Morrison Foerster > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Morrison Foerster > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hong Kong > Investment funds Tier 2

The ‘extremely reliable’ team at Morrison Foerster is ‘able to analyse complex situations and provide concise answers and solutions’ for both sponsors and institutional investors in the formation of, and investment in a myriad closed end funds including private equity, venture capital and real estate. As well as having a strong core group based out of Hong Kong, the firm is also appreciated for its highly collaborative approach, which draws upon experts throughout Asia, Europe and the US ensuring that they are able to handle ‘complicated international LP arrangements and regulatory questions easily and quickly’. ‘Knowledgeable and deeply experienced’ Mandarin-speaking team head Serena Tan has good traction among international and Asian funds, as well as Chinese based institutional investors, which are appreciative of her understanding of the ‘commercial aspects of fund-related legal issues’ and her ability to provide ‘solutions that are on point’.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 2

A slew of blue-chip TMT companies and start-ups turn to Morrison Foerster for assistance on mandates, including technology-related transactions, outsourcing and IP licensing arrangements. The firm is also a key destination for technology investors and technology companies looking for advice concerning the Chinese regulatory landscape, while financial services and health science clients are among those who entrust the team to handle data privacy issues. A trio of partners head up the practice, with Hong Kong-based Gordon Milner singled out for his expertise in online services in China. In Shanghai, fellow co-head, Chuan Sun specialises in transactional work including technology collaborations; and Paul McKenzie, who completes the leadership trio, divides his time between Shanghai and Beijing and is well-placed to advise investors based outside of Asia on strategic investments into China. In Hong Kong, Marcia Ellis and Gigi Yuen are key contacts for private equity mandates and technology-related transactions respectively.

Hong Kong > Capital markets (equity) Tier 3

Morrison Foerster provides a ‘responsive service’ to Chinese corporates and banks engaged in HKEX IPOs, as well as on the issuer side advising on subsequent post listing compliance. A corollary of the firm’s broader TMT strength, the team receives a strong pipeline of work for start-ups and scale-ups in the sector seeking exits via IPO. The ‘attentive and commercial’ Vivian Yiu has been instrumental to the firm’s success on the TMT front and also has strong knowledge of the new rules being adopted with regard to specialist technology companies, having been involved in the consultation process regarding the formulation of Chapter 18C. Notably, Yiu was also involved at the vanguard of the development of the SPAC regulations and has subsequently handled several completed/proposed listings following the adoption of the new listing framework for SPACs in January 2022. ‘Business-savvy’ senior associate Diana Tan  is also recommended.

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

Morrison Foerster’s ‘dedicated' practice handles a broad range of transactional issues within the technology sector, in addition to e-commerce, biotech, and online gaming. Thomas Chou is particularly active on transactions within the TMT and life sciences spaces, while Marcia Ellis maintains a private equity focused practice and regularly assists SPACs. Maureen Ho has broad experience in leveraged buy-outs, joint ventures, and bolt-on acquisitions. Vivian Yiu frequently acts for both state owned and private Chinese enterprises in matters involving mandatory cash offers.

Hong Kong > Domestic and International Corporate Tax Tier 3

Morrison Foerster's ‘top-notch’ tax practice is led by New York-qualified Matthew Lau, who frequently advises clients on a wide range of cross-border transactions, including in the context of M&A, fund structuring, and de-spac mandates. Lau ‘displays outstanding and in-depth knowledge on tax laws across multiple jurisdictions’ and excels in advising Asian clients on the tax implications of sophisticated outbound US transactions, as well as for multinationals when they are structuring their investments in Asia, including in emerging markets.

Hong Kong > Private equity Tier 3

Morrison Foerster houses a team which is praised for its ‘deep bench of talent', regularly handling transactions within a myriad of sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, and online gaming. The ‘outstanding' practice is co-led by Marcia Ellis and Thomas Chou. Ellis is noted for her vast expertise in assisting financial investors with investments, joint ventures, and the setting up of SPACs. Chou regularly handles minority investments, in addition to advising on seed extension funding issues. The ‘excellent' Maureen Ho has ample knowledge of bolt-on acquisitions, and both public and private mergers.

