Parkside Chambers

Parkside Chambers is recognised as a leading set of chambers in Hong Kong with a robust and formidable reputation for Commercial Dispute Resolution, Administrative & PublicLaw, FamilyLaw, and White-Collar Crime, amongst a (full) suite of other sectors and services. It houses 47 barristers (8 of which are King’s Counsel and Senior Counsel) and traces its history back over 40 years. As an established player in an increasingly crowded market, Parkside is known for its congeniality and vitality and members are acknowledged for bringing energy and vigour to their cases. Parkside’s members strive for excellence, thereby putting their clients’ needs first, and represent clients’ interests at all levels of Court. Members have helmed watershed cases and have contributed to the evolving jurisprudence in Hong Kong in a (rapidly) changing landscape. Various practitioners were former solicitors, giving them a unique and rarified perspective into the legal system and a changing market. Select members have also (subsequently) taken on judicial appointments. Parkside has developed a well-integrated mini-pupillage and pupillage programme so that students are exposed to life at Parkside and the high calibre of instructions routinely taken on by members. Parkside is keen to embrace and cultivate young talent, harnessing their ideas and innovation, in a bid to contribute to Parkside’s success and as future custodians of Chambers’ client relationships. This has resulted in juniors honing their practices, refining their expertise, and attaining a level of independence at a relatively early stage.

Parkside Chambers: Past & Present

Parkside Chambers is an established and eminent set which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023. Parkside was founded in 1983 by four civil and commercial barristers who were young and full of verve for their profession. The energy and congeniality of the set soon captured the imagination of more like-minded and aspiring barristers. Its amiability, excellence and vitality are still its main differentiators today.

Mr Grossman KC, SC worked tirelessly to promote the advancement of Parkside.

Mr Grossman KC, SC was appointed Deputy Crown Prosecutor (now Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions) and the Head of the Commercial Crime Unit.He left the Attorney General’s Chambers (now the Department of Justice) in 1994 and after an illustrious career which included appointments as the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, a former executive member of the International Criminal Bar Association and an International Criminal Court listed counsel, he retired as head of chambers in 2018 passing the baton to Mr Paul Lam SC. In July 2022,Mr Wayne Walsh SC succeeded to the post upon Mr Lam SC becoming Secretary for Justice.

Professionally, we pride ourselves on the breadth of our members’ expertise and our ability to put clients first. Our more experienced members have forged strong reputations as leading practitioners in their fields of practice, and younger members are increasingly recognised as up-and-coming practitioners in one or more specialties.

