Chambers Asia Pacific has published its 2021 guide and Gall is ranked as a Leading Firm for Dispute Resolution (Band 3), Family/Matrimonial (Band 3) and Employment (Band 4). Nick Gall (Band 4), Chris Wong (Band 5), Caroline McNally (Band 1) and Andrea Randall (Band 3) are named as Leading Individuals.
Dispute Resolution:
What the team is known for Local firm, well known and respected for its representation of clients in both Hong Kong and cross-border commercial disputes. Well placed to assist financial institutions, foreign governments and high net worth individuals, with expertise in a range of issues including insolvency, employment, and shareholder and joint venture disputes. Also regularly handles fraud claims and recovery actions. Experienced in securing major injunctions for high-profile clients. Regularly receives referrals from international law firms in Hong Kong.
Strengths A client states: “The team is responsive, the partners are hard-working and the overall service is great.”
Another source asserts: “Gall is a responsive and nimble operation with a personal and commercially sensitive approach.”
Work highlights Represented Tomohiro Okada in two unfair prejudice proceedings, related injunction applications and a judicial review as part of a USD3 billion dispute with his father Kazuo Okada over control of Okada Holdings, the majority shareholder of gaming machine maker Universal Entertainment.
Notable practitioners
- Leading Individual – Nick Gall, Band 4
- Leading Individual – Chris Wong, Band 5
Chris Wong earns a banded ranking after winning praise from market commentators, with one singling him out as “particularly good” at being “practical and realistic about the challenges” while “listening, understanding and being prepared to explain things.” His broad disputes practice encompasses shareholder disputes, fraud and asset recovery, and securing interim measures.
Nick Gall is head of the practice and an experienced litigator, particularly for shareholder disputes. A market source notes that he gives “very good strategic advice.”
Family/Matrimonial:
What the team is known for Compact team known for its expertise in dealing with the breakdown of relationships. Acts for clients going through a divorce, assisting them with the financial aspects, also usually handling complex international relocations where children are involved. Also equipped to advise on matters involving trusts and business assets. Renowned for its emphasis on using collaborative law and mediation as alternative methods to resolve a dispute. Able to assist clients on Private Financial Adjudication. Remains a popular choice for expatriates, HNW individuals and local clients for assistance in family-related disputes and settlements.
Notable practitioners
- Leading Individual – Caroline McNally, Band 1
Caroline McNally has a busy family and matrimonial practice, offering expertise in a broad range of contentious matters. She remains a highly sought-after practitioner when it comes to financial settlement matters and cases involving children. Market sources find her to be “very technically sensible and easy to work with.”
Employment:
What the team is known for Recognised Hong Kong dispute resolution group with significant expertise in contentious employment matters. Acts for both employers and employees on a range of mandates including terminations, wrongful dismissal claims and breach of employment claims. Notably active on employment investigations and sexual misconduct matters, acting for a range of multinational clients.
Strengths An enthused source reports: “Employment is one of Gall’s specialties. They perform as well as other specialist practices in this area and punch above their weight.”
Clients report that the firm delivers “exceptionally well” and provides “very sound advice.”
Work highlights Defended TFS Derivatives against a claim brought by its former employee for wrongful and unreasonable termination and unpaid wages and bonus.
Notable practitioners
- Leading Individual – Andrea Randall, Band 3
Clients praise Andrea Randall for her “deep understanding, knowledge and experience in the employment field” and appreciate that “she is technical but understands the commercial side.” She acts on behalf of both employers and employees in complex disputes, often concerning terminations, discrimination claims, allegations of negligence and breaches of contract.
View the full guide here:
www.chambers.com
