and every detail of the case.’

‘Stephanie Chan provides clear guidance to her team members and is able to dedicate different parts of the case to team members that are competent to handle that aspect.’

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

The ‘exceptional’ three-partner team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP excels in handling big-ticket commercial disputes, and is ‘a natural choice to manage international disputes with a Hong Kong or PRC focus’. Rory McAlpine has a ‘great depth of experience and technical ability’ and is consequently frequently called upon to represent major regional and Chinese corporates, and international financial institutions, in high-stakes disputes, where he is equally adept at handling litigation and ADR. Counsel Wilfred Ho is ‘a fantastic problem-solver with first-rate communication skills in English and Mandarin’ and is a key contact for Asian clients across a range of commercial litigation, including shareholder and insolvency-related actions. Steve Kwok co-heads the team alongside McAlpine and has forged a very strong practice representing US-listed Chinese companies in securities litigation matters brought before the US courts.

Practice head(s):

Rory McAlpine; Steve Kwok

Other key lawyers:

Wilfred Ho; James Tennison

Testimonials

‘It is a superb team with a diversity and wealth of skills and expertise, making it a natural choice to manage international disputes with a Hong Kong/PRC focus.’

‘It is a top-quality team – the gold standard in Asia. The lawyers are very client focused, efficient and responsive.’

The Skadden team is exceptional.’

Key clients

Grandview Private Trust Company

Baidu, Inc.

58.com Inc.

LexinFintech Holdings

Evenstar Capital Management Ltd.

NIO Inc.

The underwriters in the Petrobras litigation

Pinduoduo

ZTO Express

Yunji Inc.

Didi Global Inc.

Kanzhun Limited

360 DigiTech, Inc.

RLX Technology Inc.

ChangYou.com Limited

KE Holdings Inc.

9F Inc.

Pintec Technology Holdings Limited

Jianpu Technology

iQiyi

Gaotu Techedu

TAL Education Group

JA Solar

Stephenson Harwood

Tapping into ‘a wealth of dispute resolution knowledge’ among lawyers based out of the firm’s Hong Kong and Shanghai offices, Stephenson Harwood is well-placed to represent PRC-based entities, as well as international clients on disputes with an Asian nexus. Team head Ivan Ng  has an excellent understanding of the cultural and business norms in mainland China and regularly picks up shareholder and corporate litigation involving PRC companies. Ng also handles some contentious insolvency work, which is another core strength of the firm, an area that ‘very collaborative‘ head of Greater China restructuring Jamie Stranger  is also recommended. Emily Li  was recently promoted to partner, in recognition of her work for Chinese and international clients in relation to shareholder disputes, as well as international trade finance matters.

Practice head(s):

Ivan Ng

Other key lawyers:

Jamie Stranger; Ian Childs; Evangeline Quek; Emily Li

Testimonials

‘Good mix of senior and junior solicitors. The team has a wealth of dispute resolution knowledge, especially commercial and insolvency litigation.’

‘Jamie Stranger is very collaborative and provides excellent advice.’

‘Ivan Ng and Emily Li have a full understanding of specific business fields, and are familiar with the mentality and positioning of mainland businessmen, code of conduct, and industry operating norms.’

Key clients

Purple Surgical UK Limited

Employees of China Shanshui Investment Limited

United Overseas Bank

Dan Form International Limited (a BVI company) and its owner (a PRC individual)

Société Générale

HWH Holdings Limited (a BVI company)

Phillips Fine Watches Limited

The joint and several liquidators of Shanghai Huaxin (Hong Kong) Limited

OCBC Wing Hang

OCBC

ICBC

Raiffeisen Bank International AG

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Bank of East Asia

FTI Consulting (Hong Kong) Limited

Work highlights

  • Representing 2,000 employees and minority shareholders of China Shanshui Investment in a long-running shareholders’ dispute worth over HK$5bn.
  • Acting for the joint provisional liquidators of CECEP COSTIN New Materials Limited (Company) in respect of a debt restructuring including re-listing on the HKEX, advising on their investigations and potential claims (including against the former auditors) etc.
  • Acted for Purple Surgical UK Limited as a plaintiff on a massive cross-border fraud which involves a sale and purchase agreement to purchase five million 3M surgical masks from the defendants with a purchase price of $27m.

