Asia Pacific Legal 500

Asia Pacific Legal 500 is published annually by Legalease, a leading independent publisher of information for law firms and their clients.

Tanner De Witt has ranked as a leading international law firm for Corporate and Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Restructuring and Insolvency and Technology, Media, Telecommunications (TMT) .

Below are some examples of what Asia Pacific Legal 500 has said about us over the years.

2023 Edition

Tanner De Witt is proud to again be recommended in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2023 for employment, restructuring and insolvency, dispute resolution, technology, media, telecommunications (TMT), commercial, corporate and M&A, private client and family. Legal 500’s Hall of Fame includes Partners Ian De Witt and Robin Darton, while Pamela Mak and Russell Bennett are recognised as Leading Individuals. Sunny Hathiramani is listed as a next generation partner for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. We are immensely pleased that Pádraig Walsh has made the list as a leading individual in TMT and River Stone as a next generation partner for commercial, corporate and M&A. The full rankings can be found here.

 

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

Tanner De Witt expertly leverages its independent Hong Kong origins to provide comprehensive advice across all elements of restructuring and insolvency, particularly relating to domestic matters. The firm has seen an increase in listed company work and has been active for a number of PRC property developers in recent months, as well as being regularly instructed by investors, financial institutions, insolvency practitioners and debtor companies. The R&I team is active in both contentious and non-contentious matters and has international capacity and experience. Practice heads, Ian De Witt⭐ and Robin Darton⭐, have extensive experience dealing with contentious and insolvency related matters, both in Hong Kong and cross border, and winding-up proceedings, bond restructurings and cross-border recognition proceedings, with expertise in off-shore matters.

⭐Hall of Fame

Ian De Witt

Robin Darton

Next Generation Partner

Sunny Hathiramani

Other key lawyers:

Veronica Chan

Testimonials

‘When it comes to insolvency, TDW is really the best in town. They have probably forgotten more about insolvency than most know. Truly excellent in terms of knowledge, approach and service to clients. Could not recommend them more highly.’

‘Sunny Hathiramani and Veronica Chan are well connected in the Hong Kong market and add supporting firepower.’

‘Deep bench of talented and commercial lawyers led by Ian De Witt and Robin Darton. The firm offers seamless service with pragmatic and strategic advice.’

‘Tanner De Witt is a leading restructuring and insolvency law firm in Hong Kong. Their partners are trustworthy and always consider issues from different perspectives.’

‘Independent HK law firm with incredible depth of experience and packing a punch if not leading the pack amongst the international firms in the same area.’

‘Very knowledgeable about the insolvency landscape in Hong Kong. One of the most sure-footed insolvency firms in Hong Kong.’

‘An independent local practise focused on insolvency/restructuring situations. Whilst being a local practise, the size and spectrum of its team should rank ahead of many international firms.’

‘Ian de Witt and Robin Darton provide a very desirable mix of prior international law firm experience and working in a local team that has operated successfully in Hong Kong for many years, combining local knowledge with cross-border expertise.’

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Employment – ranked: tier 2

The established and longstanding employment team at Tanner De Witt has been heavily involved in many of the contemporary issues within the Hong Kong market caused by the global pandemic, including vaccination requirements and remote working. The firm has an extensive advisory practice, providing advice to domestic and international clients in relation to employment documents, potential redundancies and terminations and discrimination claims. The practice still benefits from the wealth of experience provided by employment veteran Kim Boreham, despite stepping into a consultancy role. Russell Bennett is the founder and head of the team, with a significant part of his practice involving advising clients in the financial services industry, particularly when it comes to matters which require input on potential regulatory consequences.

Leading Individual

Russell Bennett

Other key lawyers:

Mark Chiu

Testimonials

‘The team looks at the big picture and very accurately addresses the way the Court will view the case. In one case, the team chose to attack ‘abuse of process’, which they did successfully. The Judge himself considered it a big leap, but he agreed.’

‘Russell Bennett always has a good view of the way to present a case.’

‘Mark Chiu is excellent at resolving details and issues of a case.’

‘I worked with Kim Boreham and her team on several employment related cases, they are responsive to client’s questions and give practical advice. The quality of her work is very good.’

