LAWYER PROFILE
Michael Withington

Michael Withington

Greater China Region 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Howse Williams

Practice Areas

Michael is experienced in a wide range of commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes involving both listed companies and high-profile private companies (many of which involve a cross-border element). He has also acted in litigation involving financial services institutions (including mis-selling claims and negligence claims), claims involving directors, and disputes over asset acquisitions. He advises property managers and landlords in relation to enforcement of deeds of mutual covenant and tenancy disputes.

A large part of Michael's practice at Howse Williams involves contentious employment matters (acting for both employers and employees), including claims over termination and remuneration, enforcement of post-termination restrictions, discrimination claims and partnership disputes. He advises employers and statutory bodies on internal investigations and disciplinary proceedings, and has represented a number of individuals in SFC investigations. He also has significant experience in conducting and defending judicial review proceedings.

Michael also has extensive insurance experience, particularly in relation to the defence of professional negligence claims and advising on coverage issues. He has been a panel solicitor for the Hong Kong Solicitors Professional Indemnity Scheme since 1998, and has represented both local and international law firms in connection with a broad range of claims.

Career

2015 Howse Williams

2012 Gall

2002 Herbert Smith Freehills

1998 Wilkinson & Grist

1994 Haldanes

Professional Memberships

Member, Law Society of Hong Kong

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Greater China Region

Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms) - China

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Michael Withington is held in high regard for his handling of contentious mandates, including claims of misconduct and wrongful termination, partnership disputes and trade union-related issues. The lawyer routinely receives mandates from both corporates and individuals.

Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms) - China

Band 5
Band 5

Individual Editorial
Michael Withington is well equipped to advise on insurance disputes, shareholder disputes, financial mis-selling claims and employment litigation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael is fantastic. He's a good lawyer and very calm and reassuring in stressful situations.

    Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • He's thoughtful, careful and knowledgeable.

    Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • He's a really good practitioner.

    Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region
  • Michael is a good litigator and a very solid, careful and prudent adviser.

    Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)Chambers Greater China Region

Ranked Individuals at Howse Williams (18)

China

  • Profile image of Antony Yung
    Antony Yung

    Banking & Finance: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Chris Howse
    Chris Howse

    Head of Clinical Negligence (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Bernard Murphy
    Bernard Murphy

    Clinical Negligence (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Christopher Williams
    Christopher Williams

    Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms

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  • Profile image of Anthony Chan
    Anthony Chan

    Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms

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  • Profile image of Chris Howse
    Chris Howse

    Head of Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Michael Withington
    Michael Withington

    Head of Dispute Resolution: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Patricia Yeung
    Patricia Yeung

    Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Michael Withington
    Michael Withington

    Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Victoria Ng So
    Victoria Ng So

    Family/Matrimonial (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of William Wong
    William Wong

    Financial Services: Contentious Regulatory (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Chris Howse
    Chris Howse

    Insurance: Contentious (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of David Kan
    David Kan

    Insurance: Contentious (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of Chris Howse
    Chris Howse

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of David Coogans
    David Coogans

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of William Leung
    William Leung

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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