Deacons > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Deacons
5TH FLOOR, ALEXANDRA HOUSE
18 CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL
HONG KONG
Hong Kong

Hong Kong > Commercial, corporate and M&A: independent Hong Kong law firms Tier 1

Deacons has a long track record of handling complex, high-value corporate transactions, including acting on inbound and outbound M&A, take-privates and business reorganisations. In addition to its work for multinationals entering the PRC market, the group also acts for public and private HK companies across sectors including financial services, real estate, consumer goods and technology. The group is jointly headed by Ronny Chow, who leads the corporate finance team, and Machiuanna Chu, who is also head of the corporate and commercial sub-team; and it was bolstered with the hire of Mark Stevens who joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in September 2022. Alexander Que is another name to note and takes the lead on privatisation.

Practice head(s):

Ronny Chow; Machiuanna Chu

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Que; Rhoda Yung; Queena Chow

Testimonials

‘Deacons is able to advise on the various aspects of the M&A transactions in the various sectors, including structuring, potential risks on the execution front, dealing with the relevant regulatory authorities, pre-completion restructuring, and post transaction integration issues. Besides the execution process and agreement drafting/negotiation, they are able to advise on other issues such as HR, taxation, anti-trust, insurance etc. which are equally important in a M&A transaction; and the partners/lawyers we have dealt with are very responsible and professional.’

‘Alex Que has in-depth knowledge of the rules and regulations in relation to the takeovers and privatization. Besides the legal skill sets, I am also quite concerned about the attitude of the lawyer I work with on a deal. Alex is very patient and is able to explain a difficult legal concept in a simply way to the client.’

‘I have worked with Deacons on a wide range of restructuring and corporate finance transactions. Deacons team have consistently demonstrated their resourcefulness in handling difficult issues which would inevitably come up in complex transactions under high-stress circumstances.’

‘Alex Que is detailed, practical and commercial. Alex has a positive thinking mind and could always bring fresh ideas to the table to bridge gaps when there are differences between involved parties. Queena Chow, the senior associate, is an incredibly hardworking, detailed and helpful lawyer dedicated to creating a solution.’

‘The team are experienced and efficient.’

‘We’ve worked with Rhoda Yung a lot. She and her team are accommodating and flexible, always placing clients’ interests first. There were good solicitor-and-client communications.’

Key clients

Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd

BOCI Asia Limited

Chuang’s Consortium International Limited

i-CABLE Communications Limited

ICBC International Capital Limited

Kerry Logistics Network Limited

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Viva China Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd and mandatory conditional cash offers for shares and share options of Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd.
  • Advised Kerry Logistics Network Limited on its disposal of companies holding Hong Kong warehouse properties to Kerry Holdings Limited – a special deal in relation to S.F. Holding Co., Ltd.’s partial offers for shares and share options for Kerry Logistics Network.
  • Advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation on its disposal of its stake in ARA Asset Management Limited to ESR Cayman Limited and subscription of additional shares of ESR Cayman Limited.

Hong Kong > Intellectual property Tier 1

Long-established Hong Kong law firm Deacons works for several of the world’s best-known brands on both their trade mark portfolios and complex prosecutions. It also houses a dedicated patent team, comprising patent attorneys who are qualified in Australia, China, Europe and UK. Another strength is IP litigation, while sector strengths for the group include consumer goods, financial services, TMT, life sciences, luxury goods, hospitality, entertainment, and electrical, electronic and mechanical manufacturing. The IP department is co-led by court litigation specialist Charmaine Koo, and Annie Tsoi, who also heads the China IP practice group. Also integral to the team are trade mark portfolio protection expert Patsy Lau; Jeffrey McLean, who is experienced in the technical and patent aspects of contentious matters; and Hong Kong and New Zealand-qualified Kelley Loo. Emmy Chow is a partner as of January 2022, while Theresa Luk and Eliza Siew are the senior associates to note.

Practice head(s):

Charmaine Koo; Annie Tsoi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is very knowledgeable in its areas of expertise, and provides sound and professional advice.’

‘Very efficient and always responsive to our enquiries and requests. Excellent partners to work with!’

‘Deacons always provides the most detailed analysis and every possible solution.’

‘With its carefulness, clients are confident that cases do not accidentally miss any deadline.’

‘Patsy Lau is great for her tailor-made solutions.’

‘Great experience when working with Loretta Lau, Annie Tsoi, Patsy Lau and Emmy Chow.’

Key clients

Ping An Group

Google

Alibaba Group

Hong Kong Science and Technology Park

PCCW

Reckitt Group

Work highlights

  • Acting for the PCCW Group in patent infringement court proceedings, brought against it by a US entity, Two-Way Media, in the Hong Kong Court of First Instance.
  • Acting for Alibaba Group in IP infringement proceedings, commenced in Hong Kong by a US cosmetics supplier.

Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 1

Drawing upon significant market intel and also benefitting from strong ties with Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Deacons 'understands the Hong Kong fund market very well', particularly in the context of retail funds. In this segment of the market, Jeremy Lam spearheads a 'cost-effective' team that 'handles the majority of authorised funds in Hong Kong', for Chinese and international fund managers. The 'very dependable' Su Cheen Chuah and Pinky Siu, who is able to draw from an 'abundance of experience', both excel in the ETF space, and are able to guide many leading sponsors through the fund life cycle, from structuring advice and stock exchange listing guidance, through to advice on marketing and distribution, as well as on post-authorisation and regulatory developments. Taylor Hui has excellent traction among Chinese stakeholders across both retail and private funds; he excels at advising PRC fund managers on fund establishment in Hong Kong and on bringing RMB investment products to the Hong Kong market.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Lam

Other key lawyers:

Taylor Hui; Alwyn Li; Su Cheen Chuah; Pinky Siu; Ming Chiu Li; Lawson Tam; Calvin Li

Testimonials

‘It is a great investment funds team that is responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘The team understands the Hong Kong fund market very well. Their advices appropriately addressing the questions raised by the regulator. This helps to save time and cost on negotiation with regulators on fund authorization application.’

‘A leading practice in SFC authorised funds work, with deep knowledge of the industry/SFC requirements.’

‘The cost-effective team handles the majority of authorised funds in Hong Kong and can be consistently relied upon to possess the latest intelligence both on the local market and the local regulator.’

‘Su Cheen Chuah – all rounded and deep knowledge across public and private funds and other asset management practice areas. Very dependable and genuinely seeks to achieve best outcome for the client.’

‘Pinky Siu has an abundance of experience and fluency in advising on issues that may be raised by the SFC in various scenarios, allowing us to be prepared on what to expect when dealing with the regulator.’

 

Key clients

AllianceBerstein

Amundi

First Sentier Investors

Haitong International Asset Management

Invesco

Janus Henderson

JPMorgan Funds

Jupiter Asset Management

Schroder Investment Management

Sumitomo Mutsui Trust

Value Partners Group

Work highlights

  • Advised BEA Union Investment Management on the first restructuring of a range of authorised unit trusts into sub-funds of a public OFC.
  • Advised Fubon Fund Management on the first ETF listed in Hong Kong that provides leveraged and inverse exposure to Taiwan’s equity market.
  • Advised CSOP Asset Management on launching the first ETF listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange under the Hong Kong-Mainland China ETF cross-listing scheme.

Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 1

Deacons is a market leader in the employment sphere, which as well as an extensive advisory practice tackling such employment issues as those presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, also boasts an impressive contentious offering which benefits enormously from one of the largest and long-established litigation practices in Hong Kong. Leading the employment team and bringing almost three decades of experience is Cynthia Chung, who in recent years has served as a seasoned advisor to both local and international clients on contemporary issues such as remote working and vaccination requirements. Elsie Chan is widely renowned and respected for her handling of contentious matters, regularly called upon by some of the largest employers in Hong Kong to act in high profile cases, often involving statutory bodies and appearing before the most senior courts. Helen Liao has developed a significant practice guiding employers through the complex and sensitive area of discrimination law.

Practice head(s):

Cynthia Chung

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

MTR Corporation

CBRE Group

CMB Wing Lung Bank

Bain & Company

Sequoia Capital

Oaktree Capital Management

Canada Goose

Thélios (LVMH Group)

Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited

La Perla

Work highlights

  • Advised a French skincare and cosmetic giant on sensitive cross-border employment issues in relation to relocation of its headquarter.
  • Advised an International luxury hotel and hotel management group on vaccination policy.
  • Defended a global player in fermentation with €2 billion turnover and 10,700 employees worldwide, against a complaint lodged by an ex-employee at the Hong Kong Equal Opportunities Commission.

Hong Kong > Real estate Tier 1

A firm founded in Hong Kong, Deacons offers a thorough knowledge of the market and local regulations, as well as the capability to advise on large developments and cross border transactions. The real estate practice is led by the ‘outstandingLilian Chiang, who advises on major development projects and is recommended for her ‘technically sound advice‘. Wallace Wong has over two decades of experience and has handled many large real estate M&A deals in that period. Consequently, Wong has developed strong and lasting relationships with several major developers in Hong Kong, including the Urban Renewal Authority. Karen Chan and Wai Tung Yu are also key names to note. They assist on property transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and property investment.

Practice head(s):

Lilian Chiang

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Wallace Wong has been our trusted advisor for many years on real estate matters. It’s a very technical field in Hong Kong, but we always trust him to deliver the most reliable and expert advice. He is quick, cost efficient, always competitive and thorough. We are lucky with work with Wallace.’

‘Lilian Chiang is the driving force behind the Deacons real restate team and I can be assured of technically sound advice as well tenacious protection of our rights if her team is looking after my transaction. Lilian is outstanding.’

 

Key clients

MTR Corporation Limited

Fu Tung Holdings Limited (member of the Jardine Matheson Group)

Zung Fu Company Limited

China Resources Enterprise, Limited

C C Land Holdings Limited

Yuexiu Properties (HK) Company Limited (member of Yuexiu Group)

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch

United Overseas Bank Limited

Kerry Logistics Network Limited

Mapletree Logistics Trust

Urban Renewal Authority

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Jardine Group in the sale of two trophy 45 full-service buildings to the Link REIT Group for HK$5.9 billion.
  • Advising United Overseas Bank Limited on a HK$1.24 billion construction loan financing in respect of a land site and building to be erected in Kowloon.