‘Kim Boreham is a very experienced employment lawyer representing both the employers and the employees, hence, she gives very practical advice when advising employer’s. Her outstanding experience has successfully helped our company in stopping an ex-employee who kept on sending harassing emails to management for over 3 months.’’

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Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

Benefitting from an ‘excellent understanding of Hong Kong and the wider region’, independent local firm Tanner De Witt provides ‘responsive, very sensible and commercial advice’ directly to clients, as well as part of cross border teams with other firms. The scope of the work is broad and includes contentious insolvency matters, probate disputes, shareholder litigation, fraud and asset tracing. Pamela Mak  ‘is particularly skilled at dealing with mainland clients’ and co-heads the team alongside Mark Side , who specialises in contentious regulatory matters. ‘Top disputes lawyer’ Jeff Lane  is also recognisedparticularly in the context of fraud and asset recovery matters.

Leading Individual

Pamela Mak

Other key lawyers:

Jeff Lane

Testimonials

I have been impressed by Tanner De Witt’s thorough approach to every litigation matter I have worked on with them. They also have excellent relations with attorneys located in many other jurisdictions that gives them tremendous depth to address complex cross-border issues.’

‘Tanner De Witt is a highly sophisticated complex litigation firm in my experience and because they are independent they are more flexible than many of their competitors. The have a really good understanding of Hong Kong and the wider region and are staffed with experienced, diligent and careful associates.’

‘The team provides responsive, very sensible and commercial advice.’

‘The team is strong in disputes where there are allegations of serious wrongdoing and in applying for or responding to injunctive relief. They are also commercially sensible when it comes to pricing and are collegiate in the way that they work.’

‘Pamela Mak is particularly skilled at dealing with mainland clients, and skilled at soothing difficult clients.’

‘Jeff Lane is a top disputes lawyer, with particular expertise in fraud and asset recovery matters.’

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Private client and Family – ranked: tier 3

Tanner De Witt possesses considerable depth and breadth in terms of its private client and family practice, involved in both complex cross-border work as well as contentious and non-contentious domestic matters. The team has a particularly strong family offering, with Joanne Brown heading the family side and regularly instructed regarding nuptial agreements, child removal and access and requests for injunctive relief. Eddie Look also heads the team and is highly active on private client matters, advising a wide range of clients including trustees, executors and administrators. Mark Side also comes highly recommended.

Testimonials

They have a truly well-rounded team, able to deal with the full gamut of family work. The partners have very different approaches and experiences, and are able to work off of that breadth of expertise.’

‘Tanner De Witt’s family law team is highly regarded in the sector. They are experienced and deliver a high level of service to their clients. They are very good at navigating family litigation, including complex cases, and also at avoiding contested litigation altogether.’

‘Joanne Brown’s team are some of the best family practitioners in Hong Kong, running cases with the minimum amount of conflict that is possible in their clients best interests.’

‘I have worked closely with Eddie Look on a number of matters and cannot praise his professionalism enough. He always makes himself available for an initial chat and his responses are thorough, clear and well-reasoned.’

‘Joanne Brown is a first class family lawyer, who always has time for her clients and can handle the toughest cases. She is both practical and strategic, and gets the best possible results.’

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TMT – ranked: tier 3

Fielding ‘a very robust TMT practice‘, Tanner De Witt is consistently selected as Hong Kong co-counsel on major international technology transactions. Focused on founder representation, the firm’s domestic technology practice in Hong Kong routinely partners with government bodies, accelerator and incubation programmes, and other technology sector intermediaries. The practice of technology team leader and ‘standout lawyer‘ Pàdraig Walsh covers issues arising from new technologies, such as cloud, blockchain and AI. Foreign legal consultant Nigel Stamp, a commercial TMT law and outsourcing specialist, is a 2021 hire from K&L Gates, while Tara Chan and Alan Wong are the associates to note.

Leading Individual

Pádraig Walsh

Other key lawyers:

Tara Chan

Testimonials

‘There is a great team at Tanner De Witt. The lawyers are friendly and approachable, and they really know what they are doing.’

‘Tanner De Witt has a very robust TMT practice that can handle a variety of matters, including data privacy, telecoms, cybersecurity, and fintech issues. It is well known for transforming complex legal issues into pragmatic solutions that make sense to clients.’

