Hailed as a ‘first class legal team with an unrivalled international network’, Carey Olsen Hong Kong LLP is noted for its strong dispute resolution offering and its deep knowledge of private equity driven corporate mandates. Michael Padarin heads the corporate and investment funds group, and acts for a varied range of clients from the US and Hong Kong in the full spectrum of transactional mandates. Jeremy Lightfoot leads the growing disputes group, regularly handling corporate and commercial cases, and restructuring and insolvency issues under BVI, Cayman, and Bermuda law. ‘Excellent insolvency and disputes lawyer’ Tim Haynes is recommended for his longstanding experience in shareholder, management, and corporate restructuring disputes, while Bermuda law specialist Matthew Watson routinely appears before the Privy Council on behalf of Hong Kong listed Bermuda companies. Tiffy Wan is a key contact for Asian clients seeking advice on US and Hong Kong IPOs and secondary securities offerings, and Dhanshuklal Vekaria is well-versed in fair valuation disputes, and cases concerning private client trusts. James Webb left the firm in July 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The corporate and funds team at Carey Olsen are highly responsive, knowledgeable and solution oriented.’
‘Michael Padarin is our key point of contact, he is always available and his advice on point. ’
‘The team is well-known for providing professional offshore legal services, and is able to directly provide expert lawyer services in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands in the client's time zone and business environment.’
‘Carey Olsen have a team with a lot of depth across multiple practice areas, with particular strength in the insolvency & restructuring and disputes practices. ’
‘Tim Haynes is an excellent insolvency and disputes lawyer. I was his colleague at a previous firm, and he is not only intellectually savvy, but also applies a commercial mind to resolving disputes. I also highly rate Jeremy Lightfoot.’
‘Tim Haynes is my go-to lawyer for offshore work. He has very significant experience and gives measured, sensible advice.’
‘A first class legal team with an unrivalled international network able to connect global clients with the best advice and prompt and effective action in all relevant jurisdictions.’
Key clients
- Lightspeed Faction Ventures I GP, LLC
- Tian Tu Capital Co., Ltd.
- Align Partners Capital Management Inc.
- Oasis Investments II Master Fund Limited
- Attestor Value Master Fund LP
- Beijing Energy International Holding Co. Ltd
Work highlights
Acted as Cayman Islands counsel on the launch of Lightspeed Faction Fund I, LP, which is registered as a private fund with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority. The Fund will seek to generate long-term capital appreciation through equity and token investments in early-stage projects that are active in blockchain and may also engage in other token-generative activities such as staking of digital assets.
Acted as the Cayman Islands and BVI counsel to Tian Tu Capital Co., Ltd. on its H-share HK$1.13 billion listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as of 6 October 2023, with Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited and BOCI Asia Limited as joint sponsors.
Acting for two substantial investment funds in Bermuda's largest ever fair value appraisal action arising out of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited purchase of the minority shareholdings of Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited via a US $5.5 billion amalgamation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Michael Padarin
Practice head
Michael Padarin; Jeremy Lightfoot
Other key lawyers
Tim Haynes; Matthew Watson; Tiffy Wan; Dhanshuklal Vekaria; Winnie Lo