Deacons > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Deacons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hong Kong > Commercial, corporate and M&A: Leading independent Hong Kong Law Firms Tier 1

Deacons houses a broad team known for its strong focus on private M&A, venture capital investments, and joint ventures. The group assists a diverse client roster of state-owned corporations, global companies, and partnerships. Ronny Chow jointly leads the team alongside Machiuanna Chu; Chow is noted for his longstanding expertise in takeovers and privatisations, while Chu is recommended for her deep knowledge of cross-border M&A and investment mandates. Alexander Que is a key contact for Hong Kong listed companies and banks, while Maynard Leung routinely acts for real estate, telecoms, and financial services clients in mandates involving corporate reorganisations and voluntary general cash offers.

Hong Kong > Intellectual property Tier 1

Deacons operates a knowledgeable IP team, recognised for providing extensive counsel in ‘a pre-emptive manner’, ensuring a highly proficient service to its notable client list. Key areas of expertise include handling complex IP litigation, and the team is highly renowned within the entertainment and media sector. Co-headed by Annie Tsoi and Catherine Zheng, the group is further spearheaded by the ‘exceptionally capable’ Charmaine Koo. As head of IP commercial and litigation, Koo is recommended for handling complex court litigation and data privacy issues for leading companies, alongside being a leading entertainment lawyer. Additionally, Jeffrey McLean is regularly instructed on patent prosecution and ligation. Theresa Luk handles IP litigation and commercial transactions. Patsy Lau has extensive knowledge in protecting trade mark portfolios throughout the region.

Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 1

The ‘responsive and proactive’ team at Deacons provides ‘high-quality and client-focused’ advice to fund managers across a range of fund establishment, regulatory (including licensing and authorisation) and ongoing compliance mandates. While the firm does handle some private fund work, under the leadership of the vastly experienced Jeremy Lam, the team is, however, undoubtedly best-known for its work in relation to retail funds where it is ‘able to provide the latest market insight’ by dint of its deal flow and its strong interactions with the regulators. Alwyn Li is noted for his ability to provide a ‘solutions-oriented service’ for clients establishing and seeking SFC authorisation of unit trusts and mutual funds domiciled in Hong Kong and overseas. Noted for his knowledge of registered fund regulatory procedures, Taylor Hui spearheads the team’s efforts for China funds work and has developed particular expertise advising PRC fund managers establishing retail funds in Hong Kong. Of the more junior partners, the ‘business-friendly’ Pinky Siu and Ming Chiu Li are also key members of the team for the establishment of a wide range of retail funds as well as on regulatory and compliance matters.

Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 1

Spearheaded by the ‘seasoned employment lawyer’ Cynthia Chung, the Deacons practice has extensive expertise in formulating cross-border employment arrangements, alongside assisting with complex sexual harassment and whistleblowing claims. The team stands out for supporting employers who require employment pensions, employee benefits, and immigration advice, with Chung primarily focusing on restructuring, redundancies, and flexible working arrangement in the transition to the post-covid era. The ‘extremely efficient and knowledgeable’ Elsie Chan has experience of handling litigation proceedings before the Labour Tribunal and disputes concerning discrimination and harassment, while Helen Liao regularly acts for multinationals in the life science, telecoms, and construction space. Stephanie Yip covers both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

Hong Kong > Real estate Tier 1

Deacons offers strong knowledge of property law and is commended by clients for its ‘ample experience dealing with regulatory authorities for property sale and development’. The group’s work spans residential, commercial and industrial development projects and large-scale, high-value real estate transactions. Practice head Lilian Chiang is ‘well-known in the industry for being an exceptionally capable conveyancing lawyer‘ and utilises this strong track record in real estate law to advise government bodies and legislators on laws relevant to real estate regulation. Wallace Wong is an important team member and is instructed by a variety of real estate developers regularly. Karen Chan and Wai Tung Yu are also key team members.

