Dispute Resolution (International Firms): China

THE FIRM This firm continues to field one of the finest commercial litigation practices in the market, combining formidable manpower and cutting-edge expertise to establish itself at the zenith of the market. Key work highlights from the past year include defending ABN AMRO against a claim by a client in relation to the alleged mis-selling of accumulator products and also advising CVC and nominee directors in a PRC-related joint venture dispute.

Sources say: "They’re the most practical firm I’ve worked with; they tell you what they think then they put their money where their mouth is and make the right call."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Gilchrist won plaudits for his commercial litigation practice. Sources say: “He is very thorough and a good listener, and he’s very sophisticated when it comes to broad strategising.” His expertise covers the full gamut, though sources particularly noted his insurance-related expertise. In the past year he led the team in advising Chinachem on a HKD1 billion claim against the Hong Kong government in relation to alleged interference in the construction of the Nina Tower.

Practice head Martin Rogers is according to one client “a bit of a workaholic considering his seniority. He doesn’t mind being disturbed any time of the day or night. He also knows what the regulators are doing, he knows the industry changes and he understands commerce." They also believe him to be “a cut above lawyers who are a bit too lawyerly and won’t help you take a view.” Commercial litigation and regulatory compliance are his forte.

James Wadham is another of the team's recognised names and specialises in financial regulatory compliance and shareholder disputes. In the past year he advised Deutsche Bank and RREEF China REIT Management on proceedings before the Court of Appeal and High Court in relation to an investigation into the RREEF China Commercial Trust.

Wendy Wysong lends the team a keen edge on the anti-corruption scene, and is hailed by peers as a US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) specialist par excellence. She is seen as “a leading expert with a huge depth of experience,” and sources particularly note her considerable experience as a prosecutor in the USA.

Donna Wacker handles a range of commercial and financial litigation matters. She led on the ABN AMRO matter described above. Wacker is also the head of the firm's Hong Kong contentious insolvency practice.

THE FIRM This team remains a premier name on the scene, wielding formidable accumulated experience and excellent practice breadth to tackle the largest and most complex matters in the market. It is also making notable inroads into the anti-corruption field, adding to its established expertise in tax investigations, major shareholder disputes and contentious regulatory matters. It operates out of Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Sources say: "There’s a consistently high quality there. This is the only firm I know where all of the team are either very good or brilliant; no one there is just good or average."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Johnson has more than 20 years of experience in the Hong Kong market. His practice incorporates both commercial litigation and regulatory compliance matters. Clients enthuse about his abilities and identify him as “a go-to guy for banking regulatory work.” 

Asia disputes head Gavin Lewis won warm praise for his approach, characterised by one client as “measured and thoughtful, and very deliberate. He’s not pompous or flashy and is good for complex litigations that will last for the long haul.” Regulatory disputes is a particular specialism of his.

Gareth Thomas calls upon his formidable experience to tackle high-profile disputes. One source commented that “he’s very good at the big-picture stuff but he also gets involved in the nitty-gritty understanding of his cases, just what you’d expect of a top partner there.” His expertise encompasses matters related to insolvency and negligence, among other areas.

Senior associate Dominic Geiser impresses sources, who describe him as a “proactive, sharp and responsive litigator with strong commercial awareness.”

Kyle Wombolt won plaudits for his high-quality anti-corruption practice. Clients praise his “accurate and practical advice,” with one remarking that “he stands out among other counsel for being very user-friendly. He’s got terrific communication skills, he conveys things well and he’s reliable.”

THE FIRM This team boasts solid regulatory and finance expertise that aids it in servicing the many investment banks in its clientele. It can also demonstrate formidable expertise in mis-selling claims and anti-bribery issues, among other areas, giving the practice a unique offering. Key highlights from the past year include acting for an international bank in ICSID proceedings regarding an oil hedging agreement between the client and a state-owned oil entity.

Sources say: "There are a lot of pitfalls and subtleties you need to be on top of when dealing with the regulators, but they’re good at getting into the details of the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Clarke received warm praise from commentators. Sources say he is “a highly competent, no-nonsense lawyer who has a good reputation with the regulators.” One client remarked: “His responsiveness is the best. In this area there are always unforeseen things and the key is to have a lawyer who is accessible.” He is especially rated for his expertise in white-collar crime investigations.

