About
Welcome to the ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2020!
Date: Friday, 27 November 2020
Asian Legal Business proudly presents the 19th annual ALB Hong Kong Law Awards – the pre-eminent legal awards and ALB's biggest and longest-running awards in Asia. These prestigious awards will pay tribute to the outstanding performance of private practitioners and in-house teams in the region.
As health and safety of our participants are our priority, after careful consideration, the awards will be hosted virtually this year on 27 November 2020.
Continuous connection is especially important in these uncertain times, and we are determined to keep ALB’s commitment in delivering the finest event experience to the legal community.
Let us celebrate together ALB’s first-ever virtual awards ceremony of Hong Kong at the comfort of our homes with our favorite food and drinks!
Finalists revealed! Check the shortlist at the "FINALISTS" tab.
Share your ALB moments on social media: #ALBawards
Contact Harmony Tam at +852 2841 5783 or harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com for submission inquiries.
Contact Amantha Chia at amantha.chia@tr.com or +65 6973 8258 for sponsorship opportunities.
Categories
CATEGORIES
DEAL CATEGORIES
1. Debt Market Deal of the Year
2. Equity Market Deal of the Year
3. Finance Deal of the Year
4. M&A Deal of the Year
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
1. Dealmaker of the Year
2. Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
3. In-House Lawyer of the Year
4. Managing Partner of the Year
5. Woman Lawyer of the Year - Law Firm
6. Woman Lawyer of the Year - In-House
7. Young Lawyer of the Year - Law Firm
8. Young Lawyer of the Year - In-House
IN-HOUSE TEAM CATEGORIES
1. Construction and Real Estate In-House Team of the Year
2. Zhong Lun Award Compliance and Risk Management In-House Team of the Year (NEW!)
3. Robertsons Solicitors Award Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
4. Innovative In-House Team of the Year
5. Investment Banking In-House Team of the Year
6. Haldanes Award MNC In-House Team of the Year (NEW!)
7. Startup In-House Team of the Year (NEW!)
8. Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
9. Transportation and Logistics In-House Team of the Year
10. ACC HK Award Hong Kong In-House Team of the Year
FIRM CATEGORIES
1. Aviation Law Firm of the Year
2. Civil Litigation Law Firm of the Year
3. Construction Law Firm of the Year
4. HKGALA Award Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year
5. Criminal Litigation Law Firm of the Year
6. Deal Firm of the Year
7. Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year
8. Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
9. Immigration Law Firm of the Year
10. Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year
11. Insurance Law Firm of the Year
12. Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
13. International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
14. Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year
15. Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
16. Maritime Law Firm of the Year
17. BDO Award Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year
18. ESR Award Offshore Law Firm of the Year
19. PRC Law Firm, Hong Kong Office of the Year
20. Private Wealth Law Firm of the Year
21. Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
22. Regulation and Investigations Law Firm of the Year
23. Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
24. Rising Law Firm of the Year
25. Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
26. Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
27. Transactional Boutique Law Firm of the Year
28. Hong Kong Law Firm of the Year
Submit Today
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
Submissions are closed
IMPORTANT DATES
Opening of submissions | May 6, 2020
Deadline of submissions | July 3, 2020
Online announcement of finalists | October 20, 2020
Awards ceremony | November 27, 2020
SUBMISSION INQUIRIES
Harmony Tam
Events Researcher
Phone: +852 2841 5783
Email: harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com
Judges
JUDGING PANEL
Each year, ALB invites an independent judging panel of senior and expert legal industry leaders from various sectors corresponding to the diverse list of award categories. ALB is pleased to introduce some of the distinguished judges. The rest of the panel will be revealed on the evening of the virtual awards.
Jeremy Lee
Head of Legal & Compliance, Bouygues Construction
Jeremy is the Head of Legal and Compliance of the Bouygues Construction Group in Asia managing a diverse team of legal and commercial experts across 17 different legal jurisdictions with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry, property development, facilities management, engineering and energies sector.
Jeremy and his team has been recognised in Legal500 GC Powerlist - Hong Kong Teams in 2018 and 2019.
In addition, to his core responsibilities, Jeremy also serves as a Board Director of various companies within the Group as well as a member of the Group Legal Committee.
Jeremy is an active contributor to the wider legal community and has over 20 years of diverse international experience in Multi-Jurisdictional Legal/Risk Management, Corporate/Commercial Law, Complex Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Merger and Acquisitions, Arbitration, Construction Law, Dispute Resolution, and Risk Assessment.
Alice Chan
Group General Counsel & Company Secretary, WeLab
Alice Chan joined Welab as Group General Counsel & Company Secretary in March 2020, overseeing the legal, compliance, company secretarial and corporate governance functions. Welab is the sole shareholder of Welab Bank, a Hong Kong virtual bank. Welab was ranked No.2 Asia-Pacific High-Growth Company 2020 by the Financial Times and No. 23 Global Top Fintech Company 2018 by KPMG.
Alice was the Asia General Counsel/Head of Legal, Asia of Prudential plc from February 2009 to March 2020, overseeing both the insurance and asset management businesses. During her time Prudential had 26 local business units in 15 jurisdictions across Asia with around 75 in-house legal counsels. Until 2015 Alice also covered the Middle East and Africa.
