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, in exclusive partnership with BKM | Berkemeyer, co-hosted the launch of the GC Powerlist: Paraguay 2026, on June 10, at Luna 21, located in the World Trade Center in Asunción. Marking the second edition of the publication, the event brought together leading in-house counsel from across the country to celebrate excellence within Paraguay’s corporate legal community.
The evening began with opening remarks from Francisco Castro, Research Editor at Legal 500, who recognised the achievements of this year’s honourees and reflected on key themes emerging from the research process led by fellow Editor, Allan Cohen. In particular, he noted the growing influence of in-house legal teams within core industries and their increasing involvement in strategic, business-critical decision-making – a testament to the growth of corporate legal departments in the country.
Manuel Arias, Partner at BKM | Berkemeyer, followed with his address, congratulating those featured and sharing his perspective on the development of Paraguay’s legal market. He highlighted the evolving expectations placed on legal departments and the importance of continued collaboration between private practice and in-house teams.
To conclude the speeches, Ana Garrido of Constructora Heisecke, and one of this year’s honourees, was invited to share a few words from an in-house perspective. In her remarks, she emphasised the importance of in-house lawyers developing a deep and practical understanding of their business, while also underscoring the value of collaborating with external counsel to handle highly specialised matters that may fall beyond the time or resource constraints of internal legal teams.
With more than 60 attendees, the event provided a valuable platform for connection among senior in-house lawyers, reinforcing Legal 500’s commitment to supporting and recognising this dynamic and increasingly influential community. As the role of general counsel continues to expand, their contributions remain central to the success and resilience of modern organisations.
Legal 500 extends its sincere gratitude to BKM | Berkemeyer for its continued collaboration and support in bringing this publication and event to fruition.
