Haldanes Law Matters

Geoffrey Ma Tao-li GBM KC SC, former Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, has joined our Jonathan Midgley in episode 28 of the Haldane's Law Matters series, reflecting on decades of legal experience navigating some of Hong Kong’s most pivotal moments.   From Geoffrey’s early days contemplating a career in history to his distinguished tenure as Chief Justice during turbulent times, this episode offers rare insights into the judiciary’s role, independence, and the evolving legal landscape.  For anyone interested in the intersection of law, society, and justice, this episode is not to be missed.

In episode 27 of Haldane's Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley speaks to Aaron Pang, founder of the Purpose Club. This episode intriguingly touches on the stress that everyday life so often involves.   Undoubtedly, part of the challenge of a modern legal office is managing the expectations and the inevitable tension that the client and the solicitor will experience in navigating the client’s case.

In Episode 26 of Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley speaks with Allan Zeman, the "father of Lan Kwai Fong".This Episode touches on our guest’s views regarding Hong Kong's dynamic landscape and its promising future through adaptability and innovation. His thoughts on personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal changes offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Join Jonathan Midgley and Mahesh Harilela for part two of their ongoing conversation on “Haldanes Law Matters,” diving deeper into Hong Kong’s ongoing evolution and future direction.  With decades of combined experience across law, hospitality, technology, and civic leadership, Jonathan and Mahesh shift the discussion from tradition to transformation, with a special look at how Hong Kong can stay competitive by reimagining education, attracting global talent, and nurturing innovation.  Mahesh reflects on the city’s journey as both an insider and driver of change, raising practical questions: Is Hong Kong’s mindset too transactional? How can the city remain truly inclusive and future-ready within China’s vision? And what part could fish balls and Bruce Lee play? The episode offers concrete ideas, from supporting next-gen creativity in schools to leveraging the city’s global position for resilient, long-term growth.

Join Jonathan Midgley and his guest Mahesh Harilela on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters” for a candid exploration of what keeps Hong Kong dynamic and unique, especially amid changing economic and political landscapes.Mahesh, a senior figure in one of the city’s best-known business families and a lifelong Hongkonger, shares his perspective on everything from Hong Kong’s journey - colonial days to “one country, two systems” - to President Xi Jinping’s call to uphold diversity and internationalism.Jonathan and Mahesh unpack whether Hong Kong’s outlook is too focused on short-term wins, and discuss how the city’s next chapter could leap even further, potentially into new industries like the finance-driven space economy. Their wide-ranging conversation covers why legacy and adaptability matter in a city that never stands still, and how the common law tradition remains central to the city’s global role.Whether you’re invested in Hong Kong’s future or fascinated by international business and law, this is a timely, thoughtful dialogue between two experienced voices you don’t want to miss.

After discussing everything from geopolitics, to education, via US-China relations, and explaining why you should think horizontally and diagonally, not just vertically, Jonathan Midgley and his guest Dr. Brian Wong turn their attention to law, Hong Kong and personal integrity on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters.”  The two examine the significance of common law to Hong Kong and the surprising comments by President Xi on the subject, also why Hong Kong is far from finished despite being written off by some on a more less regular basis since the 1980s, and the importance of being “a proper person,” with a sense of conviction.  Brian is an HKU-100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, but calling him just an academic barely scratches the surface. He researches everything from authoritarian states to AI, advises global investors, and shapes public debate.  

Join Jonathan Midgley and his guest Dr. Brian Wong on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters” as they explore why geopolitics is really a craft, why it pays to think horizontally and diagonally, not just vertically, and why a feature TIME interview with President Trump could make your toes curl.They also tackle the next decade of US-China rivalry and ask if Hong Kong is underselling itself as an international education hub.Brian is an HKU-100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, but calling him just an academic barely scratches the surface. He researches everything from authoritarian states to AI, advises global investors, and shapes public debate.

Can you remember why a lot of people freaked out in Hong Kong in 2012?  Or in 2019?  What was behind it all?  Why did China react the way it did?  And what does the year 2047 actually mean? If anything. In Part One of a groundbreaking interview for Haldanes Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley spoke with Bernard Chan, politician, businessman, and civic leader, on a range of important issues related to Hong Kong’s past, present, and future.Now in Part Two, Bernard draws on his more than 25 years of experience working with the government and leading public institutions to discuss why these events unfolded the way they did and why the future of Hong Kong depends so much on the city staying ahead and evolving.  

In the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters, discover the complexities of leadership in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Is being Hong Kong’s chief executive perhaps “the worst job you can imagine” in today’s rapidly changing climate?How do figures like Trump, DOGE, and the Hong Kong civil service shape the landscape of governance? What are the hurdles of balancing stakeholder interests, citizen needs, and government priorities amid shifting political and economic tides locally and globally?Explore critical issues such as the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, the impact of SARS on Hong Kong’s trajectory, and how economic and social integration with Mainland China has transformed the city.Uncover insights into these complex topics in Part One of a groundbreaking interview as Jonathan Midgley speaks with Bernard Chan, politician, businessman, civic leader, and a key figure in Hong Kong’s public life.Drawing on over 25 years of experience working with the government and leading public institutions, Bernard offers valuable perspectives on navigating Hong Kong’s unique challenges and looks back at his own career.Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation that gets to the heart of Hong Kong’s past, present, and future.

