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O'Melveny & Myers Hong Kong office serves many of the firm’s international financial institution and investment fund clients, as well as clients in other industries.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is strongest in capital markets, M&A, private equity and restructuring. It handles a range of local and international corporate transactions including foreign direct investment in China, private equity and venture capital investments, IPOs of securities in Hong Kong and the US, and mergers and acquisitions of private and publicly traded companies across a range of industries, including life sciences and healthcare, fintech, consumer & retail, TMT, real estate and education.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include CICC, Credit Suisse, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Piper Jaffray, UBS, Huatai Securities, Huatong Securities, emeGen, AkesoBio and Viva Biotec.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets
“They are very active and provide quality legal advice to the issuer.”
Private equity
“Extremely responsive and professional.”
CMS is an international law firm with 73 offices in 41 countries.
In Hong Kong, the firm operates through a registered foreign law firm (CMS Hasche Sigle, Hong Kong) and a local law firm (Lau, Horton & Wise) to provide the full range of Hong Kong and international law advice.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised in Hong Kong for its work in structured finance and securitisations and restructuring and insolvency area. The firm is also active in general finance, asset finance, derivatives and debt capital markets.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Axis Bank, Bank J. Safra Sarasin, CIMB Bank, Hong Kong Capital Finance Corporation, Huarong International Financial Holdings, China Huarong International Holdings, ICBC International, Li & Fung Group and Meritz Securities.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets: Structured finance and securitisation
“They are proactive in the handling of the transaction and able to provide sound solutions to complex issues.”
Restructuring
“They are extremely hands-on and responsive, and agreeable to late evening calls with the client.”
Stevenson Wong & Co is a Hong Kong corporate law firm founded in 1978 with offices in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. It has a strategic association with PRC law firm AllBright Law Offices, one of the nation’s largest full-service law firms. It is also a founding member of Interlaw, which was established in 1982 and provides access to independent law firms in more than 150 cities around the world.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is recognised for its work in the equity capital markets, financial services regulatory and retail funds. It is also active in different industry sectors including real estate, technology, media and telecommunications.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Sundy Service Group, IBO Technology Company, International Alliance Financial Leasing and Sino-Entertainment Technology.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets
“Very responsive and helpful. The team has a good understanding of their clients and their needs. They work conscientiously to meet those needs and get the deals done. Rodney Teoh is a strong leader.”
M&A
“Very responsive and helpful. Their calm and conscientious approach is well liked by clients and is conducive to getting deals done. Great legal and industry knowledge.”
JunHe is a top-tier firm in transactional law in China. Headquartered in Beijing, JunHe has grown to encompass 12 offices across the world. In mainland China, it has offices in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Chengdu. The firm is a member of Lex Mundi and Multilaw, two international networks of independent law firms.
With a total of 15 partners and more than 40 legal professionals, the firm’s Hong Kong office offers quality and cost-effective services and capabilities to practise law in different jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the UK, New York, Australia and mainland China.
Focusses / specialisms
JunHe’s Hong Kong office has a focus on corporate finance and capital markets, with extensive capabilities in banking. The branch has advised companies, sponsors and underwriters in securities offerings, contributing to the successful listings of Chinese enterprises and other companies on the HKEX. The firm also advised on pre-IPO investments through IPOs, share placements, rights issues and fund raising, and in respect of dispute resolution and regulatory compliance matters.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
The firm’s recent highlights includes representing a leading state-owned waste management enterprise in acquiring 100% of a top provider of waste management services in Singapore; representing a state-owned ship finance and leasing company in a highly structured ship finance project; and representing a leading agricultural state-owned enterprise in the PRC on the establishment of a fund as an exempted limited partnership under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Banking
“Responsive and proactive in solving clients' queries.”
“JunHe has a strong finance team. They are hard-working and proactive and have a strong bench of associates. JunHe are well respected in the industry and good to work with.”
M&A
“Professional, efficient, highly motivated.”
“The antitrust analysis is very comprehensive and pragmatic.”
“Given the fact that we used to be a subsidiary of our UK company, the deal involved restructuring of the company and handling the legal matter with a relatively large number of investors. It was quite complex and JunHe has helped us through the entire process.”
Private equity
“They advise on deal structure and documentation.”
“Very client orientated. Responds to the client's needs.”
“Strong legal expertise, responsiveness and strong commercial awareness.”
Investment funds
“Advice is practical.”
Lawyer feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Alex Lee
“Always responds to client's email promptly and is helpful.”