In the past year, Cheung Fai Hung has won plaudits for his “good communication skills and solid advice.” He specialises in regulatory matters including derivatives disputes and mis-selling claims. He brings Mandarin capabilities to the team.

THE FIRM Amongst its many strengths, this firm demonstrates impressive regional traction and considerable muscle in relation to arbitration and regulatory compliance. Sources appreciate that the teams in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing work seamlessly together, and together with the firm’s Vietnam and Singapore offices are cultivating a strong presence in the South-East Asia market. Insolvency matters, shareholder disputes and commercial litigation all fall within the firm’s sphere of expertise.

Sources say: "An obvious competitor on the China litigation scene." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Poon is a commercial litigator who also has expertise in China International Economic & Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) arbitrations. His specialisms include matters related to defamation and media liability.

A prominent and well-respected figure in the market, practice head Gary Seib offers considerable experience in insurance and restructuring matters as well as strong advocacy skills.

Cynthia Tang is “a seasoned legal professional with tremendous litigation experience,” sources say. Her experience at the Department of Justice, together with her Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) expertise, are a significant boon to the team. In the past year she continued to advise GMF Merchant Funding in relation to a government prosecution under the Money Lenders Ordinance.

Clients say Susan Kendall is “exceptionally easy to work with.” One client observed that working with Kendall “is a real partnership relationship; I pretty much consider her part of our team.” Her areas of expertise include IT, trusts, insolvency and employment.

THE FIRM This team is a strong contender in the market and can call upon solid expertise in restructuring and insolvency, life sciences and financial regulation, among other areas. Work highlights from the past year include acting for the individual directors of Pacific Capital Holdings in a shareholder dispute with Pacific Electric Wire & Cable, as well as advising the liquidators of Akai Holdings in relation to the client’s complex fraud action against its former chairman. Additional clients from the past year include PwC, UBS and Hung Fung Enterprises Holdings.

Sources say: "One of the best in the market for speedy responses."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Disputes head Allan Leung offers a broad practice covering employment and insurance issues. He led the team in acting for Scholfields Hong Kong as petitioner in High Court to bring winding-up proceedings.

Mark Lin is a respected name on the scene, specialising in cross-border investment matters. Clients particularly note his responsiveness. In the past year he advised City Telecom (Hong Kong) on a number of issues regarding its application to the former Broadcasting Authority for a domestic free television programme service licence.

US-trained Eugene Chen operates out of Shanghai has a keen expertise in FCPA and anti-bribery issues. He won praise for his “concise but thorough” style. Peers also recognise his life sciences expertise.

Chris Dobby is best known for his insolvency-related expertise. Sources say: “He is an extremely articulate and firm litigator. His level of knowledge in insolvency, company and commercial litigation is rare among solicitors in Hong Kong.”

THE FIRM This firm combines the excellent disputes experience of its PRC branch with solid international arbitration and construction expertise to provide a well-rounded service. Work highlights from the past year include acting for China Healthcare on a contractual dispute, as well as acting for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu against allegations relating to misfeasance as office holders. The team also advised Lee & Li regarding a number of regulatory issues.

Sources say: "They have clear vision but also understanding as to what’s happening in multiple jurisdictions. They know how one decision here will impact what’s happening there and they can navigate those labyrinths very impressively."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Denis Brock is “a capable and decisive operator who employs clear, laconic communication,” in the opinion of clients. He is an accomplished litigator with particular expertise in arbitration and insurance-related matters. Clients also reserve enthusiastic praise for his “good strategic thinking that gives you that extra edge.”

Paul Starr won plaudits thanks to the "tremendous results" he delivers. One client enthuses that “his knowledge of construction disputes is extraordinary, and his track record speaks for itself. What really amazed me is that though he is so senior on the team he focuses on details to an amazing degree.”

Jeffrey Lane is a recognised name on the scene, lauded by sources for his "thorough and reliable" style. One source notes that "he’s good at representing all sides in terms of risk management and he’s good at making the judgement call and telling us how our chances look." In the past year he led the team in acting for OBM as defendant in a major freight forwarding agency dispute.

