20 May 2009 Hong Kong: UK firm DLA Piper has announced the appointments of Harris Chan as partner and May Ng as senior associate to its Asia Litigation and Regulatory group.
They write in their press release:
Harris and May are well-regarded litigation lawyers with a depth of experience in construction-related matters. Their arrival will strengthen the firm’s construction practice in Asia Pacific and expand its existing litigation, mediation and alternative dispute resolution capabilities.
Harris’ practice has a particular focus on contentious and non-contentious construction matters across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China. His extensive experience spans defending construction site safety and environmental summonses to assisting contractors, consultants and developers in complex construction claims in mediation, arbitration and court proceedings. He has been involved in Macau casino work since 2003. Harris, who joins DLA Piper from Mallesons Stephen Jaques’ Hong Kong practice, brings extensive advocacy experience across all court levels and arbitration. He has worked extensively with numerous participants in the construction process across Asia, including main contractors, subcontractors and developers. Harris also advises on general commercial litigation including Securities and Futures Commission regulatory matters and cross-border arbitration.
May specialises in litigation and alternative dispute resolution primarily relating to building and civil engineering projects. She has advised main contractors and subcontractors on hotel and residential developments, complex commercial and manufacturing plants and other major infrastructure-related projects in Hong Kong, mainland China, Vietnam and the Philippines. May also advises on environmental and town planning-related matters, representing professional associations on construction and commercial litigation matters. She will join DLA Piper from Mallesons Stephen Jaques later in the year.
Nicholas Mallard, Asia Head of Litigation and Regulatory for DLA Piper, commented: "DLA Piper is trusted by clients given its strong litigation and regulatory practice. Our team understands the multitude of risks arising from transacting business globally and locally and they regularly tackle all forms of arbitration and litigation proceedings. Both Harris and May’s depth of experience as well as their native Chinese communication skills will be a valuable asset to the firm’s construction and arbitration matters. We are delighted to have them on board to support our clients in these critical areas."
"Harris is a great team player and an ideal fit for the team. He has earned a solid reputation in the industry from clients and stakeholders and brings an extensive business network across Asia to the team," said Dr Liu Wei, Chairman of the China Focus group and partner in the firm’s Beijing and Hong Kong offices. "Greater China is strategically vital part of DLA Piper’s global network and I look forward to working with Harris and May as we consolidate opportunities in this market."
Alastair Da Costa, Asia Managing Partner of DLA Piper, said: "These are times of unprecedented risk and uncertainty for businesses in Asia. We are seeing disputes become more complex and companies are increasingly turning to their advisors to protect their interests. We are growing our litigation capabilities to ensure clients can rely on us for the most advantageous outcomes. Harris and May add further heft to our construction expertise and I look forward to their involvement in the advancement of our regional litigation practice."
"DLA Piper offers the broadest global platform which I hope to leverage as I grow the practice in Asia. I am fully committed to Asia Pacific, particularly Greater China, just as DLA Piper is. It is huge incentive to be part of such a dynamic, growing firm," said Harris. "I also believe this is a team uniquely focused on helping clients achieve their business goals and to this end, is able to combine the best of local on the ground knowledge with international experience."
Harris is a solicitor in Hong Kong, England and Wales. He earned his LLB and PCLL from the University of Hong Kong. Harris is the author of the Construction Chapter of Chitty on Contracts, Hong Kong Specific Volume and the Construction Chapter of Legal Studio Online Publication.
May is a solicitor in Hong Kong, England and Wales. She earned her LLB and Bachelor degree in Commerce from the University of Sydney, Australia and PCLL at the University of Hong Kong. May is a frequent speaker in seminars and provide training to various professional organisations (HKIS, CIOB, HKCA, HKICM and HKGBCA), the Environmental Protection Department and clients on construction, building management, planning and environmental law.
