Pinsent Masons has paid tribute to Vincent Connor, head of the firm's Hong Kong office, who ‘enriched the firm and the lives of people around him in so many ways’.

Connor passed away 5 October following a period of illness. The firm described him as ‘an exceptional leader, lawyer and advocate’ who was well known in Hong Kong’s legal and business circles.

Connor specialised in construction and engineering law and spent 14 years in Hong Kong, serving initially as head of Asia for Pinsents and latterly leading the firm’s Hong Kong office. A proud Scot, Connor went to university in Glasgow and headed Pinsents' Scottish offices for almost a decade before moving continents in 2007.

Richard Foley, senior partner at Pinsents, commented: “We are so deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, partner and colleague. Vincent had a profound impact on those around him. He was of course a talented lawyer and inspiring leader but what we all remember is Vincent the man - a true gentleman who was unfailingly kind, funny and ever thoughtful of others.

“He leaves behind so many friends within the Hong Kong business and legal community all of whom will be thinking of Gillian, Vincent’s wife, at this very sad time. Vincent enriched our firm and the lives of people around him in so many ways. We were so lucky to have had him as our friend. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with Gillian and their families at this time.”

Connor was chairman of the International Infrastructure Forum of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, as well as the honorary legal advisor to the Institution of Civil Engineers in Hong Kong.

Outside of Hong Kong, he was a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and sat on Pinsent’s global advocacy team, having secured higher rights of audience a number of years ago. 

Connor was also appointed as a GlobalScot in 2007 and inducted in to the GlobalScot Hall of Fame by Scotland’s First Minister in 2018.