November 30, 2017
Publication: The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2017
The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2017 recognized Kobre & Kim’s Asia-Pacific government enforcement defense and insolvency teams as leading in the region in recently released rankings. “The firm has an impressive record in defending clients against US investigations, leveraging the strength and expertise of a number of former US prosecutors and investigators within the Hong Kong team,” noted the leading publication, with clients citing the team’s “quality of work,” “responsiveness” and “collaborative spirit.”
Distinguished as a “leading lawyer,” clients say Hong Kong-based former U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor Vasu Muthyala will “brave hell and high water to represent the interests of his clients” and “understands not only what a prosecutor is seeking when asking a question, but why the question is being asked.” Clients describe New York- and Hong Kong- based William McGovern, a former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission branch chief, as “smart,” “solutions-oriented” and “responsive,” and as having a “measured and mature approach to difficult issues.” Shanghai-based disputes lawyer Shaun Wu was also recognized.
The firm’s insolvency team also received high marks, with clients noting “responsive, thorough, professional and helpful service” to stakeholders engaged in multijurisdictional insolvency disputes and an “unfettered approach to litigation. … It maintains no ongoing commercial arrangements with any clients [and] is able to provide a conflict-free service.” Clients commend “very effective and knowledgeable” Hong Kong lawyer Randall Arthur, noting that he “understands local and worldwide situations” and “provide[s] useful assessments and effective options” to clients in matters involving insolvency disputes, international judgment enforcement and offshore asset recovery.
The firm was also top ranked in the litigation and dispute resolution category, “punch[ing] well above its weight when compared to other Hong Kong-based US firms.” Clients report that Randall Arthur has “deep local knowledge and is commercially minded; he is absolutely on the ball.” William McGovern is endorsed for his ability to deliver “well-considered, thoughtful advice” and for providing “clear solutions in a confident way.”