‘Tanner De Witt has a very strong TMT practice team. Although it is not big, it is solid, and its fee arrangements are flexible and can be tailored to the client’s budgeting needs. The advice the lawyers provide is also very practical.’

‘Pàdraig Walsh is a seasoned TMT attorney, who understands the client’s business and commercial needs. The advice he provides is solid and practical, and he is supported by a group of talented attorneys.’

‘Pàdraig Walsh is very experienced and understands clients’ business. He has deep knowledge of the market, bringing all this to bear with straightforward and strategic advice. Clients know they are getting good advice that they can rely on.’

‘Pàdraig Walsh is a standout lawyer who is known for his ability to handle complex matters for clients from the fintech and technology sectors. He is certainly a leader in this practice area.’

‘Foreign legal consultant Nigel Stamp is very supportive and will go the extra mile to find out information that will be helpful for clients’ projects. Clients greatly appreciate his devotion and determination.’

‘Associate Tara Chan is very responsive, clear and direct in her advice. Clients know they can get the help they need even if there is a tight timeline.’

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Commercial, Corporate and M&A: Independent Hong Kong Law Firms – ranked: tier 3

Tanner De Witt is highly active in the Hong Kong corporate market, advising on both domestic and cross-border deals including the HK aspects of large-scale, multi-jurisdictional deals. Eddie Look and Tim Drew jointly lead the team and between them offer decades of experience in M&A, investments and joint ventures; elsewhere, River Stone stands out for his focus on public market transactions such as share sales and acquisitions. The team’s client base is broad and encompasses Hong Kong and international companies across sectors including technology, manufacturing and consumer goods.

Next Generation Partners

River Stone

Other key lawyers:

Edmond Leung; River Stone; Carol Ling

Testimonials

‘The Tanner de Witt team are always great to work with. They have very talented lawyers, attract a fantastic calibre of clients, and are always a great bunch of people to work with.’

‘River Stone who heads the China desk, Edmond Leung (corporate/M&A) and Eddie Look are the key practitioners in the team. They’re always very approachable and responsive and give very practical and commercially savvy advice.’

‘We have worked with Tim Drew and Carol Ling from Tanner De Witt. Both are excellent and professional lawyers, who were extremely on the ball and highly responsive.’

‘An exceptional practice. A real feeling of total teamwork, from the most senior in the team which was assigned for my advisory work, to the next levels in the team. Each team member knew their role and there was evident synergy across the team members which meant that as a client, I felt all were aligned and on the same page with my situation and the details of my matters.’

‘The corporate practice has a strong bench and take a very hands on and pragmatic approach. The partners are really experienced and understand the market. They take the time to understand the client and what they are looking to achieve.’

‘Tim Drew has deep experience in the market. He is a delight to work with and gets deals done. He has a way of cutting through complexity and making you feel that you are in very safe hands.’

‘An independent boutique Hong Kong firm which punches above their weight. Very knowledgeable, commercial and value for money.’

‘Capable, quick and experienced.’

2022 Edition

Tanner De Witt is proud to be recommended in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2022 for employment, restructuring and insolvency, dispute resolution and technology, media, telecommunications (TMT). Legal 500’s Hall of Fame includes Partners Ian De Witt and Robin Darton and Consultant Kim Boreham, while Pamela Mak and Russell Bennett are recognised as Leading Individuals. Sunny Hathiramani is listed as a next generation partner for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. The full rankings can be found here.

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

Independent Hong Kong firm Tanner De Witt has a large and dedicated restructuring and insolvency team that handles matters with domestic and international dimensions. It is often instructed as lead counsel on contentious matters and also services large international law firms as local counsel. Ian De Witt and Robin Darton co-head the team of ‘well respected practitioners’, with De Witt recommended for commercial litigation, insolvency, fraud, asset-tracing and enforcement matters. Darton has considerable experience in debt restructurings and matters relating to financing and security transactions. ‘Excellent lawyer’ Sunny Hathiramani acts for office holders and creditors in relation to contentious personal and corporate insolvency matters. 

