Interview with: Caroline McNally, Partner and Head of the Family Practice

Can you summarise how the past 12 months have been for Hugill & Ip?
The past year has marked significant growth and recognition for the firm. Our Family and Private Client practices have continued to expand, responding to increasing demand for sophisticated legal services.  We have continued to encourage alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation, reflecting the evolving needs of our clients.

A significant milestone was the expansion of our service offering with the addition of a dedicated Real Estate practice, led by our new partner Polly Chu who joined in October. This strategic growth allows us to provide even more comprehensive legal solutions to our clients.

Our commitment to excellence has been consistently recognized by leading legal directories, cementing our position as a premier boutique firm in Hong Kong. We’ve also enhanced our international reach through our membership in GGI, connecting us with over 600 firms across 126 jurisdictions.

The synergy between our practices – particularly Trust & Estates, Family, and now Real Estate – provides our clients with an unmatched platform to provide solutions for clients, from estate planning to complex matrimonial matters and property transactions. We’ve also embraced technological advancements to improve service delivery while maintaining our personal touch.

 

Can you tell us more about your practice in Family Law and what developments you see within Hong Kong legal market?
Our Family Law practice has evolved significantly, with a growing emphasis on mediation and collaborative approaches and private hearings. This year, we’ve seen increased demand for alternative dispute resolution methods, particularly in high-conflict scenarios. Our recent podcast featuring family mediator Giles Surman highlighted the effectiveness of mediation in achieving favourable outcomes while maintaining confidentiality and reducing emotional strain.

The Hong Kong market is increasingly embracing these alternative approaches, recognizing their value in preserving relationships, especially in cases involving children.

 

Can you give us a few practical examples of how you help clients navigate their legal matters?
One of our key approaches is to offer legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. For instance, in Family and Private Client cases, from the outset we emphasize understanding our clients’ emotional and financial needs, which allows us to negotiate favourable settlements that prioritize their well-being. With our new Real Estate practice, we can now offer comprehensive advice on property matters, whether in family law contexts or standalone transactions. In corporate transactions, we guide clients through complex business landscapes, ensuring compliance while also identifying opportunities for growth. We also provide guidance about legal changes that may impact companies, empowering clients to make more informed decisions.

 

What do you see as the main benefits of having practiced law in the UK and Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is an international financial hub, and our clients are multi-national and have assets located around the world. My connections from having worked in London for so many years remain strong which benefits my clients as I can easily make referrals to my wide network of lawyers in other jurisdictions to advise on issues such as tax and asset protection.

 

How are technology and AI impacting the way law firms work?
Technology and Artificial Intelligence are revolutionizing the legal landscape. AI-driven tools for document review and legal research substantially reduces the time spent on these tasks which will ultimately reduce costs for clients. This not only enhances productivity but also allows lawyers to focus more on strategic advising.

We can anticipate that AI will continue to evolve. Many believe that AI could potentially even assist with predictive analytics to inform case strategies – which remains to be seen. However, it’s crucial to also recognize the risks associated with these advancements. Issues such as data privacy and client confidentiality, the potential for algorithmic bias, and the importance of maintaining the human element in providing legal advice must be at the forefront of every lawyer’s mind. As law firms around the world integrate AI into their practices, we must ensure that ethical considerations and compliance with legal standards are upheld. Continuous updates, staff training, and risk awareness are key to navigating these challenges effectively.

 

Hugill & Ip has always been at the forefront in terms of Diversity & Inclusion, as well as Corporate Social Responsibility, can you highlight some recent initiatives and plans?
Our commitment to D&I and CSR continues to grow stronger. Beyond our established “Bridges to Empowerment” program, we’re proud to support local arts and culture through initiatives like our sponsorship of Hong Kong Players’ 2025 Panto production of Beauty & The Beast. This reflects our belief in supporting community engagement through various channels.

We will focus the first quarter of 2026 on CSR and fundraising activities related to individuals with disabilities and their families, which will include extended pro bono services, legal knowledge training to several NGOs and specific programs catering families affected by disabilities of their members.

We maintain our strong track record of pro bono work, recognized annually by The Law Society of Hong Kong. Our team actively participates in community service, providing legal resources to underrepresented groups and fostering inclusive access to justice.

 

How do you see your firm moving forward in the next three years?
Our focus remains on strategic growth while maintaining the personalized service that distinguishes us. The recent addition of our Real Estate practice and the GGI membership has significantly enhanced our service capabilities, allowing us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our clients, particularly in cross-border matters.

We’re constantly looking for ways to resolve disputes outside of Court with our preference being for mediation and alternative dispute resolution offerings, responding to market demands for more collaborative approaches to family disputes.

Technology and AI integration remains a priority but always balanced with our commitment to personalized client care.

Our continued investment in community initiatives and maintaining strong pro bono services, will remain central to our firm’s identity and growth strategy.