Partner
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 differential 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
2021
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate / M&A (Notable Firm) – Asialaw Profiles
2020
- Leading Individual in Corporate / M&A – Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate / M&A – Asialaw Profiles
2019
- Leading Individual in Corporate / M&A – Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate / M&A – Asialaw Profiles
2018
- Leading Individual in Corporate / M&A – Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global
- Leading Individual in Employment: Hong Kong Law – Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate / M&A – Asialaw Profiles
2017
- Leading Individual in Corporate / M&A – Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global
- Leading Individual in Employment: Hong Kong Law – Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate / M&A – Asialaw Profiles
2016
- Leading Lawyer in Corporate / M&A – Asialaw Profiles
- Leading Individual in Corporate / M&A – Chambers Asia-Pacific and Chambers Global
- Leading Individual in Employment – Chambers Asia-Pacific
Writing
- Presenting at legal updates/seminars and at international conferences.
References
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
Since its establishment in September 2018, boutique independent law firm Hugill & Ip has quickly gained traction in the market for existing clients of lead employment partner Adam Hugill , many of whom followed him to his new firm. Praised for his ‘no-nonsense attitude and helpful, realistic way of giving advice’, Hugill is particularly accomplished at handling employment litigation for individuals in the financial services sector, including on disputes involving payment and clawback of bonuses, and vested and unvested remuneration rights. On the non-contentious front, Christopher Hooley excels at handling the employment aspects of M&A mandates and reorganisations.
‘The team provides direct advice within a practical framework.’
‘Adam Hugill clearly knows his stuff, but manages to exude a casual and relaxed air during meetings.’
Legal 500 - 2020
Christopher Hooley is highly regarded for his advice on Hong Kong-related M&A matters. He is described by a market commentator as a “very good commercial lawyer.”
Chambers Asia - 2020
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Leading Lawyers in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment
- Alfred Ip for Private Client and Dispute Resolution
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A
Client feedback:
“We are happy with the comprehensive and holistic work done by the law firm and Alfred Ip. They helped us to revise the trust deed to fulfil the requirement of the client.”
“Adam Hugill is canny, smart and well educated as well as being easy and pleasant to communicate with.”
“Adam Hugill is an excellent communicator, listening intently and giving helpful advice, not shielding us from the ‘bad news’. Emails are answered promptly and succinctly, and I trust his judgment thoroughly.”
Asialaw - 2020
Adam Hugill has a particularly strong reputation advising on contentious employment matters and has excellent ties with local businesses from many industry sectors, which should enable him to offer a viable alternative to some of the larger, more established firms in the market.
Christopher Hooley handles non-contentious employment matters as part of his broad-ranging corporate and commercial practice.
Legal 500 - 2019
Christopher Hooley joined Hugill & Ip Solicitors in September 2018, bringing over his solid track record for handling corporate work involving Hong Kong, including advising on mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. One client reports: “His advice is not only good from a legal perspective but also from both practical and commercial viewpoints”, while another source notes: “He has a long-standing reputation. He is very personable and is able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently”.
Chambers Asia - 2019
Christopher Hooley has a good track record advising major businesses on the employment aspects of mergers, acquisitions and reorganisations. He also ably advises on contentious mandates, including such issues as discrimination claims, pay disputes and breaches of restrictive covenants.
Chambers Asia - 2018
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Leading Lawyers in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment
- Alfred Ip for Private Client (the only one in Hong Kong) and Dispute Resolution
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A
Asialaw - 2019
Christopher Hooley has almost three decades of experience working in Hong Kong – he is “very commercial, and very savvy“; “responsive and helpful” and provides “excellent advice”.
Chambers Asia - 2017
Christopher Hooley is “a good operator: experienced, commercial and savvy”.
Chambers Asia - 2015
Christopher Hooley maintains a strong corporate and commercial practice in Hong Kong. Aside from assisting overseas companies with acquisitions and corporate reorganisations, he has further advised local clients on outbound investments into Europe.
Chambers Asia - 2014
Christopher Hooley has a wide practice which incorporates M&A and corporate finance, with additional focus on employment and IT sectors. He is identified as presenting “a strong commercial side to his advice – he did a remarkable job”.
Chambers Asia - 2013
Christopher Hooley impresses clients with his attention to detail and “quick turnaround time and responsiveness”… “He’s very professional and friendly”.
Chambers Asia - 2012
Insights
Shareholder Liability
Shareholder Liability https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hugill-and-Ip-Solicitors-Corporate-and-Commercial-Shareholder-Liability_sm.jpg 1920 1080 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpg
Podcast S1E4 | Corporate & Commercial: Essential Considerations
Podcast S1E4 | Corporate & Commercial: Essential Considerations https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-ip-hong-kong-skyline2-hdr_1200x800.jpg 1200 800 Gary Wong https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Gary-Wong_500x700.jpg
Commercial Contracts and the Importance of the Force Majeure Clause
Commercial Contracts and the Importance of the Force Majeure Clause https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/arrows-marcus-wallis-416821-unsplash_1600x1065.jpg 1600 1065 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpg
Third-Party Guarantees in the Art Market
Third-Party Guarantees in the Art Market https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/anna-kolosyuk-481874-unsplash-e1560920940606.jpg 1350 900 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpg
Global Banking and Finance Review | Hugill & Ip Solicitors keep achieving outstanding recognitions and expanding its boutique law firm practice in Hong Kong
Global Banking and Finance Review | Hugill & Ip Solicitors keep achieving outstanding recognitions and expanding its boutique law firm practice in Hong Kong https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Hugill-and-Ip-Pattern_1600x1006.png 1600 1006 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png
China Business Rules for Joint Ventures, Product Manufacturing and Distribution
China Business Rules for Joint Ventures, Product Manufacturing and Distribution https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/bicycle-e1544605061140.jpg 545 386 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpg
A new Agreement on Trade in Goods under the Framework of CEPA Takes Effect Today
A new Agreement on Trade in Goods under the Framework of CEPA Takes Effect Today https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/containers.jpg 566 398 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpg
A New China E-Commerce Law is Coming into Effect in January 2019
A New China E-Commerce Law is Coming into Effect in January 2019 https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/computer.jpg 660 378 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpg
Blockchain Rising Popularity and its Recent Developments in Hong Kong and Mainland China
Blockchain Rising Popularity and its Recent Developments in Hong Kong and Mainland China https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/blockchain01.jpg 506 332 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700.jpgAssociated Press | Three Partners of Hugill & Ip Solicitors achieve strong results in 2019 Chambers Asia-Pacific ranking
Associated Press | Three Partners of Hugill & Ip Solicitors achieve strong results in 2019 Chambers Asia-Pacific ranking https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Hugill-and-Ip-Pattern_1600x1006.png 1600 1006 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512.png