Category: Hong Kong Legal Market
Latest Employment Trends in Hong Kong: More Burden for Employers?
2018 witnessed the proposed introduction of a number of changes to the employment law regime in Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong Government taking the charge of implementing changes to gradually improve employee protections and employee benefits. This article shall revisit some of the key events […]
Tanner De Witt enhances its litigation practice with the appointment of Kevin Bowers as a Consultant
Tanner De Witt announces with great pleasure the appointment of Kevin Bowers as a Consultant in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice. Kevin is a dual-qualified lawyer in England and Wales and Hong Kong and has practised as a commercial disputes lawyer and partner with three leading […]
Litigation Funding Agreements – do the Courts approve? Find out in Raafat Imam v. Life (China) Company Limited and Others [2018] HKCFI 1852
By Clifford Smith SC, Sabrina Ho and Tommy Cheung Litigating in Hong Kong to enforce one’s rights and entitlements can be expensive. Against this backdrop, can a plaintiff of limited financial means enter into a third party civil action funding agreement to fund his civil case? […]
The Competition Tribunal Exercising Firm Grip On Case Management Powers
The Competition Tribunal in the recent case of Competition Commission v. W. Hing Construction Company Limited & Ors [2018] HKCT 6 exercised robust case management power. It dismissed the 4th Respondent’s last-minute application at the PTR for what was “virtually a wholesale substitution” of the original plead […]
Competition Conduct Rules: Key Findings from Teaching Petroleum v. Meyer Aluminium (2018)
By Richard Leung JP, John Hui and Jonathan Chan The recent case of Taching Petroleum Co Ltd v. Meyer Aluminium Ltd creates a new precedent. This decision is at the vanguard of raising contravention of conduct rules as a defence in civil proceedings. A shield not […]
Law As A Process: How Process Design Defines Value, Delivers Efficiency, and Drives Business Strategy
KorumLegal’s proprietary Korum Process Methodology (KPM) focuses on helping law departments “do more with less” by applying the best practices of Lean, Six Sigma, and Agile methods to the delivery of legal services in the APAC region. Legal process management approach in North America vs APAC […]
Hong Kong – A City Guide for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Hong Kong is a beautiful city of islands and skyscrapers that can only be experienced and not described in words. This thriving metropolis is a unique fusion of eastern and western culture, stunning harbour, mountains, sandy beaches, rural getaways, endless skyscrapers and buzzing nightlife. This vibrant […]
Cross-Border Scheme of Arrangement for Secured Noteholders: Re Mongolian Mining Corporation
Re Mongolian Mining Corporation [2018] HKCFI 2035 – the latest case on restructuring foreign companies’ foreign law-governed debts involving DVC’s José-Antonio Maurellet SC, Yang-Wahn Hew and Jason Yu. Read on to find out whether there was a sufficient connection between the Scheme and Hong Kong. In Re Mongolian Mining Corporation [2018] HKCFI 2035, […]
Hong Kong Provisional Liquidation Meets Singapore Moratorium: Re CW Advanced Technologies Limited
In a ground-breaking decision, the Hong Kong Court in Re CW Advanced Technologies Limited [2018] HKCFI 1705 explains: (a) the interface between the Hong Kong provisional liquidation regime and Singapore’s new insolvency regime; and (b) how both regimes could work in tandem to help restructure a Singapore-based pan-Asian […]
How has NewLaw developed in Asia over the last 10 years? An interview with Oliver Mould of LOD – Lawyers On Demand
As NewLaw firm LOD – Lawyers on Demand (LOD) approaches its’ 10th anniversary, Asia Law Portal interviewed Oliver Mould, the firm’s Head of Asia about the state of NewLaw in Asia and what he sees ahead for the next 10 years: LOD is approaching its 10th […]
Trust, Confidence & Anti-Avoidance – Will Hong Kong Decisions Impact Australia?
