COVID-19 has created unforeseen challenges for businesses all over the world with an impact so far-reaching that several organisations are no longer able to survive. Governments have swiftly enacted relief measures but the financial consequences of the pandemic on businesses is unprecedented. Some common law jurisdictions have created new insolvency law measures to tackle the uphill struggle businesses face, but what rescue options are available in Hong Kong?
Gall has been ranked a Tier 1 firm for Commercial & Transaction Disputes in Benchmark Litigation’s 2020 rankings. The firm was also ranked a Tier 2 firm for Family & Matrimonial and Insolvency. Nick Gall, Chris Wong and Caroline McNally were recognised as Litigation Stars.
Registered Foreign Lawyer Takashi Ugajin was seconded to Gall from Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (MHM), one of the Big Four law firms in Japan, last September. He shares how the opportunity to be seconded arose, what he enjoys about working at Gall and how the legal industry differs in Hong Kong to Japan. He also offers his advice to other Japanese lawyers exploring secondments.
Nick Gall is featured in the latest Who’s Who Legal Thought Leaders: Litigation 2020 guidebook which brings together for the first time the insight, expertise and wisdom of some of the world’s foremost litigation lawyers in a single book.
The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council has approved the anti-epidemic relief fund of HK$ 137.5 billion which includes about HK$81 billion for an Employment Support Scheme (“ESS”). The purpose of the ESS is to provide financial assistance in exchange for employers undertaking to retain their employees who could otherwise be laid-off or made redundant.
Evelyn Chan and Felda Yeung have contributed the Hong Kong Chapter for the GLI guide to International Arbitration 2020. The book contains 32 country chapters and is designed to provide general counsel, government agencies and private practice lawyers with a comprehensive insight into the realities of international arbitration. Market trends, legal developments and practical, policy and strategic issues are also explored.
The COVID-19 situation has caused increasing financial and operational difficulties for businesses. Various employers have either asked employees to take unpaid leave and/or annual leave during this period. This practice note examines the legal requirements for asking employees to take unpaid leave and/or annual leave.
Gall has been recognised as an "Employer of Choice" in Hong Kong by Asian Legal Business (ALB) magazine. The survey asked lawyers and support staff for their thoughts on their roles, career prospects and work/life balance, amongst other things. Last year, over 2,500 private practice lawyers across Asia participated.
Nick Gall, Ashima Sood and Kritika Sethia have contributed the Hong Kong Chapter for the 2020 International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG) to Enforcement of Foreign Judgments. This chapter covers common issues in the enforcement of foreign judgements laws and regulations through the detailing of the general enforcement regime, enforcement regime applicable to judgments from certain countries, and methods of enforcement in other jurisdictions.
In an effort to alleviate the financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hong Kong Government has announced proposed relief measures which include a HK$ 80 billion Employment Support Scheme (“ESS”).