“Alex is a leading finance lawyer in Hong Kong. He has a wealth of experience, having worked both in-house and in private practice for a number of years. Alex is technically strong but also bears in mind the commercial imperatives on transactions. He has a good bench of associates. Alex is friendly, easy to work with and is a fluent in English and a Mandarin speaker. He has strong relationships with both international and PRC banks. I recommend Alex highly.”
“Alex has been extremely helpful in supporting our company, especially throughout our Series A fund-raising exercise. His professional advice and support have been instrumental in the fund-raising exercise.”
Jacqueline Qiao
“Jacqueline is the name partner of our company. She makes sure all our legal needs are served and responded to in a timely manner.”
Established in 2015, Kejie Associates is a boutique transactional law firm specialised in advising domestic and international companies, financial institutions and governments.
The firm has a global network of offices across 57 countries and works with its member firms to provide cross-jurisdictional legal services for Chinese enterprises on outbound investments, M&A and other cross-border matters.
Kejie’s legal services focus on M&A, private equity, financing and investment matters, investment funds and capital markets.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on corporate M&A and capital markets. The team regularly advise in the fields of mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, corporate and securities law, securities issuance and corporate governance transactions in the People's Republic of China.
Jeffrey Mak Law Firm is a Hong Kong-based corporate finance law firm focusing on deal structuring, corporate compliance and financial inclusion. The firm’s principal, Jeffrey Mak was a partner with a large international law firm for more than eight years and is ranked as highly regarded in multiple practice areas including banking and finance and capital markets.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm specialises in corporate finance matters including debt and equity capital markets, M&A and financial services regulatory.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group, Century Icon Holdings, ChengDu JingKai GuoTou Investment Group, Gaush Meditech, and SSY Group.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was active in corporate and equity capital markets including representing acquirers, targets and issuers in public acquisitions, IPOs, spin-offs, public takeovers, whitewash transactions and bonds issuance. Active industry sectors include healthcare, energy, social infrastructures, consumer goods and services, and TMT.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
China Shandong Hi-Speed Financial Group’s $600 million takeover of Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group.
Gaush Meditech’s HK$672 million HKEX IPO.
Willa Legal is a boutique Hong Kong law firm focusing on private funds matters.
Highlights
The firm's area of expertise lies in creating and organising private funds for a variety of strategies and locations. It offers creative solutions and regulatory knowledge to clients who have growing demands for fund restructuring and exit strategies.
In the past year, the firm has continued to assist clients in forming and structuring private funds of various investment strategies including hedge, private equity, venture capital, fixed income, credit, art and distressed asset.
Key clients
Key clients include Mina Mina Capital, Zynergy Asset Management, Keyrock Capital, Lotus Capital, and Prosnav Capital.
Testimonials
“Willa Legal is very professional with expertise in the private/hedge fund space.” (Hedge funds client)
“Willa and her colleagues are extremely prompt and professional in replying and responsive to ad-hoc requests.” (Private equity funds client)
“Responsive, knowledgeable and commercial.” (Private equity funds client)
“Willa demonstrates deep knowledge across various legal domains, providing well-researched and strategic advice to clients. She prioritizes clear and transparent communication, ensuring clients fully understand their legal options. She also upholds high ethical standards, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and industry best practices.” (Hedge funds client)
“She’s extremely professional in explaining all the terms and setting up timelines clearly. She answers all the ad hoc questions with the highest accuracy and precision.” (Private equity funds client)
“Responsive, knowledgeable, commercial.” (Private equity funds client)
Timothy Loh is an independent Hong Kong law firm established in 2004 which focuses on corporate law and litigation advising multinational companies, family offices, asset managers and financial institutions in matters of Hong Kong and international law.
Highlights
The firm has expertise in the financial services regulatory and investment funds area. The firm was active in the formation of private equity funds and hedge funds and in the authorisation by the Securities and Futures Commission of retail funds including unit trusts and mutual funds and investment-linked assurance schemes. Its M&A team was also actively advising financial institutions as the target or involving private equity as the buyer or seller. The firm regularly advises on M&A transactions of asset managers where deep experience in underlying fund structures, fund governance and investment operations are a prerequisite.
Testimonials
"Timothy Loh and Mary Lam of Timothy Loh LLP have proven their ability to deal with the most difficult matters of Hong Kong law within a very tight timeline and regardless of the difficulty of the questions asked. Timothy and Mary are always my first choice when it comes to Hong Kong SAR." (Equity capital markets client)
"Timothy Loh is a perfect lawyer to deal with complex matters that require creativity and unique solutions. We worked with Timothy on a number of corporate projects (from ECM to corporate disputes) and every single time Timothy's help was invaluable." (Equity capital markets client)
Charltons is a Hong Kong-based boutique providing legal services to Hong Kong, Chinese and international clients with an emphasis on the mining sector. The firm has further offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Yangon.
