Consisting of specialists focused entirely on international arbitration and related litigation, Allen & Overy offers a comprehensive network throughout the Asia Pacific with offices in the key hubs of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Perth. The practice is unique in its extensive expertise in the related fields of investment treaty and public international law, which it has utilised to advise major international clients including the Republic of Korea and the Korean National Oil Company. Joanne Lau leads the team and has deep multi-jurisdictional experience, especially when advising clients in the banking and finance sector. Splitting his time between Hong Kong and London, Matthew Hodgson is an international commercial arbitration specialist and brings extensive experience of disputes relating to major natural resources and infrastructure projects, joint ventures and post M&A matters. The team was bolstered by the addition of Melody Chan in February 2023 from White & Case, with the former head of dispute resolution for Greater China bringing a particular focus on the energy, TMT and financial markets sectors.

One of the pre-eminent international arbitration offerings in Greater China, Clifford Chance is distinct when taking both a common and civil law approach to disputes, conducting arbitrations in Chinese, English or both. The team has also established an exemplary reputation in a number of key sectors, including private equity and financial institutions, mainland corporate transactions, and IP and tech; with partner Ling Ho being an expert in arbitrations concerning the latter. Thomas Walsh jointly leads the practice from Hong Kong, extremely well-versed in multi-jurisdictional disputes and sitting as an arbitrator under all the major rules, including HKIAC, ICC and SIAC. Shanghai-based co-head Lei Shi is also a commanding figure in this space and has represented an extensive number of major PRC banks, financial investors and tech companies. Cameron Hassall is a veteran of commercial cross-border arbitration, having recently been granted higher rights of audience in Hong Kong, while Jonathan Wong is a trusted advisor to numerous financial investors and large multinationals. Below partner level, quadrilingual lead associate Tania Tse has a solid reputation for handling JV related disputes in ICC arbitration, and counsel Dianna Shao has a particular focus on PE and M&A-related arbitrations.

Herbert Smith Freehills combines its global network with an extensive Greater China presence that spans Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, offering an international arbitration practice that handles some of the most significant SIAC and HKIAC cases in the market. The firm continues to cement its position as a go-to firm for private equity and funds related arbitrations, having also established extensive expertise in the energy, infrastructure, TMT and pharmaceutical sectors. Practice head and solicitor-silk Simon Chapman KC is a highly respected figure in the Chinese arbitration sphere who, together with May Tai, represented Sinopec and Addax Petroleum in the largest claim ever filed with the SIAC, valued in excess of $5.5bn. Firm global CEO Justin D’Agostino remains a trusted advisor to some of the firm’s largest clients, while in late 2022 Kathryn Sanger was granted higher rights of audience in Hong Kong; now capable of appearing before the High Court and Court of Final Appeal in civil proceedings. Antony Crockett is a specialist in the field of public international law and cross-border dispute resolution, while Helen Tang remains a key contact on the mainland.

King & Wood Mallesons offers considerable depth of international arbitration expertise across both Hong Kong and Mainland China, having established a particularly strong reputation for handling construction cases, as well as disputes in the mining, energy, pharmaceuticals and technology spaces. The depth of expertise is reflected in the breadth of clients for which it acts, with a plethora of international companies, Chinese private companies and SOEs on the roster. Co-heading the firm’s global arbitration practice from Hong Kong is the vastly experienced Paul Starr, an accredited arbitrator at HKIAC, CIETAC, SHIAC and SCIA, and particularly strong in the construction, infrastructure and logistics sectors. Jessica Fei splits her time between Hong Kong and Beijing, specialising in large-scale international arbitration and cross-border litigation for SOEs, multinational and major regional corporates. Donovan Ferguson has developed a stellar reputation in the Asia Pacific disputes market, highly sought after by clients in the building, energy and projects sectors.

The international arbitration group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP utilises extensive knowledge of public and private international law when advising on complex cross-border disputes. Practice head Rory McAlpine is a recognised leader in the field of international arbitration and advocacy and currently sits as chair of the ICC Hong Kong Arbitration Committee. He has a notable strength in representing major corporates and financial institutions. Associate James Tennison is also building a strong reputation within the practice, regularly handling arbitration and mediation proceedings under various international rules including HKIAC, CIETAC, ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL.

The international arbitration practice at Baker McKenzie is well-known for its capabilities in handling complex commercial and IP arbitrations, with a particular focus on Mainland China-related disputes and working closely with the firm’s joint operation with FenXun in Greater China. The practice is spearheaded by Gary Seib, with his experience in commercial disputes particularly sought after by major industrials, transportation and TMT clients. Philipp Hanusch is another significant presence and brings extensive technical expertise in arbitrations under various rules including HKIAC, ICC, CIETAC and UNCITRAL. The team was also bolstered by the addition of Ronald Sum from Addleshaw Goddard in September 2022.