Hong Kong > Construction Tier 2

‘Very knowledge about construction industry best practice’, Deacons provides ‘good practical advice’ to developers, employers and contractors across a myriad local and pan-Asian construction projects and disputes. The team is abreast across the full range of contractual documentation governing construction projects, including NEC and BIM contracts that are increasingly being favoured in the context of public sector projects. Under the guidance of the ‘knowledgeable’ KK Cheung, the team is, however, best-known for its contentious expertise, where it is able to combine ‘technical proficiency with a pragmatic, client-centric approach, consistently delivering favourable outcomes’. Joseph Chung  has an outstanding reputation for handling construction arbitrations, and is one of only a handful of solicitor advocates in Hong Kong with admission to also appear in the Singapore International Commercial Court. The ‘very proactive and client-centric’ Justin Yuen also excels at contentious construction matters, while consultant Stanley Lo  has vast experience across both contentious and non-contentious mandates, including in the context of heavy civil engineering, railway and other infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.

Hong Kong > Fintech and financial services regulatory Tier 2

Drawing upon excellent ties with Hong Kong financial regulators, in part due to a number in the team that formerly served in-house at the SFC, Deacons is abreast of regulatory changes in the market, providing 'expert and practical input' to banks, funds and exchanges on compliance and licensing applications, in particular. Led by Jeremy Lam, who 'delivers succinct advice on tricky issues', the team not only acts on standalone matters, including for local financial services clients, but also often works with international law firms, which are appreciative of the firm's independent status and its knowledge, regularly providing the Hong Kong law advice for global financial services on multi-jurisdictional matters. Lam himself excels in  handling regulatory matters pertinent to the asset management industry including establishment and licensing with the SFC, regulatory compliance and marketing of collective investment schemes.  For fintech matters, Isabella Wong is 'very knowledgeable and responsive', while Joseph Kwan takes the lead on contentious work in the financial services sector.

Hong Kong > Private Client and Family Tier 2

Deacons‘ practice is praised by clients for being ‘uniquely placed in the market to handle complicated, big money family disputes involving mental capacity and vulnerable clients’, often assisting high-net-worth clients. This team is  jointly led by Joseph Kwan, Lilian Chiang, Sherlynn Chan, Taylor Hui. Cecilia Lau is instrumental in the team’s disputes work, often acting in multijurisdictional divorce disputes, while Chan and Hazel Wong are key contacts for vulnerable clients and cases involving mental capacity. Kwan is recommended for his experience in large-scale family disputes, and Tana Chan, whose advice is described as ‘pragmatic and commercial‘, is another key team member.

Hong Kong > Antitrust and competition Tier 3

Deacons is well-known for handling all manner of proceedings initiated by the HKCC involving allegations of bid rigging and price fixing. Machiuanna Chu leads the team, utilising her expansive transactional expertise to assist with HKSAR Competition Tribunal enforcement actions. Peter So is a key figure within the firm’s dispute resolution practice, often advising on Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) investigations.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (debt) Tier 3

Leveraging its longstanding local connections and Mainland resources, independent Hong Kong firm Deacons consistently secures a strong flow of instructions from domestic and PRC-based issuers and underwriters in a wide array of bond issuances. Team head Kevin Tong is able to provide 'highly technical' advice to clients as a result of his deep and longstanding immersion in the sector, with expertise not only for PRC clients on offshore bond issuances but also in relation to Hong Kong retail bond issuances. Notably, in what was the first listed HK dollar retail bonds issued by a non-government issuer, Tong recently advised the joint lead managers on the Airport Authority’s HK$5bn retail bond issuance. Icarus Yuen was involved in the aforementioned deal on behalf of the bond trustee and is also a key member of the team.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 3

Abreast of regulatory changes and able to resource matters utilising Hong Kong and PRC-qualified practitioners, both offshore as well as on the Mainland, Deacons has a solid reputation advising Greater China-based issuers and underwriters/sponsors on main and GEM board HKEX listings. Team head Ronny Chow has ‘strong professional knowledge’ across a myriad ECM transactional matters and also excels at handling compliance/regulatory matters, an area that he is particularly well-placed to advise due to his role on the Listing Review Committee of the HKEX. Maynard Leung is also recommended.

