Hogan Lovells expands Hong Kong offering with a team from Dechert

Michael Wong joined the Hogan Lovells Corporate and Finance practice on 1 October 2024 as a partner in the firm’s private funds practice area, accompanied by two associates. Michael is a leading funds lawyer and brings extensive expertise in alternative investment funds, with a particular focus on the formation and structuring of private equity, private credit and hedge funds. He also regularly advises on secondaries, co-investment arrangements, and carried interest schemes and has experience advising on financial services regulatory matters.

James Doyle, Head of the Corporate & Finance practice, commented: “Michael Wong’s funds and regulatory practice is a perfect fit for our needs in mainland China and across APAC. His expertise will expand the scope of work we are able to service in the region. Michael and his team will collaborate closely with our global network to deepen client relationships, grow our transactional and regulatory capabilities in this area, and expand our presence in these key markets.

Commenting on his decision to join Hogan Lovells, Michael Wong said: “I am excited to join Hogan Lovells due to the firm’s substantial presence and deep roots in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and mainland China. The firm’s strong U.S. regulatory and tax practice, particularly in Washington, will provide the ideal platform to continue growing my practice. Hogan Lovells’ commitment to Asia and its global reach make it a perfect fit for me as I look to offer my clients a more comprehensive range of services and expand into new markets.”

Additionally, Maria Sit, former Managing Partner of Dechert’s Hong Kong office, will join later in October as a partner in the firm’s Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment practice, bringing one associate with her. Maria’s practice focuses on regulatory enforcement and dispute resolution in mainland China, and her experience includes serving as in-house counsel at the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Des Hogan, Head of Disputes at Hogan Lovells said: “Maria brings over two decades of commercial litigation experience, significantly strengthening our ability to serve large conglomerates in the region. Her addition not only enhances our disputes practice but also our wider capabilities in the region.”

Maria Sit said: “I was attracted to Hogan Lovells due to its global strength, particularly its commitment to mainland China. The opportunity to work across jurisdictions and service clients both inside and outside of Hong Kong and mainland China was a key factor in my decision. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and contributing to the firm’s impressive litigation and regulatory practice.”

Owen Chan, Managing partner of the Hong Kong office, said: “The addition of Michael and Maria reflects our ongoing commitment to APAC and to build a robust, multi-disciplinary team. Their combined expertise will enhance our client offering and help us capture new opportunities in Hong Kong and beyond.”