Prior to Prudential Alice was the General Counsel & Company Secretary of Hong Kong listed Pacific Century Premium Developments Ltd. (September 2004-January 2009). Before that Alice was a lecturer in the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong (September 2002-August 2004), teaching Banking Law, Commercial Law & Practice, Revenue Law and Professional Conduct. She has been appointed an Honorary Lecturer since 2007 the current term of which ends in August 2022.
While in private practice Alice was with Clifford Chance (1995-August 2002) and became a partner in 1998. She specialised in cross-border corporate finance and capital markets work, including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, IPOs and bond issues. She had worked in the Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok offices of the firm. Prior to Clifford Chance Alice was an associate with Slaughter and May.
Mike Kung
Executive Director and Senior Counsel, Legal Division, Goldman Sachs Asia
Co-Chair & Co-Founder, Hong Kong LGBT+ Attorneys Network
Mike Kung is Executive Director and Senior Counsel in the Legal Division of Goldman Sachs. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mike worked in private practice as a corporate lawyer at international law firms, including Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Shearman & Sterling. He is qualified as a New York attorney-at-law.
In 2013, Mike co-founded the Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Attorneys (HKGALA) Network, the first-ever professional network in Hong Kong dedicated to the promotion of LGBT+ diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, LGBT+ pro bono and community work, and the advancement of LGBT+ rights. HKGALA has grown to a network of over 60 Supporting Firms, ranging from law firms to financial institutions to corporates.
Mike was recognized as In-House LGBT+ Lawyer of the Year at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Asia Pacific 2020, and in the 40 Under 40 annual list by Asia Legal Business in 2020.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) from University of California, San Diego, an MPhil from University of Oxford and a Juris Doctor from University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
Susan Wong
Head of Legal APAC, Intesa Sanpaolo
Susan is Head of Legal, APAC at Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. and oversees all legal matters across the Asia Pacific region. Prior to that, Susan was a Senior Legal Counsel at Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and advised on corporate finance transactions across Greater China and North Asia.
Susan has over 15 years’ working experience in the legal industry, 10 years of which was in private practice at Clifford Chance. Susan is qualified to practise in both England and Wales and Hong Kong, and has worked in London, Tokyo and Beijing before relocating to Hong Kong in late 2011.
Sandra Wu
Managing Director, Centrium Advisory
President, Association of Corporate Counsels Hong Kong
Sandra is a Managing Director of Centrium Advisory, a legal & compliance consultancy firm that delivers tactical legal advice with a difference. She was the former Head of Legal & Compliance and Chief Compliance Officer for Mercer Investments (HK) Limited, where she looked after the legal, regulatory and compliance needs of the investment management and advisory business units.
During her private practice career, Sandra worked at Weil Gotshal & Manges specializing in Private Equity and Fund Formation, Kirkland & Ellis focusing on Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions and Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Hong Kong. Her practice focuses on advising private fund sponsors on the formation of local and offshore private investment funds, including private equity funds, growth capital funds, debt funds, venture capital funds, real estate funds and digital asset funds. She also advises founders on compliance, marketing, capital raising, governance and economics matters. In addition to fund formation, Sandra also advises fund sponsors on co-investment transactions as well as regulatory, banking and other operational issues.
Sandra has served on the Association of Corporate Counsels Hong Kong Board of Directors & Executive Committee since 2017 as Treasurer and was elected President in 2019. She is a member of the ACC Blockchain Steering Committee, Innovative and Emerging Technology Sub-Committee, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and a Mentor at The Women's Foundation in Hong Kong.
Sandra holds a BCom (double major in Finance and Accounting), LL.B (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney. She is featured on the Dean's List of Excellence for Academic Performance and is also an International Golden Key Honorary Society Scholar. Sandra is admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong and Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia.
Huen Wong, BBS, JP
Chairman, Copyright Tribunal
Mr. Huen Wong is the Chairman of the Arbitration Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. Mr. Wong is also the Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators, the Law Society of Hong Kong as well as the Inter Pacific Bar Association. Mr. Wong is currently the Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal and Chairman of Board of Review (Inland Revenue). Mr. Wong is the Honorary Adviser of Hong Kong Business Accountants Association and Financial Reporting Council. He is a director of Hong Kong Aviation Security Company Limited and Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited.
Shih-Jern Liang
General Counsel, International
Ralph Lauren
Shih-Jern Liang is Senior Vice President and General Counsel, International at Ralph Lauren, where he manages legal and regulatory matters across the APAC and EMEA regions. He is part of International senior management and also supports the Company’s government relations strategy and efforts.
Mr. Liang was previously in private practice at Davis Polk & Wardwell, where he worked in the firm’s New York, London and Hong Kong offices, focusing on capital markets and corporate finance. He has a keen interest in mentoring and is active through various university alumni mentoring initiatives.
Mr. Liang is a graduate of University College London and Harvard Law School. He is admitted to practise in New York, England and Hong Kong.
Jae Woon Lee
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr. Jae Woon Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law. He has been working, teaching and researching in the field of aviation law and policy since 2004. His main research and teaching interests are aviation law and competition law. Prof. Lee has seven years of legal affairs experience in the airline industry, advising the company on issues relating to company liability, government regulation and competition law matters. Since 2012, he has also acted as legal advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea on aviation law issues and regularly attended the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Legal Committee as a Korean delegate. He frequently presents at academic and aviation industry conferences and regularly comments in the media.