Tanner De Witt

Benefitting from an ‘excellent understanding of Hong Kong and the wider region’, independent local firm Tanner De Witt provides ‘responsive, very sensible and commercial advice’ directly to clients, as well as part of cross border teams with other firms. The scope of the work is broad and includes contentious insolvency matters, probate disputes, shareholder litigation, fraud and asset tracing. Pamela Mak  ‘is particularly skilled at dealing with mainland clients’ and co-heads the team alongside Mark Side , who specialises in contentious regulatory matters. ‘Top disputes lawyer’ Jeff Lane  is also recognised particularly in the context of fraud and asset recovery matters.

Practice head(s):

Mark Side; Pamela Mak

Other key lawyers:

Jeff Lane

Testimonials

‘I have been impressed by Tanner De Witt’s thorough approach to every litigation matter I have worked on with them. They also have excellent relations with attorneys located in many other jurisdictions that gives them tremendous depth to address complex cross-border issues.’

‘Tanner De Witt is a highly sophisticated complex litigation firm in my experience and because they are independent they are more flexible than many of their competitors. The have a really good understanding of Hong Kong and the wider region and are staffed with experienced, diligent and careful associates.’

‘The team provides responsive, very sensible and commercial advice.’

‘The team is strong in disputes where there are allegations of serious wrongdoing and in applying for or responding to injunctive relief. They are also commercially sensible when it comes to pricing and are collegiate in the way that they work.’

Pamela Mak is particularly skilled at dealing with mainland clients, and skilled at soothing difficult clients.’

‘Jeff Lane is a top disputes lawyer, with particular expertise in fraud and asset recovery matters.’

 

Key clients

KPMG

PwC

Deloitte

Borrelli Walsh (now Kroll)

FraudNet legal network

Four Seasons Hotel

PCCW

Pieta House

Work highlights

  • Acted as global co-ordinating counsel for various high-net-worth business people and their related companies in defending the various proceedings around the world involving a multi-million-dollar claim.
  • Represented an Argentinian beverage production company to urgently make a 2nd level injunction and disclosure order application against 2nd level recipients’ Hong Kong bank accounts which continued to a 3rd level injunction and disclosure order application against 3rd level recipients’ accounts.
  • Acting for the Hong Kong branch of a Korean worldwide wholesaler of health products with retailers and consumers worldwide in preparation for potential claims by the Department of Health of the Hong Kong Government under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance relating to a product sold worldwide; and judicial review against Department of Health and Hospital Authority; and civil claims against the government departments.

Ashurst

Ashurst is ‘well-equipped to handle complex and sophisticated matters’, including in the context of large-scale finance disputes, where it is often supported by the firm’s banking and restructuring practices. ‘Detail-oriented’ team head James Comber is frequently at the forefront of much of this work, including in the context of contentious regulatory matters brought by, amongst others, the HKSE. Bilingual litigator Cliff Chow has made in-roads into the Chinese market since joining the firm over two years ago from Allen & Overy, including on behalf of local banks and SOEs, as has ‘all-rounder and true problem solver’ Benjamin NG.

Practice head(s):

James Comber

Other key lawyers:

Cliff Chow; Sylvia Tee; Benjamin Ng

Testimonials

‘Ashurst has a very strong team. They are well-equipped to handle complex and sophisticated matters to impressively high standards. They also have a high degree of commercial acumen.’

‘They have a particularly strong commercial sense in complex and large-scale financial disputes, and their dispute practice is well supported by the firm’s banking and restructuring practices, which is a great asset, especially for matters which involve enforcement and insolvency issues.’

‘James Comber – understands the law, is detail-oriented and also able to propose solutions to difficult issues.’