The firm is a member of Legalink, an international legal network of over 80 independent business-oriented law firms with members from the majority of the world’s main commercial centres, and is also a member of IR Global, a multi-disciplinary international professional services network represented in more than 155 jurisdictions, covering over 70 unique practice areas.
Highlights
The firm continues to build on its extensive experience of advising Hong Kong, PRC and overseas businesses and financial institutions on their banking and finance transactions, capital raising, M&A, investment and business activities in Hong Kong, China and internationally.
In the past year, the firm continued to advise on a range of notable banking and finance projects, particularly in facility and loan transactions. It also issued high-level legal opinions on banking and security matters and provided guidance on complicated and problematic guarantee obligations. It is also noteworthy that the firm is the winner of "Jurisdictional Law Firm of the Year: Hong Kong SAR" in the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2024.
Testimonials
“They were able to provide quality input and advice regarding due diligence, reply to regulators' requests and certain concerns over sanction-related matters.” (Equity capital market client)
“The team at Charltons is very responsive and also supportive in terms of the type of advice required taking into account cost vs benefits.” (Equity capital market client)
“Very good knowledge of Hong Kong law and regulations.” (Investment funds client)
“Prompt and expert response.” (Financial services regulatory client)
“Charltons provides expert, responsive legal advice with integrity. Their deep market knowledge and client-focused approach truly set them apart.” (Financial services regulatory client)
“Efficient. Responsive. Practical. Good and clear advice. Excellent value for money.” (M&A client)
Julia Charlton
“Julia is very responsive and extremely knowledgeable.”
“Profound knowledge of Hong Kong capital markets and financial services law and commercial nous.”
“Excellent knowledge of regulation.”
Clinton Morrow
“Excellent handling problems.”
“Efficient. Responsive. Practical. Good and clear advice. Excellent knowledge of the law."
Calvin Ho
“A good member in the IPO team. Helped to improve the drafting quality of the replies and presentation of ideas.”
“Calvin offers sharp legal insight, clear communication, and dependable guidance. He’s professional, approachable, and consistently delivers high-quality results. "
Established in 2015, Vivien Teu & Co is a boutique independent Hong Kong law firm.
The firm is specialised in asset management and financial services. The firm has strong experience on a range of investment funds and strategies, including retail, securities, hedge, private equity and real estate funds.
Key clients of the firm include SingAlliance, Guotai Global Investments, ABC-CA Fund Management, China Southern Asset Management, Yinhua Fund Management and Vistra Trust.
In the past year, the firm has been active in fund structuring and formation, and regulatory matters. It has also strengthened the ESG focus of its investment funds and corporate practice, and works with charities, foundations, social enterprises and impact investors in this regard.
Founded in 1992, Haiwen & Partners is a 200-lawyer-strong PRC firm with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The firm is a fully integrated partnership with a modified lockstep compensation system.
Focusses / specialisms
Compared to other PRC law firms, Haiwen & Partners is relatively small and focused on cross-border securities, M&A transactions, private equity, investment funds, restructuring and insolvency.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Citigroup Global Markets, Huaneng Guicheng Trust, eWTP Tech Innovation Fund, Syngenta Group, Kuaishou Technology, DCP Capital, and China International Capital Corporation.
Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)
In the past 12 months, the firm’s capital markets team has been busy with overseas bonds, green bonds, convertible notes, exchangeable bonds, education bonds, private placements, and IPOS in New York, Hong Kong, Luxembourg and Singapore.
The funds team have handledLP work, investments, mixed ownership, and funds in Singapore and in logistics, manufacturing, and real estate.
M&A continues to be a core area for the firm wo were preoccupied with consolidation mandates, debt-for-equity transactions, acquisitions, mergers in agriculture, technology, education, insurance, financial services, and oil and gas. The private equity team facilitated its clients various funding rounds, investments, and fund raising.
Haiwen & Partners strengthened its corporate team with the hire of partner Ye Taoye from Allen & Overy. Its capital markets practice welcomed of counsel Zhang Fan from CITIC Securities.
Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)
5G Fund
China Merchants Bank $800 million green bond issue
Kuaishou Technology HKSE IPO
PipeChina Rmb123 billion acquisition of Sinopec oil and gas pipeline business
Shenyang Machine Tool restructuring
Yuanfudao $1 billion G series financing
Founded in 1977, Gallant is an independent full-service Hong Kong firm with over 40 solicitors and further representative offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou. It is also a member of Meritas, a global alliance consisting of 181 independent law firms.
The firm has entered into a strategy agreement with Guantao Law Firm and formed an association with its Hong Kong office, Guantao & Chow, with effect from 1 April 2024.
