International law firm Bird & Bird today appoints Michael Chik as a partner in its International Dispute Resolution Group, based in Hong Kong. Michael joins Bird & Bird from Norton Rose Fulbright in Hong Kong where he was a Counsel in the Dispute Resolution group.

Michael has a strong track record in a wide range of high value commercial disputes, specialising in complex contentious trust litigation, financial disputes, and estate / probate disputes. Michael has acted in some of the most recent high profile cases in Hong Kong, often involving novel questions in law, cross-border elements and tycoons’ families. Noteworthy clients include a co-executor of the estate of the late Henry Fok Ying Tung, HSBC Trustee (CI) Limited, and the Television Broadcasts Limited, along with many listed companies and financial institutions regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission.

Michael is experienced in both international arbitration, under various institutional rules, and litigation before Courts in Hong Kong. Michael’s arbitration cases often involve parties located in different jurisdictions and application of foreign laws. His litigation experience includes advising on administrative law and judicial review proceedings against the Hong Kong SAR Government and statutory bodies. In addition to contentious advice, Michael advises investment banks, listed companies, directors and employees on handling and defending investigations by Hong Kong and overseas regulatory authorities. He also regularly advises corporate clients on compliance with regulations such as the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the Listing Rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Michael has been recognised as a Next Generation Lawyer by Legal 500 Asia Pacific for three consecutive years since 2016. In the 2017 Edition, Michael was acknowledged in the litigation category as “a very sound lawyer, who is excellent with clients”. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Hong Kong. He also holds a Master of Laws in Corporate Law from the New York University School of Law.

Justin Walkey, Chairman of Bird & Bird Asia-Pacific says:

“We’re delighted to welcome Michael to Bird & Bird in Hong Kong. His focus is aligned with ours as a firm, and his strength and depth of expertise will allow us to develop a stronger dispute resolution offering in Hong Kong and China”.

Peter Knight, Sophie Eyre and Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa, Co-heads of Bird & Bird’s International Dispute Resolution Group, say:

“Michael joins our international disputes team at an exciting time of predicted market growth for the Asia Pacific region. He will form part of a larger, multi-faceted contentious offering in China, Singapore and Australia, working closely with our IP and employment litigators in the region. With Lucas Pitts recently joining us as DR partner in Dubai, Michael’s arrival is another important step in deepening our EMEA disputes expertise, enabling clients to benefit from a truly international team of experienced litigators.”

Michael adds:

“I’m excited about the opportunity to join such an innovative and rapidly-growing firm. I’m looking forward to developing my practice and client base further and expanding the APAC dispute resolution team alongside my international colleagues.”