Our view is long term
We endeavour to build lasting client relationships based on trust, professionalism and discretion
We are a young independent law firm, but with decades of experience providing bespoke legal advice and exceptional client service to individuals, families, entrepreneurs and businesses, in Hong Kong and internationally.
Our solicitors have achieved outstanding results in the most recent editions of Chambers Asia-Pacific, Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, Asialaw, Benchmark Litigation, Private Client Global Elite and Doyle’s Guide. They have been recognised multiple times by Asian Legal Business and Community Business and been awarded by The Hong Kong Law Society for their pro bono service to the community.
Legal Services
Our clients have diverse issues. Some require immediate attention and speedy outcomes. Others require the building of a long-term partnership between solicitor and client. In all situations and for all our clients, we provide clear practical advice to help achieve the best results.
News & Articles
BDB Pitmans | British Citizenship for Hong Kong Nationals: Navigating the Visa and Tax Rules
BDB Pitmans | British Citizenship for Hong Kong Nationals: Navigating the Visa and Tax Rules https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/lightbulb-idea-innovation-creativity-solar-system-power-1435019-pxhere.com_-scaled-e1612240097454.jpg 1200 627 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Taylor Vinters | Maternity and Paternity Leave Changes
Taylor Vinters | Maternity and Paternity Leave Changes https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/horizon-silhouette-person-sunset-morning-romance-735935-pxhere.com_-scaled-e1591851211669.jpg 1600 1131 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
LexisNexis | Conflicting Wishes of the Settlor and Courts’ Interpretation
LexisNexis | Conflicting Wishes of the Settlor and Courts’ Interpretation https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/wish-advertising-bar-sign-red-blackboard-1325679-pxhere.com_-e1611653487780.jpg 800 597 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Immigration Update: Visa Renewal / Extension of Stay
Immigration Update: Visa Renewal / Extension of Stay https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/nicole-harrington-62045-unsplash-e1560758378616.jpg 1800 1044 Adam Hugill https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Adam-Hugill_500x700.jpg
STEP Hong Kong | Removal of Trustees
STEP Hong Kong | Removal of Trustees https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/snow-winter-road-street-night-asphalt-828825-pxhere.com_-scaled-e1597129258544.jpg 1480 896 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
International Estate Planning: Worldwide Wills vs Multiple Wills
International Estate Planning: Worldwide Wills vs Multiple Wills https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hand-creative-abstract-sky-flower-finger-760381-pxhere.com-1-scaled-e1608603097900.jpg 1200 801 Alfred Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Alfred-Ip_500x700.jpg
Our 2020 in Review
Our 2020 in Review https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/hugill-ip-signing-hdr_1200x800.jpg 1200 800 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.pngthe HIP talks
Podcast S2E6 | Private Client: Estate Administration https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hugill-ip-hdr-fishing-coral_1600x583.jpg 1600 583 Alfred Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Alfred-Ip_500x700.jpg
Podcast S2E6 | Private Client: Estate Administration
Jacqueline Cheng and Alfred Ip discuss the main steps in estate administration: collection of assets, payment of debts, distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries.
Immigration Offences on Employment https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/light-architecture-sky-bridge-night-window-136797-pxhere.com-1-scaled-e1600681419947.jpg 1600 1067 Adam Hugill https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Adam-Hugill_500x700.jpg
Immigration Offences on Employment
All visitors to Hong Kong that do not have the right of abode will be subject to a condition of stay. Any contravention is a criminal offence, resulting in a fine and even imprisonment.
DNA and Data Privacy https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1-DNA-scaled-e1606290561591.jpg 800 533 Carmen Tang https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Carmen-Tang_500x700.jpg
DNA and Data Privacy
DNA data and specific measures individuals should be aware of in order to protect their privacy rights when undergoing COVID-19 or ancestry testing
Podcast S2E5 | Employment: Team Moves https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hugill-ip-hdr-meeting-room-blu_1600x583.jpg 1600 583 Adam Hugill https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Adam-Hugill_500x700.jpg
Podcast S2E5 | Employment: Team Moves
Chris Hooley and Adam Hugill discuss team moves from both perspectives, looking at fidelity and fiduciary duties, contractual obligations of employees, real-life examples.