Hong Kong and Australia have always enjoyed something of a shared history. Both were former British colonies. Both legal systems are based on the English common law. Australian judges are invited to sit as non-permanent members of the Hong Kong senior courts. And although not binding, […]
KorumLegal Expands People, Process and Technology Capabilities in Hong Kong, Singapore and London
Addition of Danh Nguyen, Bill Novomisle and Tanya Rolfe demonstrates growing demand for broader legal solutions offerings across APAC region. The landscape for legal solutions is shifting in Asia with KorumLegal recently adding three significant hires. KorumLegal bills itself as “a boutique legal solutions firm providing […]
Provisional Liquidators’ Restructuring Powers Clarified: China Solar
The Court of Appeal decision in Re Legend International Resorts [2006] 2 HKLRD 192 had caused many to doubt if provisional liquidators appointed in Hong Kong could play a restructuring role at all. Twelve years later, in Re China Solar Energy Holdings [2018] HKCFI 555, Harris […]
Energy Security and Climate Change in East Asia-Trilateral Cooperation towards a Sustainable Future
China, Japan and South Korea are undergoing rapid and comprehensive transformations in developing the intelligent and sustainable use of energy and other natural resources. These changes are driven by new strategies towards energy security and climate change mitigation. Given that future China-Japan-South Korea energy cooperation will […]
Today’s Lawyers Need Technology Training
Introduction Back in November, a group of people gathered in Hong Kong to brainstorm on using blockchain technology in legal transactions. They discussed Ethereum and cybersecurity, before debating the benefits and dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These weren’t computer programmers looking to create a new start-up […]
NewLaw expands in Asia with the addition of Cognatio Law in Hong Kong
NewLaw industry veteran Lesley Hobbs announced in February the launch of her own firm Cognatio Law to “satisfy the growing demand within Hong Kong’s legal market for flexible and cost-effective legal services [for large and small companies]. ” As the firm details in a press release: […]
In-house Associations HKCCA and ACC Form Alliance to Better Serve Hong Kong Legal Community
Though in-house lawyers may work across dozens of industries and for hundreds of different companies, their concerns, challenges, and goals share more similarities than differences. Peer-to-peer networking opportunities, education focused specifically on the needs of working in-house, and resources tailored to corporate practice are invaluable in […]
What is Driving Change in Asia’s Legal Profession?
The famous American jurist Clarence Darrow once said, “The trouble with law is lawyers.” And, when it comes to changing the way lawyers and law firms operate, some of the speakers and panellists at the Legal Inno’ Tech Forum, which took place in Hong Kong in […]
Hong Kong is emerging as a Belt and Road legal and dealmaking hub
Hong Kong is emerging as a Belt and Road legal and dealmaking hub, as a series of recent reports reflects. ABS-CBN News, for example, has reported that Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, speaking last week at the Wharton Global Forum, outlined how the special […]
The Impact of third party funding on Hong Kong as a centre for International Arbitration
As recently as 14th June 2017, Hong Kong became the latest jurisdiction to permit third-party funding in international arbitration by passing legislation to amend the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609). The amendment is likely to take effect later this year, giving time for a code of conduct […]
Legal Innovation and Tech Forum to take place in Hong Kong, June 8, 2017
Leaders in legal technology from around the world are poised to gather in Hong Kong for the Legal Inno’ Tech Forum. The Forum will take place at ESPACE in Central Hong Kong on Thursday, June 8, 2017 between 2 pm and 5:30 pm. The backdrop for this […]
GRMSearch Q&A: Legal Recruitment Market in Asia
GRM was recently named the Best Legal Recruitment Agency of the Year in Hong Kong. What did the awarding agency see in GRM as a unique competitive advantage? (Rob Green, CEO, GRMSearch) We actually retained the title! 2015 and now 2016 saw GRM crowned Best Legal […]
Meisterline launched in Hong Kong: Seeks to “decode how legal experts think”
Hong Kong-based Dr Peter Macmillan is the Founder & CEO of Meisterline Analytics, developer of the Meisterline Index™, a unique, science-based lawyer rating service that uses cognitive analysis to measure the expertise of legal specialists. He recently founded Mesterline with an aim to decode (and measure) […]
NewLaw expands in Asia with the addition of Hong Kong’s Korum Legal
As Australian legal commentator and analyst Eric Chin recently detailed, NewLaw in the Asia-Pacific is growing and its’ definition expanding to include alternative business models utilizing technology as a prime focus – above and beyond the traditional NewLaw secondment offer. Too, a number of large international […]
The New Normal Legal & Compliance Leadership Program debuts across Asia in May 2016
The New Normal Legal & Compliance Leadership Program will take place in Hong Kong (May 23 & 24), Shanghai (May 26 & 27), Singapore (May 30 & 31) and Sydney (June 2 & 3). Conducted by Peter Connor, Founder & CEO of AlternativelyLegal, a newly established consulting and […]
Axiom Asia: Transforming the Business of Law in Asia
In September of 2013, Eric Chin of Australia’s Beaton Capital explained why by 2018 — Axiom may become the world’s largest legal services firm. Founded in 2000, Axiom is among a new breed of private equity-backed alternative providers of legal services commonly referred to as “NewLaw”. These “NewLaw” firms […]
For foreign law firms expanding in Asia – Hong Kong or Singapore?