Employment – ranked: tier 2

Independent Hong Kong firm Tanner De Witt generates referrals from other independent and international law firms, and it is equally strong in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The practice has recently seen a number of instructions relating to the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the COVID-19 pandemic, including advice on the Hong Kong government’s wage subsidy scheme, work-from-home arrangements, and sickness and termination issues. With Kim Boreham stepping into a consultancy role, the team is now led solely by Russell Bennett, who focuses on handling contentious employment matters for senior regulated individuals.

Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

The ‘responsive and user-friendly‘ litigation team at Tanner De Witt handles a broad scope of matters, ranging from banking-related fraud and asset tracing to the contentious probate of high-net-worth individuals. Jointly led by Mark Side, Jeff Lane and Pamela Mak, its other focus areas include insolvency and multijurisdictional shareholder disputes. Clients note Side as a ‘tough adversary‘, with further praise for Mak, who is ‘adept at smoothing over any problems‘. The ‘commercially savvy‘ Robin Darton is another key contact.

TMT – ranked: tier 3

Led by the ‘responsive and pragmatic‘ Pádraig Walsh, Tanner De Witt provides ‘practical advice‘ to investors, strategics and founders on a range of transactional, procurement, data protection and commercial contracts matters. Walsh acts for clients in a wide variety of industries, such as fintech, regtech, healthtech and cleantech, among many others. He is knowledgeable about issues associated with new technologies, including AI, blockchain and cloud. Consultant Nigel Stamp is a recent arrival from K&L Gates.

2021 Edition

Tanner De Witt is proud to be recommended in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2021 for its four main practice areas: corporate and commercial, employment, restructuring and insolvency and dispute resolution. Notably, partners Ian De Witt, Robin Darton and Kim Boreham are ranked in the Hall of Fame, while Pamela Mak is recognised as a Leading Individual. Sunny Hathiramani is listed as a next generation partner for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. 

Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

The team at Tanner De Witt provides ‘responsive, commercial, measured and sensible advice‘ on insolvency-related disputes, high-value commercial litigation, and complex shareholder disputes, among other areas. Mark Side, Jeff Lane and Pamela Mak lead the practice, in which insolvency law expert Robin Darton is a key name.

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

Regularly referred work by international law firms and also benefiting from deeply entrenched relationships with local IPs and officeholders, independent domestic firm Tanner De Witt regularly advises creditors and debtors on purely Hong Kong-related matters, as well as on the local law issues associated with regional/international restructurings/insolvency. Co-headed by the ‘user-friendly and cost-conscious‘ Ian De Witt and Robin Darton, although the firm is also active in consensual out-of-court restructuring matters (including an increasing amount of restructuring work relating to Hong Kong-listed companies), it is undoubtedly best-known for its contentious insolvency advice, including work relating to fraud and asset tracing, and claims against auditors. Sunny Hathiramani is also recommended.

Employment – ranked: tier 2

A well-established presence in the local market, independent Hong Kong-based firm Tanner De Witt picks up direct instructions from employers and employees, as well as receiving a considerable amount of law firm referral work, across a wide range of labour law matters, from employment handbook drafting and advice on severance packages, through to unfair dismissal claims/defences. Co-headed by Kim Boreham and Russell Bennett, the six-strong team has gained most acclaim in the market as a result of its work in the financial services space, including on employment-related disputes at the nexus with white-collar investigations/prosecutions. As part of her wide-ranging practice, Boreham has scored numerous high-profile successes for senior executives resisting attempts by former employers to invoke restrictive covenants and non-compete clauses.

Corporate (including M&A) – ranked: tier 6

Independent Hong Kong firm Tanner De Witt handles a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. Practice head Eddie Look focuses on acquisition of shares and businesses, private equity, structuring of companies and commercial documentation. Tim Drew, who jointly heads the team, is adept at handling M&A. Jan Willem Möller was promoted to partner.

2020 Edition

Tanner De Witt is proud to once again be recommended in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2020 for its four main practice areas; corporate and commercial, labour and employment, restructuring and insolvency and litigation and dispute resolution. Notably, partners Ian De Witt, Robin Darton and Kim Boreham have retained their leading individual ranking, while Sunny Hathiramani promoted to partner in 2019 is recognised as a next generation partner for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice.

Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

Tanner De Witt’s ‘very user-friendly’ team provides ‘no-nonsense advice’, and is ‘very strong on shareholder and listed company disputes’. Other areas of instruction for the group include cyber fraud, contentious insolvency cases, and high-value commercial fraud matters. Mark Side stands out for his ‘fantastic knowledge’; he leads the team with Jeff Lane and Pamela Mak.

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

‘One of the top insolvency teams in the market’, the three-partner team at Tanner De Witt is highly in demand as a result of its ‘specialised experience combined with practical advice’. Best-known for its contentious prowess, the team receives a raft of mandates from insolvency practitioners (IPs), as well as referral work from international law firms to advise on the Hong Kong aspects of cross-border matters. ‘Two of the most prominent insolvency/restructuring lawyers in Hong Kong’, co-heads Ian De Witt and Robin Darton have ‘great all-round experience’, while recently promoted partner Sunny Hathiramani has a flourishing reputation at a more junior level across a range of insolvency and restructuring issues, in relation to both companies and individuals.

Employment – ranked: tier 2

Tanner De Witt has a ‘fantastic reputation’ representing senior executives and high-profile employees within the financial services sector, in cases related to non-compete clauses, discrimination, breaches of fiduciary duties, unpaid wages and severance payments. The ‘practical and pragmatic’ Kim Boreham provides ‘no-nonsense’ advice to employers and employees across a wide spread of advisory and contentious advice and is a key member of the team.

Corporate (including M&A) – ranked: tier 6

Eddie Look, Tim Drew and Edmond Leung jointly lead the Corporate and Commercial team, which is well-known among local businesses operating in the mid-tier segment of the Hong Kong market. It also acts for a significant number of multinational household-name entities. The multifaceted practice covers M&A, joint ventures, reorganisations, licensing and franchising arrangements, private equity transactions, and regulatory compliance, among other matters. Pádraig Walsh is particularly knowledgeable about various subsets of the technology sector, including fintech, biotech, insurtech, edutech and cleantech. River Stone and Jan Möller (who is dual-qualified to practise in the Netherlands and Hong Kong) are also recommended.

2019 Edition

Tanner De Witt is very pleased to be recommended again in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2019 for its four main practice areas; corporate and commercial, labour and employment, restructuring and insolvency and litigation and dispute resolution. We are very proud to announce that Ian De Witt, Robin Darton and Kim Boreham have retained their leading individual ranking, while solicitor Sunny Hathiramani continues to be recognised as next generation lawyer for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. 

Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

Mark Side leads the team at Tanner De Witt, which recently assisted Grant MacEwan University with tracing and recovery of CA$11.8m misappropriated through cyber fraud, with the team facilitating the recovery of approximately CA$4m in Hong Kong through obtaining a series of emergency injunctions and disclosure orders. Clients also include Micro-Pak Limited and LiMing Capital. Jeff Lane is recommended as ‘a fantastic practitioner, who gives clear and commercial advice on complex issues, and, most importantly, achieves results’.

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

The ‘very strong‘ two-partner team at Tanner De Witt has ‘an excellent reputation for contentious insolvency matters‘; it receives a raft of mandates from insolvency practitioners and, partly because of its independent Hong Kong status, referral work from international law firms to advise on the Hong Kong aspects of cross-border matters. The ‘excellent‘ Ian De Witt has been advising ENRE Holdings as a major creditor on the restructuring of Petrocom; notably De Witt recently successfully stayed the winding-up order against Petrocom, enabling the company to recommence its trading operations. Robin Darton has a strong reputation on both the creditor and the debtor side for his ability to represent the office-holders or directors of troubled companies. Much of Darton’s work includes multi-jurisdictional matters, with a significant proportion flowing from offshore issues. Additional clients include KPMG, Borrelli Walsh, FTI Consulting and KordaMentha. Associate Sunny Hathiramani is also recommended.

