My practice involves advocacy and advisory work in three main areas: commercial litigation and abitration, company work, and tax and Chancery matters. I also give expert opinions from time to time on Hong Kong law for use in overseas courts and tribunals.

Over the past 30 years, my practice has included appearing in several heavy commercial and company matters, notably in the Court of Final Appeal in ADS v. Wheelock Marden & Others (2000) 3 HKCFAR 70, (2001) 2 BCLC 324, after one of Hong Kong’s longest civil trials lasting 14 months. Over the years, I have worked with many leading Silks from London and Hong Kong in a wide variety of cases including in my main practice areas above.

Year of call 1987 (England and Wales) 1987 (Hong Kong) 1994 (Singapore) 2003 (Hong Kong Inner Bar) Selected Cases

Commercial and Company litigation

ADS v. Wheelock Marden & Others (2000) 3 HKCFAR 70, [2001] 2 BCLC 324. The leading Hong Kong authority on fraudulent trading under s.275 Companies Ordinance, and on misrepresentation. Appeared with David Oliver Q.C., following C.A.’s decision ([1998] 3 HKC 153) where I appeared with Robert Ribeiro S.C. (as he then was). And was Junior to Robert Kotewall S.C. at trial which lasted 14 months. Re Wong To Yick Wood Lock Ointment Ltd [2003] 1 HKC 484 (C.A.). A leading authority in shareholders’ disputes seeking winding-up and alternative remedy for unfairly prejudicial conduct, and striking out a winding up prayer. Manufacturers Life Insurance of Canada v. Harvest Hero International Ltd & Others [2002] 1 HKLRD 828 (C.A.). A leading case on Norwich Pharmacal relief in Hong Kong in aid of potential foreign proceedings. AXA Versicherung AG v. Hong Kong Housing Authority FAMV 3/2006, 1 March 2006. Appeared in Court of Final Appeal to successfully obtain leave to appeal on question of great general or public importance: whether a claim against a foreign insurer, solely for costs, is within O.11 R1(1)(c) for service out of jurisdiction on a necessary or proper party. Appeared with Michael Thomas S.C. Appeared in C.A. [2006] 1 HLRD 316, and High Court [2005] 1 HKLRD 801. New World Harbourview Hotel Co. Ltd. v. ACE Insurance Ltd (2012) 15 HKCFAR 120. A leading Court of Final Appeal authority on the interpretation of business insurance policies, involving claims for business interruption losses resulting from the SARS outbreak. Appeared with Benjamin Yu SC. Also appeared in C.A. [2010] 5 HKLRD 133, and High Court [2010] 2 HKLRD 744. Re Asia Television Limited [2015] 1 HKLRD 607. Acted for minority shareholder in well publicised unfair prejudice petition under s.168A Companies Ordinance concerning proper corporate practice and requirements of free television station licence. Obtained exceptional relief whereby majority shareholders were ordered to sell majority stake. Shih Hua Investment Co Ltd v. Zhang Aidong [2017] 3 HKC 393 Acted for 50% shareholder on petition on unfair prejudice and just and equitable winding up. Obtained exceptional interim relief, to reconstitute board of directors with independent professionals. China NPL Holdings v. Mo Haidan [2021] 1 HKLRD 344 (C.A.). Concerning mareva injunction in aid of PRC judgment with general stay of enforcement in PRC.

Tax litigation

Arrowtown Assets Ltd v. Collector of Stamp Revenue (2003) 3 HKCFAR 517. The leading Hong Kong authority on the interpretation of tax statutes, the Ramsay doctrine of fiscal nullity, and stamp duty relief for intergroup transfers under s.45 Stamp Duty Ordinance. Appeared with David Goldberg Q.C. C.I.R. v. Kwong Mile Services Ltd (2004) 7 HKCFAR 275. A leading authority on source of profits under s.14 Inland Revenue Ordinance. Appeared with Robert Kotewall S.C. C.I.R. v. Datatronic [2009] 4 HKLRD 675 (C.A.). A leading case involving manufacturing profits under s.14 Inland Revenue Ordinance. C.I.R. v. Wardley Investment Services Ltd. [1992] 3 HKTC 703 (C.A.). An important source of profits authority on commissions paid by overseas brokers to investment advisers.

International and commercial arbitration

Acting for global Hong Kong conglomerate claiming substantial damages of over RMB 570 million for breach of Distribution Agreement for pharmaceuticals in the PRC. Acting for leading Hong Kong property conglomerate on sale and valuation of Hong Kong waterfront hotel of international renown. Acting in several arbitrations on the international sale of goods, and commodities.

Chancery and Mental Capacity Litigation

Re Estate of Au Kong Tim (No. 3) [2018] 2 HKLRD 864 (C.A.), [2017] 4 HKLRD 284. Appeared in 3 weeks probate trial to successfully propound will of testator aged 92, with large estate. Established due execution by assisted or guided hand, testamentary capacity, and knowledge and approval. Appeal allowed by C.A. concerning testamentary capacity on grounds not raised by Plaintiffs. Application for leave to appeal declined by C.F.A. with important judgment concerning evidence and proof of testamentary capacity : [2018] HKCFA 61. Re LMSP, HCMH 48/2007. Acting for professional Committee on various issues including  potential statutory will, obtaining information and documents relating to MIP’s assets in the PRC, and potential legal action on MIP’s behalf against family members. Obtained court sanction for approval of compromise of commercial litigation concerning MIP. Re BKR [2015] 4 SLR 81 (C.A.). The leading Singapore authority on elder abuse by exercise of undue influence over those with mental impairment, triggering the Court’s Mental Capacity jurisdiction. Worked with London Queen’s Counsel and Singapore Senior Counsel on preparing Submissions for the Singapore CA, including the assessment of divergent expert medical evidence; the appointment of Deputies, concerning a MIP’s property and affairs; and successfully obtaining indemnity costs.

English and spoken Cantonese

Justice of the Peace Deputy Judge of Court of First Instance, December 2008 onwards and time to time Chairman, Town Planning Appeal Board Panel Chairman, Barristers’ Disciplinary Tribunal Chairman, Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board Deputy Chairman, Administrative Appeals Board Member, HKIAC’s List of Arbitrators Member, Higher Rights Assessment Board (July 2016 to June 2022) Bar Council Member (1999-2002), Hong Kong Bar Association Governor of Marlborough College Malaysia, Iskandar, Malaysia (2012 to date)

Marlborough College, Wiltshire, England Open Exhibitioner in History to read Law, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge University BA (Cantab) in Law 1986 (Class II.I), MA (Cantab) in Law 1990