Top 10 Under 40: Hong Kong’s young lawyers making waves

One led high-profile cross-border insolvencies, including the ‘Natural Dairy’ case.

In its search for the next generation of legal leaders, Hong Kong Business invited nominations from over 40 legal institutions across Hong Kong.

Following a rigorous review process, 10 lawyers — comprising six women and four men — were selected for this year’s Lawyers Under 40 list.

The honourees represent a diverse cross-section of the legal profession, with practices spanning financial services, international law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, litigation, and emerging areas such as technology and data privacy.

Moreover, they have advised on high-value and complex matters, including multi-million-dollar disputes and billion-dollar transactions.

This year’s list features lawyers from leading firms, such as Bird & Bird, Clyde & Co., Cornerstone Chambers, HFW, Robertsons, Stephenson Harwood, and Tanner De Witt, with Bird & Bird contributing the most representatives. The youngest honouree is 25 years old.

Below are the Lawyers Under 40 for 2026, arranged from the youngest to the most senior by age.

Cheung Cho Yin Ethan, 25

Cornerstone Chambers

Ethan was called to the Bar in 2025 and joined Chambers after completing his pupillage under Mr Solomon Lam, Mr Kamlesh Sadhwani, Mr Kenneth Lee, and Mr Vincent Chan. He received the Society of Construction Law Scholarship in 2025. Ethan is developing a broad civil practice, focusing on construction, building management, nuisance, land, probate and arbitration disputes, while accepting instructions across all areas of Chambers’ work.

Wong Kam Yuen Kelvin, 26

Cornerstone Chambers

Kelvin is developing a broad civil practice, with a focus on construction, land, personal injuries, industrial summons, and arbitration. Recent cases include Hang Chin Marble Engineering Ltd v Pacific Marble & Granite Ltd [2025] HKCFI 480, successfully recovering outstanding payments, and Lau Oi Wing v Tsang Wing Kong t/a Kim Yuen Recycle Co [2025] 3 HKLRD 804, securing a successful joinder application out of time in an employees’ compensation claim.

Hwee Yong Neo, 32

Bird & Bird

Neo is a Senior Managing Associate in Bird & Bird’s Hong Kong commercial team, specialising in TMT, AI, and data privacy. He was recognised as a Next Generation Lawyer in TMT, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Legal and Professional Services Committee of the AI Association of Hong Kong. He regularly advises international conglomerates on AI implementation (including hosting regular industry events, closed-door sector sessions and client trainings) as well as cutting-edge technology such as complex cross-border semiconductor licensing, payment services, digital assets and satellite connectivity.

YIU Shuk Wa, Wendy, 33

Robertsons

Wendy Yiu, Senior Associate in Robertsons’ Criminal Defence Department, was admitted as a Hong Kong solicitor in 2018 after training with the firm. Recognised as a Hong Kong Criminal Law Rising Star by Doyle’s Guide (2023–2025), she represents corporate and individual clients in investigations and prosecutions by enforcement authorities. Her experience spans from commercial crime to general crime, including bribery, money laundering, fraud, sexual offences, assault, theft, and murder. Wendy also appears as a solicitor advocate in the District Court and serves on a legal aid panel.

Natalie Lam, 33

Tanner De Witt

Natalie is a consultant in the Restructuring and Insolvency Practice, specialising in complex insolvency, liquidation, and bankruptcy matters. She advises on liquidator appointments, claims against directors, and stakeholder issues, collaborating with accounting firms and corporates on court applications. Experienced in commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, fraud investigations, and asset recovery, including cross-border and cryptocurrency cases, Natalie secures injunctions and disclosure orders. She has played key roles in high-profile cases such as Natural Dairy and Yes! E-Sports, demonstrating expertise in contentious insolvency, cross-border asset tracing, and regulatory compliance.

John Lee, 35

Tanner De Witt

John is a consultant in the Corporate and Commercial Practice, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, private equity and banking and finance, with a focus on listed companies and regulatory compliance. He led Bowtie Life Insurance’s $552m (~SGD90m) Series C fundraising, advising on valuation mechanisms, investor protections, and cross-border regulatory structuring. John also supported the Joint and Several Liquidators in Hong Kong’s largest-ever property developer liquidation, advising on cross-border asset disposals, complex financing documentation, corporate procedures, and Hong Kong Listing Rules matters, demonstrating expertise across high-value, complex corporate transactions and regulatory frameworks.

Wai Lo, 35

Clyde & Co.

Wai is a Legal Director in the insurance litigation team, specialising in educators’ liability, life insurance disputes, and regulatory investigations. She regularly handles employment disputes, school bullying, discrimination, harassment, and challenges to school rules, with notable cases including X v St. Joseph’s College and Yuen Man Hei v CCC Kei Chi Secondary School. In life insurance, she advises on trust, assignment, insurable interest, non-disclosure, and policy repudiation, successfully defending misrepresentation claims in Chan Lin Yuen & Ors v AIA International Limited. Wai also navigates complex regulatory investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and appeals. Recognised for pro bono contributions, she has received awards from the Chief Secretary’s Office and the Law Society of Hong Kong. Qualified in England & Wales, having passed the GBA legal professional examination, she demonstrates strong litigation acumen and professional commitment.

Julie-Anne Mallis, 36

HFW

Julie-Anne is a Senior Associate in HFW’s Hong Kong construction team. Qualified in Hong Kong and Western Australia, she advises government bodies, principals, contractors, and consultants in litigation and arbitration proceedings arising out of major, high-value onshore and offshore infrastructure projects across Asia and Australia, including energy, waste-to-energy, rail, transport, and offshore wind. She has also acted in complex criminal prosecutions under the Buildings Ordinance and notable probate litigation, including the six-week Lim Por Yen estate trial. Julie-Anne also has expertise in contract drafting and FIDIC guidance, and contributes to the Society of Construction Law.

Stephanie Ning, 38

Bird & Bird

Stephanie is Counsel in Bird & Bird's Hong Kong IP team, delivering strategic brand protection across China, Hong Kong, and beyond. With over a decade's IP expertise, she transforms complex trademark law into commercial advantage—from prosecution and portfolio management to anti-counterfeiting and M&A. Her standout work includes orchestrating franchise expansion for Tam Jai International, managing 1,000+ trademarks and disputes for Riot Games, and securing global coexistence agreements for Toys"R" Us. Combining technical precision with strategic vision, Stephanie champions proactive client service whilst mentoring the next generation of IP practitioners.

Helen Pang, 38

Bird & Bird

Helen is a Counsel in Hong Kong, specialising in intellectual property law with experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters. She advises clients on local and cross-border IP protection and enforcement strategies, and regulatory compliance, particularly in life sciences, media & entertainment, and consumer & retail sectors. Helen has led high-profile cases, including Prenetics’ $1.6b (SGD 260m) joint venture on multi-cancer detection, landmark preliminary injunctions for ChildLife, and court victories for the LVMH Group, Warner Bros. Entertainment, and Swatch. She is also experienced in acting for clients in regulatory enforcement actions.