Employment – ranked: tier 2

Deeply entrenched in the local market, independent law firm Tanner De Witt’s two-partner team provides ‘excellent service‘ across the spectrum of employment matters impacting local employers and their mid-senior level executives. By dint of its independent status, the firm receives a significant amount of referral work as well as a regular flow of direct instructions, in particular from clients in the financial services industry. The team is best-known for its contentious expertise, and in this respect the ‘very responsive‘ Russell Bennett has ‘in-depth experience‘ and is appreciated by clients not only for his robust representation before the courts and tribunals but also his ‘willingness to explore options to settle out of court‘. Leveraging her litigation background, Kim Boreham has extensive experience representing clients in the Hong Kong courts in relation to injunction applications, enforcement of restrictive covenants and other contentious employment issues.

Corporate (including M&A) – ranked: tier 6

Independent Hong Kong firm Tanner De Witt delivers ‘professional and efficient service‘ across a wide ambit of corporate matters. Its diverse practice covers M&A, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, private equity transactions, shareholder agreements, franchising agreements, distribution arrangements and various other issues. Although the firm is primarily known for acting for middle-market clients, its first-rate reputation also sees it advise a number of household names, such as Facebook and Philips Electronics. Under the joint leadership of Eddie Look and Tim Drew, there has been a significant uptick in mandates, and the practice has been further buoyed by the recent arrival of Pàdraig Walsh from Bird & Bird. Walsh has particular experience of acting for clients in technology-related industries, such as fintech, insurtech, regtech and cleantech. The firm also acts for clients active in other areas, such as electronics, fashion, hotels and financial services. River Stone, who made partner in November 2017, is a fluent speaker of English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Shanghainese. Jan Möller, who qualified in the Netherlands in 2008, has practised as a foreign lawyer in Hong Kong since 2012.

2018 Edition

Tanner De Witt is very pleased to be recommended again this year in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2018 for its four main practice areas; corporate and commercial, labour and employment, restructuring and insolvency and litigation and dispute resolution. We are very proud to announce that Ian De Witt, Robin Darton and Kim Boreham have retained their leading individual ranking, while solicitor Sunny Hathiramani continues to be recognised as next generation lawyer for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. 

Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

Tanner De Witt’s practice includes litigators Mark Side, Pamela Mak and Jeff Lane. Mak is ‘careful to avoid any unnecessary litigation’, and the whole team is praised for ‘not shying away from the difficult-to-hear facts’. Recent highlights include bringing six concurrent actions for a PRC-based energy sector businessman against his former employees for allegedly transferring his assets to themselves and others without consent; the assets are currently being recovered in Hong Kong, BVI and PRC. Other work included acting for an offshore firm in an ICAC investigation.

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

An ‘established player in the Hong Kong market’, Tanner De Witt leverages strong ties with professional services firms including PwC and FTI Consulting and also generates a significant amount of referral work from international law firms to advise on the Hong Kong aspects of cross-border mandates. Particularly recommended at the contentious end of the market, the two-partner team is active across a range of industry sectors and across the spectrum of insolvency-related litigation including acting in winding-up proceedings, appointments of provisional liquidators, claims against directors, claims against auditors, and fraud and asset tracing. The ‘very experienced’ Robin Darton is advising the liquidators of the Hong Kong subsidiary of Singaporean conglomerate Dragon Technology Distribution on the validity of and interplay between various receivables financing arrangements and other security arrangements established between the debtor and numerous lenders. Darton also continues to act for the liquidators of the Hong Kong-based subsidiary of OW Bunker in its high-profile collapse. The ‘excellent’ Ian De Witt is also recommended, while at an associate level Sunny Hathiramani has a burgeoning reputation and is frequently involved in many of the highest-profile matters handled by the team.

Employment – ranked: tier 2

Deeply embedded in the local market, Tanner De Witt’s five-strong team picks up direct instructions and referral work on behalf of many local employers and employees, where the firm is best-known for its ‘excellent employment litigation capability’. The team excels at handling work within the financial services sector and is representing a fund management company in an internal investigation relating to the summary dismissal of a senior executive following alleged breaches of duty and misuse of confidential information. Russell Bennett handles a range of employment litigation within the financial services sector and as well as core work in relation to bonuses and termination entitlements, is also well versed in handling the increasing overlap between employment and financial services regulatory matters. Kim Boreham is the other partner within the team and is noted, in particular, for her ‘expertise in injunction work’, which regularly sees her involved in big-ticket litigation.

