Taylor Root's appraisal of the current market and hiring trends among law firms in Hong Kong, including a salary survey which takes into account 2012 reviews.

Our M&A Special Report launches with an article from Eversheds on 'The M&A Blueprint: from inception to integration.' Here Stephen Kitts, Managing Partner - Asia discusses the importance of a team of professionals providing the right "connective tissue" to see a deal through to its conclusion. Huang Jianwen, Partner at King & Wood Mallesons then sheds light on some of the cultural issues that can sometimes vex foreign parties in the context of outbound dealings with China. Christopher Osborne, Partner at Watson Farley & Williams (Thailand) Ltd updates us on changing trends in the M&A landscape in Thailand and Brian Chia, Partner at Wong & Partners explains why Malaysia is poised for an upswing in foreign investment. Peter Kasanda, Legal Director and Michael Strain of Clyde & Co round up our Special Report with their take on how the surge in M&A deals in Africa has come about.

Stefan Gannon, general counsel of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, discusses the unique role of the institution’s in-house team.

Turning the lens on the plight of ship owners on what can only be described as despondent times in the industry, our inaugural Shipping & Insurance issue features a cover story which carves out four of the biggest concerns currently affecting them. In addition, an industry expert from Tilleke & Gibbins helpfully guides us through the issue of limitation of liability for ship owners in Thailand in our Special Report. Additionally, we bring you the highlights from a key-note speech delivered to the In-House Community in Singapore by the Attorney-General, who called for the serious discussion of greater regulation of the in-house counsel role at InHouse Community' 13th In-House Congress in the Lion City.

In this month's M&A Special Report, industry experts from Malaysia's Wong & Partners indicate that M&A is on the rise in Asia, buoyed by outward investment into a debt-ridden Europe; Tilleke & Gibbins fill us in on the local characteristics intrinsic to Vietnam which foreign investors need to be mindful of; Thanathip & Partners discuss the impact of the ASEAN Association on activity in Thailand; and Bin Shabib Associates (BSA) LLP assess the common pitfalls encountered by foreign investors in the Middle East. Finally, Phoenix Legal navigate us through the milestones and minefields embedded in the Indian M&A landscape. 

Mitigating the theft of trade secrets

Terence Lau and Donald Fung of Hogan Lovells unveil some novel provisions which have been incorporated into the new Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, and discuss their significance in the context of strengthening the city’s position as an international corporate centre.

Our latest Disputes Special Report features contributions from K&L Gates, King & Wood Mallesons, the Hong Kong Arbitration Centre, Lee International and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, – from funding to resolution, bringing the pieces together.

“What is the price of experience?”: or, Think, don’t Blink!

Slated to take effect in October of this year, the new Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Ordinance has been introduced with a view to invigorating and reinforcing the data privacy landscape in Hong Kong. The new amendments will home in on the use and transfer of personal data for direct marketing purposes. Anna Gamvros and Aaron Bleasdale of Baker & McKenzie examine the importance of these changes and the penalties for non-compliance.

David Smyth and David Luk of Smyth & Co (in association with Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP), review Hong Kong’s new Financial Dispute Resolution Scheme and highlight some pertinent issues that may arise for prospective claimants, financial institutions and their in-house lawyers.

In this issue, we bring you a comprehensive overview on anti-trust and competition law authored by Ian Forrester QC, whilst Perdana Saputro of Melli Darsa highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Indonesia's competition regime. Chew Phye Keat of Raja Darryl & Loh contemplates the effectiveness of the Malaysian Competition Act 2012 and Dr. Tuan of LCT Lawyers gives us a fascinating look through the key-hole into the regulatory world of Vietnam's anti-trust framework. ASIAN-MENA COUNSEL also speaks to Vivian Mak, Director and Head of Litigation, APAC, The Royal Bank of Scotland and through her eyes we see the changing tapestry of a litigator's role at the Bank, in our In-House Insight feature.