Key clients

HNA Group Co Limited

Royal Bank of Canada

Asia Debt Management

China Merchant’s Bank (Hong Kong Branch)

Bank of America, National Association

Credit Suisse

Kroll (Bruno Arboit and Galaxy Chan)

HNA Group Company (International) Limited

Swiss Re

Samsung Securities

CNCB (Hong Kong) Investment Limited

Beijing Energy International Holdings Limited

Haitong Securities

Work highlights

  • Representing HNA Group in its defence of winding up proceedings presented against it in the High Court of Hong Kong by a Panamanian shipping company.
  • Represented HNA (International) Company in its defence in Hong Kong High Court proceedings for the enforcement of a guarantee, with the amount claimed being $357m.  
  • Represented Asia Debt Management in relation to a series of inter-related proceedings in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, to secure debts owing to it of approximately $85m that were secured by a series of mortgages over Hong Kong and Australian properties and a series of complex interlocking corporate and personal guarantees.

Clyde & Co LLP

Drawing upon deep industry knowledge in core sector strengths for the firm as a whole, including transport, trade and insurance, the ‘very efficient and professional’ team at Clyde & Co LLP provides a very capable service to international clients, as well as for China-based clients on outbound litigation involving Hong Kong proceedings. Patrick Perry excels in handling the defence of claims against professional services firms (including in the context of professional negligence allegations) and is a key member of the team that also includes aviation litigation expert Peter Coles. Team head Simon McConnell has extensive experience in commercial disputes, particularly in the financial services sector.

Practice head(s):

Simon McConnell

Other key lawyers:

Peter Coles; Matthew Lam; Patrick Perry; John Howes; Desmond Lui; Pryderi Diebschlag

Testimonials

‘We have always found the firm to be very efficient and professional, in addition all the team have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in aviation.’

‘Peter Coles is knowledgeable, friendly, professional and approachable.  He is good to work with and his knowledge is exceptional. He will always look to settle cases early if liability is an issue for us and he is always available to take a call to discuss strategy.’

 

Key clients

A Big Four accountancy firm

A large accountancy firm

Work highlights

  • Acting for a big four accountancy firm in the defence of a HK$2.5bn claim against a well-known firm of Hong Kong Accountants.
  • Acting for a large accountancy firm in the defence of a substantial claim against a well-known firm of Hong Kong accountants.

Gall

‘Small but very strong’ conflict-free specialist litigation boutique Gall‘s ‘well organised and effective team of lawyers’ picks up a significant volume of high-quality commercial litigation work (including in relation to shareholder disputes, fraud and asset recovery) on a standalone basis, as well as from law firm referrals. The six-partner team, which is led by Nick Gall, has excellent credibility before the local courts, and consequently provides a very strong service to clients, not only in purely domestic matters but also on the Hong Kong elements of large multi-jurisdictional mandates. Chris Wong  is ‘very practical and good at client management’, particularly on behalf of Chinese clients engaged in matters before the Hong Kong courts.

Practice head(s):

Nick Gall; Chris Wong

Testimonials

‘Boutique dispute resolution only firm, no conflicts, small but very strong’

‘All the solicitors at Gall that I have worked with are diligent and helpful.’

‘A well organised and effective team of lawyers that is well-equipped in handling complex cross-border commercial disputes.’

Key clients

Tomohiro Okada

SoftBank Vision Fund (AIV M1)

The New York State

China Shandong Hi-Speed Capital (HK) Limited

Professor Xiang-Dong Fu

Gavin William Brown

Cellmark China Limited

Athene Li & Xio Fund

Zhao Xuhong YXie Li Xin

Work highlights

  • Representing Mr Tomohiro Okada (1) in 2 sets of unfair prejudice proceedings (and 2 highly contested injunction applications in aid of these proceedings) commenced by Mr Kazuo Okada and Ms Hiromi Okada respectively and (2) as an interested party in ajudicial review by Mr. Kazuo Okada against the Registrar of Companies.
  • Representing Softbank Vision Fund in applications for recognition of letters of request granted by the Delaware Courts seeking document production and testimony from HonyCapital, Gaw Capital, Trustbridge and certain individuals.
  • Represeting the New York State which is the victim of a fraudulent schemeorchestrated to defraud state funds in excess of $30m in relation to thepurchase of Chinese medical ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

Kennedys

Under the leadership of Rudy Chung, global insurance heavyweight Kennedys continues to develop and grow its litigation/regulatory offering in Hong Kong and provides ‘very practical and commercial’ advice to a diverse client base, including corporates, government departments, insurers, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals. The firm has also developed a market-leading reputation representing health care professionals and doctors in the defence of medical negligence and medical-related cases. Key to this success has been the work of practice co-heads Christine Tsang and Sandy Cho, who are both ‘very knowledgeable about medical-legal related issues and have vast experience under their belts’. 

