Richard specialises in Corporate and Commercial law, acting for local and overseas clients.

He advises on the establishment and running of companies in Hong Kong and China; shareholders' agreements; contractual needs; mergers and acquisitions; distribution arrangements, agency contracts and franchising, particularly assisting manufacturing clients to establish sources of production and safeguard their interests.

Richard's work also includes providing advice on banking arrangements, joint venture funding and structuring loan arrangements; establishment of trusts and overseas companies; providing trustees, protectors and other offices within trust arrangements; immigration matters; the protection and registration of trademarks; employment law advice in relation to hire, retention, resignations and removals; consultancy and secondment arrangements; employer protection of assets; company secretarial services.

Prior to the establishment of TDW, Richard had been a partner in a City of London international law firm, a partner in a local law firm and an in-house lawyer for Europe's largest venture capital organisation.

• Acting in connection with the establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises and joint ventures in China.
• Advising a Hong Kong listed company acquiring a European group of companies.
• Advising upon the licensing for sale and manufacture in China of specialised components.
• Advising a UK medical group in connection with the licensing of medical techniques in South East Asia.
• Advising on the purchase of the business of a Hong Kong company with offices in South East Asia.

• Guidance Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong
• Board Member of Hong Kong Solicitors Indemnity Fund
• Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors
• British Chamber of Commerce
• Hong Kong Jockey Club

Richard has made various presentations in the South East Asia region, on such matters as:

• Documentation of complex loan transactions
• Technology transfers
• Directors' and officers' liabilities and insurance cover
• Establishing and protecting businesses
• Hiring and firing staff

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2007/2008: "The 'smart', 'bright' and 'talented' Richard Tanner is highly recommended by clients."