
Alfred Ip
Family disputes can take many different forms, from the traditional probate disputes to family company shareholder disputes. Clients who are involved in family disputes can only be benefited from experienced litigators who have extensive knowledge of both probates and trusts from both non-contentious and contentious perspectives.
Hong Kong families are generally familiar with using different assets holding structures (including off-shore structures) to hold their family assets, businesses, real estate and investment portfolios. However, such structures may have been set up without the assistance from professional advisors or may no longer be fit for purpose which can give rise to disputes.
We have a deep understanding of the needs of our private clients and the dynamics of families, family businesses and personal relationships.
References
Hugill & Ip has been ranked by Benchmark Litigation in the following practice areas:
- Highly Recommended for Private Client
- Recommended in Labor and Employment
- Tier 3 for Commercial and Transactions
Adam Hugill and Alfred Ip are rated Litigation Stars and Geraint Ho Future Star. Hugill & Ip is recognised for its work in dispute resolution and the firm has a distinct focus on employment and private client litigation. The firm is also increasingly involved in general commercial disputes. 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 acting for Hong Kong hedge fund BFAM Partners to obtain an injunction against its former chief technology officer to restrict his ability to work for a key competitor for the duration of his non-competition covenant. This is a rare example of the High Court upholding and enforcing a non-competition restriction. In another ongoing case, the firm is defending claims on behalf of Charles Taylor and nine other defendants against allegations of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties and unlawful conspiracy. The firm also acted for KPMG’s court-appointed administrator to administrate the estate and conduct various recovery actions against the former executor of the estate.
Alfred Ip is recognised for his Contentious Trusts practice
Citywealth’s Leaders List is a curated directory of the leading individuals in international private client and wealth management. Over 15 years of research, Citywealth has identified the advisors and managers who regularly assist clients with £5million + in investable assets and some of the wealthiest billionaires in the world. All entries have been nominated for inclusion by their peers or organisations and independently verified by Citywealth with peer or client references.
Peer reviews:
Alfred Ip of Hugill & Ip Solicitors is well respected in the Hong Kong private client market and has particular expertise assisting high net worth individuals on trust and probate issues, as well as estate administration and disputes.
An interviewee says: “Alfred Ip leads from the front – he is intelligent, curious, and has a desire to consume knowledge and deliver advice in a succinct and logical manner.” Another source enthuses: “His expertise and professional attributes gave me the confidence that he was giving me the best advice. He does a tremendous job explaining the risk options and strategies for the next steps.”
Hugill & Ip has been ranked by Benchmark Litigation in the following practice areas:
- Highly Recommended for Private Client
- Recommended in Labor and Employment
- Tier 3 for Commercial and Transactions
Adam Hugill and Alfred Ip are rated Litigation Stars. Hugill & Ip is recognised for its work in dispute resolution and the firm has a distinct focus on employment and private client litigation. The firm is also increasingly involved in general commercial disputes. 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 Hawaiian company Adon Construction recover misappropriated funds as a result of internet fraud. It also acted on a cross-border joint venture dispute between a garment manufacturing and retail company, High Fashion New Media, and an asset holding vehicle, Hansen. Another case highlight includes defending claims on behalf of Charles Taylor and nine other defendants against allegations of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties and unlawful conspiracy. The firm also acted for KPMG’s court-appointed administrator to administrate the estate and conduct various recovery actions against the former executor of the estate.
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.
How we can help you
- Challenging the validity and enforceability of a Will
- Dispute over who to be appointed as administrator of an estate, including appointment of independent professional estate administrator
- Advising trustee and estate administrator in seeking directions from Court when beneficiaries are in dispute, in particular Beddoe application
- Bringing/defending claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Ordinance
- Disputes among family members as shareholders of assets holding vehicles for family wealth, with one party seeking to be brought out by accusing the controllers of the family company for oppression
- Financial control of vulnerable clients (contentious committee applications) and Mental Health Ordinance applications
Advice
Our clients include private individuals, trust companies and professional administrators.
Our experience goes beyond Hong Kong and we work regularly with foreign law firms in multi-jurisdictional trust and estate dispute.
Insights

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