Edmund Wan is described as a "good operator, sensible and switched-on." He has expertise in a wide range of areas including restructuring, insurance and construction. In the past year he played a key role in advising Marsh on a dispute with a former employee relating to alleged misuse of confidential information.

THE FIRM This high-quality practice specialises in complex contentious regulatory matters, working with significant financial institutions and investment banks. It also stands out for its dedicated PRC disputes practice, with 40 PRC-qualified lawyers, which guides clients through disputes and contentious situations that arise on the mainland. 

Sources say: "The name you hear when it comes to big-ticket Hong Kong litigations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources believe that global litigation head Marc Harvey is "an exceptionally capable litigator, a serious lawyer that you can turn to when a situation comes up." His practice encompasses regulatory disputes for a range of top-shelf financial institutions.

Melvin Sng wins plaudits for his high-quality practice, and is described by peer and client alike as "an excellent commercial litigator." His practice centres around regulatory issues, arbitration and financial disputes. Peers also commend him for his expertise regarding insolvency.

THE FIRM This practice remains amongst the most respected in the market. Between its offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai it marshals more than 80 lawyers, and has an established reputation for undertaking complex, sophisticated litigation. Particular areas of expertise include medico-legal matters, cross-border disputes and professional indemnity cases.

Sources say: "A team of highly respected litigators – everyone knows them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Hunsworth continues to enjoy an eminent reputation on the litigation scene. Sources agree he is "obviously one of the best-known commercial litigators in town," while one peer enthused: "He is highly experienced and has been around forever." Regulatory compliance disputes is one of his specialisms.

Jacob Tse is "another heavy hitter on their team," according to one peer. Seen as "a gentleman and a solid litigator," his expertise covers insurance and medico-legal matters.

Bill Amos fields a broad-reaching practice, specialising in international trade as well as matters involving insurance or shipping. He is adept in cross-border matters.

Thomas So is a familiar name in the market, specialising in PRC matters. His array of expertise encompasses shareholders' disputes and commercial arbitration, among others.

THE FIRM The firm boasts one of the oldest dispute resolution groups in Hong Kong, featuring formidable commercial litigation experience. Alongside its focus on commercial disputes, particular growth areas include cases involving injunctive relief and white-collar crime investigations. Key work highlights from the past year include acting for a Fortune 500 technology and consulting entity in legal proceedings against the Hong Kong government regarding a substantial IT contract. The team also successfully defended Royal Skandia Life Assurance against a claim by Jeremy Hobbins.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Clark won praise for his strategising abilities. One client believes that "he’s good at coming up with ideas: we’d wanted to be all gung-ho but he came up with a long-term strategy which strengthened our hand before we went on the offensive, which really helped." Employment-related matters and pre-emptive injunctions are particular specialisms.

Richard Hudson "is a very sensible lawyer," remarks one source, who observes that "while he’s not afraid to fight a client’s corner aggressively he appreciates that litigation isn’t always commercially sensible in itself." His practice covers contentious insolvency matters and property litigation.

Daisy Tong is known to peers as a competent and thorough practitioner. Her expertise covers regulatory and joint venture disputes. In the past year she acted for two partners of a major accounting firm in a complicated dispute between two camps of beneficiaries of a substantial estate.

THE FIRM This practice’s Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong groups work effectively together to make an impact on the litigation scene. CIETAC arbitrations are a growing strength of the practice, while major shareholder disputes remain a mainstay. In the past twelve months the firm represented China Southern Airlines in an English High Court claim commenced by Tigris International in relation to disputes over a number of aircraft sale agreements. In addition the firm acted for Verizon UK on the heavily contested winding up of Cardtel Europe.

Sources say: "A significant practice with good geographical reach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roy Chan heads the firm’s Shanghai disputes practice and is recognised by peers as a leading PRC disputes expert. Inbound multinationals and outbound PRC entities both benefit from his broad bank of expertise.

