25 Asian Legal Business | November 2024 Derek K. Ho 37, partner, Tonys Lawyers Derek K. Ho is a partner heading the Family and Private Client team at Tonys Lawyers, specialising in family law and matrimonial law. With 13 years of legal experience, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the field, recognised for his expertise as a specialist practitioner. Ho is trained in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and parental coordination, which enhances his ability to navigate complex family dynamics. He serves as a lecturer for the Family Law module in the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) course at both the University of Hong Kong and the City University of Hong Kong. Additionally, Ho has been an invited speaker at various events, including the “Mediate First” panel organised by the Hong Kong Department of Justice and in symposiums across China. Ho also sits on the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Family Law Association as its Secretary. Ho’s notable cases include the successful Court of Appeal judgment in AVT v VNT, which addressed the division of matrimonial assets in short, childless marriages, and GY v YJ, where he secured sole custody for a mother against a mentally ill father’s objections. A client has remarked, “Derek always goes above and beyond to provide tailored advice that considers my unique situation and concerns. His deep understanding of family law complexities has provided me with clear explanations and realistic expectations regarding my case. His attention to detail and dedication to my best interests has been evident in every aspect of his work.” Christy Leung 39, partner, Eric Chow & Co., in Association with Commerce & Finance Law Offices Christy Leung is a partner at Eric Chow & Co., in association with Commerce & Finance Law Offices, with 14 years of experience specialising in dispute resolution and investigations. Leading the firm’s dispute resolution practice, Leung advises investment banks, financial institutions, listed companies, licensed corporations, and directors in white-collar investigations, including those initiated by key regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx), the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Leung also has extensive experience in handling complex civil and commercial litigation in Hong Kong courts and arbitral Brought to you by Commerce & Finance Law Offices in Association with Eric Chow & Co. In Conversation with Christy Leung: Adapting to the Evolving Legal Landscape You’ve handled a wide range of cases, from contentious regulatory matters to civil litigation and arbitration. How do you adapt your strategies when switching between these different types of legal proceedings? I believe most of core skills required of a litigator in contentious regulatory matters and civil litigation/arbitration are common – e.g. the abilities to fact-find effectively and accurately, understand and apply the relevant legal principles, constantly evaluate matters from a costbenefit perspective, forward-thinking, effectively articulate arguments and without overloading them, and accurately outline pros and cons as well as associated benefits and risks of all proposed strategies, such that clients can make informed decisions. Formulating clear objectives and a realistic budget early on is key. Visual roadmaps to cater for different scenarios is something clients often find useful. You’ve represented clients in investigations by various regulatory bodies, including the SFC and HKEx. What do you believe are the key skills that have helped you navigate these complex regulatory landscapes successfully? Key skills are effective communication, meticulous attention to details, and a thorough understanding of the legal principles and regulatory frameworks. It is not really a “key skill” but I am fortunate to work with brilliant clients and colleagues whom I believe are great resources when I navigate complex regulatory landscapes. submissions so as to present the client’s case/submissions in the most favourable light, proactively consider ways to resolve disputes and investigations through negotiations etc. That said, when dealing with a contentious regulatory matter, clients’ decisions are often driven by additional strategic considerations which are not based on legal merits or economics, e.g. to demonstrate compliance awareness and measures to regulators. A litigator should remain flexible in tactics and approaches so as to deliver results that best suit clients’ objectives. How do you balance the legal complexities of your cases with the need for practical, business-oriented solutions for your clients? Most clients are result-oriented and have little to no interest in learning the law and procedure. The fine balance is to give clients all relevant information Christy Leung Partner christyleung@tongshang.com Commerce & Finance Law Offices in Association with Eric Chow & Co. www.tongshang.com
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