Of the 18 new partners that Clifford Chance is appointing today, four are based in Asia: Cameron Hassall in Hong Kong, Ho Han Ming in Singapore, Leng-Fong Lai in Tokyo and Tim Wang in Beijing.
"Each of these new partners has already made a name for themselves in their chosen field of expertise and shown the potential to become a future leader of the firm," said Peter Charlton, Clifford Chance's regional managing partner for Asia.
"Asia is a growth region for our firm, and that growth depends in a large part upon attracting, retaining and developing legal talent. All four new partners are excellent examples of the skills, experience and personal qualities required to succeed in this region, and we warmly welcome each of them as new partners in the firm," he added.
Hassall specialises in international arbitration and commercial litigation, particularly in cross-border investment disputes from and into Asia in the energy and infrastructure, private equity, and banking and financial institution sectors. Recently he represented the Brazilian subsidiary of a significant Chinese entity in Hong Kong arbitration proceedings and associated Brazilian enforcement proceedings -- a case that made new law on the application of the Brazilian Arbitration Act. He qualified in New South Wales (Australia) in 1998 and in Hong Kong in 2005, having moved to Hong Kong to join Clifford Chance in 2003.
Ho advises the investment management industry on fund formation, establishment and regulatory issues in Singapore. He has advised as fund counsel on various fund formation transactions, including Lionrock Capital, a global macro hedge fund managed out of Singapore. Before joining Clifford Chance in 2006, Ho worked for a leading international bank. A graduate of the National University of Singapore, he also serves as deputy chairman of the Alternative Investment Management Association in Singapore and on the regulatory committee of the Investment Management Association of Singapore.
Lai specialises in all forms of capital markets and structured finance instruments, advising international banks and borrowers. Recently, he led a team advising Forum Asian Realty Income II on its investment in new bonds to refinance the onshore Japan Reit vehicle of Galileo Japan Trust. This complex project, involving a portfolio of more than 26 properties, required a new and innovative structure to meet the client's requirements. A graduate of the National University of Singapore, he joined Clifford Chance in London in 2000, moving to Tokyo in 2005.
Wang advises Chinese clients on overseas investments, for instance he advised Chinalco on its stake in, and planned partnership with, Rio Tinto. Wang also advises Chinese companies and investment banks on Hong Kong listings, such as the November 2009 IPO of China Minsheng Bank, which was the largest IPO in Hong Kong last year. A graduate of Wuhan University and King's College London, he joined Clifford Chance in 2006 after six years working as an in-house counsel in Chinese state-owned enterprises.
Wang's promotion further strengthens Clifford Chance's practice in Beijing. The firm now has eight partners and counsel based full time in the city.
"Tim is a highly valued member of our China team and I'm delighted to welcome him to the partnership," said Charlton. "He combines top corporate legal skills gained in China and the UK with valuable experience working within China's state-owned enterprises. His understanding of both the Chinese and international business communities is invaluable to our clients."
"Tim is also our second PRC national to join the partnership in China, following Yang TieCheng's election last year. China is obviously an area of growth for both our firm and for our clients, and we will continue to strengthen our practices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai in the months ahead," Charlton said.