Hong Kong practice head Satpal Gobindpuri’s PRC expertise makes him a counsel of choice for multinationals with an interest in the region. In the past year he advised Klockner Pentaplast in a Hong Kong High Court action and PRC arbitration against a local distributor for breach of a distributorship agreement.

THE FIRM A newcomer to the market, this year-old firm is quickly making a name for itself thanks to a team of veteran litigators well versed in a range of specialisms. Its medico-legal practice is a serious contender, while its financial regulatory and arbitration components are also rapidly gaining traction. 

Sources say: "They’ve hit the ground running and will definitely do well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Howse "is reliable and experienced," one peer enthused, while clients described him as “a terrific operator and a sharp tactician.” His repertoire of expertise includes shipping litigation and medico-legal matters.

Kevin Bowers is "a tenacious and hands-on litigator who demonstrates deep knowledge and has an instinctive grasp of strategy." One client added: "His advice is invaluable; he’s definitely someone you want by your side in a litigation." Clients also note his negotiation skills and solid working knowledge of the insurance field.

THE FIRM This relatively compact team punches above its weight and is lauded for the quality of advice it offers, ensuring that it is instructed on some of the most complex matters in the market. Banking, regulatory compliance and insurance all fall within its range of expertise, while peers also recognise its shipping and IP expertise. Key work highlights from the past year include advising a major Hong Kong-listed US supplier and its subsidiary on two sets of sophisticated CIETAC arbitration proceedings. These were in regards to non-payment for defective goods supplied by a PRC manufacturer for the US market.

Sources say: "They can understand the situation well – their appreciation of the specific issues at hand means they give very well-targeted advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Camille Jojo brings to the team more than 30 years of experience in the Hong Kong market. Clients remarked: “He is an excellent strategist who covers all the angles, alert to both the big picture and the nuances.” His array of expertise covers restructuring and regulatory disputes, among other areas.

Sources say Jim James is “one of the big names for shipping disputes.” On the shipping front he specialises in charter party disputes and arbitration, though his expertise also extends to energy-related matters.

THE FIRM This team fields a three-pronged practice, focusing on commercial litigation, arbitration and internal investigations. SFC-related work concerning multinational clients in the PRC formed a significant part of the firm’s practice in the past year. Key work highlights include advising a consortium of private equity investors in claims against a major PRC real estate developer, as well as advising a South Korea-listed entity on a major silicon wafer dispute.

Sources say: "They really care about their clients and always have their best interest at heart. They’re willing to do what’s necessary to get the job done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Dale contributes a unique internal investigations component to the group. Sources praise him as a “solid operator, intelligent and good with clients.” In the past year he continued to defend BYD Company against claims regarding confidential information while also pursuing counterclaims on behalf of BYD regarding alleged misconduct.

THE FIRM This firm continues to hold its own as one of the key players in the Hong Kong market, and can field a number of highly regarded practitioners drawing on significant experience. It handles sophisticated financial disputes and in addition its white-collar crime investigatory expertise is also a proven strong point. 

Sources say: "Still a very good practice. Their high-quality bench attracts a lot of work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Morrison is held in excellent regard by peers, who hail him as “one of the strongest litigators in Hong Kong." His wealth of expertise lies predominantly in contentious regulatory and white-collar crime-related matters.

Alex Kaung is a specialist in contentious regulatory work. Hong Kong stock exchange, SFC and Hong Kong Monetary Authority investigations are his forte. Peers recognise him as a solid practitioner.

Interviewees say Jason Toms is a “capable, no-nonsense lawyer who shows sound judgement.” He recently joined the practice from Stephenson Harwood, and continues to focus on wet and dry shipping disputes.

THE FIRM This firm engages in both commercial litigation and contentious regulatory matters, and is particularly noted as a front runner for disputes stemming from the life sciences regulatory field. Employment and insurance-related matters also feature prominently in the team’s array of expertise. It also boasts impressive cross-border experience, and counts a number of major multinationals among its clientele. In the past twelve months the practice represented China Mining Group Resources and the Sequedge Group in a Hong Kong High Court litigation brought by two PRC entities regarding alleged conspiracy. The team also acted for a number of South Korean multinationals on a range of matters, including a class action in the USA and a regulatory investigation by US and EU authorities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Allen “possesses excellent all-round skills,” sources say, while one peer particularly described him as “a careful and measured lawyer who really knows his stuff.” Contractual disputes and arbitration form a key component of his practice.