• Administrative & Public Law- Parkside's administrative and public law practice provides specialised expertl egal representation and advice in a wide array of matters involving government and public bodies, drawing upon expertise in practice areas including human rights, constitutional law, town planning and infrastructure, criminal law and immigration law.
• Admiralty & Shipping Law - Parkside assists in situations ranging from urgent maritime incidents including jurisdictional challenges and ship arrests and advising on disputes concerning charterparties and marine insurance, always with a focus on providing clear and effective strategic guidance and legal advice.
• Arbitration-Our members have a wealth of experience in both representing clients and acting as arbitrators in a wide array of arbitration cases, whether they are under the auspices of international bodies—such as the HKIAC, CIETAC, SIAC, LMAA, ICC, and UNCITRAL—or within domestic parameters.
• Banking & Finance - Our practice in banking and finance litigation deals extensively with conflicts stemming from secured transactions, lending practices, transactions concerning listed securities and instruments, and compliance with money lending regulations. We are backed by a staunch track record and this breadth and depth of experience ensures that we bring a nuanced understanding of the sector and its challenges to every case.
• Civil Fraud, Asset Recovery & Injunctive Relief - The practice of tracing, asset freezing, and disclosure is a prominent aspect of our litigation services. Our barristers are adept at navigating the complexities of these procedures, providing clarity and support in cases where immediate relief is crucial
• Commercial Law - Hong Kong’s stature as a global nexus for business and trade leads to a spectrum of commercial disputes. These disputes cover a wide range of business activities, including the sale and transportation of goods, various types of insurance claims, financing arrangements for sales and receivables, and issues arising from distributorship agreements. Parkside is at the vanguard of commercial litigation, with our members playing key roles in groundbreaking cases and managing high-stakes disputes. Our barristers are not only adept in the courtroom but also excel in the realm of commercial arbitration, where they apply their considerable legal acumen to craft commercial solutions tailored to each client’s unique requirements.
• Company, Restructuring & Insolvency - The company and insolvency law landscape is characterised by high-stakes decisions and rapid developments that demand not onlylegalacumen but also inventive and commercially-viable solutions. Our members have represented a diverse clientele, acting for liquidators and receivers in some cases while also resisting claims against directors for misfeasance and breach of duty claims. Parkside has expertise both in acting for petitioning creditors and the debtor company.While our barristers are a common sight in the Hong Kong Companies Court, their expertise is not confined to litigation; they are frequently sought after for advisory services on a range of company law matters, both contentious and non-contentious.
• Competition Law - With experience acting for both theCompetitionCommission and respondents, our members have been at the forefront of several pioneering competition law proceedings. From advising on the scope of the Commission’s investigation powers and prospects of liability, to acting in court proceedings concerning price-fixing, market-sharing and bid-rigging conduct, our members have been actively involved in the latest developments in this rapidly evolving area oflaw. Specialists in this area have been recognised for ‘pre-empting their opponents’ moves’ and for their ‘meticulous work’ in this arena. Parkside has secured regular instructions from theCompetitionCommission particularly after securing an acquittal of Respondents in the landmark Nutanix case. This was a watershed case and a forerunner in the relatively nascent landscape in Hong Kong.
• Construction & Infrastructure - Parkside has an active practice in construction law, encompassing litigation, arbitration, and comprehensive advisory services. Parkside’s barristers bring dual expertise to their practice, having niche experience in technical fields such as architecture, engineering and surveying
• Defamation - Parkside’s members have considerable experience in the complex and highly technical field of defamation law. Cases handled have intersected with nuanced areas of privacy law, media law and IP protection.
• Employment-At Parkside Chambers, we recognise the intricate connection between employment law and various other legal domains including contract, tort, equalities and fiduciary laws. With a thorough understanding of the dynamic and evolving nature of the employment landscape, our dedicated barristers are available to provide urgent assistance.
• Equity & Trusts-Our Chambers’ members are proficient in advising on and appearing in a wide array of disputes concerning equity and trusts.
• Family & Private Client-The extensive experience, deep understanding and broad range of expertise of our Family and Private Client barristers makes our set a pre-eminent and highly-regarded choice for all aspects of family litigation, private client matters and other advisory work. Many of Parkside’s members have a compelling and powerful value proposition in the form of experience as solicitors prior to joining the Bar (a distinctive asset) as well as qualifications as both facilitative and evaluative mediators – a rarified commodity in the Hong Kong market.
• Financial Regulation & Securities - In the dynamic field of regulatory and securities law, Parkside Chambers provide expert advocacy and advisory services tailored to the nuanced demands of civil, disciplinary, and regulatory proceedings.
• General Civil Litigation -Members are skilled in managing litigation from the early strategic stages through to trial and enforcement of judgments. The civil litigation expertise at Parkside Chambers is strengthened by members’ complementary knowledge of related areas including commercial law, banking, insolvency, fraud, and regulatory matters. Clients value Chambers’ strong reputation for delivering high quality and commercially focused advice and advocacy in general civil litigation matters.
• Intellectual Property - In the contemporary business landscape, where intellectual property stands as a hallmark of innovation and a pivotal asset for corporations, safeguarding these assets through astute legal protection is paramount. Navigating IP law demands not only a vigilant defence against infringement but also a well-devised strategy for dispute resolution, which may include arbitration or mediation. Furthermore, a deep understanding of evolving technologies and their legal ramifications is critical.
• International Law - Within the sphere of international criminal law, our barristers are equipped to handle cases that involve the most serious crimes recognised by the global community, offering counsel and advocacy with a profound understanding of international justice mechanisms.
• LandLaw - Our barristers possess extensive experience in representing a diverse clientele across various judicial platforms, from tribunals to the highest echelons of the court system.We offer robust representation in cases of adverse possession, negotiate and advise on government land resumption and associated compensation claims, and provide solutions for complex building management disputes.
• Personal Injuries & Medical Negligence - Parkside has shaped precedent in Hong Kong’s courts across diverse client cases, from medical negligence to workplace incidents. With our cross-practice proficiency, including medical negligence and public inquiries into abuse, we deliver robust legal support.
• Probate - The fields of trusts, estates and succession are often characterised by high-value stakes and demand a blend of sharp intellect and creative problem-solving to navigate the complex, technical and unprecedented legal challenges they present. Our members are especially conscious of the specific family dynamics that probate matters bring about.
• Professional Liability & Discipline - Our Chambers are adept at guiding clients through the evolving regulatory environment with our comprehensive advisory services. We are equally prepared to represent clients in contentious proceedings and regulatory investigations.
• Criminal Prosecution, Defence & Appeals - Parkside Chambers provides expert counsel and advocacy services across the spectrum of criminal law matters. Members regularly prosecute and defend complex criminal cases, as well as advise on appeals and reviews of criminal proceedings.
• White Collar Crime - The hallmark of our practice is our adept handling of cases with transnational elements, including both substantive transnational crimes and the procedures for extradition and mutual legal assistance. We deftly address the multifaceted legal challenges that arise in cross-border crime, where our depth of knowledge in international regulatory environments and investigative processes is invaluable.
• Regulatory Offences & Market Misconduct - Members are skilled in managing all stages of the regulatory process including dawn raids, document production orders, interviews under caution, charging decisions, trials, and appeals. Chambers’ barristers provide strategic advice on compliance and regularly conduct sensitive internal investigations for companies and regulated professionals.
• Industrial Related Matters - Parkside Chambers provides proficient legal counsel to entities facing departmental summons and grappling with the intricacies of industrial and construction safety regulations. Our team of barristers is well-versed in guiding and representing firms, companies and individuals in an array of regulatory and industry-specific legal matters.
• Criminal Ancillary Matters: Extradition, Restraint, Confiscation and Forfeiture Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance - Our members are well-versed in the defence and prosecution of high-stakes trials involving white-collar crime, money laundering, and serious predicate offences.The expertise within our chambers transcends national borders, with members frequently engaged by foreign governments and international organisations, including the International Monetary Fund.