Harneys’ Appoints Its New Hong Kong Managing Partner

May 9, 2023
Harneys global Banking & Finance and Corporate groups head Partner Paul Sephton has been appointed managing partner of the firm’s Hong Kong office. He succeeds Ian Mann, who is stepping down after five years as Asia Managing Partner, and will continue to focus on his practice as a partner in the firm’s Litigation, Insolvency & Restructuring team in Hong Kong. Having joined Harneys in 2016, Paul is highly regarding in his field, and receives consistent recognition by major directories. He advises leading onshore law firms, major international financial institutions and listed and private companies. Paul specialises in debt finance, advising on a range of financial products, including leveraged finance, margin lending, acquisition finance, pre-IPO finance, take-private transactions, bond issuances, convertible instruments, derivative transactions, property finance, and syndicated lending. “Paul has contributed greatly to our success within the Hong Kong market and is well positioned to continue to deliver our Hong Kong strategy. We are delighted he is taking on this role and wish him all the best”, said Global Managing Partner William Peake. William also commended Ian for demonstrating great leadership and dedication during his tenure as Asia Managing Partner, pointing out that Ian’s commitment to excellence has helped elevate the firm’s reputation in the...

Herbert Smith Freehills Appoints Stammer as Australia and Asia Executive Partner

December 20, 2022
Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Kristin Stammer to the role of Executive Partner, Australia and Asia, effective May 1, 2023. Kristin has been with the firm for 25 years, and is a partner in the intellectual property practice in Sydney, and co-leads the firm’s global consumer sector. She succeeds Andrew Pike, who has been in the role since 2017.   Kristin has been appointed to the role for an initial three-year term. She will work closely with Asia managing partner May Tai in achieving the firm’s regional ambitions.  Andrew will remain at the firm in a new managing partner role, driving growth under the firm’s strategy in priority areas, including private capital, energy transition, ESG and cyber.  “Kristin is highly regarded by our clients and our people, with news of her appointment strongly-received across the firm. She has the global and client-focused mindset, and the collaborative and inclusive leadership skills required for one of the world’s leading international law firms,” said Herbert Smith Freehills CEO Justin D’Agostino.   In response, Kristin remarked, “I am honoured to be chosen to lead the firm in Australia and Asia at such important time for our region. I’m immensely proud of our firm, passionate about our people and clients, and committed to us leading in everything we do. We have the people and expertise to achieve our bold ambitions through even closer collaboration across Asia Pacific, and by enhancing our strong and inclusive...

How to Harness an Agile and Innovative Mindset During Periods of Change or Uncertainty

December 20, 2022
Whilst we all appreciate the importance of a productive and creative mindset, it can be challenging to resist the urge to default to old habits or conservative thinking in uncertain times. As we face questions about the global economy and consider the impact of major market disruptors, we wanted to look at how one can remain agile, effective and even opportunistic, both individually and as a team.  Stephanie Szeto, Head of Asia for Peerpoint, Allen & Overy’s flexible resourcing business, spoke to Sarah Millson, a senior learning and development consultant with Actualize Hong Kong, and Stacy Lopez, a certified professional career and transition coach and member of Peerpoint’s consultant management team, about some of these themes. “The fight or flight part of the brain sometimes sees change as a perceived danger and we often pull from previous experiences when reacting in response to it.” Stephanie: Change in the face of uncertainty can cause people and organizations to react with conservatism, caution and even anxiety. How do we develop an open and opportunistic mindset in the face of change? Stacy: My career has taken a number of different turns and something that I have learned, and which was a real game-changer for me, is that “Everything is an opportunity”. When we are faced with change and discomfort, that is in fact how we grow. So, ask what the potential opportunity is, what are you meant to learn and how are you going to grow and move forward?  The fight or flight part of the brain sometimes sees change as a perceived danger and we often pull from previous experiences when...

Goodwin Launches in Singapore

October 17, 2022
Goodwin opened its Singapore office in the city’s central business district. It is the firm’s second location in Asia and the 15th office globally. The Singapore office, which serves clients raising, deploying and lending capital in the region and around the world, is chaired by private investment funds partner Greg Barclay. He is joined by private equity partner Abhishek Krishnan, counsel Ananth Lakshman and a team of associates. Goodwin’s Hong Kong-based lawyers also support the new office and the firm’s clients in Singapore and the wider region. Private investment funds partner Elyn Xing will spend significant time in Singapore over the coming months. “Singapore is a key hub for the technology, life sciences, real estate, private equity and financial services industries for Southeast Asia and India. Our new office in Singapore is important to our strategy of working with investors and companies in these key sectors,” said Yash Rana, chair of Goodwin’s Asia practice and co-chair of the global Private Equity practice. The firm’s Hong Kong office opened in 2008 and today includes nearly 50 lawyers and global operations team professionals. The top-ranked practice is consistently recognized for excellence. The Hong Kong and Singapore offices will work together seamlessly to meet the needs of the firm’s clients. “Goodwin’s global platform is uniquely positioned to serve clients at the busy intersection of capital and innovation, and Singapore – a magnet for both start-ups and capital flows – is at the heart of this intersection. We are thrilled to launch the office and assist our clients with achieving their strategic objectives,” said Greg Barclay. The team brings with it decades of cross-border transaction experience. Barclay’s practice focuses on the formation of...