Hong Kong > Construction Tier 2

Approachable, helpful and responsive at all times’, the construction team at Deacons is well known in the market for handling disputes, transactional and advisory matters. On the disputes front, the practice advises on litigation, arbitration and mediation and handles both domestic and cross-border matters. Key clients include major developers, employers, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers and consultants, and part of the firm’s non-contentious offering includes competition and compliance advice. Seasoned litigator Kwok Kit (KK) Cheung heads the team and acts for clients on construction and commercial disputes. Joseph Chung is an arbitrator and is admitted to appear in the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Joseph Chung; Justin Yuen; Sharon Pang

Testimonials

‘First-class, long-established litigation team.’

‘In additional to legal professionals, their senior people are also construction professionals such as Chartered Quantity Surveyors. They understand construction practice and laws and better understand the issues and clients’ needs.’

‘Deacons construction practices are resourceful and well positioned at the forefront of the construction industry, covering whole life-cycle services from the front end of a project to dealing with contentious construction issues.’

‘During the pandemic challenges faced by Hong Kong, to safeguard the interests of the clients, Deacons implemented an innovative staff arrangement plan to ensure that legal services are seamlessly provided to clients with well thought-out risk management measures.’

‘Members of Deacons team are approachable, helpful and responsive at all times and working with Deacons team is a well-ordered experience.’

‘Joseph Chung, a Partner of Deacons, is undoubtedly a talented solicitor.’

‘Quick and useful advice. Overall better than other firms.’

‘Their team consists of professionals who are both qualified in the construction and legal practices enabling them to advise clients efficiently.’

Key clients

Ching Lee Engineering Limited, a company within the Ching Lee Holdings Ltd Group, a Hong Kong listed company

Gurkhas Construction Ltd

Brilliant (E&M) Engineering Limited

Beria Consultants Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for Ching Lee Engineering Limited and its employee in a major industrial summons for alleged violation of the Buildings Ordinance and involving injury to a pedestrian.
  • Acting for a construction company in its arbitration proceedings in Hong Kong against a main contractor in relation to outstanding sums for renovation works of a hotel of a major casino and involving approximately HK$300m.
  • Acting for an international Quantity Surveying Consultancy to conduct legal vetting of all tender and contract documents for a new HK$60bn innovation and technology park.|

Hong Kong > Regulatory Tier 2

Deacons has a large financial services regulatory team based in Hong Kong, utilising specific experience of senior partners across banking and finance to offer comprehensive advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm focuses its attention on the Hong Kong regulatory terrain, building connections with statutory regulators such as the SFC, and sitting on government-facing committees to offer recommendations on incoming legislation. The firm offers tailored advice for finance clients entering the region, such as institutional asset managers, securities houses and investment banks, and is particularly well-regarded for its fund management regulatory services. The expertise of contentious and non-contentious practice heads respectively, Joseph Kwan and Jeremy Lam, are valued highly in this practice area.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Lam; Joseph Kwan

Work highlights

  • Assisted Janus Henderson Investors Hong Kong Limited in obtaining SFC authorisation of Janus Henderson Horizon Fund – Sustainable Future Technologies Fund as an ESG fund.

Hong Kong > Antitrust and competition Tier 3

Deacons is a long-established firm with sizeable expertise in competition and international M&A advice, due in large part to the knowledge of practice head Machiuanna Chu. The team is also experienced at handling high-profile Competition Tribunal cases. Clients praise the firm’s in-house competition economist Sharon Pang, whose ‘deep insight of the local market’ has been vital when assisting lawyers with antitrust litigation cases. Peter So is another name to note, with experience in a number of high-profile competition and investigation matters.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Sharon Pang acted as the economic expert of our client and showed exceptional professionalism. She was knowledgeable, diligent and very easy to work with. The entire legal team, as well as lay client, were very satisfied with the Sharon’s work.’

‘Sharon Pang is the go-to economist in Hong Kong. She has deep insight of the local market, combined with over 25 years’ experience in antitrust trials in the US. She is very easy to collaborate with and always provides to the point advice.’

Key clients

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

Meyer Aluminium Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising The Commercial Press (Hong Kong) Limited; Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited on the matter of HKSAR Competition Tribunal Enforcement Action No. 2 of 2020.
  • Advising Meyer Aluminium Limited on two related matters of the Hong Kong SAR Competition Tribunal Action No.1 of 2018 and No.2 of 2018.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (debt) Tier 3

Led by Kevin Tong, the ‘professional and responsive’ team at Deacons is particularly effective at advising Greater China-based issuers, including SOEs, sovereigns and corporates, on a range of offshore bond issuances. Tong is ‘very knowledgeable’ of the regulatory strictures emanating from the HKSE, and has been at the vanguard of the offshore bond market since it was established in 2007. Consequently, he is a popular choice to advise clients across the life-cycle of deals, including providing standalone regulatory advice, handling transactional matters, and assisting with liability management exercises.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

The team is professional and responsive.’

‘Kevin Tong is very knowledgeable and helpful.’

‘Kevin Tong provides timely and valuable advice, effective communication and a high level of reliability in project completion.’