Errol Bong
Head of Compliance & Legal Counsel, Noble Group
Errol Bong is Global Head of Compliance and Legal Counsel at Noble Group Holdings Ltd covering legal and regulatory issues from America to Asia. He is a leader on financial regulation, technology & privacy, commodities, OTC derivatives, derivative securities, listed derivatives, equities and fixed income products and qualified in New York, England, Hong Kong, Australia and Washington. After many years at investment banks and a magic circle law firm in Sydney, London and Hong Kong, he is working at a leading global commodities trader.
Olga Boltenko
Assistant Solicitor, Fangda Partners
Ms. Boltenko is an investment and trade lawyer with over ten years’ experience in public international law and investor-State dispute resolution. She has acted as legal counsel in investor-state disputes under the auspices of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, ICSID, SCC, ICC, LCIA, and as tribunal secretary in dozens of commercial disputes in a wide array of industries including oil and gas, infrastructure, construction, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals, across Asia and beyond. Ms. Boltenko teaches a master of laws degree in arbitration and ADR, with a focus on Belt & Road investment law, at The University of Hong Kong. She is listed as arbitrator on the HKIAC, SIAC, AIAC, CIETAC, and RSPP (Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs) panels of arbitrators, and she sits as arbitrator on Russia- and Asia-related commercial disputes.
Dominic Wai
Partner, ONC Lawyers
Before joining the legal profession, Dominic has worked in the banking sector and as well as in the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Dominic’s practice focuses on advising clients on matters relating to anti-corruption, white-collar crime, law enforcement, regulatory and compliance matters in Hong Kong, including advice on anti-money laundering. He also handles cases involving corporate litigation, shareholders’ disputes and insolvency matters, defamation cases, domestic and international arbitration cases, cybersecurity, data security and privacy law issues, competition law matters, e-Discovery and forensic investigation issues as well as property litigation.
Dominic is currently a board member of a charity that provides a home service for sick children and their families. He is supportive and actively participating in the activities of the charity.
Antonio Ho
Legal & External Affairs Counsel, APAC
British American Tobacco
Experienced lawyer with a demonstrated history of working in both private practice and in-house sector. Strong legal professional skilled in cross-sectors such as criminal & commercial litigation, private equity, personal injury claims, FMCG, conveyancing, as well as handling PR, media & communications matters. Currently manages legal and communications function for a fortune 500 MNC FMCG company for the Hong Kong & Macao Market more specifically regarding regulatory, commercial legal, litigation, compliance, ESG, lobbying, public relations, and company secretary matters. Antonio sits in the Legal Committee of the Hong Kong General Chambers of Commerce and also act as a director of Coalition on Tobacco Affairs Hong Kong.
He has successfully led his team to be included in Legal 500 GC Power List two years in a row and is passionate about advocating for diversity & inclusion in Hong Kong.
Shirley Fu
Partner, SF Lawyer in association with KPMG Law
Shirley is the founding partner of SF Lawyers (in association with KPMG Law). She is a qualified lawyer in Hong Kong, New South Wales, England & Wales, and New Zealand. She has extensive experience in complex corporate and commercial transactions. She advises on all types of transactions, including M&A, private equity investments, restructurings and joint ventures, as well as full range of corporate matters, including constitutions, corporate governance, directors’ duties and shareholders’ rights. She also has experience in IPOs, take-privates, bond issues, investment fund formation and other banking and capital market transactions. Many of the deals which she worked on are high-profile and high-dollar-value transactions and have received industry recognition and acclaim.
Shirley also garners fulsome praise in providing a responsive and hardworking service to her clients who include Chinese state-owned, privately owned and international enterprises, financial institutions, private equity firms, asset managers, Hong Kong and US listed companies.
