Professional qualifications

Call: HK (2010)
Lawyer, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2022)
Fellow of Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb)
HKMAAL Accredited General Mediator
Member of Bar List of Arbitrators
Member of Bar List of Mediators
eBRAM Covid-19 Online Dispute Resolution Scheme Arbitrator
eBRAM Covid-19 Online Dispute Resolution Scheme Mediator

Practice profile

James undertakes both civil and criminal cases. His civil work focuses on land and property, building management, company, and commercial disputes. He represents clients in appeal boards and regulatory tribunals and acts as Counsel for the Prosecuting Officer in disciplinary proceedings for the Hong Kong Police Force and Fire Services Department. Besides advocacy, James offers advisory services to clients including listed companies and entertainment industry figures. He is also qualified to practice civil and commercial law in the Greater Bay Area and often resolves cross-border legal issues (for his GBA practice, click here).

On the criminal side, James is regularly instructed to conduct trials and appeals in different levels of Court, with a focus on white-collar crimes and sexual offences. Apart from defence, James also prosecutes on behalf of the Department of Justice.

James also has an active practice in alternative dispute resolution. He is a Fellow of Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb) and an Accredited General Mediator of Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited (HKMAAL). He is also a member of the List of Arbitrators as well as the List of Mediators of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

James is bilingual and is available to take instructions to conduct cases in both English and Chinese.

Selected cases

Chan Yuk Ping v Liew Shuk Fui
CACV 132/2018 (CA)
Acted as sole counsel in a trespass case and successfully appealed against the lower court’s refusal to grant leave to commence committal proceedings for breach of injunction.

Tse Wing Yee & Anor v Hena Group Co Ltd
HCLA 1-2/2017 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in representing a company on appeal against the decision of the Labour Tribunal.

Filkuen Development Ltd v Kan Sau Lan
HCA 3047/2016 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in defending a claim under a co-operation agreement regarding a real estate development project in New Territories

GreenWalls Bioengineering (HK) Ltd v Lanon Development Ltd
HCA 3125/2015 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in representing the sub-contractor in a construction contract dispute.

Re Pro Curve Ltd
HCCW 150/2015 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in representing a minority shareholder in company winding-up proceedings based on just and equitable grounds.

Chuy Kedi & Ors v Azpro Entertainment Co Ltd
DCCJ 1818-1820/2015 (DC)
Acted as sole counsel in representing several singers-artists in respect of the rescission of their artist management agreements.

Au Shui Lam v Wong Cheung Tai
DCCJ 4734/2015 (DC)
Acted as sole counsel in a case concerning adverse possession of New Territories land.

One-Blue LLC v Huizhou Desay A&V Science and Tech Co Ltd
HCA 78/2014 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in representing a firm of solicitors in respect of a claim under Yonge v Toynbee.

DigiTex Printing Technologies Company Ltd v Sun Bright Asia Pacific Ltd
HCMP 1322/2014 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel and successfully obtained ex parte interlocutory injunction in respect of asset disposal.

Solve-Pro Scientific Research Limited v Zhou Kang
HCA 310/2013 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in representing the board of directors of a company against a director for alleged breach of trust and commercial fraud.

KHL Projects Ltd v Kenly (HK) Ltd
HCA 1446/2012 (CFI)
Acted as sole counsel in representing the sub-contractor in a construction contract dispute.

Healthy Living Products Int’l Ltd & Anor v Murray Alastair Elliot
CACV 50/2011; [2012] 1 HKLRD 49 (CA)
Acted as junior counsel in a case concerning title requisition in property conveyancing.

Chau Siu Woon & Anor v Cheung Shek Kong & Ors
CACV 164/2007; [2010] 3 HKLRD 49 (CA)
Acted as junior counsel in a case concerning transaction of New Territories Small Houses.

Pegasus View Investment Ltd & Ors v Ching Lin Chuen & Ors
HCA 2203/2006 (CFI)
Acted as junior counsel in representing the developer in a multi-million dollar property development dispute.

Education

LLB, The University of Hong Kong
LLM, The University of Nottingham
PCLL, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Appointment / public office

Chairman, Appeal Tribunal Panel (Buildings) (Dec 2021 – present)
Member, Appeal Board (Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation) (Apr 2018 – Mar 2024)
Member, Appeal Board (Clubs (Safety of Premises)) (Apr 2018 – Mar 2024)
Member, Appeal Board (Bedspace Apartments) (Apr 2018 – Mar 2024)
Member, Appeal Panel (Housing) (Apr 2017 – Mar 2023)

Scholarship

S. H. Ho Local Scholarship (2003-2006)
Universitas 21 Masters Scholarship (2007)

Pro bono

Awarded in Recognition Scheme for Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services by Home Affairs Bureau / Office of Chief Secretary for Administration in 2011-2012, 2014-2015, 2016-2017, and 2018-2020.