Chambers Greater China has published its 2023 guide and Gall is ranked as a Leading Firm for Dispute Resolution (Band 4) and Family/Matrimonial (Band 2). Chris Wong, Caroline McNally and Kajal Aswani are all recognised as Ranked Lawyers.
Dispute Resolution
What the firm is known for
Local firm Gall is well known and respected for its representation of clients in both Hong Kong and cross-border commercial disputes. It is 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. The team also regularly handles fraud claims and recovery actions and is experienced in securing major injunctions for high-profile clients. It regularly receives referrals from international law firms in Hong Kong. Its key clients include Softbank Vision Fund, New York State and Cellmark China.
Strengths
“Gall aims to work efficiently and in a manner appropriate to the importance of the client’s case, and to give clients good value for money.”
“Gall has provided no-nonsense advice including where advice was contrary to what the end client hoped to hear. Their awareness of commerciality and proportionality of outcome have been apparent throughout.”
Ranked Lawyer:
Chris Wong (Band 5)
Chris Wong offers clients a broad Hong Kong-based disputes practice encompassing shareholder disputes, fraud and asset recovery, and securing interim measures. He is increasingly active in handling cross-border disputes.
“Chris Wong is a first-rate commercial litigator with very good judgement on the appropriate strategy to suit client needs; he is knowledgeable in the law as well.”
“He’s particularly good, very practical, always very helpful and genuinely wants to help clients. I recommended him to a friend once and she felt he was very sincere in wanting to solve her problem.”
Family/Matrimonial
What the team is known for
Gall is held in high regard for its expertise in dealing with international family law mandates, most notably those concerning the breakdown of relationships. The team acts for clients going through a divorce, assisting them with the financial aspects, also usually handling complex relocations where children are involved. It is also equipped to advise on matters involving trusts and business assets, as well as Private Financial Adjudication-related mandates. The practice is renowned for its emphasis on using collaborative law and mediation as alternative methods to resolve a dispute. It remains a popular choice for expatriates, high net worth individuals and local clients for assistance in family-related disputes and settlements.
Strengths
“They are very competent, offering high-level advice to clients.”
“Gall did a fantastic job – the team was efficient.”
Ranked Lawyers:
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.
“Caroline has an excellent reputation amongst solicitors and counsels. She is very trustworthy, and focuses on offering solutions to clients.”
“She is very practical and very easy to work with. There is no over-charging things – I would recommend her to everyone.”
Kajal Aswani (Up and Coming)
Kajal Aswani is deemed an up-and-coming lawyer in the family law space. She has considerable experience advising on a range of matters including divorce proceedings and children cases, and is often instructed in cases involving cross-border elements.
“Kajal has proven herself to be very pragmatic and very straight to the point. She never uses bullying tactics, despite this being a highly disputed case.”
“Kajal is fantastic. She really cares about clients and has a good reputation amongst solicitors.”