Finalists
FINALISTS**
Back to topIndividual Categories
Dealmaker of the Year
Agnes Tsang, Allen & Overy
Betty Yap, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Grace Pengpeng Yan, Guantao
Hao Zhou, King & Wood Mallesons
Ian Ho, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Judy Lee, Appleby
Julie Gao, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Kay Ian Ng, Sullivan & Cromwell
Marcia Ellis, Morrison & Foerster
Miranda So, Davis Polk & Wardwell
Psyche Tai - Norton Rose Fulbright
Robert Ashworth - Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
Charmaine Koo, Deacons
Denis Brock, O’Melveny & Myers
Heidi Chui, Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Ian Mann, Harney Westwood & Riegels
James Comber, Ashurst
John Choong, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Martin Rogers, Davis Polk & Wardwell
May Tai, Herbert Smith Freehills
Nils Eliasson, Shearman & Sterling
Paul Starr, King & Wood Mallesons
Rory McAlpine, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Yang Ing Loong, Latham & Watkins
In-House Lawyer of the Year
David Poureshagh, J.P. Morgan
Leiming Chen, Ant Group
Michelle Hung, COSCO SHIPPING Ports
Sharyn Ch’ang, PwC
Zhou Jiaxing, China International Capital Corp (Hong Kong)
Zoe Shou, ESR Cayman
Managing Partner of the Year
Alan Chiu, ELLALAN
Betty Yap, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Gordon D. Oldham, Oldham, Li & Nie
Grace Pengpeng Yan, Guantao
Helena Huang, King & Wood Mallesons
Jonathan Stone, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Joshua Cole, Ashurst
Keith Brandt, Dentons
Kristi Swartz, Swartz, Binnersley & Associates
Lorna Xin Chen, Shearman & Sterling
Madeline Leong, Watson Farley & Williams
Sharon Ser, Withers
Vicki Liu, Allen & Overy
Woman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
Eloise Matsui, Stephenson Harwood
Fiona Chan, Appleby
Fiona Cumming, Allen & Overy
Heidi Chui, Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Jini Lee, Ashurst
Kate Hodson, Ogier
Kathryn Weaver, Lewis Silkin
Marcia Ellis, Morrison & Foerster
Melody Chan, White & Case
Miranda So, Davis Polk & Wardwell
Susheela Rivers, DLA Piper
Tatman Savio, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Teresa Ko, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Woman Lawyer of the Year (In-House)
Michelle Hung, COSCO SHIPPING Ports
Sharyn Ch’ang, PwC
Zoe Shou, ESR Cayman
Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
Amelia Polisano, Harvey Law Group
Amita Haylock, Mayer Brown
Anna Chan, Oldham, Li & Nie
Catherine Leung, Lewis Silkin
Clinton Morrow, Charltons
James Choi, ELLALAN
Katherine Liu, Stephenson Harwood
Kevin Hong, Norton Rose Fulbright
Marcus Pollard, Linklaters
Oliver Nip, Ropes & Gray
Philip Li, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Urszula McCormack, King & Wood Mallesons
Viola Jing, Allen & Overy
Wilfred Ho - Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Young Lawyer of the Year (In-House)
Jane Yin, Fosun Hani
Serena Lim, Ant Group
Zoe Shou, ESR Cayman
In-House Categories
Zhong Lun Award Compliance and Risk Management In-House Team of the Year
Ant Group
COSCO SHIPPING Ports
Fung Group
Hysan Development Co
Manulife (International)
Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific
State Grid Overseas Investment
Tencent
Construction and Real Estate In-House Team of the Year
ESR Cayman
Gammon Construction
Hang Lung Group
Hysan Development Co
Link Asset Management
Robertsons Solicitors Award Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
Ares SSG Capital Management
Credit Suisse
Fosun Hani
HSBC
Manulife Financial Asia
State Grid Overseas Investment
Innovative In-House Team of the Year
Ant Group
AXA
COSCO SHIPPING Ports
Credit Suisse
ESR Cayman
Fosun Hani
HSBC
Klook
Manulife Financial Asia
State Grid Overseas Investment
Telstra International
Uber Technologies
Investment Banking In-House Team of the Year
China International Capital Corp (Hong Kong)
China Merchants Securities
Goldman Sachs
ICBC International
J.P. Morgan
Haldanes Award MNC In-House Team of the Year
AXA
COSCO SHIPPING Ports
Fung Group
ICBC International
Marriott International
Uber Technologies
Startup In-House Team of the Year
Klook
Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific
Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
Klook
Uber Technologies
Transportation and Logistics In-House Team of the Year
China Merchants Energy Shipping
COSCO SHIPPING Ports
Uber Technologies
Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure
ACC HK Award Hong Kong In-House Team of the Year
Ant Group
AXA
China International Capital Corp (Hong Kong)
ESR Cayman
Fung Group
Hang Lung Group
ICBC International
Klook
Link Asset Management
State Grid Overseas Investment
Telstra International
Uber Technologies
Firm Categories
Aviation Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Clyde & Co
Stephenson Harwood
Civil Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Clifford Chance
Deacons
Dentons
Haldanes
Herbert Smith Freehills
K&L Gates
Mayer Brown
Oldham, Li & Nie
Stephenson Harwood
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Tanner De Witt
Zhong Lun
Construction Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Deacons
DLA Piper
HFW
K&L Gates
King & Wood Mallesons
Mayer Brown
MinterEllison
Norton Rose Fulbright
Pinsent Masons
HKGALA Award Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Ashurst
Boase Cohen & Collins
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Clifford Chance
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Hogan Lovells
Hugill & Ip
Mayer Brown
Pinsent Masons
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Stephenson Harwood
Vivien Teu & Co
Criminal Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Boase Cohen & Collins
Haldanes
Morley Chow Seto
Robertsons
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Deal Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Kirkland & Ellis
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
Morrison & Foerster
Norton Rose Fulbright
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Sullivan & Cromwell
Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Boase Cohen & Collins
Gall
Hugill & Ip
Morley Chow Seto
Payne Clermont Velasco
Shum Wong & Co.