Corporate (including M&A) – ranked: tier 6

Tanner De Witt is ‘one of the few independent Hong Kong law firms that can manage international clients well’, and its excellent reputation is underpinned by a sizeable international network of referral firms. Tim Drew is ‘responsive, experienced, pragmatic and client-friendly’. Also recommended are River Stone and Caroline De Souza, who provide ‘solid advice in a reasonable period of time’ and have ‘a great attitude to service’. Noted for its mid-market focus, the team handles a broad cross-section of matters, including M&A, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and private equity transactions. In addition to acting for Hong Kong-based businesses, the firm also assists clients overseas with operations in China and elsewhere in Asia; foodpanda, Equiom Group, Delifrance and King Fook all feature on the roster. Drew jointly leads the practice with the highly regarded Eddie Look and Edmond Leung.

2017 Edition

Tanner De Witt is delighted to be recommended again in The Asia Pacific Legal 500 Guide 2017 for its four main practice areas; corporate and commercial, labour and employment, restructuring and insolvency and litigation and dispute resolution. We are proud to announce that along with recognised leading individuals Ian De Witt, Robin Darton and Kim Boreham, solicitor Sunny Hathiramani has been selected as a next generation lawyer for our top tier Restructuring and Insolvency Practice. The full rankings can be found here.

Dispute resolution: litigation – ranked: tier 3

The practice at Tanner De Witt is led by Mark Side, who is acting for a high-net-worth individual in a professional negligence claim against an international bank. Jeff Lane is ‘a true market leader in fraud and asset recovery claims, with tremendous experience and local knowledge’. Lane is defending Yves Bouvier against a Russian billionaire accusing the client of defrauding him out of $500m. Pamela Mak is also a key contact.

Restructuring and insolvency – ranked: tier 1

‘An expert in the field of insolvency-related matters’, Tanner De Witt has a well-established practice and enjoys strong relationships with key insolvency practitioners; Robin Darton acted for the liquidators of OW Bunker in Hong Kong following the highly publicised collapse of the group. ‘All-round expert’ Ian De Witt is noted for his ‘practical advice’; he recently assisted a well-known Hong Kong-based company with the winding up of several entities. Among other headline mandates, Darton represented Kaisa Group during the complex restructuring of its offshore debt amounting to over $2.5bn.

Employment – ranked: tier 2

Tanner De Witt handles complex and sensitive employment matters for a client base that is divided evenly between companies and employees. The team saw an uptick in discrimination-related claims in 2015 and 2016; in one recent case, Russell Bennett advised a listed company on pregnancy rights and discrimination in the context of termination of employment. Recent instructions on the employee side include Kim Boreham’s advice to a former CEO regarding a high-value separation package.

Corporate (including M&A) – ranked: tier 6

Independent Hong Kong firm Tanner De Witt has an impressive mix of multinational and Hong Kong-based clients. It benefits from an extensive referral work from overseas law firms and handles a range of corporate work that includes frequent advice on Hong Kong’s regulatory landscape. Tim Drew, Eddie Look and Edmond Leung are recommended.

2016 Edition

Within Restructuring and insolvency, Tanner De Witt is a first tier firm,

Insolvency and restructuring is at the heart of Tanner De Witt’s business. The team is particularly noted as having ‘a lot of experience on the contentious side’. The firm acts for a range of office holder clients such as PwC and KPMG. Key recent mandates include representing the liquidators of OW Bunker China and the liquidators of MF Global. The lawyers ‘go out of their way to maintain ongoing close relationships with clients’ and are ‘extremely good at what they do’. Ian De Witt and Robin Darton are both ‘very competent, practical and commercial’.

Within Employment, Tanner De Witt is a second tier firm,

Acting for both employer and employee, Tanner De Witt’s recent mandates included defending a private bank against a substantial financial claim brought by a former senior executive. Kim Boreham is ‘an exceptional lawyer; her knowledge is second-to-none’ and fellow co-head Russell Bennett has impressive in-house financial services experience.

Within Dispute resolution, Tanner De Witt is a a third tier firm,

Recommended for general commercial litigation, property and inheritance disputes, Tanner De Witt attracts very strong peer and client feedback. Department head Mark Side is ‘very good on licensing and matrimonial issues’; Jeff Lane is ‘an outstanding disputes lawyer’; and insolvency specialist Robin Darton is ‘very commercial’. The highly regarded Pamela Mak’s recent cases include multi-jurisdiction probate proceedings and Sino-American telecoms sector disputes.