Key clients

AVIC International Leasing Co., Ltd.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Bank of Communications Co., Ltd.

Guangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd.

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

The Wharf (Holdings) Limited

Wharf Real Estate Investment Company Limited

Wheelock and Company Limited

Zhejiang Provincial Energy Group Company Limited

Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park ConstructionCo., Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised on The Bank of East Asia’s Tier 2 Dated Subordinated Notes issuance in Hong Kong.
  • Advised on The People’s Bank of China’s RMB120bn bill issuances in Hong Kong.
  • Advised on first issuance of offshore green bonds by a stated-owned enterprise in Guangzhou.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 3

At Deacons, the ‘knowledgeable and well-respected’ Ronny Chow (who is also a member of HKEX’s Listing Review Committee) leads a team of ‘talented and dedicated practitioners who are well versed with the nuances of corporate finance transactions’. Underwriters, sponsors and issuers are appreciative of the practice’s ability to ‘provide useful and practical analysis on related legal issues’, including as it pertains to regulatory analysis, ensuring that clients receive a holistic service that is fully compliant from a risk management perspective. The scope of the work is broad and includes advice on IPOs and listings on both the Main Board and Growth Enterprise Market of the HKSE, as well as a range of other related matters, including block trades, private placements, rights issuances and other secondary offerings. Maynard Leung is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Ronny Chow

Other key lawyers:

Rhoda Yung; Canny Lau; Queena Chow; Maynard Leung

Testimonials

Deacons has a very strong corporate finance team with solid execution experience in different transaction types. You can fully rely on them to provide useful and practical analysis on related legal issues.’

The team’s breath and depth of expertise in acting for issuers is outstanding. Its strength lies in its pool of talented and dedicated practitioners who are well versed with the nuances of corporate finance transactions.’

Ronny Chow is very knowledgeable and well-respected in the field.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Limited

BOCOM International (Asia) Limited

CMB International Capital Limited

CMBC International Capital Limited

DBS Asia Capital Limited

Dongxing Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited

Guotai Junan Capital Limited

Haitong International Capital Limited

Halcyon Capital Limited

ICBC International Capital Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised the sole sponsor Guotai Junan Capital Limited and underwriters in relation to the Main Board IPO of Tam Jai International Co. Limited.
  • Advised the financial advisers to Yuexiu REIT Asset Management Limited  in relation to the HK$3.95bn rights issuance by Yuexiu REIT.
  • Advised Viva China Holding Limited on the placing down of its stake in Li Ning Company Limited and top-up placing of shares in Li Ning Company Limited.

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

As one of the oldest law firms in Hong Kong, Deacons has a long-standing reputation for corporate transactions, including cross-border deals. The team’s clients include companies based in Hong Kong and Mainland China as well as multinationals, and it leverages its expertise across capital markets, competition and regulatory issues to provide input on complex transactions. The group is co-led by corporate finance specialist Ronny Chow and Machiuanna Chu, who has deep expertise across both corporate and commercial dealmaking.

Practice head(s):

Ronny Chow; Machiuanna Chu

Key clients

Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd

BOCI Asia Limited

Chuang’s Consortium International Limited

i-CABLE Communications Limited

ICBC International Capital Limited

Kerry Logistics Network Limited

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Viva China Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd and mandatory conditional cash offers for shares and share options of Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd.
  • Advised Kerry Logistics Network Limited on its disposal of companies holding Hong Kong warehouse properties to Kerry Holdings Limited – a special deal in relation to S.F. Holding Co., Ltd.’s partial offers for shares and share options for Kerry Logistics Network.
  • Advised Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation on its disposal of its stake in ARA Asset Management Limited to ESR Cayman Limited and subscription of additional shares of ESR Cayman Limited.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 3

Independent Hong Kong-based heavyweight Deacons provides ‘practical advice’ to clients from a range of sectors engaged in arbitration proceedings before the HKIAC, in particular, and is also adept at enforcement of court work around arbitrations, such as enforcement and setting aside. As well as their advocacy work, a number of the team also regularly sit as arbitrators themselves, ensuring that the firm has an excellent perspective on matters, as well as strong ties with the relevant arbitration bodies. The ‘very personable and commercial’ Joseph Chung  is one such team member, particularly in relation to the wealth of experience he has built up handling construction and engineering-related arbitrations. KK Cheung also acts as an arbitrator, as well as providing ‘practical advice’ to clients engaged in construction and broader commercial disputes. Justin Yuen is ‘efficient and client-friendly’, particularly in the context of construction disputes.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Kwan

Other key lawyers:

Kwok Kit (KK) Cheung; Justin Yuen; Carmen Ng

Testimonials

‘The team is very hands-on and knowledgeable.’

The firm has a very strong and experienced international arbitration team which makes it stand out from other competitors in the field. It also contains a number of very personable lawyers with not just great legal skills, but enormous experience in this field as well as the ability to get on very well with clients and make them feel comfortable.’

‘KK Cheung always gives practical advice.’

‘Joseph Chung is very personable and has a wealth of experience in this field, especially concerning construction and engineering disputes. Joseph also has a great “commercial nose”, unlike many other lawyers in this field and is always prepared to “go the extra mile” for his clients.’