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Swartz, Binnersley & Associates
Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Herbert Smith Freehills
Pinsent Masons
Watson Farley & Williams
Immigration Law Firm of the Year
Harvey Law Group
Hugill & Ip
Lewis Silkin
Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year
Clifford Chance
ELLALAN
King & Wood Mallesons
L&Y Law Office
Mayer Brown
Norton Rose Fulbright
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Pinsent Masons
Swartz, Binnersley & Associates
Tanner De Witt
Insurance Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Boase Cohen & Collins
Clyde & Co
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
HFW
Mayer Brown
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Deacons
DLA Piper
ELLALAN
Hogan Lovells
King & Wood Mallesons
Lau, Horton & Wise in Association with CMS
Mayer Brown
Oldham, Li & Nie
Stephenson Harwood
Winston & Strawn
International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Clifford Chance
Dentons
DLA Piper
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Herbert Smith Freehills
King & Wood Mallesons
Latham & Watkins
Mayer Brown
Shearman & Sterling
Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Clifford Chance
Deacons
DLA Piper
Goodwin Procter
King & Wood Mallesons
Kirkland & Ellis
Morrison & Foerster
Sidley Austin
Simmons & Simmons
Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Clifford Chance
Deacons
Hugill & Ip
Lewis Silkin
Mayer Brown
Oldham, Li & Nie
Simmons & Simmons
Stephenson Harwood
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Tanner De Witt
Maritime Law Firm of the Year
Clyde & Co
HFW
Ince & Co
Lau, Horton & Wise in Association with CMS
Reed Smith
Stephenson Harwood
Watson Farley & Williams
BDO Award Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year
Boase Cohen & Collins
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Gall
Haldanes
Hugill & Ip
Payne Clermont Velasco
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Tanner De Witt
Withers
ESR Award Offshore Law Firm of the Year
Appleby
Campbells
Carey Olsen
Conyers
Harney Westwood & Riegels
Maples Group
Mourant
Ogier
Walkers
PRC Law Firm, Hong Kong Office of the Year
DHH Law Firm
Guantao
Han Kun
JunHe
Tian Yuan Law Firm
Zhong Lun
Private Wealth Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Charles Russell Speechlys
Herbert Smith Freehills
Hugill & Ip
Squire Patton Boggs
Stephenson Harwood
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Withers
Zhong Lun
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Deacons
DLA Piper
King & Wood Mallesons
Mayer Brown
Paul Hastings
Proskauer
Ropes & Gray
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Withers
Regulation and Investigations Law Firm of the Year
Ashurst
Clifford Chance
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Herbert Smith Freehills
King & Wood Mallesons
Kirkland & Ellis
Linklaters
Mayer Brown
MinterEllison
Paul Hastings
Ropes & Gray
Stephenson Harwood
Steptoe and Johnson
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Baker McKenzie
DLA Piper
Gall
Harney Westwood & Riegels
King & Wood Mallesons
Kirkland & Ellis
Mayer Brown
Oldham, Li & Nie
Ropes & Gray
Stephenson Harwood
Tanner De Witt
Watson Farley & Williams
Rising Law Firm of the Year
Charles Russell Speechlys
ELLALAN
H.M. Chan & Co in association with Taylor Wessing
Hauzen
Hugill & Ip
L&Y Law Office
Lau, Horton & Wise in Association with CMS
LC Lawyers
Lewis Silkin
Swartz, Binnersley & Associates
Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
Charles Russell Speechlys
Deacons
DLA Piper
Hugill & Ip
Squire Patton Boggs
Stephenson Harwood
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Withers
Zhong Lun
Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Davis Polk & Wardwell
DLA Piper
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
H.M. Chan & Co in association with Taylor Wessing
King & Wood Mallesons
Latham & Watkins
Mayer Brown
Norton Rose Fulbright
Pinsent Masons
Transactional Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Charltons
H.M. Chan & Co in association with Taylor Wessing
Hugill & Ip
L&Y Law Office
Stevenson, Wong & Co.
Hong Kong Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
Charltons
Clifford Chance
Deacons
DLA Piper
Herbert Smith Freehills
King & Wood Mallesons
Mayer Brown
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Tanner De Witt
Deal Categories
Debt Market Deal of the Year
Agricultural Development Bank of China's Issuance of Overseas Bond
Law Firm: JunHe
Bank of China Macau Branch's Issuance of COVID-Themed Social Bond
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Jingtian & Gongcheng; JunZeJun; Linklaters; MdME Lawyers
China Evergrande's Senior Notes Offering
Law Firms: Commerce & Finance Law Offices; Davis Polk Wardwell; King & Wood Mallesons; Maples Group; Norton Rose Fulbright; Sidley Austin
China National Chemical Corporation's Four-Tranche Bond Offering
Law Firms: Commerce & Finance Law Offices; Davis Polk & Wardwell; Jingtian & Gongcheng; Latham & Watkins
China Overseas Land & Investment's GMTN Programme
Law Firms: Deacons; Jingtian & Gongcheng; JunHe; Linklaters; Mayer Brown; Ogier
China Railway Construction Corporation's Perpetual Securities Offering
Law Firms: Baker McKenzie; Clifford Chance; Deheng Law Offices; Jingtian & Gongcheng
China State Construction International's Issuance of Perpetual Capital Securities
Law Firms: Linklaters; Mayer Brown; Tian Yuan Law Firm; Walkers
Geely Automobile’s Issuance of Senior Perpetual Capital Securities
Law Firms: King & Wood Mallesons; Maples Group; Sidley Austin; Zhong Lun
Greentown's 364-day High Yield Bond Offering
Law Firms: Clifford Chance; Jingtian & Gongcheng; Maples Group; T&C Law Firm; White & Case
Banks: CLSA; Credit Suisse; Deutsche Bank; Guotai Junan International; Haitong International; HSBC; UBS
Huaneng Group's Overseas Notes Offering
