LAWYER PROFILE
Chris Howse

Chris Howse

Greater China Region 2026

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Ranked in 4 practice areas

About

Provided by Howse Williams

Greater China Region

Practice Areas

Chris was admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 1981 after being seconded by the London office of a city law firm, Richards Butler, to build up its Hong Kong office. He was the Senior Partner and Managing Partner of the Hong Kong office of Richards Butler until December 2011. Following the takeover of Richards Butler Hong Kong by an American law firm he set up Howse Williams on 1 January 2012 with a large number of partners and solicitors from the Hong Kong office of Richards Butler. The firm is now one of the largest independent law firms in Hong Kong.

Chris is experienced in a wide range of commercial litigation. He has extensive insurance experience, particularly in relation to the defence of professional negligence claims. Chris is the head of the firm's medico-legal team. He started to undertake medico-legal work in 1985. He has been providing professional advice and assistance to doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals and to the private hospitals of Hong Kong on a wide range of medico-legal issues for over 30 years. His firm have been panel lawyers for the Medical Protection Society and Dental Protection Ltd. since the mid-1980s.

Chris is also experienced in international trade disputes. He advises ship-owners, charterers and various property and liability insurers.

Career

2012 Howse Williams

2011 Reed Smith Richards Butler

2008 Richards Butler in Association with Reed Smith LLP

1983 Richards Butler, Hong Kong

1975 Richards Butler, London

Professional Memberships

Arbitration:

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Hong Kong)

Fellow, Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators Ltd

Supporting Member, London Maritime Arbitrators Association

Arbitrator, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre

Arbitrator, China Maritime Arbitration Commission

Arbitrator, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission

Arbitrator, Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group

Arbitrator, Korean Commercial Arbitration Board

Member, Hong Kong Arbitrations Law Review Committee (1996-2000)

Professional Indemnity Insurance:

Member, Hong Kong Law Society Professional Indemnity Insurance Claims Committee (1989-1999)

Deputy Chairman, Hong Kong Law Society Professional Indemnity Claims Committee (1999-2004)

Chairman, Hong Kong Law Society Professional Indemnity Claims Committee (2004-2007)

Member, Hong Kong Law Society Working Party on Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme (1996-2004)

Chairman, Hong Kong Professional Indemnity Review Committee (2002)

Member, Hong Kong Law Society Professional Indemnity Advisory Committee (1999-2006)

Director, Hong Kong Solicitors Indemnity Fund Limited

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Greater China Region

Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms) - China

Eminent Practitioner
Eminent Practitioners

Individual Editorial

Chris Howse is a founding partner of Howse Williams and experienced with a range of commercial disputes.

Clinical Negligence (International Firms) - China

Eminent Practitioner
Eminent Practitioners

Individual Editorial

Chris Howse is a founding partner of the firm and has more than three decades of experience under his belt. He offers expert advice on clinical negligence claims and regulatory matters. He frequently receives instructions from hospitals, healthcare providers and practitioners.

Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) - China

Eminent Practitioner
Eminent Practitioners

Individual Editorial
Chris Howse is a founding partner of Howse Williams and is noted for his many years of experience in the sector. He offers clients a wealth of expertise in a wide range of disputes relating to sanctions, collisions and shipments.

Insurance: Contentious (International Firms) - China

Eminent Practitioner
Eminent Practitioners

Individual Editorial

Chris Howse is well regarded in the market for his expertise in shipping insurance matters, including defending insurance claims in litigation and arbitration proceedings. He advises on clinical and professional negligence claims.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Chris is a meticulous and careful man.

    Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • Chris is a very professional and talented lawyer who is an expert in his field. He has broad knowledge of the market and is commercially aware of any changes in the legal landscape.

    Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • Chris Howse knows the issues well. He responds very quickly and is very hands-on, with good commercial sense.

    Clinical Negligence (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • He is available all the time and very approachable. He has a very deep understanding and experience of all aspects of the shipping industry.

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • Chris is a very experienced and savvy maritime lawyer.

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • Chris is a very professional and talented lawyer who is an expert in his field. He has broad knowledge of the market and is commercially aware of any changes in the legal landscape.

    Insurance: Contentious (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region

Ranked Individuals at Howse Williams (18)

China

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