Joseph Chung can provide valuable advice to the clients, additionally, he can manage and lead the whole team during the course of the arbitrations.’

‘Justin Yuen is efficient and client-friendly.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for a related company of a Hong Kong listed company and PRC businessman in arbitration proceedings involving multi-billion RMB against an international asset management company, for its breaches of a framework agreement.
  • Acting for a global investment company in an arbitration (involving over $200m), concerning the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of the relevant contract.
  • Acting for two PRC companies to defend an arbitration brought by another PRC company for alleged breaches of a share sale agreement and involving around RMB500m.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3

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.

Hong Kong > Domestic and International Corporate Tax Tier 3

Although it does handle some tax planning and advisory work for corporate clients, Deacons has gained most acclaim in the market for its skilled litigation offering on behalf of private clients and corporates across a range of disputes, including as it relates to direct and indirect taxes and stamp duties. Central to the firm’s success in this area has been the work of team head Stefano Mariani who takes the lead on all the cases, frequently handling the advocacy himself; including in a recent successful Court of Appeal case relating to the chargeability of certain post-employment payments to salaries tax in Hong Kong.

Practice head(s):

Stefano Mariani

Testimonials

‘They are experts in the specialized tax area and their advisory services are unrivaled for its detail, context and strategy.’

‘Stefano Mariani is very knowledgeable in relation to tax advisory matters.’

 

Work highlights

  • Successfully acted for the appellant taxpayer in a recent case Heath Brian Zarin v Commissioner of Inland Revenue.
  • Represented the English Schools Foundation in aHigh Court action to modify the terms of one of its tax-exempt scholarship funds.
  • Advised Newfair Holdings Limited on a leading case on the source of profits for the purposes of the charge to profits tax.

Hong Kong > Private Client and Family Tier 3

A renowned firm in Hong Kong, Deacons draws on its multidisciplinary nature to construct a skilled private client and family practice; covering a wide scope of areas such as matrimonial law, vulnerable clients, contentious probate and tax and trusts. The addition of Sherlynn Chan and senior associate Hazel Wong from Stevenson, Wong & Co was a boost to the family offering, the former advising on complex matrimonial disputes including divorce, cohabitation and child custody. Cecilia Lau is also skilled regarding family matters and on the private client side and Stefano Mariani brings extensive tax and trusts experience when handling private wealth disputes, such as estate planning and trust restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Sherlynn Chan; Stefano Mariani

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘One key strength of this team is that they are strong in both family law and mental health law. With Hong Kong having a gradually ageing population, this is a key asset to many potential clients facing family disputes of various natures.’

‘Sherlynn Chan is a good private wealth specialist.’

‘Sherlynn Chan is vastly experienced in family law. I have a long-standing working relationship with Sherlynn; she is knowledgeable, meticulous and efficient. Despite being the head of this team, she remains very hands-on for her cases.’

 

Key clients

2nd son of the late Henry Fok

English Schools Foundation – KGV School

Work highlights

  • Acting for Ian Fok (the 2nd son of the late Henry Fok, a prominent figure in Hong Kong and Mainland China), the main party in very substantial and high profile actions brought by three of his siblings and involving the late Henry Fok’s Estate. A 60-day trial commenced in January 2022.
  • Successfully acted for the English Schools Foundation, a statutory body charged with managing a number of prominent English-medium schools in Hong Kong in a High Court action to modify the terms of one of its tax-exempt scholarship funds.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 3

Housing practitioners with technology and science backgrounds, Deacons‘ TMT practice is particularly active in relation to digital assets. Its experience covers cryptocurrencies and the tokenisation of assets, blockchains, smart contracts and the metaverse. The team can also draw upon the expertise of the firm’s experienced IP, corporate and commercial practices. Charmaine Koo‘s practice covers IP litigation, data privacy and entertainment; and Machiuanna Chu regularly advises new economy clients and emerging businesses, including technology companies, cryptocurrency issuers and fintech companies (among others). On the IP side, Ian Liu, Kelley Loo and Amy Chung are also active partners.

Practice head(s):

Machiuanna Chu; Charmaine Koo

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘High levels of professionalism, along with experience in the Asian, North American and European markets.’

Key clients

PCCW

Alibaba Group

Work highlights

  • Acting for the PCCW Group in patent infringement court proceedings, brought against it by US entity Two-Way Media in the Hong Kong Court of First Instance.
  • Acting for Alibaba Group in IP infringement proceedings, commenced in Hong Kong by a US cosmetics supplier.
  • Advised Celestial Pioneer on its acquisition of additional shares in Forever Top (Asia), being the existing controlling shareholder of i-CABLE.

Hong Kong > Banking and finance Tier 4

Headed by Ronny Chow, the ‘client-friendly’ three-partner team at Deacons provides a solid service to borrowers and lenders engaged in a wide spectrum of transactional work, including on domestic and cross-border syndicated/bilateral loans, acquisition finance and real estate finance matters. Erica Wong  is ‘technically very strong’ and has brought more firepower to the firm’s ability to service clients on corporate finance transactions since she joined from Ogier in June 2021. As well as his transactional expertise, consultant Simon Deane has an excellent grounding in relation to financial services regulatory matters, including as it relates to fintech and traditional banking.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Simon Deane; Farrah Lam; Teresa Lau; Erica Wong; Chris Wong

Testimonials

The team is experienced and client-friendly.’