Tham Yuet Ming is best known in the market for her life sciences and pharmaceutical-related experience. In addition she is recognised by sources for her keen expertise in anti-bribery and FCPA matters. She speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay.

THE FIRM This team has developed a robust anti-corruption practice as well as expertise in contentious regulatory and financial disputes. Energy-related disputes are also a specialism. Key work highlights from the past year include representing Crosby Wealth Management in a claim brought by a private equity investment company regarding discretionary portfolio management and accumulator investment losses. The team also advised CSM Media Research regarding a defamation claim against Asia Television Limited. 

Sources say: "They give you the personal touch; even on the senior end they get involved on the case, and they’re very much in tune with what you as a client want to hear about, whether that is a particular market trend or an update to a case." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Abdulali Jiwaji joined the firm in the past year, and is praised for his “reasonable and pragmatic” style. Clients also hold him in warm regard, describing him as “articulate and capable, and really alive to the issues thanks to his in-house experience.” His forte lies in contentious regulatory matters.

Robert Lewington enjoys a solid reputation in insurance litigation, though employment and insolvency matters are also areas of expertise. Peers recognise him as a “well-rounded and experienced litigator.”

Shanghai-based Lesli Ligorner is known best for her dual specialisms in employment and FCPA-related matters. Peers praise her as a “capable pair of hands.” She also has considerable experience in M&A transactions and corporate downsizing.

THE FIRM This firm continues to occupy a significant position in the market and incorporates its robust finance expertise to tackle shareholder disputes and contentious regulatory matters. In the past year the firm acted for Ageas in court proceedings arising from the termination of certain agency contracts. Other key clients from the past year include a number of European-based multinationals, as well as a global biopharmaceutical company 

Sources say: "I respect them in London and I respect them here. They’ll always be a team to watch."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Georgia Dawson is the key contact.

THE FIRM This compact team has formidable experience on the litigation scene. Amongst its many areas of expertise, a key specialism is its claims work against financial institutions, though SFC and Hong Kong stock exchange matters are also strengths. The team is also active in relation to white-collar crime investigations and shareholder disputes. Peers recognise it to be a fast-developing practice in the sector.

Sources say: "Their advice takes into account clients’ best interests, not how much money can be made." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Gall “offers clear advice and a solid grasp of the Hong Kong litigation process,” sources say. Peers respect him as a veteran dispute resolution practitioner.

Lewis Man won plaudits for his high-quality FCPA practice. Anti-fraud and asset tracing are particular specialisms, with peers quick to commend him as a key player in the market in light of his high-calibre work.

THE FIRM This team fields potent practices out of Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. The PRC teams specialise in CIETAC arbitrations, while the Hong Kong practice tackles sophisticated disputes in the finance and insurance sectors for international clients. Internal investigations and FCPA matters are additional areas of expertise. Key work highlights from the past twelve months include advising Milliken on a number of patent litigations, as well as advising Mt Gibson Mining on the enforcement of a USD120 million Australian arbitration award against Rizhao Steel in Shandong province and Hong Kong.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Wang is appreciated by peers for being one of the few US litigators based in the PRC. He operates out of Shanghai, and brings a mix of IP, anti-competition and FCPA expertise to the team.

THE FIRM This team has built a solid reputation in the medico-legal arena. Its professional liability and medical malpractice expertise are key components, drawing on the firm’s widely recognised insurance ability. Its clientele incorporates doctors, private hospitals and tertiary institutions, as well as public hospitals and medical malpractice insurers.

Sources say: "Often there’s so much going on at the same time that we need someone dedicated who has a clear view of what’s going on. They provide that."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “approachable and knowledgeable” Christine Tsang was lauded by sources for her expertise in the medico-legal area. One client noted: “She has the ability to spot issues at the outset and advise on the necessary follow-up.”

