Overview

Paul is a partner in the Dispute Resolution Team in the Hong Kong office of Kirkland & Ellis, focusing on complex, high-stakes, bet-the-company disputes. He has advised clients on a wide range of domestic and international commercial disputes, both in court and arbitration. He has particular experience dealing with professional negligence, company law, director’s duties, shareholder disputes, insolvency, fraud, urgent asset preservation, litigation funding, privilege and conflict of law issues. Paul was recognised in Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 for his leadership of Kirkland’s Tier 1 litigation practice across Greater China, named among 500 Leading Global Litigators by Law Dragon 2023–2024, and identified as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific 2024.

Paul is a go-to practitioner for auditors, valuers and other professionals facing allegations of negligence or misconduct. He has experience acting on both plaintiff and defence side and understands the unique challenges and pressures faced by each. Paul has particular experience dealing with negligence claims arising out of collapsed Mainland China-based businesses. He has worked with dozens of factual and expert witnesses and is one of only a handful of Hong Kong practitioners to take the defence of a major audit claim through a full trial before the Hong Kong court. 

Paul is sought after for his technical abilities and is specifically recognised in Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 for his drafting skills. He has worked across a wide range of industries including finance, technology, forestry, healthcare, agriculture, retail, crypto, energy and coal, mining, travel and media. He has extensive experience working on cross border disputes and insolvencies and is one of only a few Hong Kong practitioners to have completed the INSOL Fellowship in international insolvency. He frequently advises liquidators on their investigations and claims, both within and outside of Hong Kong.

Paul is a trusted advisor for many Boards. He invests in understanding the business and delivers direct, common sense and practical advice.

More

Thought Leadership

Speaking Engagements

Panelist, “Arbitrating audit claims in the wake of the PRC property downturn – winners and losers”, Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2024

Panelist, “Investment Exit Strategies”, joint seminar with WongPartners, 2024

Panelist, “Third Party Funding,” Legal 500 General Counsel Summit, Hong Kong, 2024

Speaker, HKICPA Insolvency Preparatory II Course, 2024

Speaker, HKICPA Insolvency Preparatory I Course, 2023

Panelist, “Insolvency Trends,” Burford Capital Webinar, 2023

Publications

“M&A Litigation,” Lexology, 2024

Recognition

“Future Star,” Commercial and Transactions, China and Hong Kong, Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2024)

“Future Star,” Insolvency, China and Hong Kong, Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2024)

“Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators”, International Litigation & Arbitration, Lawdragon (2023–2024)

Memberships & Affiliations

INSOL Fellow, 2019

HKICPA

IWIRC

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2013, Hong Kong, Solicitor
  • 2009, Victoria, Australia (non-practicing)

Education

  • University of TasmaniaBachelor of Laws2008
  • University of TasmaniaBachelor of Civil Engineering2005