The team provides a solid and efficient service.’

Erica Wong is very client friendly and thinks a few steps ahead.’

Erica Wong is technically very strong and is very pleasant to work with.’

Hong Kong > Insurance Tier 4

With practitioners qualified in Kong Hong, England and Australia, Deacons has ‘vast experience in a wide range of contentious matters, including casualty claims such as employees’ compensation, public liability and third party motor claims, as well as general claims’. The team typically acts for international and domestic insurers, intermediaries and government organisations, and is led by Alfred Tam, who is specialised in arbitration and litigation. Linda Lee is recommended for policy disputes and personal injury and professional indemnity matters. Road traffic accident and property-related claims is the area of expertise of Gere Sit.

Practice head(s):

Alfred Tam

Other key lawyers:

Linda Lee; Gere Sit; Christina Hung

Testimonials

‘Deacons has an efficient team with good management. It accurately manages deadlines and court procedures.’

‘Alfred Tam is the partner I am working with. We have a close working relationship and we discuss cases and figure out the best tactics for the case.’

‘The team is professional, responsive and efficient. It is excellent in the field with extensive coverage across different issues. It is able to provide timely and practical advice on insurance litigation matters and personal injury claims.’

‘Alfred Tam, head of the practice, is phenomenal and very well respected. He is hands on, pragmatic, and always gets to the core issues very quickly. Tam is brilliant and very approachable.’ 

‘Christina Hung, Alfred Tam and Gere Sit are the stand out consultants and partners in Deacons’ insurance practice. They are ably assisted by many talented associates.’

‘Apart from being knowledgeable, the partners I have worked with on insurance matters are meticulous, practical, and always quick to accept suggested alternative solutions and advice. They all are a pleasure to work with.’

‘The team has vast experience in a wide range of contentious insurance matters, including casualty claims such as employees’ compensation, public liability and third party motor claims, as well as general claims.’

‘With Alfred Tam at the helm together with Linda Lee, the team is fully-manpowered, pragmatic and efficient. We also value its proactive approach and tactics in settling our claims.’

Work highlights

  • Represented a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer as an interested party in the inquest into the death of a 63 years’ old man who died 2 days after vaccination.
  • Successfully negotiated with the claimant to accept our insurer client’s sanctioned payment out of time with costs sanctions that saved around HK$1 million from the settlement.
  • Acted for a construction company on a HK$10 million claim involving a claimant whose leg was amputated due to streptococcus pyogenes necrotizing fasciitis.

China > Labour and employment: foreign firms Tier 3

Advising regularly on sensitive employment-related matters, Deacons is adept at assisting its clients with navigating the complexities of PRC labour law. PRC Bar qualified Helen Liao advises both Chinese state-funded enterprises and multinational companies across a range of industries including shipping, telecoms and tourism. Liao's key areas of expertise include cross-border employment arrangements, income tax compliance, immigration and more generally, the multi-jurisdictional labour issues arising from global talent mobility. Notably, the firm counts other law firms among its client roster which it advises on high-level terminations.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Everything delivered has been exceptional’.

‘Helen Liao had been most helpful in providing sound and practical legal advice and excellent delivery of works and communications.’

‘The Deacons employment team can undertake both HK and PRC legal work – a rarity in HK.’

Helen Liao is very responsive and knowledgeable.’

China > Intellectual property: foreign firms

Deacons‘ Hong Kong-based IP team, which also leverages support from representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, acts for some of the world’s best-known brands. The firm houses patent attorneys, who are  qualified in Australia, China, Europe and the UK, and has a longstanding track record  in handling large trade mark portfolios and prosecution matters. The IP department is co-led by IP expert Charmaine Koo, and Annie Tsoi, who consistently acts for leading companies from the luxury goods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, entertainment, fashion and electronics sectors. Also integral to the group are patents and designs practice leader, Catherine Zheng, a specialist in China IP protection strategy and contentious matters; Dora Si, who provides ‘quick responses‘ and ‘firm and concise advice‘, and advises on China-related data privacy and cybersecurity issues; and China-focused technology specialist Ian Liu, who is particularly active in IP litigation and enforcement work, along with commercial IP matters.

Practice head(s):

Charmaine Koo; Annie Tsoi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Deacons IP team is very accurate, providing clear advice on how clients should proceed after analysing matters.’

‘The lawyers show concern about what matters to clients’ businesses and the challenges they face. Accuracy and professionalism are what clients value most in this team.

The team discusses all aspects of all issues and provides appropriate professional advice.

‘Particularly useful that the group’s practitioners handle both HK and China trade mark portfolios.’

Great for not only evaluating cases from a legal perspective, but also from a practical angle.

‘Annie Tsoi and Dora Si are rated for their experience, patience and professionalism. They impress with their informative presentations, which point out all the challenges and weaknesses clients have within their trade mark matters, and what improvements they could make.’

Annie Tsoi and Doris Si provide a very professional service.