Practice head(s):

Rudy Chung; Christine Tsang; Sandy Cho

Other key lawyers:

Bertha Ng; Ricky Wu; Chantel Pang

Testimonials

‘The lawyers are bright, focussed, thorough, hardworking and extremely practical in their approach to legal problems.’

 ‘Their advice is very practical and commercial which is therefore popular among in house-counsels.’

‘The firm enjoys a high success rate in its cases that go to trial.’

Key clients

Medical Protection

The Hospital Authority

AXA China Region Insurance Company Limited

Chubb Life Insurance Limited

Equal Opportunities Commission

FTLife Insurance Company Limited

Prudential Hong Kong Limited

Manulife (International) Limited

Minter Ellison

The ‘outstanding’ team at Minter Ellison provides ‘very efficient and effective‘ advice to regional and local corporates/individuals (as well as international entities with substantial operations in Greater China) across a broad swathe of disputes, running the gamut from corporate and shareholder litigation, through to insurance and IP disputes. William Barber ‘combines sensible legal advice with tactical acumen’ for clients engaged in commercial and regulatory disputes, including those within the financial services and energy sectors. Other key contacts include Desmond Liaw, who provides ‘practical and commercial advice‘ to clients seeking representation across complex litigation, employment and insolvency matters, and senior partner David Morrison, who has vast experience handling corporate, regulatory and securities litigation in the region.

Practice head(s):

William Barber; Steven Birt; Malcolm Chin; Nathan Dentice; Jonathan Green; Alex Kaung; Jun Kwong; Desmond Liaw; David Morrison; Eddy So; Steven Yip; Desmond Yu

Testimonials

‘Excellent dispute resolution capablity: great lawyers who work very well together.’

‘The outstanding team is very capable and knowledgeable and their level of service is always of a high standard. It is a very efficient and effective outfit.’

‘Excellent and highly experienced civil fraud lawyers, who are mature, sensible and pragmatic.’

Key clients

Joe Zhixiong Zhou

Anglo Chinese Corporate Finance Limited

Vincent TK Cheung

PDC Limited

Dundee Greentech Limited

The Executors of the Estate of Chen Din Hwa

Hyundai Merchant Marine

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited

Competition Commission of Hong Kong

Eastmore Group

Capital Pilot Limited

China Gas Industry Investment Holdings Company Limited

O'Melveny

With two partners based in Hong Kong and able to draw upon additional strength from the firm’s international network, should the need arise, the ‘solutions-oriented and pragmatic’ team at O'Melveny punches above its weight and is frequently engaged in complex cross-border disputes. Leveraging ‘an unparalleled depth of experience and knowledge in Hong Kong’ team head Denis Brock is frequently at the forefront of the highest-profile mandates it handles across a broad swathe of litigation, including as it relates to infrastructure, product liability, insurance and professional negligence. Counsel Kieran Humphrey is also a key contact and is noted for his ‘strategic and pragmatic mindset’.   

Practice head(s):

Denis Brock

Other key lawyers:

Kieran Humphrey

Testimonials

‘The team specialises in complex disputes. They have an excellent subject matter knowledge which they are able to deploy effectively to find good resolutions for their clients.’

‘The team is solutions-oriented and pragmatic. They are genuinely interested in resolving issues in the least possible time and for the best commercial outcome.’

‘Denis Brock is adept at getting to the heart of the issue and finding the solution that works. Denis excels at getting buy in from C suite corporate stake holders in what are often very difficult circumstances.’

Key clients

Leighton Contractors (Asia) Ltd

Deloitte

PAG

HP Inc

Eversheds Sutherland

The ‘efficient and responsive’ team at Eversheds Sutherland handles commercial litigation for international and regional clients, including as it relates to JV disputes, professional negligence claims and fraud. The team, which is headed by ‘solid black-letter lawyer’ Mark Hughes, is also adept at handling contentious regulatory matters for financial services, telecoms and media clients. ‘Technically solid’ of counsel Jason Tam  excels in handling commercial and financial services dispute resolution matters, including high-value debt recovery for banks.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hughes

Other key lawyers:

Adam Ferguson; John Siu; Wesley Pang; Duncan Watt; Jason Tam; Jocelyn Chow

Testimonials

‘The tight-knit team is efficient and responsive.’

