Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Richards Butler Reed Smith has a strong name in Hong Kong for general disputes advice, litigation in Hong Kong and international arbitration. The firm has an especially strong presence on maritime and shipping related disputes, many of which come through Hong Kong. Partner Chris Howse specialises in maritime and commercial disputes work. In addition to working on litigation cases in the courts of Hong Kong, Howe also represents clients in international arbitration.

Partner David Morrison is also well known in Hong Kong, and specialises in contentious mergers and takeover issues, shareholder and board room issues, and fraud and defamation disputes. He has over 20 years of experience practicing law in Hong Kong. Kevin Bowers and Jonathan Greene are also well known in the market.

Richards Butler Reed Smith has a well established shipping practice in Hong Kong, which encompasses a range of shipping related issues such as litigation to arbitration to joint ventures and financing.

In July 2011, Hong Kong partner Andrew Brown advised China Shipping Development on its cross border joint venture with Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK to buy four LNG carriers. According to the terms of the JV, the carriers will be built by Chinese state owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group.