‘Dora Si – quick responses, proactive, and firm and concise advice.’

Key clients

Ping An Group

Google

Alibaba Group

Hong Kong Science and Technology Park

PCCW

Firm overview: Deacons is Hong Kong’s premier independent law firm and advises some of the world’s leading companies, financial institutions and individuals in Hong Kong and mainland China on their most significant and complex matters. With over 170 years of experience providing legal services, 18 key service areas and three representative offices in mainland China, Deacons offers clients the benefit of its close relationships with Hong Kong’s business community.

Key service areas
Banking and finance: Deacons has built a leading position in the sector over many years of working for some of the world’s largest banks, financial institutions and trading companies within financing across the region. The firm’s experience spans syndicated lending, acquisition, project and structured trade finance, and banking regulatory work.

Capital markets: The firm’s extensive experience spans all areas of corporate finance, capital markets, structured products and regulatory work — ranging from IPOs, secondary issues, debt financing and bond issues to public takeovers — making Deacons well-equipped to advise on fundraising solutions to suit any organisation.

China trade and investment: With its Mandarin-speaking team, and the support of offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Deacons can assist with everything from gaining approval for investment projects, cross-border M&A, joint ventures with Chinese companies, and putting in place supply and distribution agreements, to setting up offices and operations in China.

Corporate and M&A: The firm’s highly regarded corporate team serves an extensive client base spanning a variety of sectors, advising on all aspects of transactional work, including private mergers, acquisitions and disposals, private equity and venture capital investments and exits, and local and cross-border joint ventures.

Corporate services: Deacons’ experienced team can help lessen the burden of complying with regulatory formalities allowing clients to focus on their core business. The firm’s highly ranked team offers cost-effective professional corporate services, including helping with company formation, company secretarial services, registered office provision, and the preparation and custody of statutory records to ensure that everything is fully compliant and up to date.

Competition:  The firm’s practice combines solid antitrust legal and economics experience with unparalleled in-depth knowledge of business practices in Hong Kong. Its lawyers and in-house economist have extensive experience advising companies and senior executives in a wide range of competition matters.

Construction: Deacons has considerable experience of advising on major projects across the region. The firm’s non-contentious work encompasses the full range of contractual and risk management advice, and spans both public and private sector projects, as well as resolving disputes through traditional and alternative dispute resolution techniques.

Employment and pensions: Deacons assists a wide range of clients with a variety of issues, including employment documentation, employee benefits and incentives, day-to-day HR issues, labour and employment disputes, pension regulations, work and residence visas, and the employment aspects of M&A and restructurings.

Family law: The Deacons’ team understands the importance of protecting clients’ interests and resolving matrimonial disputes quickly and effectively, to minimise emotional distress and preserve family harmony where possible, especially with the increase in marriages involving international elements, global residences and complex worldwide family assets and businesses. Our team is experienced in handling a wide range of family related matters in both contentious and non-contentious settings.

Intellectual property (IP): The firm’s award-winning IP practice offers a seamless service across Hong Kong and mainland China covering all areas of IP law, including the protection, exploitation and enforcement of copyright, designs, patents and trademarks (including the direct filing of Chinese trade marks through its Beijing trade mark agency).

Investment funds: The largest investment funds team in Hong Kong, Deacons acts for a high proportion of international and local asset managers on matters ranging from  authorised funds and products to alternative investment funds and all related regulatory work.

Private client: Deacons’ experienced private client team can help with everything from local and international tax planning, wealth management and succession planning using wills, trusts and other structures, to philanthropy, real estate, probate and administration of estates, trust disputes and the running and restructuring of family businesses.

Data protection and privacy: Deacons offers a seamless service across Hong Kong and mainland China, advising on the full range of issues including data privacy policies and compliance, exploitation of data, cybersecurity and handling data breaches, data transfer, privacy issues in advertising and marketing, as well as investigations and appeals before the Privacy Commissioner and other enforcement authorities.

Insurance: With Hong Kong’s largest specialist insurance practice, Deacons advises international and domestic insurers, intermediaries, regulators and others on a variety of matters, including large international insurance and reinsurance coverage disputes, regulatory issues, professional indemnity claims, insurance insolvencies and corporate deals in the regional insurance market.

Litigation and dispute resolution: Deacons’ reputation is founded on efficiently handling a wide range of work, from large scale, complex, multijurisdictional litigation to more routine matters, in every area from general commercial and contractual cases, insurance and partnership disputes, to highly technical banking, IP, trusts, real estate, employment and tax litigation.

Real estate: With a team of over 50 experienced staff, Deacons provides high-quality, integrated real estate advice on everything from the sale and purchase of real estate, property management and landlord/tenant issues, real estate finance, planning and zoning, real estate tax and dispute resolution.

Regulatory: Deacons’ regulatory team is highly experienced in dealings with the HKMA, SFC, OCI and MPFA, and in handling wider issues concerning fund authorisation and insurance, as well as insider dealing and market misconduct. Its commercial regulatory work ranges from regulatory investigations and data protection to bribery and corruption, discrimination and competition.