Working closely with domestic and global businesses, government organisations and foreign law firms, Deacons regularly assists clients who are parties to arbitration under HKIAC and CIETAC rules, as well clients subject to major arbitral bodies including the ICC and UNCITRAL. The practice is particularly well-versed in handling complex arbitration related to commercial, construction and energy and resources related disputes. Joseph Kwan is a leading figure in Hong Kong, as is KK Cheung, who conducts CIETAC arbitrations in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing. Joseph Chung is a specialist in arbitrations concerning construction and engineering disputes, while Justin Yuen also brings extensive expertise of cross-border commercial disputes.

A global firm with a significant presence in Greater China, Dentons Hong Kong’s international arbitration practice is a trusted advisor to mainland parties in Hong Kong arbitration, such as SOEs, as well as international clients from Europe and North America. Practice head Keith Brandt has vast experience in both domestic and international arbitration, with a particular focus on the energy, construction and financial services sectors. Although Robert Rhoda principally acts as counsel, he regularly sits as an arbitrator in both ICC and HKIAC proceedings, while Richard Keady also handles a broad range of arbitrations under CIETAC, HKIAC and LCIA rules.

With a deep bench of arbitration specialists across Hong Kong and mainland China, Fangda Partners offers seasoned specialists across a range of arbitration institutions including ICC, UNCITRAL, HKIAC, SIAC, CIETAC and SCC. Practice head Peter Yuen brings over two decades of experience of international and regional arbitration, and is especially strong on high-profile commercial arbitrations. He is heavily supported by Olga Boltenko, specialising in investment arbitration and well-versed in investor-state disputes, particularly in the oil and gas, infrastructure and construction sectors.

With offices based in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo, Hogan Lovells’ international arbitration team offers extensive experience across a number of highly regulated sectors including financial services, life sciences, TMT and energy. The practice has also established a solid reputation regarding construction arbitrations, having worked closely with a number of significant construction and real estate companies throughout the Asia Pacific. Practice head James Kwan represents both multinational and Chinese clients on complex arbitrations, well-versed when operating under major institutional and ad hoc rules, from ICC and CIETAC to HKIAC and SIAC. Senior associate Zoe Dong also brings solid experience of multi-jurisdictional commercial arbitrations, having qualified in Hong Kong, the PRC and England and Wales.

Mayer Brown offers extensive experience, as both advocates and arbitrators, across the gamut of international arbitration and dispute settlement procedures in the region, spanning HKIAC, CIETAC, SIAC, ICC and SCIA. The firm’s arbitration specialists have expertise across a broad range of key economic and regulated sectors, from energy and construction to finance and insurance. Practice co-head Menachem Hasofer’s practice has a particular focus on disputes arising from building construction and infrastructure projects. Geoffrey Chan jointly leads the practice and is highly experienced in construction arbitration and ADR in Hong Kong, China and Macau.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s Greater China international arbitration team represents domestic and multinational corporations, financial institutions and regulatory bodies on complex cross-border disputes. A particular strength comes in construction disputes arising from infrastructure and energy projects, and the team also handles a steady stream of commercial disputes stemming from M&A, JV and shareholder disputes. The practice is jointly led by Alfred Wu and Camille Jojo with the former focusing on corporate finance, funds and M&A disputes, while the latter is highly regarded for his expertise in general commercial arbitrations. Kevin Hong has notable experience in the commodities, infrastructure and construction sectors.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is renowned for its ability to handle high-value and complex international commercial arbitrations for premier Asian clients. The practice is also well-versed in a number of areas relevant to cross-border disputes, including issues of jurisdiction, sovereign immunity, extraterritorial application of statutes, and limits on cross-border evidence recovery. Head of international arbitration practice for Asia John Rhie specialises in both commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, while Duncan Watson KC has acted as counsel under most arbitral institutions and rules, spanning ICC, ICIA, HKIAC, SCC and SIAC.

With highly experienced specialists across its offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP offers a robust international arbitration practice that regularly counsels in arbitration proceedings under HKIAC, CIETAC, ICC and LMAA rules. Lianjun Li jointly leads the practice and commands a stellar reputation for high-stakes arbitration, particularly concerning commercial and maritime disputes. Co-head Asha Sharma is also adept when it comes to property related arbitrations, while Donald Sham offers a broad range of sector expertise that spans pharmaceuticals, financial services, transport, energy and technology. The team was bolstered by the addition of Matthew Townsend from Fangda Partners in August 2022, leading the firmwide digital disputes team.

Akin routinely handles complex international arbitration across numerous commercial sectors, with specialists experienced at conducting arbitrations pursuant to all the major institutional rules including HKIAC, SIAC, UNCITRAL, and ICC. Solicitor advocate Ing Loong Yang leads the practice and is highly respected in the Asia Pacific market for his international arbitration and cross-border disputes expertise, while counsel Chi Ho Kwan is also well regarded and regularly represents major companies, equity funds and high-net-worth individuals.

