Being one of the most vibrant business centres in the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong has witnessed a rapidly evolving legal service landscape over the past decade. An increasing volume of boutique law firms has proven to be competitive players in the market with excellent credentials and reliability. In its inaugural list, ALB shines a spotlight on emerging law firms that have stood out from the crowd and have continued to make an impact on the market. The list is in alphabetical order, and some firms have been profiled.
|
HAN KUN LAW OFFICES
|
Established as a prominent and highly regarded full-service law firm in China, Han Kun Law Offices has gained widespread recognition for its expertise in complex cross-border and domestic transactions. With a diverse range of practice areas, including private equity, capital markets, investment funds, and more, the firm offers comprehensive legal solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients. With nearly 800 legal professionals distributed across strategic locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Wuhan and Singapore, Han Kun Law Offices expanded its foot-print as a registered foreign law office in Hong Kong in 2014, marking its first venture outside mainland China. Led by Dafei Chen, the Hong Kong office has enhanced the firm’s ability to cater to clients’ legal requirements in the Greater China region. Han Kun Law Offices and its associated firm officially merged in November 2022, enabling it to realise deeper integration in the local legal market. In recent years, the firm and its associated firm have garnered attention for its involvement in significant deals, such as representing Jiumaojiu, Yeahka and Kindstar Global in their Hong Kong IPOs and representing Yeahka in its issue and listing of convertible bonds on the HKEx. Han Kun Law Offices also advised several Hong Kong-listed companies, such as Ganfeng Lithium and Poly Property Services, on Hong Kong compliance matters. Driven by its commitment to growth, the firm has witnessed a significant increase in headcount, demonstrating its dedication to meeting the expanding demands of its clientele. The firm prides itself on maintaining a team of key members, including Tao Li, Ethle Tang, Felix Miao, and Adrian Yip, recognised professionals in their respective fields. Looking ahead, Han Kun Law Offices remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier legal representation and advisory services. |
|
LING & LAWYERS
|
Established in 2019, Ling & Lawyers has emerged as a dynamic and client-focused law firm in the local legal landscape. With a strong focus on capital markets, corporate finance, and securities and funds, their proficiency extends to handling complex matters related to China and cross-border transactions, civil claims, regulatory investigations, and criminal litigation. Through their comprehensive range of services, the firm is committed to delivering exceptional legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique requirements. Boasting a duo of immensely skilled partners and a team of seven talented fee-earners, Ling & Lawyers has experienced significant growth and expansion over the past year. From its humble beginnings as a sole proprietorship, the firm has flourished with a substantial increase in headcount and revenue. Ling & Lawyers has successfully represented a Hong Kong-listed company in a rights issue and provided crucial legal opinions to an A-share listed company for financing purposes. Additionally, the firm has offered expert guidance for a proposed listing on NASDAQ and provided invaluable advisory services on Hong Kong law for the establishment of multiple Cayman hedge funds. Furthermore, Ling & Lawyers played a pivotal role in assisting a company in its proposed de-SPAC transaction and represented a state-owned enterprise in cross-border winding-up proceedings. William Ling, founder and managing partner of the firm, has been instrumental in driving its success. With extensive experience across various practice areas, he brings knowledge and a pleasant demeanour to client engagements. Looking ahead, Ling & Lawyers has ambitious expansion plans. In the coming months, the firm aims to establish an overseas branch office and set up one to two offices in mainland China. By broadening its geographical presence, Ling & Lawyers aims to serve its clients better and further strengthen its position as a leading provider of legal services. |
|
ALB HONG KONG FIRMS TO WATCH 2023 |
|
BEN MCQUHAE & CO CHARLES RUSSELL SPEECHLYS COCKING & CO COMMERCE & FINANCE LAW OFFICES IN ASSOCIATION WITH ERIC CHOW & CO. GALL GEORGIOU PAYNE STEWIEN H.Y.LEUNG & CO. HAIWEN & PARTNERS HAN KUN LAW OFFICES HAUZEN HUGILL & IP JC LEGAL LEWIS SILKIN LING & LAWYERS RITA KU & SER TIANG & PARTNERS WILLA LEGAL WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI |
|
METHODOLOGY |
|
Law firms must be permanently based in Hong Kong with 10 partners or less. The list was chosen based on the following criteria: • Growth of the law firm in the past 12 months (new office opening, increase in headcount/revenue, other kinds of expansion, etc.) • Important deals or cases • Key clients • Significant accolades received in the form of public recognition, awards, etc. |
