Lauded by a client as ‘the most experienced and well-resourced private client and family team in Hong Kong’, Withers continues to excel in advising high-net-worth individuals, their families, advisers, and family offices. International and cross-border issues, such as complicated financial arrangements or estate planning, form a sweet spot of the firm’s offering. Katie Graves has particular expertise in advising UK expatriates and Asian families with UK connections on their personal tax issues, and co-leads the team alongside Jocelyn Tsao, who is praised as 'simply the best, whether in terms of legal knowledge, or team and client management’ and has represented clients in some of the most high-profile cases before the courts of Hong Kong. Tsao is a keen advocate for the voices of children throughout the divorce and custody process. Other key names at a partner level include the ’dynamic and hard-working’ Billy Ko, Alex Chung, who specialises in cross-border probate matters with an emphasis on estates with US connections; as well as Anisha Ramanathan, who is experienced in all areas of matrimonial law with a ‘deep understanding of children’s arrangements’. Trust and succession planning expert Deirdre Fu and experienced litigator Samantha Gershon are also recommended. In team news, Anisha Ramanathan was recently promoted to partnership, while Vanessa Duff joined Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in June 2023 and Tim George left to become the CEO at Loke Family Office.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Jocelyn Tsao excels in all areas. She has dealt with the most complex cases, and there is very little she has not seen or done. She is direct and supportive with clients, and respected by her opponents. Billy Ko is so easy to work with. He knows what he's doing, especially with cases that have international and cross-border dimensions. Anisha Ramanathan is excellent in children's matters. She has a deep understanding of children's arrangements and is able to resolve difficult conflicts with difficult opponents.'
'Alex Chung is a very responsive, diligent, knowledgeable and resourceful lawyer. His combined qualities are unique in his field. His performance and deliverables are outstanding.'
'I live in the US and am using Withers for legal issues in Hong Kong. They have been great from an international perspective and they have navigated U.S. and Hong Kong institutions well. The instructions they give are always clear.'
'Billy Ko and Jocelyn Tsao of Withers stand out because they are extremely hard working and will always go the extra mile for their clients. Billy Ko is developing a name for himself both in the local market and in Mainland China.'
'Withers has the advantage of having a wide international outlook with commensurate support.'
'Samantha Gershon has a very wide background, having spent some time in criminal law, and this proves very helpful. She is thorough, attentive to detail, and thoughtful in her work. She would be my go-to partner in the firm.'
'Billy Ko is a dynamic and hard working family practitioner. Anisha Ramanathan is also highly motivated and diligent. Samantha Gershon is a sympathetic and caring person.'
'Anisha Ramanathan is the new star of the team. She overcame fierce competition to be made a partner - a testament to her abilities and determination.'