Hong Kong Teams 2023
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
| Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company
| China Orient Asset Management (International) Holdings
| Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Hong Kong Branch
| The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)
| China Overseas Land and Investments
On behalf of The Legal 500, it is our distinct pleasure to present the GC Powerlist: Hong Kong Teams 2023, marking a triumphant return after a pandemic-induced hiatus. In this inaugural edition, we are honored to shine a spotlight on some of Hong Kong’s most exceptional in-house legal teams. These teams stand as an example of legal prowess, having harnessed their legal acumen strategically to propel their organisations toward success.
The past year has unfolded as a dynamic and eventful period for Hong Kong’s in-house counsel. They have faced a myriad of new challenges, navigating the ever-shifting landscape of an increasingly demanding business environment. Foremost among these challenges has been the unwavering commitment to ensure compliance with an ever-expanding array of regulations. At the same time, the proactive implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) initiatives has introduced new complexities and responsibilities within these departments.
Amidst these formidable challenges, Hong Kong’s in-house counsel have continually displayed unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. They have been instrumental in facilitating some of the most substantial transactions that have graced the country’s recent history. Their reputation for innovation and excellence within the sphere of in-house legal affairs has remained steadfast, serving as a testament to their profound dedication and unmatched legal expertise. Furthermore, they have consistently played pivotal roles in dispute resolution, deftly liaising with external counsel and meticulously assessing potential risks. These skills have made them indispensable assets in safeguarding their companies’ interests.
The GC Powerlist: Hong Kong Teams 2023 is compilation that clearly reflects the resilience, adaptability and dedication of Hong Kong’s in-house counsel towards continuous growth and development in the face of global healthcare crises, rapidly developing technology, stringent ESG requirements, and necessary DE&I initiatives, while acting as true business partners by championing the use of dispute resolution. On the importance of an applicable dispute resolution stragey, China Orient Legal Department eloquently states:
“Our strategies, while protecting the company’s growth and interests, also consider the majority concern of all parties, emphasising early negotiations and settlements… This preparation enables us to construct an evidence chain, devise initial strategies, and minimise potential losses; we utilise legal and non-legal tools to develop effective response plans that uphold the company’s rights and interests.”
This stance is echoed by many others, along with the view that the creation of a dispute resolution strategy should include contributions from other departments for a more robust result.
In response to an ever-increasing need for actionable and effective ESG initiatives, general counsel in Hong Kong have leveraged their role in addressing this need, primarily by ensuring compliance with constantly developing ESG requirements. The legal team at COSCO Shipping Ports “proactively conducts in-depth analyses to grasp the new ESG requirements in regions where the company operates and proposes compliance initiatives to meet the ever-growing expectations and regulations surrounding ESG disclosures.”
Finally, in an era of increased focus on representation, in-house counsel have taken steps to ensure true inclusivity, creating teams that are more reflective of the diversity of society. BNP Paribas, for example, has a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee that “actively promotes the creation of an inclusive working environment in which diversity is celebrated for all concerned, and the team has partnered with external organisations to generate internship opportunities for the benefit of candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds or who have physical disabilities.”
Hong Kong’s legal landscape will undoubtedly continue to grow and flourish. The GC Powerlist: Hong Kong Teams 2023 is a tribute to the impressive competence of these elite professionals at navigating this environment, expanding their roles to true business partners. Hence, it is easy to believe that these inspiring teams will continue to positively impact the legal environment, given their impressive resilience, adaptability, readiness to learn and innovative abilities.
Sara Maggi| Deputy Editor The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Series
Funke Olufon| Research Analyst The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Series
Legal 500’s 2025 edition of the GC Summit Taiwan 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei raised the bar for GC-focused, content led events for corporate counsel in Taiwan. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for the in-house legal community in this dynamic and globally respected market to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping their profession in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Opening remarks were delivered by Joe Boswell, Global Editor of The Legal 500’s GC Powerlist series, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the Summit’s central theme of in-house lawyers leading with agility and foresight in a rapidly changing world. Boswell emphasised the strength and dynamism of Taiwan’s legal community, setting the tone for an afternoon of thoughtful and practical dialogue. He then introduced Lois Lin, Chief Legal Officer of Wiwynn Corporation, who officially opened the day’s proceedings with remarks on innovation, collaboration, and leadership within Taiwan’s corporate legal sector, particularly in regards to utilising AI and legal tech tools within a modern legal department.
The first panel Powering Digital Growth: Challenges and Opportunities in Taiwan’s Data Center Landscape, examined the infrastructure driving Taiwan’s digital expansion. Ken-Ying Tseng, Lily Kuo, and Chi Lee of Lee and Li discussed how legal teams can balance rapid technological growth with compliance, sustainability, and innovation, offering practical insights into the evolving regulatory environment surrounding data centres.
The second session, U.S. Tariffs, Export Controls, and Sanctions Under the New Administration: Implications for Taiwan’s Exporters, featured Winston Y. Chan and Matthew S. Axelrod, Partners at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Drawing on their experience as former U.S. government enforcement officials, they provided a compelling analysis of shifting U.S. trade policies under the new administration and their implications for Taiwan’s exporters.
Following this, Winning in the Federal Circuit: Recent Case Studies brought James Lin and Matthew Wawrzyn, Partners at FisherBroyles, to the stage for a fascinating discussion on Federal Circuit litigation strategy. Sharing lessons from cases they personally argued and won, the panellists provided attendees with practical takeaways on managing cross-border IP disputes.
The final session, AI for In-House Legal Teams: Evolution or Revolution?, explored the realities of AI adoption within corporate legal departments. Jolie Shu Chun Liao, Hsiao Wei (William) Tsai, Christine Yang, and Sabrina Chang shared insights into how technology is reshaping workflows, decision-making, and the role of legal teams across industries.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Joe Boswell, followed by drinks and canapés, where attendees continued the discussion in a relaxed setting. The GC Summit Taiwan 2025 reaffirmed The Legal 500’s commitment to providing a platform for Taiwan’s in-house counsel to share experiences, gain insights, and shape the future of the legal profession.
