Joseph Kwan > Deacons > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile

Working closely with domestic and global businesses, government organisations and foreign law firms, Deacons regularly assists clients who are parties to arbitration under HKIAC and CIETAC rules, as well clients subject to major arbitral bodies including the ICC and UNCITRAL. The practice is particularly well-versed in handling complex arbitration related to commercial, construction and energy and resources related disputes. Joseph Kwan is a leading figure in Hong Kong, as is KK Cheung, who conducts CIETAC arbitrations in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing. Joseph Chung is a specialist in arbitrations concerning construction and engineering disputes, while Justin Yuen also brings extensive expertise of cross-border commercial disputes.

Independent Hong Kong firm Deacons considers disputes related to shareholders, banking, probate, private wealth and employment to be key areas of expertise; catering to a broad range of major clients from international corporations and PRC businesses to government and statutory bodies. Practice head Joseph Kwan brings over three decades of commercial litigation experience and is extremely well versed in handling asset distribution disputes for high-net-worth families in Hong Kong, especially following the passing of the patriarch or matriarch. KK Cheung is a particularly well regarded litigator in the construction field and regularly acts for major developers and contractors, while Peter So’s practice focuses on financial services litigation. Associate Michelle Li also handles a wide range of disputes, including employment, property and probate.

Leveraging the firm’s banking and finance offering, as well as the firm’s broader litigation function, Deacons assists financial institutions with standalone advisory work, transactional-related regulatory advice, and regulatory investigations/enforcement actions, and private litigation. Team head Jeremy Lam provides ‘clear and direct’ advice across a range of regulatory issues for private and retail funds including in relation to establishment and licensing with the SFC, and ongoing compliance issues. As part of his wide-ranging commercial litigation offering, Joseph Kwan regularly defends clients in regulatory investigations by the SFC, HKMA and HKSE.