Mr Neil McDonald > Kirkland & Ellis > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile

The practice at Kirkland & Ellis is highly regarded for its specialist knowledge in restructuring the offshore debt of its domestic and international clients, alongside advising on complex global enforcement strategies relating to insolvency. The firm displays extensive cross-border capabilities, often leveraging its network of offices across North America, Europe, and Asia, when advising group holders of offshore notes. Neil McDonald heads the team, routinely assisting with complex restructurings in the real estate space, while Wei-Yang Lim acts for a client-base of major private equity sponsors and portfolio companies. Fergus Saurin concentrates on insolvency-related disputes, and was promoted to partner in October 2023, Anthony Wijaya stands out for his knowledge on cross-border restructurings.

Leveraging the expertise of its network of offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States, the team at Kirkland & Ellis consistently handles complex financial restructurings, enforcement and litigation strategy, alongside insolvency proceedings. The practice has vast experience in representing domestic and international clients in the real estate, energy, and media sectors, regularly demonstrating strong multi-jurisdictional capabilities. Based out of Hong Kong, Neil McDonald leads the group, specialising in advising bondholders in connection with the restructuring of offshore indebtedness, while Hong Kong-based Wei Yang Lim has notable experience handling restructurings and special situations investment across the region. Fergus Saurin primarily focuses on cross-border commercial and insolvency-related disputes, and Anthony Wijaya stands out for his work with global hedge funds. Former partner Kelly Naphtali departed in 2024.