Anglo-American law firm Hogan Lovells has expanded its Hong Kong office with the addition of partners Maria Sit (L) and Michael Wong and three associates from Dechert, which is set to close its Hong Kong operations.
Wong, a funds lawyer with over 15 years of experience in the Asian market, has already joined Hogan Lovells' corporate and finance practice as a partner in the private funds practice area, along with two associates. He specialises in the formation and structuring of private equity, private credit, and hedge funds, and also has experience advising on secondaries, co-investment arrangements, and carried interest schemes.
Wong joined Dechert in 2017 from K&L Gates. He previously worked at the legacy Allen & Overy and Stephenson Harwood.
“Michael Wong's funds and regulatory practice is a perfect fit for our needs in mainland China and across APAC,” said James Doyle, head of the corporate & finance practice at Hogan Lovells, in a statement. “His expertise in alternative investments and financial services regulatory matters will significantly enhance our offering in the region.”
Sit, the former managing partner of Dechert's Hong Kong office, is expected to join later this month as a partner in the litigation, arbitration, and employment practice, bringing one associate. She brings over two decades of experience in commercial litigation and regulatory enforcement, with a particular focus on mainland China.
Sit joined Dechert in 2019 from Davis Polk & Wardwell. She earlier worked at Reed Smith and Herbert Smith Freehills, and also served as an in-house counsel at the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.
“Maria's experience in regulatory enforcement and dispute resolution, particularly in mainland China, significantly strengthens our ability to serve large conglomerates in the region,” added Des Hogan, head of disputes at Hogan Lovells, in the statement.
The announcement comes as Dechert prepares to shutter its Hong Kong office. It is not immediately known where the office’s two other partners – Daniel Margulies and Yang Wang – are headed.
The additions are part of Hogan Lovells' strategy to strengthen its capabilities in funds, complex disputes, and cross-border investigations within the APAC region.
“The addition of Michael and Maria reflects our ongoing commitment to APAC and to build a robust, multi-disciplinary team. Their combined expertise will enhance our client offering and help us capture new opportunities in Hong Kong and beyond," noted Owen Chan, managing partner of the Hong Kong office.
Once Sit arrives, Hogan Lovells’ Hong Kong office will have 40 fee-earners, including 16 partners.
