Hui Doe & Sum Law Firm, a Hong Kong-based practice, is set to enter into a formal association with Yingke Law Firm, China's largest law firm by headcount, pending approval from the Law Society of Hong Kong.
Originally established as WM Hui Law Firm by corporate partner Vivian Hui in 2021, the firm saw significant growth in October of last year with the addition of seasoned dispute resolution lawyer Ronald Sum from Baker McKenzie and veteran corporate M&A lawyer Julianne Doe from Dentons.
"This is a firm started by three good friends," Sum told ALB. The practice has since grown to 20 professionals, including three partners, two consultants, and two registered foreign lawyers.
The founding partners bring extensive experience from international practices. Sum, with over two decades in dispute resolution, was formerly a partner at Baker McKenzie Hong Kong. His previous roles include heading dispute resolution at Addleshaw Goddard and leading the arbitration practice at Locke Lord. Sum’s practice spans litigation, arbitration, mediation, and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR).
Doe, who oversees Yingke's family office matters in Hong Kong, brings over two decades of expertise in investment structures, capital markets, corporate finance, and regulatory compliance, having spent 23 years at Dentons. Hui, as a capital markets partner, strengthens the firm's Greater Bay Area capabilities. Both Sum and Hui are qualified Greater Bay Area Lawyers and China Appointed Attesting Officers.
Sum said that the strategic alliance with Beijing-based Yingke was in response to the growing demand for cross-border legal services, particularly from Chinese companies pursuing international investments.
"Given Yingke's size, client reach, and profile, there is a substantial need for their clients to use Hong Kong as a 'super connector' when investing overseas," Sum explained.
This partnership marks a transformative milestone for Hui Doe & Sum. "While we need to adapt to Yingke's internal culture - which we view positively - our client base will expand significantly, considering Yingke's network of 23,000 lawyers," noted Sum. The firm is planning further expansion to accommodate increased service capacity, with Sum adding, "We aim to be one of the best law firms in Hong Kong and in the world."
In addition, this development reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong's legal landscape, where mainland Chinese law firms are increasingly establishing strong footholds. This expansion is primarily driven by increasing demand from Chinese companies pursuing overseas investments and the need for seamless cross-border legal services. With international firms shrinking their presence, more PRC firms have recognised Hong Kong as an ideal base to enhance their global capabilities.
