Herbert Smith Freehills

Hong Kong

Review

Dispute resolution

Enjoying a first-class reputation in the market, Herbert Smith Freehills maintains a vast range of domestic and international disputes capability covering the full spectrum of contentious advice across Asia-Pacific. The firm stands out in commercial disputes, international arbitration and white-collar crime among other areas. It also has the largest dedicated arbitration team in Greater China with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Apart from legal expertise, the firm is also recognised for its strategic and commercial approach to handling cases.

Dominic Geiser and Gareth Thomas are key names for commercial litigation. May Tai and Justin D'Agostino are particularly famous in the international arbitration space, while Kyle Wombolt is the dominant player in white-collar crime. Other notable lawyers include financial services regulatory specialist Hannah Cassidy and banking litigation specialists Jojo Fan and Rachael Shek.

On the commercial and transactions front, the firm is acting for both UBS and UBS Europe in defending proceedings commenced by the liquidators of China Metal Recycling in the court of first instance in respect of liabilities arising out of its sponsorship work for the IPO of China Metal Recycling. In another case sample, the firm is defending Bank of China International and BOCI Securities against mis-selling claims brought by their private bank client who is a high-net-worth Chinese individual based in the Guangdong province. This matter is one of the few mis-selling cases in the jurisdiction that have been brought in respect of the sale and purchase of investment products after the 2008 global financial crisis and touches on a complex set of facts that span over a period of six years. The claim well exceeds HK$100 million ($12.8 million).

Notable clients include Bank Julius Baer & Co, BNP Paribas, Chance Talent and Oasis Management Company.

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