Christopher Hooley
Bio
Awards
Writing
Bio
Chris was admitted as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 1980 and worked in the City of London before moving to Hong Kong in 1987.
In Hong Kong, he has worked for three large Hong Kong law firms, in each as the Partner in charge of the Corporate Commercial Department.
He has written articles and conducted seminars on a variety of different commercial topics in Asia, Europe and North America and has a strong commitment to social endeavours, one of which is the World Justice Project, where Chris is an accredited contributor.
In addition to his Honours Degree in Law, Chris has a Masters Degree in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from Strathclyde University.
Chris is recognised by Chambers Asia, Legal 500 and Asian Legal Business for his expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions and he is recognised by Practical Law, as being one of the leading employment lawyers in Hong Kong.
Awards
2024
- Leading Individual (Band 3) in Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms – Chambers Greater China Region
2023
- Leading Individual (Band 2) in Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms – Chambers Greater China Region
- Distinguished Practitioner in Corporate and M&A (Notable Firm) – Asialaw
Previous Years (2016-2022)
- Leading Individual in Corporate / M&A – Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global (2016-2022)
- Leading Individual in Employment: Hong Kong Law – Chambers Asia-Pacific (2018)
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate and M&A – Asialaw (2016-2022)
- Recommended in Labour, Employment & Benefits (National Guide) – Who’s Who Legal (2022)
Writing
- Presenting at legal updates/seminars and at international conferences.
Podcast S1E4 | Corporate & Commercial: Essential Considerations
References
Christopher Hooley ranked as Leading Individual (Band 3) in Chambers and Partners Greater China Region for Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms
Christopher Hooley of Hugill & Ip Solicitors heads the corporate and commercial law practice group at the firm. He is held in high regard for his wide-ranging practice advising multinationals on M&A transactions and joint ventures, and is active on both local and cross-border transactions.
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Distinguished Practitioner 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)
Two of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Chambers and Partners Greater China Region Leading Individuals (Band 2) in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms) (Band 4 Firm)
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms – China
Moreover, Alfred Ip is recognized with Band 2 ranking in Private Wealth Disputes – China in Chambers High Net Worth.
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Distinguished Practitioner 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
Independent local firm Hugill & Ip acts for both employers and employees on contentious and non-contentious matters. It has been notably prominent in equal opportunity/discrimination cases, which are rarely seen in the Hong Kong market. In addition, its group’s other wide-ranging experience includes team moves, mass terminations and restructurings. The practice is led by name partner Adam Hugill. Another key individual is Christopher Hooley, who is recommended for advice on employment strategy in connection with team moves and senior executive hires/terminations. Jade Tang joined in June 2020 from Oldham, Li & Nie.
Christopher Hooley heads the corporate and commercial law practice group at Hugill & Ip Solicitors. He is held in high regard for his wide-ranging practice advising multinationals on M&A transactions and joint ventures. Market commentators acknowledge him as “a veteran in Hong Kong.“
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Distinguished Practitioner 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)
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.’
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.
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.”