Global law firm Ashurst has strengthened its Hong Kong investment funds and asset management practice by hiring James Ford, a former managing partner of O’Melveny’s Hong Kong office, as a partner from A&O Shearman.
Ford, an expert in private equity and alternative assets, brings experience in fundraising, secondary transactions, M&A, strategic investments, and capital markets. He focuses on structuring funds and transactions to address regulatory, tax, and transactional issues, and his clients include Asian and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.
Ford joined the pre-merger Allen & Overy in 2021. His prior career includes a 17-year stint at O'Melveny, where he served as Hong Kong office managing partner from July 2018 until his departure, and four years at SJ Berwin (now part of King & Wood Mallesons). Since October 2023, Ford has served as vice-chair of the technical committee of Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.
In a statement, Ashurst Hong Kong office managing partner Ben Hammond called Ford’s appointment "a significant step” in the firm’s strategy to grow its presence in China and Hong Kong, as well as the broader Asia-Pacific region.
“James' expertise and established client relationships will be invaluable in enhancing our service offerings and supporting our clients' needs in this dynamic market,” said Hammond.
Added Nick Goddard, Ashurst’s global practice head of investment funds: "James' appointment is a key milestone in the growth of our investment funds practice. His extensive experience and strong track record in the funds sector, particularly in secondary transactions, align well with our strategic priorities. We are confident that James will play a crucial role in driving the continued success and expansion of our global investment funds practice."
Ford joins Lance Jiang in leading Ashurst's funds-related practice team in Hong Kong, which now comprises five lawyers. The London-headquartered firm currently has 30 lawyers based full-time in Hong Kong, including 16 partners.