Highlights
The firm is often on the panel list of banks in Hong Kong and is retained by a number of banks and financial institutions in different jurisdictions as their annual retainer law firm. The team regularly advises clients on various banking and financial products and services, providing clients with one-stop legal and notarial services in cross-border transactions.
In the past year, the firm has continued to offer comprehensive legal services to both individuals and corporate clients, covering a wide range of activities including corporate, commercial and property-related matters, as well as banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, project finance, insolvency and Hong Kong IPOs.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Asia Financial Holdings, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), Chiyu Banking Corporation, Nanyang Commercial Bank, and Ping An Bank.
Testimonials
“Gallant is a highly professional, thorough, and highly reliable law firm.” (Banking and finance client)
“Responsive, efficient and reliable.” (Banking and finance client)
“Competent, responsive, knowledgeable.” (Banking and finance client)
“We are extremely pleased with the services provided by Gallant. Their M&A team constantly demonstrates to us their strong commercial sense and can consistently offer practical solutions that help the parties to reach agreement. Their ability to balance their legal expertise with a business-minded approach and attention to detail gives excellent value for money, making them an indispensable and trusted partner for our company. Further, Gallant always goes above and beyond, is highly responsive and extremely responsible, and we highly recommend Gallant for their high-quality legal services, professionalism, dedication, and commitment.” (M&A client)
Cynthia Tse
“Reliable, diligent and helpful advice.”
“Supportive, helpful and prompt.”
Claudia Kwok
“We are incredibly pleased with the exceptional work of Claudia. Claudia is extremely professional, has a strong commercial sense and always delivers to the highest quality even when time pressed. Claudia has always provided clear and pragmatic guidance in complex transactions and matters with her practical and solution-oriented advice. Claudia would not only remind us of the key legal issues and risks, but also of the salient commercial considerations, ensuring that all matters are viable and our interests are well safeguarded. Claudia consistently outperforms our expectation – we couldn’t recommend or speak more highly of Claudia.”
Louis Ng
“Professional and concise.”
“Attentive, helpful advice and keeps client well informed.”
Established in 2023, YYC Legal is a law firm based in Hong Kong that is committed to delivering thorough and effective legal services to a diverse range of clients, including corporations, financial institutions, funds, government agencies, family offices, individuals and non-profit organisations. Their team of lawyers is licensed in Hong Kong, the US, Canada, and England and Wales.
YYC Legal is affiliated with the Hong Kong branch of East & Concord Partners, a leading and acclaimed Chinese law firm established in 2014. With 11 offices across the country, East & Concord Partners boasts a team of over 600 legal professionals.
Highlights
The firm offers expert guidance to both corporations and individuals in matters of governance, regulatory compliance, internal investigations, corporate compliance counselling, investments, joint ventures, insolvency, asset-tracing claims, recovery actions and insurance litigation. Active industry sectors include automotive, banking, construction and materials, consumer goods and services, healthcare, TMT, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and real estate.
Additionally, the firm has a strong track record of representing issuers, sellers and initial purchasers in successful IPOs, block trades and share capital increases. One notable transaction from the past year was the representation of Li Ning on its US$283 million acquisition of Vansittart Investment Holdings.
In 2024, the firm strengthened its capital markets team by bringing in two new partners, Rossana Chu and Dennis Yeung.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Li Ning Company, Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings, and Hony Group Management.
Testimonials
"Rossana is a seasoned corporate partner, provides practical and responsive legal solutions at a reasonable cost.” (Equity capital markets client)
Mayer Brown is an international law firm with a presence in 27 cities spanning the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Its Hong Kong branch is located in Central. In 2025, the firm announced the end of its partnership with Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) and will continue to operate in Hong Kong, catering to clients in the APAC region and around the world.
Highlights
The firm's Hong Kong team is renowned for its adeptness in corporate and securities matters. It is also known for its project finance and project development, where it acts for Japanese clients in international infrastructure projects in the energy, natural resources, chemical and transport sectors.
Founded in 1993, Fangda Partners is a full-service law firm advising on PRC and Hong Kong laws. The firm is headquartered in Shanghai and is among the largest China-based law firms, with approximately 700 lawyers in Shanghai and further offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a traditional strength in private equity. It was one of the earliest entrants into the PRC fund formation market and its team has the dual capacity to advise on renminbi and offshore US dollar fund formation matters.
Capital markets and corporate M&A are the core focuses of the firm. The firm stays active in this competitive market with
an expertise in TMT sectors and experience in both Hong Kong Listing Rules and the Hong Kong Takeovers Code.