Hong Kong > Regulatory: anti-corruption and compliance Tier 4

With an ‘excellent understanding of the local market’ and being able to call upon the expertise of practitioners in many key global offices, Morrison Foerster is well-placed to handle cross-border mandates for Chinese and multinational clients facing regulatory and enforcement risks on multiple fronts. Timothy Blakely and Chen Zhu head up the integrated contentious and non-contentious practice and are both well-versed across the panoply of issues in this space, including as it relates to economic sanctions, AML, FCPA, securities, and accounting fraud, as well as related governance and corporate compliance issues.

Hong Kong > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 5

The litigation team at Morrison Foerster has extensive experience representing multinational and Chinese companies, SOEs and individuals in complex disputes spanning a wide array of key economic sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, construction and private equity. Timothy Blakely heads up the practice and is vastly experienced in representing companies and individuals in high-stakes contentious matters concerning US and Hong Kong law, as well as PRC litigation on behalf of individual clients.

China > TMT: foreign firms Tier 1

Morrison Foerster’s Greater China TMT practice serves a range of industry-leading companies in the sector, offering ‘excellent commercial and legal acumen’ as well as on-the-ground experience. Combining sector knowledge with venture capital and private equity expertise, the firm is regularly instructed by both start-ups and tech investors. The team is skilled in handling the detailed regulatory requirements of the internet, telecoms, cloud, payments, and cybersecurity spheres. Leading the group are Gordon Miller, Chuan Sun, and Paul McKenzie. Milner, based in Hong Kong, advises a broad range of clients in areas including e-commerce, blockchain, and intellectual property. Sun, in Shanghai, specialises in TMT transactions and focuses on areas like fintech, data security, and robotics. McKenzie works with international TMT companies, helping them navigate their legal challenges in China. Thomas Chou and Marcia Ellis, both located in Hong Kong, bring valuable private equity experience to the table.

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: foreign firms Tier 2

Morrison Foerster‘s ‘solid‘ Hong Kong-based dispute resolution practice is consistently instructed to handle high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional disputes. The team acts in disputes across a range of sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, energy and chemicals, as well as construction, manufacturing, telecoms, private equity and real estate. Practice head and commercial litigation specialist Timothy Blakely is ‘a true expert in resolving clients' concerns‘, and Chen Zhu is an expert in commercial and securities litigation, along with investigations and defence-side white-collar work. In June 2023, former partner Sarah Thomas departed for an in-house role.

India > Foreign firms Tier 5

China > Private equity: foreign firms

Continuing to solidify its reputation in the China private equity space for handling innovative and high-value transactions, Morrison Foerster has established significant expertise in key economic sectors, spanning technology, life sciences, data, education, and real estate. One of those leading the practice from Hong Kong is Thomas Chou, whose practice focuses on venture capital investment in the biotech industry throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Global co-chair of PE Marcia Ellis is another significant player in Hong Kong, handling significant transactions for global powerhouses such as SoftBank, Macquarie and Celadon. Maureen Ho is particularly well regarded for advising PE and real estate funds across a broad range of transactions, including pre-IPO investments, bolt-on acquisitions and leveraged buyouts. Ruomu Li departed to join Cooley LLP in December 2022.

China > Corporate and M&A: foreign firms

Morrison Foerster‘s China practice stands out for its expertise in technology deals, which covers online gaming, e-commerce, fintech and biotechnology, as well as the life sciences, healthcare, education and real estate sectors. Paul McKenzie, the managing partner of the Beijing and Shanghai offices, is ‘recommended to any companies seeking M&A or corporate counsel in China‘, and in Shanghai, Chuan Sun focuses on TMT and life sciences transactions. Siyu Gao, Sarah Wang and Bingye Wu are the Mainland China associates to note. In Hong Kong, Thomas Chou co-heads the Asia private equity group; Marcia Ellis is global private equity practice co-chair; Maureen Ho is a private equity and real estate fund expert; and Vivian Yiu advises multinational corporations and Chinese enterprises on cross-border transactions. In April 2023, private equity fund specialist Rongjing Zhao joined the Mainland offices from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, while former partner Ruomu Li departed for Cooley LLP in December 2022.

