Withers has promoted family law specialist Rita Ku Ming Wai as its newest partner in Hong Kong, pending regulatory approval. Ku has been with the firm since 2010, and is the firm’s seventh partner in Asia. After the promotion, she is now its first Chinese partner globally.

Ku advises spouses on disputes concerning divorce, child custody, and ancillary relief. She has been regularly involved in the rising number of cross border “forum shopping” cases, where parties choose jurisdictions seen as more favourable to a given spouse. Additionally, she is an expert on cases with family trusts in the Cayman and British Virgin islands.

She is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English, and is a member of the Hong Kong Collaborative Practice Group.

Commenting on the recent appointment, Marcus Dearle, Withers’ Hong Kong office managing partner, said in a statement: “Over the last 18 months, we have continued to strengthen our Chinese-speaking offering in line with the growing number of high net worth individuals in Hong Kong and mainland China who need high-level legal advice. As our first Chinese partner, Rita’s appointment marks a milestone for Withers globally.”

Candice Mak is North Asia Editor at ALB. Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_Magazine.

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