Chicken On The Run;  “Mister Softee” is dead; something new at McDonald’s in Admiralty Centre and when is a bar not a bar, the ICAC; the police and the Hong Kong countryside.  Confused?  Then you need to listen to the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters as Jonathan Midgley interviews, Adrian Halkes, police inspector, solicitor, barrister, law firm owner, social commentator, “king of the Hong Kong restaurant and bar industries” (well that’s what Jonathan says,) and genuinely nice person.  Arriving in Hong Kong in 1976 as one of the youngest police inspectors of the time, Adrian went on to study law and has been on the frontline of the development of liquor licensing and food & beverage law in Hong Kong for over three decades.  A fascinating journey and a clear vision of Hong Kong’s future.  And, yes, that involves getting out and about in Hong Kong more often.

In this episode of Haldanes Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley talks with Thomas Elliott, executive producer and creative director Casual Films HK, who specializes in visual content storytelling for clients Coca-Cola, Disney, and Rolls Royce and more.  There is a discussion around the impact of social media and the impact of President Trump and Elon Musk on social media.  The discussion embraces how law firms can sell their services, the methods best deployed and the pitfalls. Thomas explains how visual storytelling can build brand recognition by fostering deeper engagement and loyalty which creates a unique brand identity and communicates core beliefs that resonate with consumers.  You’ll hear how visual storytelling engages audiences emotionally, boosts sales through enhanced trust and visibility and why you should leverage these strategies for your brand. 

In this episode of Haldane's Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley talks with Sanjeev Aaron Williams, a commercial lawyer and writer on geopolitical risk and the digital economy, whose journey spans colonial Hong Kong, the UK, Canada and the modern global stage.Describing himself as “different from the average lawyer,” Sanjeev draws on his experiences growing up in the city during the colonial era to discuss Hong Kong’s transformation, before moving on to a compelling analysis of current US-China relations, the emerging influence of BRICS nations, and Hong Kong's strategic position in an increasingly multipolar world.With Hong Kong in a “fight for its life,” Sanjeev explains why he believes the city urgently needs to forge a new, cohesive social identity amidst rapid global changes.You might not agree with everything he says, but you can’t afford not to listen to someone “returning to law re-invented and re-skilled,” who has.a unique grasp of the region’s political and economic realities.

It may not at first be obvious what music, aviation, Hong Kong’s future and Puccini have in common with a major novel like “Gone With The Wind,” but bear with us as Jonathan Midgley speaks with Patrick Yeung, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, in the latest episode of “Haldanes’ Law Matters.”In a long, and by any definition, spectacularly successful career at Swire, Patrick brings his years of solid commercial and operational experience across Asia to bear as he discusses the future for Hong Kong as it goes through “very challenging times.”From revitalizing the economy by supporting SMEs and applying technology to transform business, to property, stocks, Hong Kong’s basic DNA, Chinese culture, a love of music, recitals, and Puccini, there’s more content in this episode than in a major novel (although, probably less romance and fewer plantations.)

He’s not a lawyer, or a doctor, or an accountant.But Jay Chen is “the quintessential person who came to Hong Kong and made good.”Join us for another episode of “Haldanes Law Matters,” as Jonathan Midgley follows Jay on a journey from Beijing, the Cultural Revolution, through New York in the 1970s, Cornell University and back to Hong Kong, with stops along the way to discuss unpleasant smells in San Francisco, real estate, gold and bricks.Oh, and there’s some politics as well.

French and humanitarian at heart, a citizen of the world, a meeting at a wedding. What does it all mean?Listen in as Senior Partner Jonathan Midgley chats with guest Anais Barclay, Founder and CEO of BubblyStarzs Access N1, about divorce, survival, reinvention, British manners, erotic French literature, and so much more … Sacré bleu!

Bring together a bit of law.Add a few rogues, adventurers and playboys.Mix well with a commission in the Gurkhas, adventures in Nepal and a side trip to the foreign office.And you might think you’ve got the ideal ingredients for a good novel.But if you add a heartfelt memoir, a trilogy of successful spy thrillers, some jazz and a battle to save children from slavery, then you’re ready to serve up just some of the highlights in the career of a very untypical KC.Enjoy the company of our latest guest, Neville Sarony.

