Mayer Brown's Bold Move: Hong Kong Reorganization and the Return of Johnson Stokes & Master

In a major reshuffle to enhance its operations in Asia, global law firm Mayer Brown has officially launched Mayer Brown Hong Kong LLP (MBHK) while simultaneously reinstating the notable firm Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) as an independent entity. This transformation, first hinted at in a May announcement, marks a significant evolution in the region’s legal landscape.

Following the reorganization, Mayer Brown reassured its clients that its presence in Asia remains robust with offices still active in Singapore, employing 51 lawyers, and Tokyo with 7 lawyers. MBHK will house approximately 20 lawyers focused on pressing sectors such as capital markets, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), finance, intellectual property/cybersecurity, as well as energy and infrastructure. This strategic move aims to better serve clients navigating complex local and international challenges.

The offices in mainland China, specifically Beijing and Shanghai, will now operate under the JSM banner, allowing for greater specialization and focused services in those regions.

Leading the charge for MBHK is capital markets partner Thomas Kollar, who will assume the role of managing partner in Hong Kong. "We are thrilled to introduce our new integrated offering in Hong Kong, which underscores our unwavering commitment to clients and the broader region," said Mayer Brown chair Jon Van Gorp. He emphasized that this pivotal moment aligns with the firm’s strategic objectives of advising multinational clients through complex transactions and disputes using their expansive international resources.

The split comes in the wake of several turbulent years for Hong Kong, characterized by widespread protests, the implementation of the National Security Law, and stringent Covid-19 restrictions. Such factors have reshaped the legal environment, catalyzing the necessity for this new framework.

JSM's Emergence as a Standalone Powerhouse

After 160 years as a partnership, JSM is embarking on a fresh journey as an independent law firm once again, bolstered by approval from The Law Society of Hong Kong to reclaim its legacy name. This transition follows its previous combination with Mayer Brown in 2008.

JSM is spearheaded by senior partner Terence Tung alongside a capable management committee that includes commercial managing partner Hannah Ha, dispute resolution managing partner Geoffrey Chan, and real estate managing partner Keith Cheung. With over 120 lawyers, including 40 partners, JSM ranks among the largest law firms in Hong Kong and continues to maintain a significant presence in mainland China, having established a footprint there since the 1990s.

The firm is strategically positioned to tackle complex legal scenarios in various vital sectors such as cybersecurity, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), private capital, and technology, in addition to banking, finance, real estate, and construction. JSM has outlined its commitment to guiding clients through intricate disputes and regulatory challenges. This includes M&A, capital markets, and compliance matters, tailored to the unique needs of businesses in Hong Kong and mainland China—particularly in the dynamic Greater Bay Area (GBA).

"Our vision is to help clients seize numerous local and global opportunities," noted Tung. He pointed out that over a third of JSM’s lawyers are dual-qualified from prominent international jurisdictions. This rich tapestry of experience enables them to effectively navigate and apply diverse legal frameworks in one of the world’s most progressive markets, while also engaging with initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.

As Mayer Brown expands its horizons in Asia and JSM reestablishes itself, both firms are poised to set new benchmarks in delivering exceptional legal services tailored to the complexities of an evolving legal environment.