THE FIRM With the benefit of substantial experience in the shipping and insolvency field, this group is able to corner a solid share of the market. In the past year the firm continued to act for the liquidators of New China Hong Kong Group on a range of issues, including High Court proceedings to recover shares and dividends in a PRC toll road project. 

Sources say: "Efficient and precise in their advice – achieving a good commercial result is their number-one priority."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Malcolm Kemp heads the litigation team. Possessing formidable accumulated experience of the Hong Kong market, he presents a broad practice covering contentious regulatory matters, arbitration and insolvency. Trust and probate litigation is a specialism of his.

According to sources, Jamie Stranger displays solid technical abilities and commercial sensibility. One of his core areas of expertise is insolvency, though joint ventures and trade disputes as well as professional liability matters also form part of his practice.

THE FIRM This team benefits from expertise in a wide range of fields, handling shareholder and funds-related disputes among other areas. Its primary forte undoubtedly lies in tackling professional negligence claims. In the past twelve months the firm acted for an investment fund in Hong Kong in seeking damages against its former senior executive for negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The firm also acted for a liquidator of an international accounting firm in defending claims of professional negligence over the course of a cross-border liquidation.

Sources say: "They strike the right balance in their advice: they don’t just tell you what the law says and leave you to draw your own conclusions, they set out clear options and tell you which one is best."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigation head Mark Side specialises in professional negligence matters. He won plaudits for his responsive style and tactical acumen, while one client remarked: “He really cares about his clients and their cases, and has a great bedside manner. He is also a CEDR-accredited mediator.

THE FIRM This firm combines first-rate IP expertise with a robust and growing litigation arm into a thriving practice. Arbitration, probate litigation and shareholder disputes all fall under its broad offering. Key highlights from the past year include acting for Cido Car Carrier Service on an action against the Hong Kong branch of Woori Bank, in relation to actions taken by the South Korea tax authorities. In addition the team has advised some stellar names, including Citibank, HSBC and Ernst & Young. 

Sources say: "Efficient, quality service that fully takes the needs of the clients into account."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Keith Ho is “an approachable and responsive litigator,” sources say. Peers also noted the breadth of his expertise which encompasses real estate and insolvency disputes. His work highlights from the past twelve months include acting for the provisional liquidator of Sunlink International Holdings in its restructuring to achieve resumption of the trading of its shares.

John Budge is a widely recognised name, commended by peers for his impressive breadth of practice and long-standing experience in the market. A satisfied client noted: “We were very happy with his ability to settle matters without going to court.”

THE FIRM This firm specialises in cross-border commercial litigation and is the recipient of formidable resources from its European and US offices. M&A-related disputes and internal investigations are particular areas of expertise. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers recognise David Hall-Jones as one of the key players on the team. He can speak of more than 20 years of litigation expertise and his practice incorporates a solid internal investigations and anti-fraud component.

Adrian Yip specialises in a range of areas including arbitration and cross-border disputes. Internal investigations and IP matters are also particular specialisms. Clients appreciate his ability to co-ordinate his team effectively, and laud the impressive results he attains.

THE FIRM This team's robust property-related litigation practice, specialising on the developers’ side, is one of the key facets of its offering. Highlights from the past year include acting for the Urban Renewal Authority and the Housing Society of Hong Kong in a number of possession cases regarding various urban renewal projects. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kenneth Wong is a specialist in real estate-related litigation, though his practice incorporates matters relating to shareholders' disputes and defamation. One of his key highlights from the past year was acting for a subsidiary of Cheung Kong Holdings in contesting a claim regarding a number of alleged construction defects in the common areas of development.

Litigation head Cheung Wai-Hing is a prominent name in regard to entertainment law, particularly in the music-related field. In the past year he acted for the owner of Lee Theatre in Hong Kong against trespassers claiming adverse possession of an area behind the building.

THE FIRM This firm's broad practice engages in diverse areas, including white-collar crime investigations, regulatory and insurance-related disputes. Key work highlights from the past year include defending Modern Terminals against a HKD10 million claim for cargo damage, as well as acting for China CITIC Bank Xiamen in setting aside a summary judgment obtained by a beneficiary of a letter of credit issued by the client. Other notable clients from the past year include the Broadcasting Authority of Hong Kong, BODUM and Standard Chartered.