The finance team is especially potent in acquisition financing.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Apollo Future Mobility Group, Alibaba and Ant Group, Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, WuXi Biologics, JW Therapeutics, PAG Capital Limited, Hillhouse Capital, China Resources Property, Huadian Power International Corporation, Ping An of China Capital (Hong Kong) Company, Softbank Vision Fund and IDG Capital.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period, the firm was particularly active in corporate M&A, debt and equity capital markets.
The firm’s debt capital market practice was active representing underwriters and issuers in debt issuance programmes, preference shares, hybrid securities offerings, investment grade bond offerings, private placements and panda bond offerings.
In equity markets, the firm kept busy with a number of IPOs, take private and general tender transactions as well as PIPE and securities transactions.
In corporate and M&A, the firm regularly advises in cross-border transactions with China elements. Advising both buy and sell side, the firm is experienced in providing industrial knowledge in a wide spectrum of fields including manufacturing, automobile, chemical, consumable, TMT, logistics, retail, healthcare, education, and energy and resources.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Deutsche Bank’s Rmb1 billion panda bond programme.
Apollo Future Mobility Group’s $2 billion reverse takeover of the EV business operated by WM Motor Holdings.
China Resources Property Limited’s HK$145 million acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pioneer Alliance.
Thematic Bridge Investment’s HK$4.763 billion voluntary conditional general cash offer on Jinke Smart Services Group.
WuXi Biologics’ HK$4 billion block trade
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
“They lead the drafting and negotiation as the deal counsel. Sound knowledge of both tech and finance, good at identifying issues and providing balanced approach.”
Investment funds
“Professional, responsive, resourceful.”
Financial services regulatory
“Very professional, knowledgeable and insightful.”
“Fangda always provides timely advice, taking into account the company's best interests.”
Capital markets
“Valuable experience in the debt market, good network, excellent communication skills with clients with different background, responsive and diligent services.”
Lawyer feedback: 33rd edition (2022/2023)
Raymond Chan
“Managed the deal well.”
Tianyi Chen
“Smart and responsive, and good with management of fees.”
Zhang Yue
“Professional, responsive, resourceful and flexible.”
Christina Fu
“Very professional, knowledgeable and insightful. Thorough work, sharp mind.”
“Christina always demonstrates her professionalism, is attentive to clients' needs and provides practical and constructive recommendations.”
Christine Chen
“Christine has in-depth knowledge and experience in advising sophisticated international issuers on local law issues. By providing practical and thoughtful solutions to complicated or tricky legal issues in the course of bond issuance, Christine has gained our deep trust and respect. Her advice and constant contribution are immensely helpful to the successful execution of cutting-edge debt offering transactions.”
Formed in 1866, Sidley Austin is a Chicago-based international law firm with over 2000 lawyers across 20 global offices. In Asia-Pacific the firm has 200 legal professionals in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. Its Hong Kong office was established in 1994.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm offers US, Hong Kong and English legal advice to its clients and excels transactionally in the equity capital markets, the debt—especially high-yield bond issuances—capital markets, investment funds, M&A and private equity.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Springland International Holdings, Vivo Capital, CanSino Biologics, Kaisa Group Holdings Company, Standard Chartered Bank, DBS Bank and Fosun International.
Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)
The firm’s equity capital markets practice was very active during the research period advising on Hong Kong IPOs, share placements and rights issues; while the debt team handled corporate bond issuances alongside high-yield, convertible and green bond issues.
The M&A team acted in take-privates, joint ventures, disposals and acquisitions in the transport, real estate and construction industries. In private equity the firm assisted clients in various rounds of funding and in investments.
Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)
-China Evergrande Group Rmb13.2 billion acquisition of Shengjing Bank
-Fosun International €400 million 4.35% high-yield bond issue
-HiFiBiO Therapeutics $67 million series C financing
-Kaisa Group Holdings $400 million 11.95% high-yield bond issue
-Shanghai Henlius HKSE IPO
-Springland International Holdings HK$4.5 billion take-private
-Vodafone Idea $3.5 billion rights issue
-Zhongliang Holdings HKSE IPO
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom was one of the first law firms to establish a Hong Kong-based corporate practice. The firm’s Hong Kong office focuses on a full range service and often work in tandem with teams in Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, the United States and Europe to serve clients in Asia.
Highlights
A key area of expertise for the firm is its corporate mergers and acquisitions and capital markets practice. In the Capital Markets, the firm advised issuers on listings and offerings in Hong Kong and the US, including participating in the J&T Express IPO and advising NIO Inc. on convertible senior notes totaling $1 billion. The firm also regularly represents sellers, targets and financial investors in inbound and outbound cross-border M&A and PE activities. A recent highlight included advising Blackrock on its $12.5 billion acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners.