‘Mark Hughes has plenty of gravitas, is good with clients and is a solid black-letter lawyer.’

‘Jason Tam is rising in stature. He is able to manage clients well and is technically solid.’

Key clients

HSBC

Communications Authority of Hong Kong (the regulator for telecoms and broadcasting)

Bank of Communications Co., Ltd

Madam Bi XiaoQiong

Incu Global Limited

HNA Group (International Company) Limited / Billion Able Corporation Limited

BOCI Securities Limited

The Bank of East Asia Limited

Hang Seng Bank Limited

Hill Dickinson Hong Kong

At Hill Dickinson Hong Kong, team head Brian O’Hare is particularly adept at handling complex cross-border commercial and insolvency disputes, often involving a myriad stakeholders. The ‘pragmatic’ Damien Laracy is also a key member of the team, and as part of his eclectic workload handles a considerable amount of contentious shipping work, including ship mortgage enforcement matters, and ship arrests, for both banks and other creditors.

Practice head(s):

Bryan O’Hare

Other key lawyers:

Damien Laracy; Yvette Yu; Jim James; Kelly Kim; Pui Yip Leung; Felix Cheung; Nicole Wong

Testimonials

Damien Laracy takes a pragmatic approach when it comes to clients, which is also instilled across his team. He is very candid with respect to analysing positions and next steps, and does not shy away from having the hard conversation, if this is not what the client wishes to hear, albeit in their best interest.’

Key clients

China Smarter Energy Group Holdings Limited

UD Trading Group Holding Pte Limited / UIL Hong KongLimited (in liquidation)

Universal Income Builder Fund (Funds IV, V, VI)

Crelan Bank

China incorporated venture capital management & consulting company

Dialectic PR LLC

Grant Thornton

 

Work highlights

  • Advised the board of China Smarter Energy Group Holdings Limited (listed in Hong Kong) on legal and regulatory issues relating to a boardroom dispute and contested AGM, including attempts by a substantial shareholder to change the constitution of the board including the rights of Receivers to attend and vote on shares at the AGM and injunction to prevent voting and issuing new shares for strategic voting purposes.
  • Advised a global commodity trader with a claim against a Korean state-owned bank for $1.4bn arising from breach of multiple trade finance agreements.
  • Advised the managers of Universe Income Builder Fund (Funds IV, V and VI), commodity(gold) investment funds, and related parties with the defence of proceedings in Hong Kong by Korean financial institutions alleging investment fraud/Ponzi scheme including related injunction proceedings.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Led from Shanghai by Hui Xu, and including increased firepower from Hong Kong, particularly in light of solicitor/advocate Dominic Geiser‘s arrival from Herbert Smith Freehills in August 2022, the Greater China disputes team at Latham & Watkins LLP excels in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional mandates where it is able to effectively mobilise resources from its US offices, in particular. The team is particularly adept at handling disputes within the financial services and asset management sector, where it is able to handle parallel regulatory investigations, should the need arise. 

Practice head(s):

Hui Xu (Shanghai)

Other key lawyers:

Dominic Geiser

Key clients

China Life Insurance (Overseas) Company

China COSCO Shipping Corporation

Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding Limited

United Microelectronics Corporation

Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co.

HollySys Automation Technologies Ltd

Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster‘s three-partner team includes practitioners with US, Hong Kong and UK qualifications and is ‘very capable of handling large-scale disputes’ for clients in a range of sectors, including asset management and real estate, often with a multi-jurisdictional angle. IP-related disputes are also a fertile source of work and leveraging the firm’s strong firmwide TMT credentials, it regularly handles work for US clients in defensive manner or in asserting IPRs relating to patents, copyright and trade mark ownership. Team head Timothy Blakely displays ‘a sound understanding of Chinese legal practice and business environment’, and excels in ‘helping non-China based clients understand the importance nuances of local practice’. 

