Baker McKenzie has hired private equity specialist Derek Poon as a partner in Hong Kong from Kirkland & Ellis where he worked for over eight years.

This is Baker & McKenzie’s third partner hire in Hong Kong in a matter of days after adding media and entertainment expert Lex Kuo from Latham & Watkins and leveraged finance specialist Kenneth Ching from Shearman & Sterling.

These hires come during the COVID-19 crisis, which has seen some firms reduce partners working hours or adopt cost cutting methods.

Poon’s practice areas include M&A, joint ventures, and real estate. He acts for private equity firms, investment banks and corporations on a wide variety of corporate matters,

Prior to joining Kirkland & Ellis, Poon worked with the legacy Mallesons Stephen Jaques.

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