Additionally, the firm's Hong Kong team provides legal advice on project energy, infrastructure and project finance, real estate, restructuring and insolvency, structured finance, and regulatory matters.
Key Clients
Key clients of the firm include NIO, Bilibili, BlackRock, Baidu, DiDi, E-House, JD, Li Auto, Lotus Technology, SHEIN, TikTok and Weibo.
Established in 1909, Kirkland & Ellis is a Chicago-based law firm with 2,300 lawyers and 15 offices worldwide.The firm caters to its clients with an interest in Greater China from its offices in Beijing and Shanghai and opened its Hong Kong office in 2006.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is best known for its strength in private equity and restructuring work, but it also has solid corporate, banking, capital markets and investment funds practices and a growing regulatory presence.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Bain Capital, Blackstone, Carlyle, CVC Capital Partners, KKR, Warburg Pincus, Advantage Partners, AMP Capital, Apax, Apollo Management, China Everbright and CITIC Capital.
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Leveraged finance
“Subject-matter expertise, knowledge of changing regulatory landscape, accurate guidance and timeliness are some of the attributes.”
Private equity
“Kirkland and Ellis have been very helpful in guiding us through our first fundraising, carefully navigating through important negotiations with key LPs, thanks to their widespread expertise. We really felt that they were an integral part of our team throughout the process.”
Established in 1865, Boston-based Ropes & Gray is an international law firm with more than 1,400 lawyers and 11 offices across the US, Asia and Europe. The firm caters to its clients with Greater China interests from its offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm’s Hong Kong offices lawyers are qualified in US, Hong Kong and English law and can advise on multi-jurisdictional, cross-border matters. It has increasingly active sponsor side leveraged finance and capital markets practices alongside its strong private equity, M&A and fund formation practices. The firm is also active in the restructuring and insolvency area.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Alibaba, API Hong Kong Investment, Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, Didi Global, Manulife Investment Management, Bain Capital, Baring Private Equity Asia, Blackstone, KKR and New Mountain Capital.
and further representative offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou. It is also a member of Meritas, a global alliance consisting of 181 independent law firms.
Highlights
The firm offers comprehensive legal services to individuals and corporate clients alike, covering various aspects of legal services in corporate, commercial and property-related activities including banking and finance, M&A, joint ventures, project finance, insolvency and Hong Kong IPOs.
Apart from notable banking, real estate and litigation work, Gallant’s China practice is particularly known for cross-border legal services between Hong Kong and Mainland China. In the past year, the firm was also active in advising Open-ended Fund Company (“OFC”) structure funds under Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) scheme.
Key Clients
Key clients of the firm include Asia Financial Holdings, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), China CITIC Bank International, Nanyang Commercial Bank, Ping An Bank, and Soochow Securities International Asset Management.
Established in California in 1934, Latham & Watkins is an international firm with 2700 lawyers across 29 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm’s office in Hong Kong leverages off its Asia network of offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo. The firm’s Hong Kong office has served as a major hub for clients operating across the region, acting as a conduit between Asia and the rest of the world.
Highlights
Latham & Watkins traditional strength in Hong Kong is in M&A and capital markets, but in recent times, it has made its presence felt in regional private equity, restructuring and insolvency, regulatory and leveraged finance, where it has a unique practice that acts for lenders, sponsors and borrowers.
Recent deal highlights include advised on the largest corporate in India's power sector, Adani Energy Solutions’ $1 billion Qualified Institutional Placement and advised Clifford Capital on $508 Million Infrastructure Asset-Backed Securities Issuance Through Bayfront Infrastructure Capital V.
The firm’s Hong Kong-based lawyers regularly work on complex cross-border transactions and collaborate on a daily basis with colleagues in the US, Europe, and beyond to service the firm’s long-standing global clients operating in the region, as well as major Asian players seeking to do business overseas.
Key Clients
Key clients of the firm include Zhengzhou Zhongrui Industrial Group, China National Chemical Corporation, ESR Cayman, Bank of America, Vipshop Holdings, Huachen Energy and China Life Insurance (Overseas) Company.
Withers is one of the world’s first international law firms dedicated to the business, personal and philanthropic interests of successful people, their businesses, families and advisers. With over 200+ partners and more than 1,500 employees in 15 offices across Europe, US, Asia Pacific and the Caribbean, Withers has unparalleled expertise in helping businesses and individuals across all major financial centres around the world.
In 2008, Withers established its Hong Kong office to offer on-the-ground support in Asia for the firm’s international client base. Today, its multinational team of lawyers and legal professionals offers one of the most comprehensive arrays of client services across various major jurisdictions. Withers is also able to put together a cross-disciplinary team of advisers with the relevant experience and expertise for complex, cross-border transactions in the region. Its team understands both domestic and international issues and how different legal regimes interact and impact each other.
