HFW has bolstered its Hong Kong disputes team with a partner hire that promises to grow its private client work in the region. 

Karen Cheung is joining the London-based firm from Hong Kong independent Li & Partners having previously spent a decade working at international firms DLA Piper and Ince & Co. 

The former barrister advises ultra-high-net-worth (UNHW) individuals and families in Hong Kong and China on a wide range of disputes, including contentious probate litigation, matrimonial proceedings and land disputes. 

Her commercial practice, meanwhile, focuses on corporate disputes, including shareholder and joint venture claims for state-owned, multi-national and closely held family enterprises. 

HFW’s global head of litigation, Noel Campbell, said Cheung’s work advising UNHW individuals and families in Hong Kong and China would complement the firm’s yacht and private jet practices.

Cheung said HFW’s strength in international disputes persuaded her to join the firm, noting “HFW is one of the most active firms in the High Court and Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre”. 

Cheung is a fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators, having handled more than 50 international arbitrations – including commercial and shipping arbitration under the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, London Maritime Arbitration Association and ICC rules – as well as arbitration-related court proceedings. 

She also has more than a decade's experience as an accredited mediator, in a city where mediation is often favoured in resolving intra-family disputes or corporate disputes between parties with long-term, ongoing relationships.

Cheung’s arrival underlines HFW’s commitment to the Hong Kong market, notwithstanding the fallout following over the imposition of last year's national security law in the Special Administrative Region. 

“We have been in Hong Kong for more than 40 years and remain deeply committed to the market," said Campbell.

HFW lists 12 Hong Kong-based disputes partners in an overall legal team of more than 70 lawyers. In May, the firm's Shanghai arm hired corporate partner Brinton Scott from Winston & Strawn and of counsel Danielle Peng from US car components manufacturer Cooper Standard.