Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Dispute Resolution: Arbitration (International Firms) - China
What the Team is Known For
King & Wood Mallesons fields a sizeable Hong Kong team, augmented by the firm's significant presence in Mainland China, to enable clients to benefit from a comprehensive China arbitration offering. It is best known for its considerable acumen and experience handling construction cases. The firm advises international clients as well as Chinese private companies and SOEs. It is regularly active in commercial cases arising out of shareholder disputes.
Strengths
As a team they are exceptionally commercial and very responsive, and also have an exceptionally quick ability to understand the client's needs and provide ad hoc advice, as and when requested.
They have an ability to provide the correct service, whether that's very technical, commercial or aggressive. They have many gears and can operate in different environments to provide what's needed.
KWM's vast experience and very strong team in Hong Kong and Mainland China have earned it deep respect, helped along by a track record of notable wins.
Notable practitioners
Paul Starr is highly regarded for his work on major arbitrations in the construction and infrastructure sectors. He is also equipped to handle disputes relating to loan repayments, as well as joint venture disagreements.
He's got a very good reputation in the construction space.
Paul is very good and extremely impressive. He is really knowledgeable about arbitration.
Donovan Ferguson is based in King & Wood Mallesons' Hong Kong office and offers clients a wealth of experience in international arbitrations, with particularly strong expertise in construction disputes.
He really punches above his weight. He's a really excellent lawyer and is wise beyond his years. He's very careful, but in a very laid-back sort of way, and very commercial.
Donovan is there to try and settle the matter. He always thinks about how to structure the dispute for settling rather than fighting for ten years.
He's technically sound and commercially excellent, as well as excellent with clients.