Walkers is pleased to announce that it has retained its top tier ranking for 'Offshore' legal services in the 2022 Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific guide. The commentary includes:
"All the Walkers lawyers we deal with in Asia are very practical and pragmatic about the investment fund world. They respond quickly, thoughtfully, accurately and clearly on all the matters we handle with them."
"The team is very experienced in dealing with complex cross-border insolvency matters involving Hong Kong, China and offshore jurisdictions. The lawyers are very commercially aware and have useful practical insights in relation to the approach of the judges in the various offshore jurisdictions where they practice."
Walkers also received a jurisdiction-leading 10 lawyer rankings, four more rankings than the next Asia-based offshore law firm.
Walkers' Singapore managing partner John Rogers commented: "I am delighted to see that the hard work performed by our practices across the Asian region has been recognised by this leading legal directory."
Hong Kong managing partner Andy Randall said: "We are pleased to see further independent feedback that confirms our position at the very top of the Asia market for offshore legal advice."
Notable practitioners
- Andy Randall is the managing partner of the Hong Kong office. He is well recognised for his capital markets work, regularly advising on secured note issuances, securitisations and derivative transactions.
- Denise Wong receives widespread endorsement and stands out for her expertise in private equity and hedge fund matters. Based in Hong Kong, she works with many sponsors on fund formation and investment mandates.
- James Gaden is a Hong Kong-based lawyer who has an established corporate and investment funds practice. He has extensive experience advising private equity and hedge fund managers on various fund formation, structuring and investment matters. One client notes: "He knows the Japanese market better than any other Cayman lawyers."
- Joanne Collett earns praise for her expertise in handling insolvency and restructuring mandates. She also advises on shareholder disputes and fund related matters, One client says: "Joanne Collett is a savvy cross-border insolvency and restructuring lawyer who is very hands-on, responsive and commercial."
- John Rogers is a well-regarded figure in the offshore legal world. He leads the Singapore office as managing partner and offers expert advice on finance and corporate transactions.
- Kristen Kwok specialises in banking and finance work and has standout experience in Cayman Islands law matters. Based in Hong Kong, she offers notable knowledge in the debt capital markets and structured finance areas. One interviewee says: "She is highly responsive, very business-minded and easy to work with on difficult issues. She understands the business dynamics and culture of PRC clients and can deliver flexible solutions that address the needs of those clients."
- Laura Rogers is based in Singapore and has a growing reputation in the market. She offers advice on a range of corporate work including private equity, M&A, hedge funds and joint venture matters.
- Paul Aherne is highly rated for his adept handling of corporate and financing transactions. He is regularly engaged by financial institutions and large corporations. He receives high praise from the market and is noted by one source as a "very good operator."
- Thomas Granger is based in the Hong Kong office and offers advice on private equity and investment fund matters. He is known for his adept handling of Japan-related work.
- Tom Pugh joined as a partner in Walkers' Hong Kong office in late 2021, having previously practised at Mayer Brown. He frequently advises creditors with regards to debtor negotiations, liquidations, restructurings and recovery matters. He comes recommended for his handling of multi-jurisdictional matters.