For foreign law firms eyeing the possibility of expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, a fundamental question is often: Should we open in Singapore or Hong? The two cities are key financial centers in the region and often serve as regional headquarters for foreign law firms here. […]
Expanding business via Hong Kong the focus of Toronto and Chicago events
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will stage its large-scale promotion, “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” in Toronto, Canada, and Chicago, the United States in June 2015. What is “Think Asia, Think Hong Kong” all about? How does it benefit companies in Hong Kong and […]
State-Owned Enterprises in Asia-Pacific’s Evolving Command Economies
The Inter-Pacific Bar Association’s (IPBA) 25th Annual Meeting and Conference are being held this week from Hong Kong ( 6 – 9 May 2015). This international legal conference brings together IPBA members, corporate lawyers, international business lawyers and colleagues from around the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. One […]
Future for Women in Law addressed at Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) Annual Conference, Hong Kong, May 6-9, 2015
Olivia Kung (@oliviahykung), Associate Attorney at Hong Kong-based OLN law firm (@OldhamLiNie) and Vice Chair of the Women Business Lawyers committee of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA), will be a panel speaker representing Hong Kong at the organization 25th Annual Meeting and Conference this week in Hong Kong, […]
Legal Leaders Asia Forum: A preview Q&A with Nick Seddon of Beaton Capital
The 2nd Legal Leaders Asia Forum is set to take place March 24-25, 2015 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Hong Kong. The event will provide an opportunity for both international and independent law firms already established in Asia. Or with an eye towards the path to […]
Asia’s Legal Leaders to gather in Hong Kong, March 24-25, 2015
The 2nd Legal Leaders Asia Forum is set to take place March 24-25, 2015 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Hong Kong. The event will provide an opportunity for both international and independent law firms already established in Asia or with an eye towards the path to […]
Hong Kong legal market at epicenter of booming investment into China
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into China will double over the next six years, according to a new report from international law firm King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) (@kwmlaw). As the report outlines, foreign direct investment in China will reach 1.3 Trillion GBP by 2020. And as […]
Hong Kong Legal Startup: A Q&A with Chris Sykes, Client Services Director, Dragon Law
As Iris Leung (@irismtleung), Editor at StartupsHK and Contributor at Forbes Asia wrote just last week: “The limelight has long been shed on Hong Kong legal startup-friendly destination. Besides efficient business setup, a robust legal system, an easygoing regulatory environment and a simple tax system – one […]
Hong Kong-based Custom Legal seeks to make legal services accessible to all people
Earlier this year, Janice Chew co-founded Custom Legal Solutions with a firm belief in universal access to professional services. Malaysian by nationality, she was admitted to the High Court of Hong Kong as a Solicitor as well as the High Court of Malaya as Advocate and […]
Hong Kong-based LawTranslate eyes the global legal translation market: A Q&A with Founder and Director Barry Wong
Recently Asia Law Portal had the opportunity to sit down with Barry Wong, Founder and Director of Hong Kong-based LawTranslate (@lawtranslatecom). It was to discuss the company, its core services offer, and plans for the future. LawTranslate focuses on translation services to the legal services sector […]
Trademark law takes center stage in Asia
As Paul Kossof, author of Chinese Trademark Law: The New Chinese Trademark Law of 2014 recently outlined in a series of exclusive articles in Asia Law Portal. “On May 1, 2014, China’s new trademark law will come into effect. This law will usher in substantial changes […]
US law firms likely to continue to follow clients to Asia
Anthony Lin, writing in The Asian Lawyer last week, outlined the prospects for American law firms in Asia for the foreseeable future. Lin’s predicts that the Asian marketplace will continue to grow, continue to attract US business, and hence continue to attract American law firms that […]
Pointers to change and Opportunities for law firms in Hong Kong
This post is based on recent research that provides pointers to change and opportunities for law firms in Hong Kong. Much is changing in the Hong Kong legal profession. Our research amongst law firms and their clients reveals several insightful trends. This post is the first […]
Will Hong Kong’s law firms adapt to new competition?
LegalWeek.com reported this week that Australia-based fixed-fee law firm AdventBalance “has brought its unconventional business model to Hong Kong with the opening of an office in the city”. The firm “seconds senior lawyers to clients’ offices for specific projects and transactions; agreeing a fixed payable amount for the […]
Hong Kong legal social media entrepreneurs gaining traction
I met Stephen Lai, Managing Director of Hong Kong-based Conventus Law, in the eclectic Sheung Wan district, blending traditional and modern, located a mile away from Hong Kong’s gleaming office towers. A former Associate Publisher of Euromoney Legal Media Group (titles include IFLR, China Law & Practice, […]
Hong Kong, China gateway: An interview with Deacons Executive Partner, Jeremy Lam
Hong Kong is both a gateway into China, but also as a conduit for Chinese outbound foreign investment. As the China Daily reported recently, echoing a sentiment expressed earlier this year by Deacons Executive Partner Jeremy Lam in an interview in BusinessWeek. During the first half of […]