Continuing our annual tradition, Asian Legal Business is again recognising outstanding lawyers working for offshore law firms across the region. These lawyers are crucial members of Asia’s offshore legal sector, with proven track records of exceeding client expectations while navigating complex legal issues. The list is arranged alphabetically, and some lawyers have been featured in profiles.
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Florence Chan
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Florence Chan, a partner at Ogier, is a distinguished legal practitioner with extensive experience in corporate finance transactions. Renowned for her meticulous approach and strategic insight, Chan has been instrumental in advising on numerous key transactions, showcasing her expertise across various sectors. In the realm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity, Chan has played pivotal roles in significant deals. For instance, she served as Cay-man counsel to RRJ Capital in its recapitalisation buy-out merger of Singapore-based Fullerton Healthcare Corporation Limited. She also advised DCP Capital Partners, Ocean Link Partners, and Mr Rick Yan as Cayman counsel in connection with their take-private of 51jobs, valued at approximately $5.7 billion. Furthermore, Chan has made significant contributions in the capital markets arena, advising on high-profile IPOs. Her notable engagements include acting as Cayman counsel to Virax Biolabs Group Limited and Meihua International Medical Technologies in their IPOs on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Additionally, she provided legal counsel to Bon Natural Life and Huadi International Group in their IPOs on Nasdaq, showcasing her expertise in facilitating successful public offerings. Chan is also well-versed in handling U.S. SPAC listings, providing vital offshore legal advice in multiple IPOs for SPACs. Notable examples include her role as Cayman and BVI counsel to TenX Keane Acquisition and Nova Vision Acquisition Corp in their respective IPOs on Nasdaq. She is also well experienced in advising on deSPAC transactions, and has recently acted as Cayman legal advisor to Taiwan Color Optics as well as their newly formed holding company, Semilux International Ltd., on their business combination with Nasdaq-listed SPAC. Furthermore, Chan’s fluency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, along with her extensive legal expertise, make her a trusted advisor in navigating complex corporate transactions with precision and success. |
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Rachel Huang
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Rachel Huang, a partner in Ogier’s Corporate and Finance team in Hong Kong, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Her practice focuses on corporate finance transactions, including initial public offerings (IPOs), SPAC listings, de-SPAC transactions, pre-IPO investments, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), debt capital markets and bond restructuring work. Before joining Ogier, Huang honed her skills at a London-headquartered law firm, specialising in debt capital markets. Prior to this, she spent two years as a corporate lawyer at a leading Chinese law firm in Shanghai before relocating to Hong Kong. Rachel’s diverse background and international experience equip her with a unique perspective in advising clients on complex cross-border transactions. Fluent in Mandarin, English, and Cantonese, Huang’s language abilities facilitate effective communication and collaboration with clients across different jurisdictions. Her multicultural background enhances her ability to navigate diverse legal landscapes and provide tailored solutions to her clients’ needs. Huang has played a pivotal role in numerous key transactions, including advising Blue Safari Group Acquisition Corp. on its $50 million IPO on Nasdaq and its de-SPAC merger with Bitdeer Technologies Holding Company, valued at $1.18 billion at closing. She also advised Model Performance Acquisition Corp. on its $50 million IPO on Nasdaq and its $300 million de-SPAC merger with MultiMetaVerse. Other notable transactions include advising MedSci Healthcare Holdings Limited on its HK$608 million IPO and listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Yupei International Investment Management on its sale of interests in China Logistics Property Holdings Company to JD.com, Tus-Holdings on obtaining consent from bondholders to extend offshore U.S. dollar bonds, and China Media Capital on its investment in Manchester City Football Club’s holding company. Huang is a Registered Foreign Law-yer regulated by the Law Society of Hong Kong, demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and regulatory compliance. |
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Kate Lan
