A strong regulatory regime and rule of law make Hong Kong a leading global arbitration venue. Hong Kong is also a party to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, so awards obtained in the city are enforceable in other signatory countries. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing number of reputable international legal and dispute resolution institutions setting up offices in Hong Kong, reinforcing its worldwide arbitration standing. The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre is the city’s own home-grown arbitration body, established in the 1980s. Totally independent and free from governmental interference, it is one of the world’s leading dispute resolution bodies and its facilities have been ranked first worldwide for location, value for money and IT services. The HKIAC had a record-breaking year in 2024 both in terms of caseload (a total of 503 matters were submitted, of which 352 were arbitrations arising from 510 contracts) and dispute value (HK$106 billion, or about US$13.6 billion).
China’s dramatic economic development has led to vast amounts of capital being invested in the country and Hong Kong is uniquely placed as the ideal conduit. Parties to disputes with Chinese elements often choose Hong Kong for arbitration due to its robust legislative framework, independent judiciary and free choice of legal representation. The Hong Kong and Mainland governments have in place a formal agreement which allows for the enforcement of Hong Kong awards in the Mainland. Further, the rapid growth of the Greater Bay Area – a cross-border economic hub comprising Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in China’s Mainland, with a population of 86 million and GDP over US$1.8 trillion – has enhanced Hong Kong’s strategic importance as a seat of arbitration.
Our team is led by Senior Partner Colin Cohen, who has vast experience in the highest levels of Hong Kong’s legal system. He is admitted as a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators and serves on the Panel of Arbitrators of the Law Society of Hong Kong. The team, which includes Managing Partner Alex Liu and Partner Arthur Chan, has considerable expertise handling commercial disputes. We have twice been named Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the Hong Kong Law Awards. Additionally, John Zhou, our newly onboarded Consultant, brings a wealth of fresh expertise from his tenure with a distinguished arbitration team in Hong Kong. His experience in handling HKIAC cases involving both Mainland and foreign parties adds significant value to our team.
Shareholder disputes, enforcement of non-compete terms and other commercial disputes.
Insurance, private equity firms, high net wealth individuals, etc.
We provide experienced lawyers who will appear for hearings, conferences and preparation of submissions including, but not limited to: opening submissions and list of authorities, perusal of documents, all other preparation, advice and dealing with all matters relevant thereof. Our experience also extends to seeking recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards, seeking injunctive relief for clients and in enforcement proceedings as well as arbitration-related litigation.
Rooms 2303-7 Dominion Centre
43-59 Queen’s Road East
Hong Kong, PRC
Tel +852 3416 1711