the HIP answers
Hong Kong: a Hub for the Biotech Industry
Hong Kong: a Hub for the Biotech Industry https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/covid-19-coronavirus-covid-cell-pandemic-corona-virus-1608795-pxhere.com_-scaled-e1596514236323.jpg 1200 800 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Visitation and Access to Children
Visitation and Access to Children https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hugill-ip-hdr-hands-coral_1920x700.jpg 1920 700 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
SCMP Young Post | So you want to be a lawyer? The realities of this challenging career path
SCMP Young Post | So you want to be a lawyer? The realities of this challenging career path https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dariusz-sankowski-46479-unsplash-e1549730848193.jpg 1500 1125 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Starting a Business in Hong Kong
Starting a Business in Hong Kong https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hugill-ip-hong-kong-hdr-skyline3-coral_1920x700.jpg 1920 700 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Maternity Leave Amendments Take Effect Today
Maternity Leave Amendments Take Effect Today https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hugill-ip-chairs-hdr-blu_1600x583.jpg 1600 583 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
What You Need to Know about Adoption
What You Need to Know about Adoption https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-ip-hong-kong-cultural-centre-hdr_1200x800.jpg 1200 800 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Financial Disputes in Divorce Proceedings
Financial Disputes in Divorce Proceedings https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-ip-stairs-hdr_1200x800.jpg 1200 800 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
Essential Elements to Consider Before Starting Divorce Proceedings
Essential Elements to Consider Before Starting Divorce Proceedings https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hugill-ip-hdr-family_1400x788.jpg 1400 788 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.pngReferences
Alfred Ip has been selected for the Global Elite Directory 2021 in conjunction with Legal Week International. The Global Elite Directory is the list of the world’s most respected lawyers advising UHNW clients, all of whom have been recommended by their peers in the industry.
Launched in 2017, the Private Client Global Elite serves as a highly respected global directory of the world’s top private client and trust and estates litigation talent, as well as rising stars within the industry. Each year, they receive over 6,000 nominations, which is narrowed down to just 250.
Global Elite - 2021
Praised for its ‘attention-to-detail and proactive approach‘, Hugill & Ip has picked up a considerable amount of private client-related work since its establishment in 2018. The ‘resourceful and knowledgeable‘ Alfred Ip leads the practice and is also noted for his family expertise, particularly as it relates to clients with “non-traditional” family arrangements, including advice in connection with international adoptions and same-sex surrogacy and other parenting issues which are not automatically recognised under Hong Kong law.
‘A strong technical base and comprehensive skill set. I think the difference would be a dedication to customer service.’
‘Hugill & Ip are very responsive to queries and always provide helpful comments and suggestions as appropriate.’
‘They stand out for being a highly-focused boutique firm filled with calm, welcoming, yet effective lawyers who truly recognise and empower talent.’
Legal 500 - 2021
Employment law is a core area of focus for Hugill & Ip, and since its establishment in September 2018, under the guidance of ‘knowledgeable and responsive‘ name partner Adam Hugill, the team has rapidly made inroads into the local market on behalf of both employers and employees. Work covers the waterfront of issues facing companies and individuals, including advice on employee transfers and team moves, data privacy, immigration, and discrimination.
Hugill has an excellent track record guiding individuals and employers in Labour Tribunal matters, including representation in any pursuant High Court litigation, and has established a strong reputation in advising on high-profile equal opportunity/discrimination cases.
The arrival in June 2020 of Jade Tang from Oldham, Li & Nie strengthens the firm’s capacity on the non-contentious front, in particular, and adds further weight to a team that also includes Christopher Hooley, who regularly handles strategic employment advice as an offshoot of his corporate and commercial practice.
‘The firm provides a fast and professional turnaround.’
‘Adam Hugill is very professional, knowledgeable, and responsive.’
Legal 500 - 2021
Adam Hugill is well respected by interviewees for his work assisting companies and individual employees with employment law advice and dispute resolution across a range of subjects, including immigration, discrimination issues, disciplinary actions and terminations. He represents clients in matters brought before the Hong Kong Labour Tribunal and the High Court.
Alfred Ip maintains a strong reputation for his contentious probate, trust and estate planning practice. He typically represents families and private individuals in estate disputes, probate actions and applications for declaratory relief. One source confirms that he is “very adept at dealing with probate matters.”
