Legal Counsel (Litigation)

Taylor Root; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Taylor Root, a leading Hong Kong organisation, is seeking a Legal Counsel with a litigation focus and 5+ PQE to join its Hong Kong legal team. The role centers on managing contentious matters, disputes and regulatory investigations, with exposure to cross-border arbitration.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will supervise external counsel, advise on dispute avoidance, and support commercial contracts, while keeping stakeholders informed on strategy and case progress.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 5+ years PQE in litigation/ dispute resolution.
• Admission to practise in Hong Kong preferred; other common law jurisdictions with HK experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution in Hong Kong and relevant jurisdictions.
• Handle pre-action correspondence, pleadings, discovery and interlocutory applications.
• Instruct and manage external counsel, including Senior Counsel, for contentious matters.
• Advise on dispute avoidance, settlements, mediation and ADR.
• Support regulatory investigations and inquiries by Hong Kong regulators (SFC, HKMA, CC)
• Provide litigation-related risk guidance arising from commercial contracts, employment disputes, insolvency, shareholder disputes.
• Draft and review dispute-related clauses (jurisdiction, governing law, arbitration) and general commercial contracts.

Skills

Litigation

Dispute resolution

Regulatory investigations

External counsel management

Cross-border disputes

Contract drafting

English proficiency

Cantonese Mandarin advantageous

Education

HK admission as qualified lawyer

Job description

Organisation: A leading Hong Kong organisation with significant operations and a strong presence in Hong Kong

Role Overview

We are seeking a Legal Counsel with a strong litigation focus and at least 5 years’ post-qualification experience to join our Hong Kong legal team. Reporting to the General Counsel, the successful candidate will primarily manage contentious matters, disputes, and regulatory investigations while also providing commercial support as needed. This hands-on role offers significant exposure to complex domestic and cross-border litigation and arbitration in a dynamic, high-profile organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution proceedings in Hong Kong and relevant jurisdictions, including strategy development, case management, and risk assessment.
• Handle pre-action correspondence, pleadings, discovery, evidence gathering, and interlocutory applications.
• Instruct, manage, and work closely with external counsel and counsel (including Senior Counsel) on contentious matters, ensuring cost-effective and commercially sound outcomes.
• Advise on dispute avoidance, settlement negotiations, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Support regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and inquiries involving Hong Kong regulators (e.g., SFC, HKMA, Competition Commission, or others as applicable).
• Provide advice on litigation-related risks arising from commercial contracts, employment disputes, insolvency, shareholder disputes, and other corporate matters.
• Draft and review dispute-related clauses (e.g., jurisdiction, governing law, arbitration clauses) and assist with general commercial contracts as required.
• Monitor developments in Hong Kong civil procedure, arbitration practice (including HKIAC), and relevant case law, and keep the business informed of key implications.
• Maintain accurate case records, manage budgets, and report regularly to senior management on the status and strategy of disputes.
• Contribute to internal training on litigation risk, evidence preservation, and dispute management best practices.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE), with a substantial portion gained in litigation / dispute resolution practice (top-tier law firm and/or in-house experience preferred).
• Admission to practise in Hong Kong is strongly preferred; candidates admitted in other common law jurisdictions with significant Hong Kong litigation experience will also be considered.
• Proven experience managing High Court / Court of First Instance proceedings, arbitration, and/or complex commercial disputes.
• Strong knowledge of Hong Kong civil procedure, evidence rules, and arbitration practice; familiarity with cross-border enforcement and PRC-related disputes is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and advocacy skills, with the ability to develop pragmatic litigation strategies.
• Commercial mindset and ability to balance legal risk against business objectives.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple matters under time pressure.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; confident in dealing with senior executives and external counsel.
• Proficiency in English is essential; fluency in Cantonese and/or Mandarin is highly advantageous.
• High integrity, discretion, and sound professional judgement.