Housing a group of insolvency specialists, Tanner De Witt draws upon its ‘wealth of experience’ and ’market knowledge’ when acting for major companies in winding up petitions and complex bankruptcy litigation. The firm has extensive expertise in acting for an array of liquidators, receivers, and creditors, primarily focusing on the financial services and shipping sectors. Co-headed by ‘top insolvency lawyer’ Ian De Witt and Robin Darton, the group is well regarded for its commercial litigation and insolvency offering, and Sunny Hathiramani is an expert in multi-jurisdictional issues and enforcement proceedings. Troy Greig is knowledgeable of fraud and regulatory measures, Veronica Chan concentrates on cross-border bankruptcy claims, and Tim Au is noted for his debt recovery work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tanner De Witt is best known for their restructuring and insolvency expertise. Led by the veterans Ian De Witt and Robin Darton, the team is very well recognised and praised by insolvency practitioners. They are commercial and truly knowledgeable. They are a super friendly group and are fun to work with.’
‘A wealth of experience and knowledge of the market.’
‘Well-established, practical experience and years of market knowledge.’
‘TDW are THE go-to firm for insolvency in Hong Kong. Unrivalled knowledge and expertise. Also highly competent and knowledgeable in commercial law.’
‘Ian De Witt - top insolvency lawyer: clever, innovative, great appreciation of tactics and strategy, very hard working in clients' interests and very approachable.’
‘This is a strong and capable team with a deep bench of partners and senior associates. They have a great reputation in the market for HK law and the strongest local independent firm in this space. They are also a fun and pleasant group of lawyers to work with.’
‘They are easy to work with, highly experienced, pleasant in interactions and have a great team mentality. Special mention to Ian de Witt, Robin Darton, Sunny Hathiramani and Veronica Chan.’
Key clients
- Alvarez & Marsal
- Grant Thornton
- Suning Holdings Group
- KPMG
- Teneo
- Briscoe Wong
- Micro Pak
- Perun
Work highlights
- Appointed as the liquidators’ solicitors to manage the Evergrande Groups’s estimated US$300 billion debt and assets, including real estate properties worth approximately HK$15.5 billion.
- Acting for the JPLs of the Global Cord Blood Corporation in legal proceedings against rogue directors and shareholders, successfully obtaining injunctions and a favourable judgment that voided wrongful share transfers, demonstrating our team’s capability in handling complex asset recovery matters swiftly and continuing to work with the JPLs to preserve a business valued at over 1 billion RMB.
- Acting for Suning Holdings Group in a complex legal case involving a winding-up petition, restructuring talks, a negotiated settlement with Bain Capital, a cross-claim against Carrefour Group, and an upcoming court hearing, demonstrating the firm's involvement in significant cases that influence insolvency and arbitration law.
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.
Practice head
Ian De Witt; Robin Darton
Other key lawyers
Sunny Hathiramani; Troy Greig; Veronica Chan; Tim Au; Natalie Lam