ALB: What kind of work has kept you busy in the past year?

Christopher Bickley: Apart from some of the first-of-its-kind IPOs, such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation’s RMB46.2 billion IPO on the SSE Star Board, I‘ve also handled a number of significant M&A and privatisations such as Haier Electronics Group’s scheme of arrangement.

Ensuring high-quality client services and creating contingency plans during covid time have also kept me busy. My roles as the head of office and board member mean I work closely with my fellow partners and department heads to ensure our clients’ needs are met, and our lawyers and staff are well-equipped during these challenging times.

ALB: Can you describe one or two recent instances where you went the extra mile for a client?

Bickley: It goes without saying that in Hong Kong legal advisors need to be responsive. I think the most rewarding part of our job is when you consider things thoroughly and provide advice to a client which doesn’t just deal with the letter of the law but how it all works in practice and what the likely result will be in any given situation and then getting that result. Life is always full of surprises so it certainly doesn’t happen all the time but when it does, it can be very satisfying.

ALB: What principle or motto do you live by when it comes to client service?

Bickley: The fact is we are providing a service and it should add value. We also need to provide our legal advice in a commercial context. Sometimes clients need specific legal and secretarial services which other lawyers or our Client Corporate Services team can provide. Other times I can identify other professional service providers to them.

Christopher W.H. Bickley
Partner, Head of Hong Kong Office
E: christopher.bickley@conyers.com

Conyers Dill & Pearman
29th Floor, One Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
W: www.conyers.com