Law Firms: Herbert Smith Freehills; JunHe; King and Wood Mallesons; Linklaters
Banks: BOC HK; HSBC
Kunming Traffic Investment 's Issuance of Offshore Bond and Medium Term Note
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Ashurst
MGM China’s Senior Notes Offering
Law Firms: DSL Lawyers; Henrique Saldanha A&N; Herbert Smith Freehills; Maples Group; Milbank; Walkers; White & Case
Wynn Macau’s Senior Notes Offering
Law Firm: Kirkland & Ellis; Maples Group
Xiaomi's Debut Notes Offering
Law Firm: Jingtian & Gongcheng; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Equity Market Deal of the Year
Alibaba's Listing on HKEX
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; King & Wood Mallesons; Maples Group; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Banks: CICC; Citigroup; Credit Suisse; J.P. Morgan; Morgan Stanley
AMTD'S Listing on Singapore Stock Exchange
Law Firms: Appleby; Clifford Chance; Justin Chow & Co.; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Bank of Guizhou's HK IPO
Law Firms: Clifford Chance; JunHe; King & Wood Mallesons; Latham & Watkins
Budweiser APAC’s HK IPO
Law Firms: Clifford Chance; Conyers; Fangda Partners; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Gilbert + Tobin; Kim & Chang; King & Wood Mallesons; Sullivan & Cromwell
Banks: BNP Paribas; CICC; Citigroup; Deutsche Bank; HSBC; J.P. Morgan; Merrill Lynch; Morgan Stanley
CGN Power’s IPO
Law Firms: Grandall Law Firm; King & Wood Mallesons
China East Education's Listing on HKEX
Law Firms: Conyers; Haiwen & Partners; JunHe; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Luk & Partners; Sullivan & Cromwell
Banks: BNP Paribas; CICC; Haitong International
DouYu's U.S. IPO
Law Firms: CM Law Firm; Davis Polk & Wardwell; Global Law Office; Han Kun; Latham & Watkins; Maples Group
ESR Cayman Limited’s HK IPO
Law Firms: Baker McKenzie; Commerce & Finance Law Offices; Corrs Chambers Westgarth; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Global Law Office; Kanga & Co.; Kirkland & Ellis; Latham & Watkins; Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu; Shin & Kim; Walkers; White & Case
Banks: Citigroup; Credit Suisse; Deutsche Bank; Goldman Sachs; Morgan Stanley
Hansoh Pharmaceutical's HK IPO
Law Firms: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton; Clifford Chance; Li & Partners; Maples Group; Tian Yuan Law Firm
Banks: Citigroup; Morgan Stanley
JD.com’s Listing on HKEX
Law Firms: Clifford Chance; Han Kun; Maples Group; Shihui Partners; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Pharmaron's HK IPO
Law Firms: O’Melveny & Myers; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Banks: Goldman Sachs; CLSA Capital Markets; Orient Capital
Topsports International’s IPO
Law Firms: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Haiwen & Partners; JunHe; Maples Group
Banks: Merrill Lynch; Morgan Stanley
Xinjiang Goldwind’s A+H Rights Issue
Law Firms: Jingtian & Gongcheng; Morrison & Foerster; Tian Yuan Law Firm
Banks: Haitong International
Finance Deal of the Year
Alipay's Refinancing
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; White & Case
CGNPC International's Green Loan
Law Firms: Global Law Office; King & Wood Mallesons; Norton Rose Fulbright
Banks: Agricultural Bank of China; Bank of Communications; CCB; CGNPC Huasheng Investment; CDB; CGB; China Eximbank; CMBC; Commerzbank AG; Hang Seng Bank; ICBC; KDB Asia; NCB; OCBC; SPD Bank; Tai Fung Bank
Financing for Jiangsu Shagang Group's Acquisition of Global Switch
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Ashurst
Financing for KKR's Acquisition of NVC's China Lighting Business
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Kirkland & Ellis; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; White & Case
Financing for Melco Resorts Macau
Law Firms: A&N; Latham & Watkins; Maples Group; Walkers; White & Case
Financing for SCAPE's Acquisition
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Herbert Smith Freehills; Holding Redlich
Banks: CBA; UOB
Impossible Foods’ Series F Financing Round
Law Firms: Goodwin Procter; Shearman & Sterling
Kuaishou Technology's Series F Funding
Law Firms: Haiwen & Partners; Latham & Watkins; Maples Group
Lufax's Syndicated Term Loan Facility
Law Firm: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Tolaram Port Investment and Wide Resources' Project Financing
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Campbells
Wumei's Acquisition of Metro AG in China
Law Firms: Baker & McKenzie; JunHe; King & Wood Mallesons; Morrison & Foerster; Mourant; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Walkers; White & Case
Bank: CMBC
Xiaomi's Refinancing
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; King & Wood Mallesons; Linklaters; Walkers
M&A Deal of the Year
Acquisition of Dream Cruises
Law Firms: Conyers; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Ince & Co; Linklaters; Ropes & Gray; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Alibaba's Acquisition of NetEase's Kaola
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Baowu Steel Group's Acquisition of Maanshan Iron & Steel
Law Firm: Clifford Chance
BeiGene's Sale to Amgen
Law Firms: Global Law Office; Goodwin Procter; Latham & Watkins; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Carrefour China's Sale of Interest to Suning.com
Law Firms: Clifford Chance; Jingtian & Gongcheng; Linklaters
Cathay Pacific Airways' Acquisition of Hong Kong Express Airways
Law Firm: Slaughter and May
China Mengniu Dairy's Acquisition of Bellamy's Australia
Law Firms: Allens; Norton Rose Fulbright
Banks: HSBC; Morgan Stanley
FWD's Acquisition of Siam Commercial Bank's SCB Life Assurance
Law Firms: Baker Mckenzie; Linklaters; Slaughter and May
KKR's Acquisition of NVC's China Lighting Business
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Kirkland & Ellis; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Privatisation of COFCO Hong Kong's CAIH