Christopher Hooley is held in high regard for his wide-ranging corporate law practice, with his recent activity spanning M&A transactions and joint ventures to commercial agreements and corporate organisation mandates. He co-heads the corporate and commercial law practice group at Hugill & Ip Solicitors.
Chambers Asia and Chambers Global - 2021
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Leading Lawyers in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment (Highly Recommended Firm)
- Alfred Ip for Private Client and Dispute Resolution (Recommended Firm)
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A (Notable Firm)
Client feedback:
“Excellent communication with clients. All issues, decisions, and implications are explained incredibly clearly, in a way that a non-legal person can understand and make decisions on. Extremely friendly, professional and responsive lawyers.” – Dispute Resolution
“Reactive and reliable. The firm is also very friendly.” – Labour and Employment
“Jonathan Gray is an excellent lawyer. Great at communication and explaining legal matters to a non-legal person, so that we are able to make a very well-informed decision.”
Asialaw - 2021
Asian Legal Business (ALB) presented the 19th Annual ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2020 on 27 November – the pre-eminent legal awards and ALB’s biggest and longest-running awards in Asia.
Hugill & Ip has been awarded the winning prize for Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year and has been shortlisted as finalist in 8 other categories:
- HKGALA Award for Corporate Citizenship
- Immigration
- Labour and Employment
- Matrimonial and Family
- Private Wealth
- Rising Law Firm
- Tax and Trusts
- Transactional Boutique Law Firm
Alfred Ip, senior partner, said, “We are thankful for the recognition of Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year. Hugill & Ip’s reputation is rooted on handling a wide range of litigation cases: from general commercial and contractual cases, financial and partnership disputes, to banking, trusts, estate, employment and tax litigation.”
Asian Legal Business - 2020
The Law Society of Hong Kong has presented the 2020 Awards for the Pro-bono and Community Recognition Programme to the firm and four partners:
- Hugill & Ip – Gold Law Firm Award
- Alfred Ip (Ip Woon Shun 葉煥信) – Individual Gold Award
- Adam Hugill – Individual Bronze Award
- Gary Wong – Individual Bronze Award
- Carmen Tang – Individual Bronze Award
Alfred Ip commented: “I am proud to dedicate part of my efforts and legal knowledge to pro bono campaigns, fundraisers and advisory activities to different causes and charitable organisations: from LGBT rights to people affected by illness (Cancer or HIV/AIDS). I look forward to the future and to contribute even more to causes that can positively impact Hong Kong society overall, both s an individual and as a founder of a law firm”.
Adam Hugill added: “At Hugill & Ip we are really proud to contribute our legal knowledge and time for different social responsibility activities, supporting different charity organisations about causes we feel very passionate about: from food banking and waste reduction to the BRACE Awards – from fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS and eliminating stigma for people living with HIV to raising funds and awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment”.
The Law Society of Hong Kong - 2020
Client Service Excellence. Hugill & Ip has been recognised one of the highest rated firms to work with. The most successful law firms go to great lengths to ensure they provide their clients with consistent and high quality service.
As part of the research process for Asialaw Profiles, the survey screens buyers of legal services and ask them to assess and rate law firms for their quality of service in the following attributes:
- Clients management
- Fees and billing
- Firm setup
- Knowledge
Asialaw - Client Service Excellence - 2020
Adam Hugill is recognised as Recommended Lawyer in the category of Leading Employment & Labour Lawyers.
Alfred Ip is recognised as First Tier Lawyer in the category of Leading Estates, Probate & Succession Litigation Lawyers.
They have been identified by their fellow Hong Kong-based lawyers and barristers specialsing in in these areas for their expertise and abilities in the area.
Doyle's Guide - 2020
Hugill & Ip has been ranked by Benchmark Litigation in the following practice areas:
- Notable Firms for Commercial and Transactions
- Highly Recommended for Private Client
Hugill & Ip is recognised for its work in dispute resolution and the firm has a distinct focus on employment and private client litigation. Key names in the dispute resolution team include partners Alfred Ip and Adam Hugill who led the majority of cases worked on during the research period.
One highlight saw the firm advise a beneficiary in challenging an action of the professional administrator in his estate administration by selling the family home. The home in question used to be the recording studio of Crown Records, one of the most renowned record labels in Hong Kong in the 1970-80s.
Benchmark Litigation - 2020