International law firm Broadfield, which was set up in July last year, has established an office in Hong Kong after hiring three lawyers from Sidley Austin, led by Effie Vasilopoulos, who headed the APAC investment funds group at the latter firm.
The new office will operate in association with Liu, Patrick Ling & Co (PLL), focusing on investment fund formation, private equity M&A, and corporate advisory services. The office aims to expand to 30 professionals, including 20 lawyers, by this summer.
Vasilopoulos, who spent over two decades at Sidley Austin and served on its global executive committee, will lead Broadfield's Asia-Pacific operations as managing partner. During her career spanning nearly 30 years, she has held significant positions at major law firms including Mayer Brown and Ashurst, specialising in investment fund formation and manager structuring arrangements.
Former Sidley counsel Patrick Liu, who joins as founding partner of PLL, also previously worked firms such as Shearman & Sterling and Sullivan & Cromwell. His career includes time at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and various investment management firms.
Huberta Chow, also a former counsel at Sidley, joins PLL as partner. She has 18 years of experience focusing on private fund formation and financial services regulatory matters.
The Hong Kong launch comes just months after Broadfield's formation in July 2024, through a collaboration between Alvarez & Marsal Legal Services and UK-based BDB Pitmans, targeting mid-market private capital and corporate clients.
“This launch represents a transformative milestone for the Asia legal market and reinforces Broadfield's vision to redefine legal services through innovative, value-driven solutions,” said Vasilopoulos in a statement.
Added John Hutchinson, managing partner of Broadfield UK: “This collaboration highlights our commitment to addressing the complex challenges of globalization, technological disruption, and shifting client expectations in the legal profession.”
The statement added that the office will receive strategic support from SHP Legal Services, which provides expertise in technology, talent acquisition, and business strategy.
