Recently enhanced by the return of Joe Choy in July 2025 from Eversheds Sutherland, Johnson Stokes & Master maintains a broad and deep employment offering which is lauded for its ability to bring a ‘strategic and pragmatic approach’ to employers across a mix of contentious, corporate support and advisory work. ’Technically excellent’ team head Hong Tran leads from the front, providing invaluable compliance/risk management advice to large regional and multinational corporates, as well as regularly defending them in litigation. Praised for his ‘very proactive attitude’ and ’exceptional legal acumen’, LJ Kwok is also very skilled at handling a myriad of employment litigation, as well as excelling at recruitment and termination issues. Although he has now retired from the partnership, the vastly experienced Duncan Abate still handles fee-earning work in his senior consultancy role, with Choy also adding increased bandwidth due to his niche focus on occupational retirement scheme work for large employers. Jennifer Tam left the firm in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Their strategic approach, deep legal knowledge and unrivalled experience is truly impressive.'
- 'The team's expertise in employment and discrimination law is exceptional. They always bring a strategic and pragmatic approach to bear on matters.'
- 'Hong Tran is technically excellent and has good turnaround times.'
- 'LJ Kwok is very experienced and capable in handling employment-related claims matters with a very practical approach. He always takes a very proactive attitude and does his best to handle the matter effectively on our behalf.'
- 'LJ Kwok demonstrates exceptional legal acumen, as well as being very supportive and responsive to our needs.'
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Joe Choy
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
LJ Kwok
Practice head
Hong Tran
Other key lawyers
Duncan Abate; LJ Kwok; Joe Choy