Seyfarth’s experienced lawyers partner with our local and international clients to provide them with innovative solutions they need to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape in these practice areas:
- Corporate and commercial - Our lawyers work with business in relation to a number of issues and projects, including cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategies, restructuring and insolvency, IPOs, regulatory compliance, tax, and public takeovers.
- Employment - Our lawyers deliver round-the-clock solutions to complex cross-border labour and employment issues for multinational companies. The team covers the entire employee lifecycle and a range of employment law and compliance projects, including restructuring, acquisition, workforce integration, and internal investigations.
- Dispute resolution - Seyfarth’s team in Asia includes members of the firm’s international dispute resolution and arbitration group. The team provides integrated and strategic advice on resolving cross‑border disputes in multiple forums around the world
YYC Legal is an all-encompassing law firm with a global outlook and strong cultural roots in Hong Kong. With a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape, we are committed to delivering high-quality legal services with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Why Us
We have a keen understanding of the intricacies of Hong Kong's legal system. Our team has extensive experience working with domestic and international clients, ranging from start-ups and small businesses to multinational corporations. Whether the client requires legal advice on private wealth, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property protection, or dispute resolution, we are committed to resolving legal challenges tailored to a client’s specific requirements.
Global Outlook
We recognize the importance of having a global outlook. As such, our firm has entered a strategic partnership with a China law firm allowing us to provide seamless legal services to clients with businesses spanning across multiple jurisdictions. By doing so, the firm’s unique position will allow us to provide value-added insights on cross-border transactions, international litigation, and other complex legal challenges requiring a global perspective.
Aim for Excellence
Not only do we have a global perspective, but we also champion excellence, integrity, and professionalism across our practice areas. We are a dedicated team of legal professionals who are passionate about what we do, with a strong emphasis on nurturing a collaborative firm culture so we can deliver high-quality and concrete legal advice. As a service provider, we aim to be at the forefront of all legal developments across different industry sectors so we can offer innovative solutions to complex legal matters.
A strategic partnership
East & Concord Partners is a China law firm with headquarters in Beijing. As of today, East & Concord Partners operates across China and internationally with 600 legal professionals - over 200 of whom are partners - located in 11 national offices: Beijing (headquarters), Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Xi’an; and 2 international offices: Tokyo and Vancouver. Our firm’s strategic partnership with East & Concord Partners has uniquely positioned the firm in China, granting the firm access to prospective China-based clients, and ultimately, bridging the gap between China and the world.
Charltons has a track record of over 20 years representing major multinational clients on complex cross border and domestic transactions. The firm is experienced in advising local and international companies, controlling shareholders, sponsors and underwriters on IPOs on both the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the GEM market. Charltons is well recognised for its work advising companies on the legal requirements and implications of their capital raising on listing and we provide ongoing advice to listed companies regarding their compliance with continuing obligations under the Hong Kong Listing Rules.
Charltons advises on securities law, funds law and cryptocurrency. The firm advises on Hong Kong M&A law and cross-border M&A transactions. Charltons has considerable experience advising on the formation and management of offshore, Hong Kong and China investment funds.
Charltons has a substantial pro bono practice establishing and advising Hong Kong based charities and foundations.
Hauzen LLP is an award-winning Hong Kong law firm specializing in financial services regulation, FinTech, Blockchain, Tokenization & Web3 (BT3), digital asset compliance, commercial disputes, trade and transportation laws, and restructuring and insolvencies. It is a full-service law firm that delivers strategic counsel across the entire lifecycle of a venture or enterprise.
Operating in association with Anjie Broad Law Firm, a leading mainland China practice, and as an affiliate of DWF Law, a leading UK-headquartered global law firm, Hauzen LLP delivers seamless cross-border solutions.
With a team of lawyers qualified across key global jurisdictions, Hauzen LLP provides international counsel, positioning the firm as the trusted advisor for enterprises and ventures operating worldwide. The firm’s lawyers are licensed to practice in the following jurisdictions:
- Hong Kong SAR
- Singapore
- England and Wales
- New Zealand
- British Virgin Islands
- Marshall Islands
- New South Wales
- Mainland China
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
Hauzen LLP’s partners and senior lawyers are renowned financial markets legal experts, with deep industry experience that includes operating licensed entities, leading publicly listed companies, and man-aging blockchain enterprises. This first-hand operational knowledge gives Hauzen LLP unique insight into both the legal and business challenges market participants face.
Han Kun is a leading full-service law firm in China. Over the years, Han Kun has been widely recognized as a leader in complex cross-border and domestic transactions and compliance matters.