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

Often advising state-owned companies, government bodies, and global corporate clients, Deacons handles the full spectrum of corporate matters. Ronny Chow jointly leads the team alongside Machiuanna Chu; Chow has longstanding experience in corporate finance and securities issues, while Chu specialises in venture capital investment and cross-border M&A. Maynard Leung regularly assists food and beverage, health care, and real estate clients, and Alexander Que is a key name for takeovers, particularly in relation to Hong Kong listed companies, often advising banks. Gary K.S. Wong is well-versed in joint venture and business transfer issues.

Hong Kong > Data protection and cyber security Tier 3

Deacons is especially prominent in the hospitality, gaming, and IT sectors and is active across China, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as having a strong presence in Hong Kong. The group is accomplished in drafting data processing agreements, and advising on data regulations across these jurisdictions, as well as privacy issues in advertising and marketing. Machiuanna Chu heads up the team, bringing a great deal of compliance expertise to clients and experience in investment transactions. Andy Yu and Dora Si are lauded for their ‘deep knowledge of data protection and a longstanding practice in this field.’

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3

Independent Hong Kong firm Deacons handles a variety of disputes, ranging from shareholder, banking , defamation ad employment. Joseph Kwan leads the team, harnessing extensive experience to handle high-profile commercial litigation matters, SFC-initiated proceedings, fraud and bribery, as well as acting for high net-worth Hong Kong families in asset distribution disputes. Paul Kwan handles commercial litigation including land disputes. KK Cheung excels in construction litigation and Peter So is recommended for financial services litigation, injunction-related court applications, contentious regulatory and investigations by the SFC, HKMA and ICAC.

Hong Kong > Insurance Tier 3

Led by the 'extremely bright' Alfred Tam, one of many in the team with fluent Chinese language capabilities, Deacons has excellent ties with many Mainland Chinese insurance companies and is very active at handling a myriad insurance litigation. Personal injury is a key source of work for Tam, as is employees compensation matters, with Tam noted for his 'deep understanding of the law' and ability to provide 'solutions-oriented advice'. Other key members of the team include the 'very approachable' Gere Sit, and the 'very responsive' Gary Lui.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 3

The TMT practice at Deacons is sought out by international clients for assistance with TMT transactions, fintech, and IP matters. The team is especially active in the fintech sector where it advises e-commerce and cryptocurrency platforms on fintech projects,  virtual assets, and tokensiation. Machiuanna Chu spearheads the practice and leads on corporate and commercial matters, being the main port of call for technology companies, cryptocurrency issuers, fintech companies and financial institutions for building digital businesses. Charmaine Koo handles contentious litigation, while Ian Liu focuses on IP issues.

Hong Kong > Banking and finance Tier 4

Counting international and local banks and other financial institutions, corporates and asset managers among its key roster of clients, Deacons advises on matters concerning corporate lending and cross-border syndicated and bilateral loans, in addition to acquisition financing and real estate financing. Ronny Chow, Erica Wong, and Teresa Lau collectively lead the team. Simon Deane is a key name to note for regulatory matters in the financial services sector. Since publication, the team welcomed Michael Sinn and Crystal Li, both joined from Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP in February 2025.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: international arbitration Tier 4

The team at Deacons is known for its handling of complex commercial disputes involving the construction and energy sectors. The team regularly acts for key domestic and international private clients, corporations, governments and statutory bodies in China. Joseph Chung's practice primarily consists of construction, energy and banking and finance sector work. KK Cheung has longstanding experience in assisting major developers, contractors and sub-contractors in disputes concerning construction projects, often possessing a cross-border element. Justin Yuen and Richard Hudson are also recommended.

China > Intellectual property: foreign firms

Based in Hong Kong, Deacons often advises international clients on IP matters involving mainland China. The ‘excellent’ team has a great track record in IP litigation, handling a mix of trade mark and patent matters. Annie Tsoi helms the IP group and advises Hong Kong and international clients on the protection, enforcement, and exploitation of IP rights. Co-lead Catherine Zheng handles litigation, enforcement and portfolio management for trade marks and copyrights, while Dora Si advises clients on brand protection and anti-counterfeiting strategies.