London-headquartered employment specialist law firm Lewis Silkin has launched a local law practice in Hong Kong after hiring Catherine Leung from Baker McKenzie and Kenneth Leung from Clifford Chance as legal director (of counsel) and senior consultant, respectively. 

The firm, which opened an office in Hong Kong in 2015 converted to a Hong Kong partnership on Jan. 15. It also joined the employment law firm network Ius Laboris.

Catherine Leung, who has more than 12 years of experience, joined Baker McKenzie from Howse Williams Bowers, where she was a senior associate. Prior to that, she was at Reed Smith Richards Butler, DLA Piper and Clyde & Co.

Kenneth Leung worked at Clifford Chance for over two decades, establishing and leading the Hong Kong tax, pensions and employment practice at that firm. He is a member of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Advisory Committee and Trade and Industry Advisory Board.

Besides the two new hires, the Hong Kong practice will be led by employment partner and head of Lewis Silkin Hong Kong, Kathryn Weaver, along with fellow partner Andrew Wanambwa. Immigration partner Antonia Grant will continue to run the Asia-Pacific immigration practice.

To contact the editorial team, please email ALBEditor@thomsonreuters.com.