Tax: Deacons assists with all areas of tax law, from advising on tax-efficient business or investment structures, exemptions, reliefs and concessions, to representing clients in tax investigations or disputes. The firm also has considerable experience of advising on China’s Enterprise Income Tax and its various turnover taxes.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Banking & Finance Teresa Lauteresa.lau@deacons.com+852 2825 9701
Capital Markets Ronny Chowronny.chow@deacons.com+852 2825 9435
Competition Machiuanna Chumachiuanna.chu@deacons.com+852 2825 9630
Construction Kwok Kit (KK) Cheungkwokkit.cheung@deacons.com+852 2825 9427
Corporate and M&A Alexander Quealexander.que@deacons.com+852 2825 9770
Corporate and M&A Machiuanna Chumachiuanna.chu@deacons.com+852 2825 9630
Employment & Pensions Cynthia Chungcynthia.chung@deacons.com+852 2825 9297
Insolvency & Restructuring Richard Hudsonrichard.hudson@deacons.com+852 2825 9680
Insurance Alfred Tamalfred.tam@deacons.com+852 2825 9490
Intellectual Property Annie Tsoiannie.tsoi@deacons.com+852 2825 9255
Intellectual Property Catherine Zhengcatherine.zheng@deacons.com+852 2825 9617
Investment Funds Jeremy Lamjeremy.lam@deacons.com+852 2825 9732
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Joseph Kwanjoseph.kwan@deacons.com+852 2825 9324
Private Clients Lilian Chianglilian.chiang@deacons.com+852 2825 9234
Real Estate Lilian Chianglilian.chiang@deacons.com+852 2825 9234
Regulatory Joseph Kwanjoseph.kwan@deacons.com+852 2825 9324
Regulatory Jeremy Lamjeremy.lam@deacons.com+852 2825 9732
Tax Stefano Marianistefano.mariani@deacons.com+852 2825 9314
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Elsie Chan photo Elsie ChanPartner
Karen Chan photo Karen ChanPartner
Sherlynn Chan photo Sherlynn ChanPartner
Kwok Kit (KK) Cheung photo Kwok Kit (KK) CheungPartner
Lilian Chiang photo Lilian ChiangSenior Partner, head of Property practice group
Ronny Chow photo Ronny ChowPartner, Head of Corporate Finance practice group
Emmy Chow photo Emmy ChowPartner
Machiuanna Chu photo Machiuanna ChuPartner
Su Cheen Chuah photo Su Cheen ChuahPartner
Cynthia Chung photo Cynthia ChungPartner, head of Corporate Commercial practice group
Joseph Chung photo Joseph ChungPartner
Amy Chung photo Amy ChungPartner
Fiona Fong photo Fiona FongPartner
Sabrina Fung photo Sabrina FungPartner
Philip Gilligan photo Philip GilliganPartner
Richard Hudson photo Richard HudsonPartner
Taylor Hui photo Taylor HuiPartner
Vincci Ip photo Vincci IpPartner
Charmaine Koo photo Charmaine KooConsultant
Joseph Kwan photo Joseph KwanPartner, head of Commercial Litigation practice group
Paul Kwan photo Paul KwanPartner
Jeremy Lam photo Jeremy LamPartner, head of Financial Services practice group
Canny Lau photo Canny LauPartner
Teresa Lau photo Teresa LauPartner
Loretta Lau photo Loretta LauPartner
Patsy Lau photo Patsy LauPartner
Linda Lee photo Linda LeePartner
Maynard Leung photo Maynard LeungPartner
Tracy Li photo Tracy LiPartner
Ming Chiu Li photo Ming Chiu LiPartner
Joyce Li photo Joyce LiPartner
Alwyn Li photo Alwyn LiPartner
Helen Liao photo Helen LiaoPartner
Ian Liu photo Ian LiuPartner
Kelley Loo photo Kelley LooPartner
Gary Lui photo Gary LuiPartner
Theresa Luk photo Theresa LukPartner
Jeffrey McLean photo Jeffrey McLeanPartner
Carmen Ng photo Carmen NgPartner
Alexander Que photo Alexander QuePartner
Dora Si photo Dora SiPartner
Gere Sit photo Gere SitPartner
Pinky Siu photo Pinky SiuPartner
Peter So photo Peter SoPartner
Mark  Stevens photo Mark StevensPartner
Alfred Tam photo Alfred TamPartner, Head of Insurance Litigation practice group
Kevin Tong photo Kevin TongPartner
Annie Tsoi photo Annie TsoiPartner, co-head of Intellectual Prorperty practice group
Edwarde Webre photo Edwarde WebreConsultant
Erica Wong photo Erica WongPartner
Wallace Wong photo Wallace WongPartner
Gary Wong photo Gary WongPartner
Isabella Wong photo Isabella WongPartner
Wai Tung Yu photo Wai Tung YuPartner
Justin Yuen photo Justin YuenPartner
Icarus Yuen photo Icarus YuenPartner
Rhoda Yung photo Rhoda YungPartner
Catherine Zheng photo Catherine ZhengPartner
Partners : 54
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“Deacons is able to demonstrate deep market experience and knowledge.”


“The lawyers are also able to provide useful advice on our specific business needs, exploring different options to address the risks and needs.”


“The team members are professional, efficient and can be trusted to carry out their work well.”