International law firm Withers continues to build on its litigation and international arbitration practice in Asia with another strong hire, welcoming new partner and commercial litigator, Michael Chik, alongside associate Zoe Chung. Michael and Zoe join Withers in Hong Kong from Bird & Bird and have a focus on financial and commercial disputes and regulatory matters.
Michael is an experienced litigator, representing a broad range of institutional clients including banks, asset managers, other financial institutions and listed companies, as well as individual clients including senior executives of listed corporations and financial institutions, in all aspects of commercial disputes. This includes complex and high-value commercial transactions, trusts, shareholder’s disputes, financial institution disputes and estate or probate disputes.
Michael is also a trusted advisor to corporate clients on regulatory matters including compliance issues, such as those in relation to the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Additionally, he advises on highly contentious regulatory work and investigations by regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Futures Commission and the Competition Commission, ranging from market misconduct, breach of directors’ duties and precious metal price riggings. Michael brings experience in international arbitration under various institutional rules including proceedings conducted under the ICC, SIAC and HKIAC rules.
Recognised as one of the most respected firms for dispute resolution by international legal directories, including the Global Arbitration Review’s GAR100 list, Withers has substantially expanded its disputes team. Litigator and arbitrator Joseph Chu joined in Hong Kong last month and the firm has also recently welcomed partners Sherlin Tung, Shaun Leong and Chenthil Kumarasingam in its Hong Kong and Singapore offices.
Rita Ku, disputes partner in Hong Kong, comments: “Michael’s experience in cross border, complex commercial disputes and high profile cases will be a strong addition to our bench strength of dispute resolution lawyers. His arrival also reinforces our recognised expertise in trust and succession disputes, strengthening our reputation as the world’s largest team of inheritance and trust lawyers.”
Peter Wood, global head of litigation, also comments: “Michael comes with a remarkable track record that complements our top-ranked global arbitration and litigation practice. We are excited to continue growing our capability in Asia and to deliver an ever stronger and high quality international commercial litigation and arbitration services for our clients.”
Michael adds: “I am delighted to be part of Withers’ international dispute resolution practice. The firm’s robust worldwide presence, longstanding expertise in inheritance disputes and strong reputation for representing private clients are synergistic with my practice which often deals with complex disputes that require coordination between different jurisdictions, laws and regulatory regimes. This robust network of expertise is invaluable in serving our clients’ global needs.”
