Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has once again been recognised as a leading firm in the 2025 edition of Chambers Greater China, which identifies the top lawyers and law firms in the region.
HFW achieved six practice rankings and 12 individual lawyer rankings across a diverse range of areas including aviation finance, construction, litigation, insurance, shipping finance and shipping litigation.Â
The firm maintained its Band 1 ranking in Shipping Litigation and improved its ranking in Construction.
HFW’s commerciality, professionalism and responsiveness was reflected in client testimonials in the directory. Client commentary included:
- “HFW offers very productive advice on complex deals. We rate them highly for their responsiveness.”
- “They have highly experienced lawyers who have handled big, complicated claims. They have very strong commercial awareness.”
- “HFW are good in front of clients. They are very professional, with a lot of experience.”
- “HFW demonstrate an excellent manner and responsiveness. The team are reliable and knowledgeable in all matters that concern us.”
- “They are pragmatic and experienced.”
HFW’s rankings:
- Shipping Litigation – Band 1
- Construction – Band 2
- Aviation Finance – Band 3
- Shipping Finance – Band 3
- Insurance: Contentious – Band 4
- Dispute Resolution: Litigation – Band 6
HFW lawyer rankings:
- Patrick Cheung: Shipping Finance – Band 3
- Whitney Chan: Aviation Finance – Associate to Watch
- Malcolm Chin: Construction – Band 3
- Martin Downey: Construction – Band 1
- Henry Fung: Shipping Finance – Band 3; Shipping Litigation – Band 4
- George Lamplough: Shipping Litigation – Band 1; Dispute Resolution: Litigation – Band 5
- Peter Murphy: Shipping Litigation – Band 2
- Nicholas Poynder: Shipping Litigation – Band 2
- Justin Sun: Aviation Finance – Band 4
- Steven Yip: Construction – Band 2
HFW has a long history of serving clients in the Greater China region. The firm has been operating in Hong Kong for over 46 years and Shanghai for almost 25 years. In 2016, HFW became only the second international law firm to establish a formal association with a Chinese firm under the Shanghai FTZ rules, with Wintell & Co, and in 2023 the firm launched an office in Shenzhen to support its clients in China’s Greater Bay Area.
HFW now has three offices in Greater China, with 19 partners and more than 80 lawyers supporting clients across the region.
The Chambers rankings are based on a combination of research and client feedback, with assessments made on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment.
HFW’s full rankings in the 2025 edition of Chambers Greater China can be found here: HFW, Greater China Region 2025 | Chambers Profiles.
HFW was also recently recognised as a leading law firm in Asia Pacific in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500 Asia Pacific.
