Paul Hastings LLP

Chair of the Firm: Frank Lopez

Managing Partner: Sherrese Smith

Beijing and Shanghai Office Chair: Simon Hui

Hong Kong Office Chair: Fang Pei

Seoul Office Chair: Dong Chul Kim

Tokyo Office Chair: Toshiyuki Arai

Number of partners: 320

Number of lawyers: 1150

Firm Overview:

Paul Hastings LLP is a leading global law firm with a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States with 24 offices globally. Through a collaborative approach, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to client service, the professionals of Paul Hastings deliver innovative solutions to many of the world’s top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.

The firm has a dynamic global practice and is widely recognized for helping its clients achieve success in some of the largest domestic and cross-border transactions across a range of industries, as well as favourably resolving complex disputes in numerous jurisdictions.

The firm is regularly listed among the top firms on The American Lawyer’s A-List, which acknowledges its financial success and strong commitment to pro bono, diversity and associate satisfaction.

Understanding early on the impact Asia would have on the world’s economy, Paul Hastings was one of the first major international law firms to establish an Asia practice. Today, Paul Hastings continues to be one of the leaders in the region.

The firm’s lawyers provide strategic advice to leading Asian and multinational companies, financial institutions, governments, and other institutional investors, with a focus on both inbound and outbound investments.

Main Areas of Practice:

Banking & Finance:

Paul Hastings’ banking and finance team knows the markets and has the global resources to offer full-service legal advice for clients’ bank, bond, and transactional needs. The team is frequently called upon to advise on many of the largest and most complex financings for Asian clients.

Capital Markets:

Paul Hastings’ capital markets practice is one of the most active in Asia, with a substantial market share of Hong Kong IPOs. Drawing on the collective strength of our global network of legal professionals, the firm is capable of handling all types of debt and equity capital markets transactions.

Intellectual Property:

Paul Hastings has a robust intellectual property practice features market-leading practitioners for IP litigation and transactional works. The firm stands out amongst its international peers in Japan and South Korea, for the diversity of its client roster and for the exceptional quality of matters it attracts.

Investigations and White Collar Defense

Paul Hastings has a leading anti-corruption and FCPA practice, with dedicated anti-corruption lawyers in China. The firm advises multinational companies on compliance policies, training programs, and implementing measures across markets. The firm represents Fortune 500 companies in FCPA and anti-bribery investigations, assisting with due diligence on potential partners and investments opportunities in Asia.

Investment Funds:

Paul Hastings has a sophisticated private investment funds practice serving, among others, fund sponsors, institutional investors, lenders, placement agents, and investment advisors. The Asia team works closely with the global funds team to provide advice regarding structuring funds and tax considerations for various types of investors.

Litigation:

Paul Hastings’ litigation practice provides premier litigation services to clients facing complex and multijurisdictional disputes in Asia, US, Europe, and Latin America. The litigation practice covers every major practice including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, white-collar crime, intellectual property, securities, international arbitration, class action, and employment litigation.

Merger & Acquisitions:

Paul Hastings’ merger and acquisitions practice handles a wide range of transactions, from private equity-related investments to multi-billion-dollar, complex cross-border deals. The industries in which the firm has extensive M&A experience include media, entertainment, telecommunications, technology, life sciences, real estate, hospitality, financial services, heavy industry, and retail.

Private Equity:

Paul Hastings’ private equity practice has extensive experience in Asia, advising clients on a broad range of private equity and venture capital investment transactions. The team navigates structuring, negotiating, and implementing initial and later stage financings, restructurings and divestments, frequently in multi-jurisdictional settings involving complex and innovative structures.