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Kate Lan is a counsel of Carey Olsen’s Singapore litigation, insolvency, and restructuring practice. Practicing across an impressive scope of offshore jurisdictions, including Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Cayman Islands, she offers unparalleled expertise to her clients in navigating complex cross-border legal matters. Specialising in commercial and shareholders’ disputes, trust, and estate disputes, as well as insolvency and restructuring, Lan’s extensive experience spans diverse areas of law. Other than the key offshore jurisdictions she practices, Lan is also admitted in Singapore and England and Wales. Combined with her multilingual capabilities in English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia and Japanese, Lan offers a unique perspective when advising regional clients on inter-national legal issues. Lan’s proficiency extends beyond her legal practice. She has been recognised for her contributions to the field through her involvement in ground-breaking initiatives. Notably, she is an appointed arbitrator of the prestigious Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and sits on its Reserve Panel of Arbitrators. Lan’s dedication to the legal community is further evidenced by her role as the first offshore lawyer invited to serve on the APAC regional committee of the Young Singapore International Arbitration Centre (YSIAC) Council. Beyond her arbitration expertise, Lan is actively engaged in academic pursuits. She is part of the core team behind the seminal textbook on “Commercial Litigation and Enforcement,” published by the Global Legal Post. Additionally, she has contributed as an author to prominent legal references, including editions of “Arbitration in Singapore: A Practical Guide” and “Investment Protection in Southeast Asia: A Country-by-Country Guide on Arbitration Laws and Bilateral Investment Treaties.” Her dedication to client satisfaction is evident in the praise she receives from clients. “Her network is very strong, which adds value, particularly in strategic considerations,” notes one client, highlighting Kate’s ability to leverage her extensive connections for the benefit of her clients. Another client lauds her capabilities, remarking, “Kate is extremely capable, pays special attention to details and has an impressive grasp of offshore laws.” This sentiment is echoed by others who commend her ability to simplify complex matters. “She is able to explain complex arguments and matters in a manner that is easy for the client to understand,” attests one satisfied client. |
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Rebecca Lee
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Rebecca Lee, a counsel at Carey Olsen, Singapore, excels in handling complex finance and corporate transactions across Asia Pacific. Her expertise includes asset finance, fund finance, structured finance, equity capital markets, and general corporate matters. Lee boasts a successful track record, executing high-profile deals for a diverse clientele through a career that spans across Singapore, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Her extensive experience allows her to confidently navigate even the most intricate deals for corporations, financial institutions, and private equity firms. Actively involved in the regional aviation and finance community, Lee has also contributed to legal publications – a testament to her dedication. Her fluency in English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Cantonese facilitates communications and extends her reach as a trusted advisor to clients. Prior to Carey Olsen, Lee honed her skills at another leading offshore law firm after starting her career at a magic circle firm. Her unique background has equipped her with a deep understanding of international legal frameworks and the complexities of cross-border transactions. She is also qualified in Western Australia and New Zealand, and registered in Bermuda. Clients describe her as a “conducive personality” who takes a “commercial and problem-solving approach” to transactions. One client remarked, “Working with Rebecca means my team and my clients can be assured that things will be well taken care of. We appreciate her attention to detail, thorough planning, punctuality, and care.” Another client highlighted her responsiveness: “She’s timely and very responsive. Her attention to detail has helped significantly with the transactions.” |
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Jenny Nip
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Jenny Nip, partner and head of the PRC Group at Campbells, boasts a distinguished career in Hong Kong, specialising in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and banking and finance, including debt capital markets. This expertise translates seamlessly into her leadership role. Most recently, Jenny Nip led the groundbreaking listing of Mobvoi, the first AI-generated content (AIGC) company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in April 2024, a significant industry milestone. Her proven track record includes hundreds of projects with successful listings on global exchanges like the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, U.S. Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and Taiwan Stock Exchange. Her impressive client portfolio includes New World Development Company Limited, Huafa Group, Akeso Inc, XD Inc, and China Development Bank. Nip’s influence extends beyond capital markets. She played a pivotal role in high-profile mergers like Tantan and Momo, WH Group and Smithfield Foods. Demonstrating her versatility, Nip advised Aptorum Group Limited on its reverse merger with a Hong Kong AI business. This deal showcases her ability to combine her M&A expertise with the emerging field of AIGC. Further demonstrating her reach, she facilitated the issuance of the first corporate bond by Huafa Group in the Hengqin Guangdong Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone. Clients rave about Nip’s expertise and dedication. One client says, “Building upon her profound knowledge... she leverages her solid legal skills to provide first-tier offshore legal services... She apparently is a believer in long-term investment, as she never lets people down on account of fee charges, and never cuts corners even when cost pressure mounts. Her professional support makes life a lot easier for clients and fellow legal counsel.” Another client highlights her empathy, stating, “Jenny possesses amazing capability to empathise, which, among many other things, makes it such a pleasure to work with her.” |
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Anthony Oakes
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Anthony Oakes is a partner and head of Ogier’s finance practice in Asia. With more than 30 years of experience, Oakes provides legal counsel on BVI and Cayman law. His practice spans diverse finance-related matters, restructuring and insolvency, private equity initiatives and general corporate matters. Notable among Oakes’ transactions was his advice to a $1.3 billion first-of-its-kind green loan supporting the major development of a cold storage and logistics facility by ESR/Chinachem Group in Hong Kong, which was named one of China Business Law Journal’s Deals of the Year 2023. His pivotal role as BVI counsel to Contemporary Amperex Technology on its groundbreaking $1.5 billion debt offshore bond issuance, the largest U.S. dollar bonds issuance by a Chinese private enterprise at the time, earned nomination for the Debt Market Deal of the Year at the prestigious ALB China Law Awards 2021. Oakes played a crucial role as Cay-man Islands counsel in facilitating a tender offer by Lenovo Perpetual Securities Limited for its outstanding $1 billion on 5.375 percent perpetual securities, a feat that earned recognition as a finalist in the Debt Market Deal of the Year (Premium category) at the same awards. Clients praise Oakes for his “excellent judgment” and “pragmatic advice.” They value his ability to “develop good rapport,” “build trust,” and provide legal guidance “with a commercial viewpoint.” His approach is described as “seamless” and “helpful.” Oakes is recognised for his “great knowledge of the market” and “intellectual brilliance.” His practical solutions, flexibility, and responsiveness earn accolades, alongside his local connections and experienced team. With his extensive experience and stellar track record, Oakes commands respect within the finance legal community in Asia. His expertise is not only sought after by clients but also esteemed by his peers. Notably, he has been featured in the ALB Offshore Client List for nine consecutive years, a testament to his enduring influence and prominence in the field. |
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Nathan Powell
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Nathan Powell is the partner and global head of corporate legal services at Ogier’s Hong Kong office, renowned for his extensive corporate finance practice focusing on BVI, Cayman, and Jersey companies. His expertise spans capital markets, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions (public and private), private equity structures, and joint ventures, with a particular emphasis on downstream corporate advisory work. Before joining Ogier, Powell garnered eight years of invaluable experience as a corporate lawyer with Fresh-fields in London and Singapore. Since joining Ogier, Powell has been instrumental in numerous key transactions, including advising on the $1.582 billion take-private of New Frontier Health Corporation and serving as the Cayman Islands legal counsel to Blue Safari Group Acquisition Corp. Additionally, he played a pivotal role as BVI counsel to Geely Automobile Holdings in its monumental $3 billion secondary listing on Shanghai’s STAR stock exchange. Powell’s expertise extends to Ogier’s multi-disciplinary restructuring and corporate recovery team, where he navigates complexities in refinancing, corporate restructuring, member and creditor schemes of arrangement, and investor and shareholder rights and actions. His involvement in bond restructurings further showcases his versatility in navigating diverse legal challenges. Powell’s stellar reputation among the A-list offshore lawyers is a testament to his exemplary performance, with clients and colleagues alike lauding his commercial mindset and solution-oriented approach. One testimonial describes him as “extremely commercial, technically excellent, and commanding extraordinary respect in the Hong Kong market.” Powell is regarded as the ultimate authority on BVI and Cayman law in Asia, earning praise as a “talented commercial practitioner” who is “a pleasure to deal with.” Clients value his intelligence and deep understanding of the commercial issues that truly matter, affirming his status as a trusted advisor in complex legal landscapes. |
