Haldanes

When it all started 45 years ago, we had an abacus to do our accounts, an air conditioner which saw its main function as being to drip on people, and a filing system held together by sticky tape and goodwill.

With a staff of fewer than 12 people, including the lawyers, we spent our days running between our tiny law firm and the courts, fighting the antique typewriters in the office and dragging ourselves out at all hours to help clients in distress.

We’ve come a long way since then.

From making our reputation with mainly Criminal Defence, we now excel in a wide range of legal areas – Matrimonial & Family, Media & Entertainment, Competition Law, Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Corporate & Commercial, Fraud and Asset, Property & Conveyancing, Securities, Regulatory & Discipline and Private clients.

Not only are we the first Hong Kong law firm with two criminal and one civil solicitor advocates with the right to appear in High Court jury trials and all appellate courts, but we also have partners who are practising in England and Wales, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Greater Bay Area of Mainland China.

And with the implementation of the new National Security Law (NSL) we’ve been advising international press and social media organisations on NSL-related matters, as well as providing seminars to international press agencies and companies on the law’s implications.

But through all the changes, the multiple-legal awards, the installation of a wonderful team of dedicated lawyers, the media recognition, and the precedent-setting legal wins, one thing hasn’t changed.

That’s our ethos.

Without it, we couldn’t have become one of the top law firms in Hong Kong.

It’s simple.

But it defines us today, just as it did 45 years ago.

“Put your clients first.”

It’s something we’ve kept at the forefront of everything we do as a law firm and as lawyers.

And because we’ve never lost sight of this one essential, our talented team now have a reputation that is second to none for providing our clients with the help they need, when they need it, across all practice areas.

So, it’s been an eventful four decades and more.

We’ve learned a lot and come a long way.

Our air conditioning is better for one thing, and we’ve stopped using the abacus.

No matter how you feel now.

No matter what your problem is.

We can help you.

So, talk to us now and get the help you need from our multi-award-winning team of lawyers.

“Haldanes has expert knowledge in all areas of family law. They are a first-rate firm who are excellent at advising their clients, preparing the case and navigating it through the courts.” Quoted in Benchmark Litigation 2022

Elsie Liu: “Came up with innovative solutions to the problems I encountered … also spent time to explain the process which other lawyers I encountered did not.”

Quoted in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific & China 2022 – dispute resolution

Jonathan Midgley: “An outstanding lawyer of excellent reputation.” “Charismatic and masterful in steering and focusing legal teams to develop and advocate the strongest points for his clients.” Quoted in Chambers & Partners

Felix Ng: “Besides his exceptional professionalism, Ng is compassionate, empathetic and attentive … gave me the needed trust and confidence throughout the entire process and made this unbearable investigation a lot more bearable.” Quoted in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific & China 2022 – Dispute resolution

Andrew Powner: “Andrew is an excellent operator.” “He has excellent client-handling skills.” “Andrew is calm and unruffled under pressure.” Quoted in Who’s Who Legal

Geoffrey Booth: “A very active and well-known name, especially in commercial mediations.” “One of the founders of mediation in Hong Kong.” Quoted in Who’s Who Legal

John McLellan: “Incredible attention to detail and passionate advocacy for his clients.” Quoted in Who’s Who Legal

Elaine Sum: "She understands my needs and concerns and gives me truthful advice even if the outcome will minimise her financial gain. Elaine is very patient and good in explaining complex and legal matters in a way that is easier for me to understand." Quoted in Chambers & Partners

Patricia Liu: “Both on top of the details and strategically brilliant … fantastic in communicating with clients and advising them on how to get the best outcome in proceedings.” Quoted in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific & China 2022 – dispute resolution

Anita Leung: “Responsive, thoughtful.” “Tackled the case skillfully.” Quoted in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific & China 2022 – dispute resolution

Nicholas Hemens: “Nicholas is well respected for his longstanding expertise in the Family and Matrimonial space. He assists clients with post-divorce financial arrangements and complex child cases. Market sources also highlight his proficiency in collaborative cases.” Chambers Asia Pacific 2021

Paul Wang: “Paul is an experienced criminal lawyer who considers from the client’s perspective. Paul is responsive and provides high-quality succinct advice to the client.” Lexology Client Choice, Business Crime – Hong Kong