Within Corporate (including M&A),

Tanner De Witt operates in the mid-market space, though often acts as co-adviser with international law firms on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional transactions. In this regard, it has experienced a notable uptick in M&A mandates. The lawyers deliver a ‘very client-oriented service’; they provide ‘excellent business and industry knowledge’, and ‘concise and to-the-point advice’. In particular, Tim Drew has a ‘strong sense for the needs of the client’ and ‘sets the right tone in negotiations’. Eddie Look and Edmond Leung are also commended.

2015 Edition

Within Restructuring and insolvency, Tanner De Witt is a first tier firm,

Tanner De Witt is widely praised for its market-leading insolvency practice, which represents a range of liquidators. The firm recently represented Ambow Education Holding, a Cayman company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, in successfully applying to stay insolvency proceedings in Hong Kong. Notable clients include PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG and Borrelli Walsh. Jan Johannsson is a key contact for restructuring matters. Robin Darton and Ian De Witt are also recommended.

Within Employment, Tanner De Witt is a second tier firm,

Kim Boreham and Russell Bennett co-head Tanner De Witt’s team, which has seen growth in contentious claims arising from the enforcement of restrictive covenants and claims of misuse of confidential information. In 2013, it successfully resolved a court case involving allegations of breach of restrictive covenants against a senior executive in the insurance industry. Jeff Lane joined from King & Wood Mallesons.

Within Dispute resolution, Tanner De Witt is a third tier firm,

Tanner De Witt attracts praise for its ‘sound and timely advice’ and ‘practical solutions to problems’. Commercial litigation specialist Pamela Mak is ‘exceptionally enthusiastic, considerate and professional’. Mark Side is adept at representing executives and senior employees in investigations. Robin Darton and Ian De Witt are also recommended.

 Within Corporate (including M&A), 

Tanner De Witt focuses on mid-cap work for local SMEs, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. It also regularly works alongside international law firms on the Hong Kong law aspects of cross-border transactions. In this regard, it has gained exposure to a number of major international corporate brands. Eddie Look, Tim Drew and Edmond Leung are the key partners.

2014 Edition

“The seasoned Richard Tanner retired from the partnership at Tanner De Witt in 2013.  Eddie Look, Tim Drew and Edmond Leungnow form the senior team with plenty of experience in mid-cap deals for local and international corporates and investment funds.”

“Independent Hong Kong firm Tanner De Witt has a dynamic practice thanks in part to the efforts of senior litigator Mark Side. The firm often represents senior executives and employees, including in breach of fiduciary duty cases. Fraud is another area of expertise for the department which includes Pamela Mak and Jonathan Gray”.

“Tanner De Witt’s employment practice is headed by Kim Boreham and Russell Bennett, both of whom have strong litigation track records, particularly in relation to the financial sector. The practice handles contentious and non-contentious matters for a range of financial institutions, professional services firms, SMEs and senior executives.”

“The ‘very responsive’ group at Tanner De Wit has ‘good business acumen and deep legal knowledge’. The department is co-led by highly respected practitioners Robin Darton and Ian De Witt, and includes consultant Anthony Hill. De Witt ‘understands the scene very well and knows all the players; with his network, the chances of getting a deal done are greatly improved.”

Ian De Witt, Robin Darton and Anthony Hill are listed as Leading Lawyers for Restructuring and Insolvency and Kim Boreham is listed as a Leading Lawyer for Employment.

2013 Edition

“Tanner De Witt has a genuinely broad litigation practice, which has been handling a number of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty cases.  The eminent Mark Side, Pamela Mak and insolvency expert Ian De Witt are key members of the team”.

“Tanner De Witt’s three-partner corporate department has a fine record in mid-market transactions for local and international businesses”.  

Tanner De Witt provides ‘incisive analysis of legal issues, and sound business acumen’… Robin Darton has ‘considerable experience in a variety of restructuring and insolvency issues‘, as does Ian De Witt, who provides ‘very strong legal knowledge, but an equally commercial approach’.