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Amelia Tan
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Amelia Tan stands as a distinguished counsel in the litigation, insolvency, and restructuring practice at Carey Olsen, based in Singapore. Specialising in the laws of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and the Cayman Islands, she offers comprehensive offshore legal expertise in navigating complex international legal landscapes. As a commercial litigator, Tan’s practice revolves around intricate, multi-jurisdictional shareholder and director litigation, corporate disputes, fraud investigations, asset tracing, and cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters. She is also experienced in seeking urgent interlocutory relief, such as freezing orders and injunctions, as well as handling enforcement matters representing clients at various judicial levels, including the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Privy Council. Tan’s clientele comprises listed companies, financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and insolvency practitioners, whom she advises with precision and diligence. Her fluency in both English and Mandarin facilitates seamless communication and understanding with her diverse clientele. Beyond her legal practice, Tan is deeply involved in professional associations, serving as the chair of the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), Singapore Network. She is also an active member of INSOL and is part of the International Insolvency Institute’s (III) NextGen Leadership Program Class XII (2023, further highlighting her activity within the insolvency and restructuring domain. Most recently, Tan was also selected to participate in the inaugural Singapore Leaders Network fellowship programme (SGLN). Qualified in multiple jurisdictions, including the BVI, Bermuda, England and Wales (non-practicing) and Singapore (non-practicing), Tan brings a wealth of legal acumen and cross-cultural understanding to her practice. Her blend of experience, expertise, and dedication positions her as a trusted advisor and formidable advocate in the international legal arena. Tan’s expertise and depth of knowledge exceed expectations. “She possesses a depth of knowledge and experience that surpasses her years,” acknowledges a client. Another client adds, “Amelia’s wisdom and insight defy her age; she handles complex matters with the finesse of a seasoned professional.” Her ability to navigate intricate legal issues with confidence and poise is commendable, with one client noting, “Amelia’s maturity and expertise are evident in every interaction, making her a trusted advisor beyond her years.” |
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Helen Wang
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Specialising in complex offshore disputes, Helen Wang is a partner at Carey Olsen in Singapore. Her expertise spans commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, and insolvency matters, particularly within the legal frameworks of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands, allowing her to navigate cross-border challenges for clients in financial services, energy, and other sectors. Wang’s impressive qualifications fuel her success. Before specialising in offshore law, she honed her skills for over a decade as a litigator at a prominent international firm, working across offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, equipping her to handle intricate cross-border disputes involving high-profile clients. Beyond her legal prowess, Wang is a champion of diversity and inclusion. As the Asia Lead of Carey Olsen’s Women’s Network, she fosters collaboration and support for female lawyers. Her dedication extends beyond her firm; she actively participates in committees within the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) to promote gender equality across the legal profession. Wang’s strong foundation in legal principles stems from her first-class honours law degree from the University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford. Her qualifications are further bolstered by admissions to practice in Hong Kong (as a solicitor advocate), England and Wales, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (British Virgin Islands), and Bermuda, demonstrating her versatility and inter-national legal reach. Clients consistently praise Wang for her exceptional service, highlighting her responsiveness, strategic thinking, and pleasant demeanour. They value her deep legal knowledge and ability to translate it into practical, commercially focused solutions. Wang’s commitment extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by her involvement on the STEP Contentious Trusts and Estates SIG Steering Committee. This combination of expertise, dedication, and leadership solidifies Wang’s position as a respected leader in offshore dispute resolution. |
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ALB OFFSHORE CLIENT CHOICE 2024 |
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Florence Chan Vincent Chan John Crook Aisling Dwyer Wenhao Han Rachel Huang Kate Lan Rebecca Lee |
Ian Mann Jenny Nip Anthony Oakes Nathan Powell Amelia Tan Peter Vas Helen Wang |
