Event Details

19:00

Welcome Reception:
Welcome Reception
Host firm Deacons would like to welcome all registered delegates and guests to Hong Kong with a welcome reception at the exclusive Hong Kong Club.

Offsite: transportation will be provided. Meet in the InterContinental Hong Kong lobby at 18:15

InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel:
Program Location
InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel
18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

08:00 - 09:00

Registration Open:
Registration Open
The Ballroom Pre-Function

09:00 - 09:15

Welcome:
Welcome

09:15 - 10:30

Guest Speaker Presentation:
Guest Speaker Presentation
The Advance of Global Verein Firms - Threats and Opportunities
To what extent are the global verein structured firms a work in progress and what challenges do they face? Are they likely to succeed in meeting those challenges? What are the consequent threats and opportunities for independent firms?
Guest Speaker:
Tony Williams, Principal, Jomati Consultants LLP

10:00 - 13:00

Spouse Tea Appreciation Class & Lunch (optional, related costs taken on-site):
Spouse Tea Appreciation Class & Lunch (optional, related costs taken on-site)
09:30 Meet in InterContinental Lobby for Transportation
10:15 – 11:30 a.m., tea class (HK$250)
11:30 – 12:00 a.m., museum tour
12:00 – 01:00 p.m., lunch (HK$160 - HK$200)

10:30 - 10:45

Coffee Break:
Coffee Break
The Ballroom Pre-Function

10:45 - 12:00

Guest Speaker Presentation:
Guest Speaker Presentation
The Leadership Challenge in Professional Service Firms
The role of the practice group leader is a critical but it’s a tough job. Is your firm appointing the right people with the right skills? How can services firms invigorate the performance of existing practice groups and departments?
Guest Speaker:
Tony Reiss, Founding Principal, Sherwood PSF Consulting

12:00 - 14:00

Luncheon:
Luncheon
The InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel

14:00 - 14:45

Guest Speaker Presentation:
Guest Speaker Presentation
The Past, Present and Future: Rule of Law in Hong Kong
Guest Speaker:
Kemal Bokhary, Non-Permanent Judge and Former Permanent Judge, Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal

14:45 - 15:45

Panel Discussion:
Panel Discussion
Liberalisation of Asian Legal Markets
For a long time Hong Kong has had a relatively open legal market. A number of other Asian jurisdictions, including Singapore, Malaysia and Korea, are taking various steps to open up. Several major Asian markets have access for overseas firms to practice on a restricted, foreign law basis only. Other markets, like India, remain essentially closed to foreign law firms. International firms have moved into the Australian market. A view of the current position, and future prospects from around the region.
Moderator:
Peter Bartlett, Partner, Minter Ellison
Panelists:
Tony Williams, Principal, Jomati Consultants LLP
Harry Chawla, Senior Partner, Kochhar & Co. Advocates & Legal Consultants
Ho Joon Moon, Partner, Lee & KO
Gavin Nesbitt, Consultant, Deacons
Nad Segaram, Partner, Shearn Delamore & Co.
Lee Suet-Fern, Senior Director, Stamford Law Corporation

15:45 - 16:00

Panel Discussion:
Coffee Break
The Ballroom Pre-Function

16:00 - 17:00

Regional Meetings:
Regional Meetings
• Latin America
• North America (& Caribbean)
• Asia Pacific
• Europe & Africa

19:00

Cocktail Reception & Dinner:
Cocktail Reception & Dinner
Sky100 Observation Deck
Attendees and registered guests will enjoy complete views of Hong Kong from the city's tallest building.

Offsite: transportation will be provided. Meet in the InterContinental Hong Kong lobby at 18:15

InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel:
Program Location
InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel
18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

09:00 - 09:30

Guest Speaker Presentation:
Guest Speaker Presentation
Arbitration in Hong Kong
Guest Speaker:
Chiann Bao, Secretary-General, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)

09:30 - 10:30

Panel Discussion:
Panel Discussion
Branding the Independent Firm
How important is branding for independent firms? In an increasingly crowded market, you need a clearly differentiated and well-articulated proposition. But why do so many firms still lack clarity and differentiation? Is there still too much focus on the visual identity without the substance necessary to support a firm’s strategy? How do you ensure adequate engagement from your people? Is it possible for independent firms to achieve a consistent brand? Why does brand remain one of the most overused and poorly-defined terms in the business lexicon?
Moderator:
Nicholas Moore, Head of Business Development, Deacons
Panelists:
Tony Reiss, Founding Principal, Sherwood PSF Consulting
Walter Jennings, Managing Partner, Kreab Gavin Anderson – Strategic Communications Consultants
Gary Assim, Partner, Shoosmiths
Paul Hally, Partner, Shepherd and Wedderburn
Koos Pretorius, Partner, ENSafrica

10:30 - 10:45

Coffee Break:
Coffee Break
The Ballroom Pre-Function

10:45 - 12:00

Guest Speaker Presentation:
Guest Speaker Presentation
Managing Challenges of Conducting Business in China
What are some of the common fraud schemes to be aware of in China and how far and wide should you go with your pre-investment due diligence? While monitoring the ‘true’ performance of an overseas operation from headquarters is a challenge –understanding the culture of business in China will help you enforce the right anti-fraud controls and procedures. What red flags should you be aware of and what are the investigative steps to take when you suspect wrongdoing?
Guest Speaker:
Jason Wright, Managing Director - Asia, Kroll

12:00 - 12:30

Annual Meeting:
Annual Meeting

13:00

Special Event (Optional): Floating Lunch on Aberdeen Harbour:
Special Event (Optional): Floating Lunch on Aberdeen Harbour
Registration is now closed due to limited availability
View Pre-Registered Delegates

12:45 Meet in InterContinental Lobby for transportation
13:30 Transport via Sampan to floating yacht
13:45 Welcome Beverage and Luncheon
14:00 - 15:30 Lunch
16:30 Return to the hotel