Practice head(s):

Timothy Blakely

Other key lawyers:

Sarah Thomas; Chen Zhu; Jessica Chan

Testimonials

‘The team is diligent, yet also able to allocate resources in an efficient manner so that legal costs to clients are well managed. They provide balanced advice to guide us in achieving an optimal outcome without entering into protracted litigation.’

‘The team is very practical. They have extensive knowledge of practice in different jurisdictions and are very capable of handling large-scale disputes.’

‘The team provides excellent client service, top to bottom. It has extensive subject matter expertise and provides thoughtful and practical advice.’

‘Timothy Blakely is impressively responsive and intelligent. His mastery of complicated legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions significantly contributed to the clients’ success in many high-profile cases. He has a sound understanding of Chinese legal practice and business environment, and always offers wise advice.’

‘Timothy Blakely is an exceptional lawyer and litigation/dispute strategist. He does an excellent job helping non-China based clients understand the importance nuances of local practice and enables clients to develop thoughtful and winning strategies.’

Sarah Thomas provides professional and timely advice.’

Key clients

SoftBank Group Corp.

Work highlights

  • Represented Softbank Group in a high-profile dispute against WeWork and its founder Adam Neumann, in relation to Softbank Group’s abandoned $3bn investment in WeWork.

RPC

Appreciated by local and international clients for its ability to formulate ‘logical and sensible solutions in a timely-fashion’, RPC‘s litigation offering differs from many in the ranking due to its largely conflict free status and therefore its  ability to act adverse to banking entities in commercial litigation. This work, alongside other financial services and general commercial disputes, is handled by solicitor/advocate Charles Allen and Jonathan Crompton, who both have a strong reputation in the region, with the latter also very adept at handling risk management and contentious matters relating to cyber security/data protection. The other key component to the firm’s litigation offering is its strength in relation to professional negligence matters, an area that Asia managing partner Antony Sassi is well regarded, including in the defence of claims brought against accountants, auditors and solicitors.

Practice head(s):

Antony Sassi

Other key lawyers:

Charles Allen; Jonathan Crompton; Jacky Darsono; Samuel Hung; Peter Kwon; Yi-Shun Teoh; Annabella Chu

Testimonials

‘The team is experienced and pragmatic in providing advice and handling litigation.’

‘Responsiveness and efficiency are what sets them apart. They were able to come up with logical and sensible solutions in a timely-fashion.’

‘Antony Sassi and Annabella Chu provide excellent advice in the litigation space and their advice is sound and to the point.’

Key clients

Moore

Howse Williams Bowers

Hex

PwC

TransAsia Private Capital Limited

Castco

BDO Limited

Herbert Smith Freehills

HKICPA

Noble Prestige Limited

Work highlights

  • Defending BDO in proceedings commenced by the Provisional Liquidators of China Lumena New Materials Corp. – it is an unconventional claim because it is heavily premised upon two short seller’s report.
  • Representing Herbert Smith Freehills in defending a substantial claim brought by former clients of the firm.
  • Defending BDO in Hong Kong proceedings commenced by the Sino-Forest Corporation Litigation Trust – one of the largest and highest-value litigations currently going through the Hong Kong courts.

Wilkinson & Grist

The litigation team at Wilkinson & Grist – one of the oldest independent law firms in Hong Kong – has a strong reputation advising clients throughout Greater China across a range of commercial and private client disputes. As well as his strong pipeline of disputes work for individuals and commercial organisations, team head Ivan Chu  also regularly guides education institutions, statutory and professional bodies through disciplinary matters.

Practice head(s):

Ivan Chu

Other key lawyers:

Florence Chan; Paul Liu

Key clients

Alvarez & Marsal

Ernst & Young

FTI Consulting

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Ltd

KPMG

Mr Timothy Fok Tsun Ting

PriceWaterhouseCoopers

RSM Nelson Wheeler

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Mr Timothy FOK Tsun Ting in relation to the disputes with his siblings with regard to the estate of their late father, Mr Henry FOK Ying Tung, deceased who at his death was one of Hong Kong’s richest and most well-known tycoons.
  • Represented Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation to successfully resist the judicial review proceedings commenced by SUNeVision Holdings Limited (a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Group) in the Court of First Instance; and contest an appeal to the Court of Appeal from the decision of the Court of First Instance dismissing the judicial review.