Sources say: "Their experience and steadiness count for a lot when there are a lot of technicalities and volatile personalities flying around."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior associate Vishal Melwani has enjoyed a particularly active year, and brings “a combination of expert accountancy and legal skills which has proved very useful,” a satisfied client enthused.

THE FIRM This firm's full-service capability encompasses infrastructure and construction expertise, as well as disputes relating to foreign direct investments. A key specialism is advising PRC clients on outbound investment projects and ensuing disputes. The practice’s clientele include not only French companies but also a number of major PRC entities. 

Sources say: "Meticulous work ethic together with a professional attitude."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say Yu Zheng is “a deeply analytical lawyer who understands and summarises things quickly.” His practice incorporates expertise in foreign direct investment and joint venture disputes. He is based in Beijing.

THE FIRM This firm has a robust white-collar criminal investigations practice, though its commercial litigation arm is a recognised presence in the market. It incorporates expertise in employment and insolvency matters as well as shareholder disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Geoffrey Booth is a familiar name in the market. His skill set encompasses contractual disputes and employment law cases.

Patrick Rattigan won plaudits for his “tenacious but reasonable” litigation approach and is a popular figure with his clients, who routinely express satisfaction with his work.

THE FIRM This team has developed a commendable reputation through a solid finance and investment-related disputes offering, and energy-related cases. In the past year it advised the Hong Kong Broadband Network on its claims in the Hong Kong High Court against CSL and New World PCS, regarding outstanding fixed-mobile interconnection charge. The team also advised Shagang Shipping in actions in the High Court of Hong Kong against a former managing director, as well as against Guofeng Enterprise Group.

Sources say: "A strong firm that is gearing up in the market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Powell is recognised as a veteran litigator on the scene, carrying more than 20 years of experience in the Hong Kong market. Peers were quick to point out his insolvency expertise, though arbitration is another specialism.

Eleanor Lam is also a well-respected practitioner. Her wide-reaching commercial litigation practice focuses on shareholder and joint venture disputes.

THE FIRM This team is known to peers for its employment and trusts and estate espertise, though its practice also includes syndicate and partnership disputes. Its work highlights from the past year include defending Fevaworks Solutions against allegations that it was the publisher of defamatory statements. Other key clients from the past year include Remedy Asia and a number of private individuals.

Sources say: "They are very service-oriented; they always take that extra step to make our lives easy." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Healy won warm praise from clients for his litigation practice. “His reliability and diligence always impress. He always delivers on what he promises, and won’t give up on an outcome.” He has more than 25 years of experience in the market.

Alfred Ip is commended for his broad-ranging expertise. One client remarked: “He shows genuine interest in knowing more about our industry, so we don’t have to explain ourselves too much. There are a lot of lawyers who are quite conservative in understanding specialist industries, but he goes the extra mile to learning about us.”

THE FIRM This team retains its pre-eminent reputation when it comes to construction-related disputes. It is also making considerable inroads into the hi-tech front, and also counts employment and IP-related cases as areas of expertise. In the past twelve months the team acted for Smiley Media in a claim against an integrated online marketing company in relation to monies claimed under an advertising space purchase agreement. The team was also instructed by Cantor Fitzgerald in relation to injunctive relief against a number of former senior executives. 

Sources say: "Their pre-eminence for construction must drive the competition mad!" 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The “meticulous” Peter Bullock heads the firm’s Asia-Pacific commercial disputes team. Though his practice incorporates a solid TMT component he also handles conventional commercial cases. His work highlights from the past year include acting for Paul Y Management in an action for debt arising out of a loan agreement extended to the developer of a stalled Beijing hotel development.

THE FIRM This Hong Kong boutique punches above its weight thanks to an array of deep expertise, including financial disputes as well as IP-related litigations. The practice also incorporates contentious insolvency and regulatory cases. Clients readily praise the service they receive.

Sources say: "Great team depth and high-calibre work – they have done well for themselves." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Disputes head Barry Hoy is a “hard-working, bulldog litigator,” peers agree. Regulatory investigations and international arbitration fall within his expertise.