Law Firms: Reed Smith; Slaughter and May
Privatisation of Li & Fung
Law Firms: Conyers; Davis Polk & Wardwell; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Kirkland & Ellis; Linklaters; Slaughter & May
Banks: Citigroup; HSBC; Morgan Stanley
Privatization of Wheelock
Law Firms: Deacons; Norton Rose Fulbright; The Anglo Chinese Group
Tencent and Hammer Capital's Takeover of Bitauto and Yixin
Law Firms: Han Kun; Kirkland & Ellis; Latham & Watkins; Maples Group; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Zhong Lun
Wumei's Acquisition of Metro AG in China
Law Firms: Baker & McKenzie; JunHe; King & Wood Mallesons; Morrison & Foerster; Mourant; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Walkers; White & Case
Banks: Citigroup; CMBC; J.P. Morgan; Rothschild & Co
**COMPLETENESS AND ACCURACY OF INFORMATION
Please note that the inclusion of banks and legal advisors in the transactions essentially reflects the information provided by nominating organizations. Therefore, any omission of a party involved in any of these transactions should not be taken as a commentary on the role assumed by that party. For queries about the shortlist, please email Harmony at harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com
* The above list will be regularly updated until final. For queries about the shortlist, please email Harmony at harmony.tam@thomsonreuters.com.
Back to topWinners
WINNERS
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Dealmaker of the Year
Betty Yap, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
Charmaine Koo, Deacons
In-House Lawyer of the Year
Sharyn Ch’ang, PwC
Managing Partner of the Year
Vicki Liu, Allen & Overy
Woman Lawyer of the Year (In-House)
Zoe Shou, ESR Cayman
Woman Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
Jini Lee, Ashurst
Young Lawyer of the Year (In-House)
Jane Yin, Fosun Hani
Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)
Urszula McCormack, King & Wood Mallesons
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
Zhong Lun Award Compliance and Risk Management In-House Team of the Year
Manulife (International)
Construction and Real Estate In-House Team of the Year
Hysan Development Co
Robertsons Solicitors Award Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
Ares SSG Capital Management
Innovative In-House Team of the Year
Ant Group
Investment Banking In-House Team of the Year
China International Capital Corp (Hong Kong)
Haldanes Award MNC In-House Team of the Year
Fung Group
Startup In-House Team of the Year
Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific
Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
Klook
Transportation and Logistics In-House Team of the Year
COSCO SHIPPING Ports
ACC HK Award Hong Kong In-House Team of the Year
Ant Group
FIRM CATEGORIES
Aviation Law Firm of the Year
Clyde & Co
Civil Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Herbert Smith Freehills
Construction Law Firm of the Year
Pinsent Masons
HKGALA Award Corporate Citizenship Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Criminal Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Haldanes
Deal Firm of the Year
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Hugill & Ip
Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year
Pinsent Masons
Immigration Law Firm of the Year
Lewis Silkin
Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year
King & Wood Mallesons
Insurance Law Firm of the Year
Mayer Brown
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie
International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
Herbert Smith Freehills
Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year
Clifford Chance
Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year
Deacons
Maritime Law Firm of the Year
HFW
BDO Award Matrimonial and Family Law Firm of the Year
Tanner De Witt
ESR Award Offshore Law Firm of the Year
Mourant
PRC Law Firm, Hong Kong Office of the Year
Zhong Lun
Private Wealth Law Firm of the Year
Withers
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Regulation and Investigations Law Firm of the Year
Clifford Chance
Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
Mayer Brown
Rising Law Firm of the Year
ELLALAN
Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
DLA Piper
Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
Bird & Bird
Transactional Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Charltons
Hong Kong Law Firm of the Year
Herbert Smith Freehills
DEAL CATEGORIES
Debt Market Deal of the Year
Bank of China Macau Branch's Issuance of COVID-Themed Social Bond
Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Jingtian & Gongcheng; JunZeJun; Linklaters; MdME Lawyers
Equity Market Deal of the Year
Alibaba's Listing on HKEX
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; King & Wood Mallesons; Maples Group; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
Banks: CICC; Citigroup; Credit Suisse; J.P. Morgan; Morgan Stanley
Finance Deal of the Year
Financing for KKR's Acquisition of NVC's China Lighting Business
Law Firms: Fangda Partners; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Kirkland & Ellis; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; White & Case
M&A Deal of the Year
Acquisition of Dream Cruises
Law Firms: Conyers; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Ince & Co; Linklaters; Ropes & Gray; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Quotes
Asian Legal Business is proud to present the 19th edition of the ALB Hong Kong Law Awards. Due to extraordinary circumstances happening this year, ALB is putting together a unique platform by which it will still be able to fulfill its long-standing commitment to pay tribute to Hong Kong's finest and brightest legal minds. On 27 November 2020, a virtual awards ceremony will be enjoyed by finalists and special guests in the comfort of their own homes.
