Debevoise & Plimpton today announced that Gareth Hughes will join the firm’s Hong Kong office as a litigation partner.
Mr. Hughes has consistently been recognised as one of the foremost commercial disputes lawyers in the region, having spent more than 15 years working in Hong Kong. He has particularly deep experience advising financial institutions on litigation and contentious regulatory investigations.
Mr. Hughes is regularly noted as a leading lawyer in the region, with the latest edition of Chambers Asia-Pacific stating he has “considerable experience advising on regulatory matters and investigations,” and quoting sources praising his “clear, unambiguous advice.”
Debevoise lawyers have represented Asia-based clients and multinational clients for decades in Asia-focused arbitrations, litigations and anti-corruption matters. Senior members of the team are also heavily involved in shaping the regulatory and disputes environment in Asia, taking leadership roles on bodies such as the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the Singapore International Commercial Court Committee, and Hong Kong’s Financial Reporting Review Panel.
The firm’s practice includes on-the-ground presence in Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as senior partners in New York, Washington, D.C. and London, with particular focus advising clients in Asia.
Michael Blair, presiding partner at Debevoise, commented: “I’m excited to welcome Gareth to Debevoise. He is a lawyer with proven pedigree in Asia, and will help us continue to deliver on our promise of providing top quality, senior advice on regulatory and white collar matters wherever our clients do business.”
Lord Goldsmith KC, chair of European and Asian litigation at Debevoise, commented: “Gareth is a great fit for our global litigation team, which is one of the key strengths of the firm. He has been advising the region’s biggest financial institutions for many years, and has been at the forefront of developing white collar and regulatory defense practices as they have evolved in Asia. I’m delighted he has chosen to continue his practice at Debevoise.”
Mark Johnson, partner at Debevoise in Hong Kong, commented: “Our clients in Asia are working in an increasingly complex regulatory and enforcement environment, particularly those in the financial services sector. Adding a lawyer of Gareth’s calibre to our team gives further senior experience to the practice, helping us to strengthen our practice at a time when our clients most need it. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Gareth Hughes commented: “Since Mark Johnson joined Debevoise in Hong Kong in early 2015, the practice has grown impressively. Today, it is working on some of the region’s most complex matters for global financial services firms and others. This is a success story to which I look forward to contributing.”
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients’ most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.