The Hong Kong legal market continues to evolve, with law firms making strategic hires to strengthen key practice areas. Our latest Hong Kong Associate & Partner Recruitment Trends & Insights Report provides an overview of current hiring trends and market movements.
Key Market Developments
-Increase in Partner Hires in Q1 – Recent lateral moves reflect firms’ focus on expanding capabilities:
- Jones Day has hired its second corporate partner (Frank Voon) in two months.
- Herbert Smith Freehills has added two disputes partners from Kirkland & Latham.
- Charles Russell Speechlys has strengthened its funds practice with a new partner, Gaven Cheong.
- Morrison Foerster has expanded its PE and M&A presence with a partner, Xiaoxi Lin.
- Norton Rose Fulbright has recruited a Hong Kong debt finance partner, Jessica Li from Ashurst.
- Ashurst added an investmnet funds partner, James Ford.
-Continued Practice-Pacific Demand – Corporate M&A, funds, finance, and disputes lawyers remain a priority for firms.
-Compensation and Retention Strategies – Firms are maintaining competitive salary structures to attract and retain talent.
-International Demand – Top-tier firms are actively seeking UK and US-qualified lawyers with experience at Magic Circle or US firms.
For a more detailed analysis of total partner and associate moves across the last 12 months, download the full report.
For confidential career advice or market insights, contact our team.