Our main practice areas include private equity, mergers and acquisitions, international and domestic capital markets, investment funds, asset management, compliance, banking and finance, aviation finance, foreign direct investment, antitrust/competition, data protection, private client/wealth management, intellectual property, bankruptcy and restructuring and dispute resolution.
We have more than 800 professionals located in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Haikou, Wuhan, Singapore, New York City and Silicon Valley.
All our lawyers are graduates of top universities and have extensive experience in complex cross-border transactions and dispute resolution as counsel to both Chinese and foreign clients.
Tian Yuan Law Firm is one of the law firms with the most profound history and culture in China. In the past over 30 years, we have kept pace with China’s economy. Our experience covers the main practice areas in China. We have undertaken a number of pioneering transactions as well as a series of projects and cases with considerable influence, which earned us a high reputation in the industry.
- IFLR Notable Firm for Hedge Funds 2023 & 2024
- IFLR Notable Firm for Private Equity Funds 2024
- Legal500 Client Satisfaction Award and Recommended Law Firm for Investment Funds 2024 and 2025
- Asian Legal Business Hong Kong Firms to Watch Award 2024 and 2025
Fast Growing: Loeb Smith Attorneys is one of the fastest growing offshore international corporate law firms, with major offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Hong Kong, whose attorneys have an outstanding track record of advising on the Cayman Islands’ law aspects and BVI law aspects of international corporate, investment, and finance transactions.
Loeb Smith provides an integrated one-stop solution approach helps clients manage risk and support complex legal issues in every aspect of their activities from day zero to navigate regulatory requirements and other legal matters driving business change. With our systematic approach supporting new start-ups to well-established corporations, our dedicated professionals assist clients to understand market insights, to analyze, to risk mitigate and to adapt the following business life cycle process to sustainable growth.
A&O Shearman is a financial and corporate powerhouse that has strong rankings across almost all our practice areas. Traditionally lender focused, A&O Shearman remains a go-to firm for banks in all manner of transactions. A member of the UK ‘magic circle’ the firm has 44 offices in 31 countries.
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is an international white shoe law firm headquartered in New York. Cleary is one of most well-rounded firms in the US, with strong debt capital markets, equity capital markets, derivatives, financial services regulatory, M&A, private equity and private equity funds practices.
Clifford Chance is a powerhouse across the financial and corporate sphere with highly rated partners and a deep bench in almost all areas. One of the world’s pre-eminent law firms, the firm has a significant depth and range of resources across five continents.
Ogier is an international and offshore professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients.
Our lawyers provide practical advice on a unique combination of six laws: BVI, Cayman, Guernsey, Irish, Jersey and Luxembourg. The firm's global network of offices spans Asian, European and US time zones.
Our commercial understanding and experience of working with leading financial institutions, professional advisers and regulatory bodies enable us to add real value to our clients’ businesses.
The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, advises global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg. With 30 years on-the-ground experience in Asia, the Maples Group remains committed to providing clients with comprehensive legal, fiduciary, fund, regulatory and compliance, entity formation and management services.
With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation and trusts. Maintaining relationships with leading legal counsel, the Group leverages this local expertise to deliver an integrated service offering for global business initiatives. Our global network of over 2,500 lawyers and industry professionals are strategically located in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East to ensure that clients gain immediate access to expert advice and bespoke support, within convenient time zones.
The Maples Group has had a presence in Hong Kong since 1995. We offer legal, fund and fiduciary services to clients based in or doing business across Asia.
Mayer Brown is an international law firm, positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes.
Please visit mayerbrown.com for comprehensive contact information for all our offices.
Latham & Watkins stands out in the US legal market for its banking, M&A, private equity, debt capital markets, high-yield capital markets, equity capital markets, project finance and project development practices, making it another contender for the title of most versatile corporate firm in the US.
Skadden is a leading firm in the US for debt capital markets, M&A, structured finance, restructuring and insolvency, financial services regulatory, and also maintains excellent banking, equity capital markets, project finance, project development, hedge funds and private equity practices. A powerhouse corporate firm, anything related to acquisitions is squarely in the firm’s wheelhouse.
White & Case is a truly global law firm, uniquely positioned to help our clients achieve their ambitions in today's G20 world. As a pioneering international law firm, our cross-border experience and diverse team of local, US and English-qualified lawyers consistently deliver results for our clients. n both established and emerging markets, our lawyers are integral, long-standing members of the community, giving our clients insights into the local business environment alongside our experience in multiple jurisdictions. We work with some of the world's most respected and well-established banks and businesses, as well as start-up visionaries, governments and state-owned entities.
