Pinsent Masons appoints Dean Lewis as Hong Kong office head

Dean joined the firm in Hong Kong over 34 years ago and is co-head of the firm’s international arbitration practice. He is a highly skilled arbitration practitioner, representing parties in disputes arising out of major infrastructure and energy projects across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He has been based in Hong Kong since 1984.

Managing Partner at Pinsent Masons, John Cleland, said: “Since joining the firm, Dean has been integral in driving forward both our international arbitration practice and the firm’s presence in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most powerful financial hubs and an important market for our sector led energy, infrastructure and technology clients working across the Asia Pacific region. Dean has the market knowledge and leadership skills required to ensure the firm can continue to provide the right support and services to help our clients thrive.”

Pinsent Masons launched in Hong Kong in the early 1980s and now has a total of 27 lawyers based on the ground. The firm has advised on a number of recent high-profile disputes including representing Maeda China State Joint Venture in arbitration and related court proceedings against Bauer in connection with the Hong Kong and Mainland cross border high speed rail project. The firm advised the Alibaba-led JV on the design, finance and construction of the region’s largest and most technologically advanced logistics centres, and supported the Bank of China and 11 syndicate banks on its $1bn investment in the Xiamen Xiangyu integrated stainless steel plant.

Dean Lewis said: “Hong Kong will continue to play an extremely important role in influencing economies and investments around the world, so it is critical that we are able to effectively support both domestic and international clients doing business in the region. Over our near 40 years in the region we’ve represented our clients in almost every major infrastructure project in Hong Kong as well as helping clients navigate changing economic and regulatory landscapes – and will continue to do so in the years to come.”