CMS expands its Dispute Resolution and Insurance practices in Hong Kong with two strategic hires

International law firm CMS has continued its growth in Hong Kong with two strategic hires.  

Adrian Elms joins as a partner in the Dispute Resolution practice and Anthony Woo joins as a senior consultant in the Insurance practice.  Also joining with them are two associates and two legal managers.

Adrian has extensive experience in contentious regulatory work, insolvency-related litigation, as well as shareholder and general commercial disputes. He advises organisations on investigations conducted by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the Commercial Crimes Bureau.

Adrian joins the firm from DLA Piper Hong Kong where he was Of Counsel. He is the second partner appointment for the firm’s Hong Kong office in recent months. Earlier this year, CMS announced the appointment of Conor Warde as partner in the asset finance team. 

Steven Wise, Partner, commented: “We are delighted that Adrian has joined our team in Hong Kong. Adrian is a highly experienced and recognised lawyer, and his wide experience greatly enhances our existing strength in Asia.”

Anthony Woo has over 25 years’ experience in the marine and non-marine insurance sector. He is regularly retained by leading insurers to advise on disputes across all lines of insurance, with a particular focus on marine, property, and casualty. Anthony is an expert in international arbitration, including CIETAC, HKIAC and SIAC, and has extensive experience advising on dry shipping disputes, and commercial litigation, including cross-border disputes.

Prior to joining CMS, Anthony was a partner for 14 years at leading international law firms, including Kennedys and Clyde & Co. 

Andrew Horton, Partner added: “I am delighted to welcome Anthony to the team, which brings our dispute resolution, shipping and insurance practice to a team of 16 fee-earners. We have ambitious plans to grow our presence in Hong Kong, and the arrival of Anthony cements the firm’s ongoing commitment to the APAC region.”

Caryn Miller, CMS Joint Managing Director for Asia and the Middle East, commented: “As one of the world’s most significant financial and legal centres, Hong Kong continues to be of strategic importance for the firm. The arrival of Adrian and Anthony gives us the opportunity to expand our dispute resolution and insurance offerings and strengthen our relationships with our existing clients. I am delighted to welcome Adrian and Anthony to the team.”

CMS supports clients in Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific region on the full spectrum of dispute resolution, asset finance and general financial transactions including restructuring and securitisation, corporate/M&A and commercial/IP.