China > Fintech: foreign firms

Morrison Foerster pulls together a strong offering in strategic corporate-commercial and technology transactions in the fintech and e-commerce sector. IPOs, acquisitions, and advice on the expansion of blockchain and crypto-driven financial products into multiple jurisdictions are additional sweet spots for the firm’s fintech group. The Hong Kong-based Thomas Chou co-chairs the practice and is a key contact for fundraisings. In Shanghai, fellow practice co-chairs Paul McKenzie and Chuan Sun add to the transactional expertise at the firm, with the latter a key contact for Chinese companies conducting outbound transactions. Gordon Milner, who divides his time between Hong Kong and Singapore, completes the leadership team. Milner leverages his longstanding experience in the space to advise on matters ranging from digital currencies to technology transactions.

China > Investment funds: foreign firms

The Hong Kong-based practice at Morrison Foerster specialises in assisting clients with the formation of private equity, venture capital, and real estate funds. Banks and insurance companies regularly feature on the group’s client roster and benefit from the team’s expertise in regulatory and fund governance matters. Practice head Serena Tan has focused her practice on the formation of private funds, as well as advising sponsors on regulatory matters, carried interest plans, and operational matters. Associate Sylvia Cheng supports the partners on fund formation matters.

China > Life sciences and healthcare: foreign firms

Morrison Foerster is recommended for experience in advising both multinational clients and PRC state owned enterprises in the healthcare and life sciences space. The firm has a strong record in advising on collaboration and licensing agreements for the commercial sale of medical drugs, as well as investment funds work for start-ups and private equity funds in the area of biomedicine. The team is led by Chuan Sun, who is located in Shanghai and offers expertise in both transactional work and legal advice pertaining to clinical trials, alongside the Hong Kong based duo of Thomas Chou and Gordon Milner. B. Chen Zhu and associate Sarah Wang are also key. Ruomu Li left the firm, joining Cooley LLP in December 2022.

China > Intellectual property: foreign firms

Morrison Foerster handles a diverse caseload spanning patent and trademark prosecution, IP litigation and licensing transactions. The department's combined sectoral experience encompasses tech, pharmaceuticals, biologics, diagnostics, medical devices, medicinal chemicals and vaccines. Leading the team, the Hong-Kong based Gordon Milner is a regular advisor to leading international tech companies, banks and local start-ups on various IP issues, while in Shanghai, Chuan Sun focuses his practice on commercial IP matters as well as complex TMT sector transactions. Also recommended from Hong Kong is Timothy Blakely for involvement in cross-border trade secret disputes and IP infringement claims.

China > Real estate and construction: foreign firms

Morrison Foerster focuses on real estate investments, including fund formation, joint ventures and acquisitions, and development of real estate assets. The team is led by global co-chair of the private equity group and China’s real estate head, Marcia Ellis, who combines these two areas of expertise to advise on private equity investments within the real estate industry from Hong Kong. Maureen Ho, who is also based in Hong Kong, works with private equity, real estate funds, financial, and corporate investors on a range of matters, while Vivian Yiu handles real estate transactions. Chuan Sun splits his time between Shanghai and Hong Kong, advising on cross-border M&A transactions as well as TMT related matters.

China > Regulatory/compliance: foreign firms

The Hong Kong-based practice at Morrison Foerster is well-equipped for aiding international and local clients on corporate investigations and regulatory compliance issues. Often advising heavily regulated industries such as telecoms, online services, and banking and finance, the team is able to advise on regulatory and approval matters, technology licences, data privacy, and anti-corruption compliance. Timothy Blakely and B. Chen Zhu co-led the team. Blakely is experienced in complex commercial litigation and arbitration. He also assists Chinese clients facing US legal and regulatory scrutiny, while Zhu handles government and internal investigations, cross-border enforcement, and US economic sanctions. Associate Derik Rao provides on the ground support from Shanghai.