The international arbitration offering at CMS is well known for its considerable experience of handling commercial disputes in Hong Kong, with specialist expertise across a wide array of sectors spanning pharmaceuticals and biotech, technology, energy, infrastructure and construction. Acting as counsel and arbitrator throughout proceedings in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, practice head Nicolas Wiegand has extensive experience across a range of major arbitration rules, from ICC and HKIAC to SIAC and DIS.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Hong Kong and wider Asia Pacific arbitration team is a trusted advisor to various multinationals, international organisations, sovereigns and NGOs on complex international disputes; having carved out a particularly strong reputation for private equity disputes. Splitting his time between Hong Kong and London, Tony Dymond co-chairs the Asia arbitration practice and principally focuses on multijurisdictional construction and engineering disputes. Mark Johnson and Gareth Hughes are also key contacts in Hong Kong, with the latter being adept concerning complex commercial disputes and regularly handling arbitrations under HKIAC, LCIA, SIAC and CIETAC. International counsel Cameron Sim is also building a solid reputation for Asia-related arbitrations, representing corporates and sovereign entities across a broad range of industries including energy, insurance, pharmaceuticals and banking and finance.

Having established a particularly strong reputation for advising private and sovereign clients on commercial and investor-state disputes, Eversheds Sutherland’s lawyers bring considerable experience conducting international arbitrations under various institutional rules, from SIAC and HKIAC to ICC and AIAC. Wesley Pang leads the firm’s international arbitration practice in Asia and has previously acted on some of the largest energy-related arbitrations across the globe. Head of litigation Mark Hughes also offers extensive experience advising on arbitrations seated in Hong Kong, London, Singapore and China.

Hill Dickinson Hong Kong has a long established presence in the Hong Kong international arbitration market, working closely with specialists in the firm’s insolvency, corporate, data protection and regulatory teams. The practice has also benefited from its commerce expertise, particularly in shipping and real estate, where it has made considerable contributions to the region’s arbitration law. Team head Damian Laracy has extensive experience across all major rules from CIETAC and ICC to UNCITRAL and HKIAC; with the subject matter of these arbitrations including complex construction, mining, energy and corporate issues. Below partner level, associate Felix Cheung is building a solid reputation across a broad range of sectors including TMT, biotech and pharmaceuticals.

Kirkland & Ellis is a market leader in private equity and funds arbitration, active across all aspects from advisory work at the deal stage to pre-arbitration dispute resolution and conducting the arbitrations themselves. Vastly experienced across HKIAC, ICSID, ICC, SIAC and many other major institution rules, the practice also handles a steady stream of international commerce and investor-state arbitrations across key economic sectors including energy, infrastructure, defence and technology. Fergus Saurin heads the practice and commands a strong reputation for multi-jurisdictional arbitration disputes, especially regarding capital markets, M&A and shareholder disputes. Kelly Naphtali is also a key contact for cross-border work, covering numerous jurisdictions including China, Japan, Singapore, Korea and Australia.

Latham & Watkins LLP continues to act for state governments and multinationals in complex disputes, consistently handling arbitrations administered under the two main institutions in Greater China, namely the HKIAC and CIETAC. Dominic Geiser joined as practice head from Herbert Smith Freehills in late 2022, with his practice focusing on complex commercial arbitration in Hong Kong and Asia, including contractual, financial, private and public company, shareholder and joint venture disputes.

Utilising an extensive global network, Pinsent Masons’ international arbitration offering is best known for handling complex disputes arising from commercial and financial transactions, as well as large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Alvin Ho was appointed as head of the Hong Kong office in May 2023 and co-leads the international arbitration offering, having acted in ICC HKIAC, and CIETAC arbitrations concerning projects in Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China and Japan. Dean Lewis jointly leads the team and often appears as a lead trial advocate in arbitrations, with a particular strength in arbitrations related to major infrastructure projects throughout the Asia Pacific. Solicitor advocate Mohammed Talib is also adept in this area.

Sidley Austin has a strong international arbitration presence in Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific, handling many high value bet-the-company cross-border mandates. Catering to an impressive roster of blue-chip clients, Chinese corporate and SOEs, the practice has a particular strength in life sciences, private equity, real estate and financial services. Friven Yeoh heads the international arbitration offering in Asia, conducting high-stake arbitrations under various rules including ICC, HKIAC, CIETAC, SIAC, and UNCITRAL. Commercial arbitration expert Desmond Ang has particular expertise in disputes involving investments with companies in China, Taiwan and Japan. Yan Zhang has also built a solid reputation in the market, particularly in the fields of private equity and life sciences.

Zhong Lun Law Firm is particularly skilled at handling complex commercial disputes with a strong mainland and Hong Kong nexus, as well as cross-border disputes and those arising along countries partaking in the One Belt and Road initiative. Frederick Hui and Gilbert Leung jointly lead the offering, regularly representing financial institutions, multinational corporations and SOEs in major international arbitrations. Terence Luk joined the team from Fairbairn Catley Low & Kong in November 2022, strengthening the group’s offering on cross-border arbitration.