Asia Pacific Legal 500

Asia Pacific Legal 500 is published annually by Legalease, a leading independent publisher of information for law firms and their clients. The following quotations are taken from the most recent, 2008/2009 edition.

Tanner De Witt is recommended in Asia Pacific Legal 500 2009/2010 edition for the following practice areas:

Corporate (including M&A)

Tanner De Witt 'has a strong team of lawyers with in-depth knowledge of commercial law', which acted for London-listed Micro Focus International on its acquisition of Borland Software. Richard Tanner attracts praise for 'good listening skills' and 'thoroughness in analysing the situation'. Paul Westover combines 'commercial savvy with legal experience'.

Dispute resolution

Tanner De Witt's renowned litigator Mark Side is valued by clients, who instruct the 'well-rounded' practice in negligence claims and insolvency matters, where Ian De Witt is rated as 'very impressive'. The team acted for an investor in a claim against banks for negligence in recommending structured financial products. The practice bolstered its mediation capabilities, advising an Italian fashion designer to resolve a breach of contract claim against an international fashion group.

Employment

Tanner De Witt impresses in court and with financial services industry knowledge, where the team displays 'business acumen'. Kim Boreham's quality of work is 'always beyond her charge-out rate and seniority', and work highlights include acting for brokers in defending claims brought by their former employer, and for businesses in respect of claims against employees for breaches of confidentiality.

Restructuring and insolvency

Tanner De Witt has an excellent reputation for contentious insolvency work given the lead partners' backgrounds in litigation. Ian De Witt and Robin Darton acted for the liquidators of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, and for the liquidators of the Hong Kong franchisee of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Clients value the 'rapid response and personal service at partner level' and 'attitude of getting the deal done'.

Leading individuals

Robin Darton and Ian De Witt are listed as leading individuals for restructuring and insolvency and Mark Side is listed as a leading individual for dispute resolution.