Let's get to know some of the finalists and their best practices that make their teams resilient and responsive and in the face of the global health crisis.
Book Now
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELIGIBILITY
How do I know if I am eligible to make a submission?
We highly encourage all firms, individuals and in-house teams to submit, as we have numerous award categories to choose from. We welcome both past participants and newcomers to join the submission for the awards.
Is self-nomination permitted?
Yes, we accept self-nominated submissions. We also accept third-party submissions, should you wish to nominate an external party or vice versa.
Is there a fee required to make a submission in the law awards?
No, there is no fee payment required for you or your firm/team to make a submission.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
When will the finalists and winners be announced?
The shortlist of finalists will be released around 4-8 weeks prior to the awards ceremony. The winners will be exclusively announced at the awards ceremony in Nov 2020 in Hong Kong.
NOMINATION PROCESS AND ASSESSMENT
How are the finalists chosen?
Asian Legal Business will compile all of the submission entries, and the ALB editorial and research teams will extensively review each submission to ensure the criteria are met in order to advance to the shortlist of finalists. We stress that this process is fair, impartial and not subject to external influences.
How are the winners chosen?
Once the shortlist of finalists have been announced, an independent judging panel will review and select their top three choices for the award categories they are assigned to. The scores for each award category will be tabulated, and the individual/firm/team with the highest score will be announced as the winner.
What are the award categories that I can take part in?
Any law firms, in-house teams or individuals may take part in multiple award categories if appropriate. The researchers reserve the right to move entries from one category to another if they feel it appropriate. The researchers’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Who will be on the judging panel for ALB Hong Kong Law Awards?
There will be an independent judging panel of at least 25 senior and expert legal industry leaders to review the submission materials. The judging panel will be selected on the basis of their expertise and knowledge, and will be comprised from various sectors to correspond to the diverse list of award categories. A partial list of judges’ names will be released prior to the awarding ceremony, and the remaining judges will be revealed on the evening of the awards.
What will my contact information/my client’s information be used for?
All contact information provided will not be disclosed to external parties; and will only be seen by our ALB research team and the judges panel. We keep the information on record internally, in case we need to contact you or your client regarding any questions or discrepancies in the submission form.
Where will my name/firm name/team name be published if we are a finalist or winner?
As a finalist and/or winner, your firm/team/individual name will be published in ALB awards materials and print magazine. For more information, please contact us.
Is my submission confidential?
Any information you submit will only be reviewed by the ALB team and independent judging panel, whose names will be published. The material submitted will only be disclosed to the above; if there is any information that is strictly confidential, please mark clearly on the nomination form. Though we do our best to maintain the security of the information you provide, any information you transmit to us is done at your own risk and Thomson Reuters is not responsible for any unauthorized transmission of information.
SPONSORSHIP, PARTICIPATION AND OTHER
I would like to sponsor the ALB Law Awards.
Please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258 for further details regarding sponsorship.
I am interested in being an official partner of the ALB Law Awards, as a media/legal association.
Please contact mary.aquino@tr.com or call +632 9825 938.
My practice area or specialty is not listed, but I would like to participate in the Awards.
Please get in touch with our ALB Law Awards research team at mary.aquino@tr.com or call +632 9825 938.
Can I participate in Awards across the region?
Yes, you can participate in more than one market. Please note there may be specific criteria for each market.
Who should attend the Awards Ceremony? Can I attend?
We welcome all finalists and non-finalists to join the Awards Ceremony; please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258.
I would like to order a winner’s trophy and/or certificate (for finalists and winners).
Please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258.
How can I receive communications related to the ALB SE Asia Law Awards?
Please email mary.aquino@tr.com to subscribe to the ALB mailing list.
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Asian Legal Business (ALB) is owned by Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for business and professionals. With its portfolio of leading titles, law awards, in-house legal summits and online services, ALB provides authoritative and unbiased insights and unmatched networking and business development opportunities to legal professionals throughout the Asia-Pacific.
ALB combines news and analysis from its team of professional legal journalists and the expert opinions of senior industry professionals with Reuters news and insights that power businesses across the globe.
Please visit legalbusinessonline.com for further information.
ALB Law Awards
The ALB Law Awards are the pre-eminent legal awards in Asia-Pacific, held annually in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and China. The Awards are comprised of months of intensive research and culminate in a black-tie Awarding Ceremony in each of the markets. We cordially invite you to take part in these prestigious awards – and celebrate legal excellence with us.