Between them, they have nearly a century of legal practice in Hong Kong.They’re both highly respected and have made their mark on Hong Kong’s legal landscape.Listen in as Haldanes Senior Partner Jonathan Midgley talks with Colin Cohen from Boase Cohen & Collins about their personal lives, legal experiences, sports, travel and most things in between, including a fascinating look back on their early days in Hong Kong.They also discuss the evolving nature of client relationships, fee structures, and how to find work in today’s changing landscape. And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, Colin shares some behind-the-scenes info about his high-profile Kissel case.

In the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley takes a look at the development of antitrust enforcement in Hong Kong and future directions with guests fellow Haldanes Partner Felix Ng and Jindrich Kloub, the former executive director of operations at the Hong Kong Competition Commission and now based in the Brussels office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

In the latest episode, Jonathan Midgley speaks with Amelie Dionne-Charest, the co-founder and Managing Director of the health group Alea, about personal health insurance and what everyone should watch out for. Oh, and a little bit about French-Canadian pronunciation.

Welcome to the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters.Jonathan Midgley hosts Tim Owen KC in a discussion which covers a Spanish kiss, populist leaders, failures of democracy, LGBTQ rights, elephants in the room, podcast rivalries…… and, last but not least, love in Hong Kong or love of Hong Kong, you get both at no extra charge.Oh, and there’s a bit about politics in the UK. So tune in and take a break from your day.

In the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters, Partner Jonathan Midgley speaks with fellow Haldanes' Partner and Solicitor Advocate Geoffrey Booth. With combined careers spanning something like 90 years to a time when the world was probably still in black and white, the two veterans discuss how they got there, what got them there, why they went there in the first place, and what “there” means exactly. Oh yes, and a remarkable world record is in there as well.

"We’re prepared to accept that lawyers aren’t magicians.But what is it that keeps attracting talented young individuals to a career in law?And how is their experience these days different from before?Or is it?In the latest episode of Haldanes Law Matters, Senior Partner Jonathan Midgley talks with newly promoted Haldanes Partner and ALB Rising Star, Timothy Wan about the legal profession, how it’s changed, and what it’s like to be a lawyer in Hong Kong now.Oh yes, and why you can’t just wave a magic wand, in case you were wondering?"

In our latest Haldanes Law Matters podcast host Jonathan Midgley talks with Jonathan Caplan, KC, about the implications for courts of the MeToo movement.While the movement has done so much to help empower victims and bring predators to book, the often ill-informed media frenzy that follows can sometimes lead to innocent reputations and lives being destroyed in a trial by innuendo.

Are lawyers boring? It’s a question many have asked, but few have genuinely answered. Find out the truth in the latest Haldanes Law Matters podcast as Jonathan Midgley talks to Ian Winter, KC from Cloth Fair Chambers, rally driver, cyclist, saxophonist … oh and yes, very in-demand lawyer.

Whatever else you do today.No matter where you are. You need to listen to this.Our new, redesigned, Haldanes Law Matters podcast debuts today with host Jonathan Midgley talking with Jonathan Caplan, KC, about Hong Kong’s post-NSL legal landscape, Jimmy Lai, and the future of foreign lawyers being admitted to cases in Hong Kong, with some surprising insights. You can listen to it here.“

In Hong Kong, it is mandatory for both spouses involved in a divorce to declare their assets and liabilities. This financial disclosure is intended to ensure an equitable division of property and assets between the two parties. It is important to understand the process and what information must be disclosed in order to make informed decisions during your divorce proceedings.In this episode, Anita Leung will provide an overview of the financial disclosure process in Hong Kong, as well as some key things you need to know in order to comply with the law.…Stay tuned for our next post where we will go over asset valuation and how it impacts alimony determinations.

Divorce is always a difficult process, but when children are involved it can be even more challenging. How parents handle the divorce can have a lasting impact on their children, so it is important to know what to expect and how to navigate this difficult time. This episode, Patricia Liu joined to give an overview of divorce in Hong Kong and discuss some of the issues that children may face during and after a divorce.To find out more about Haldanes, please visit www.haldanes.com

Under Hong Kong law, grounds for divorce fall into two broad categories: fault-based and no-fault. The most commonly invoked fault-based ground is adultery, which can be proven by demonstrating that one spouse has had an extramarital affair. Other grounds include desertion, cruelty, and insanity. In contrast, no-fault grounds do not require proof of wrongdoing on the part of either spouse. The most commonly invoked no-fault ground is 'separation for a continuous period of at least three years.' However, other grounds such as 'irretrievable breakdown' and 'unreasonable behaviour' are also recognised. Given the range of grounds that are available, it is likely that there is a ground that applies to any given situation. Willard Li, partner at Haldanes joins us in this conversation about grounds of divorce in Hong Kong.To find out more about Haldanes, please visit www.haldanes.com

If you are considering a divorce in Hong Kong, you may be wondering about the mediation process. Here is some information on how the process works and what to expect. Mediation is often seen as a more amicable way to divorce, and it can be less expensive and faster than going to court. However, it is important to note that not all divorces can be mediated. If there are complex financial or child custody issues involved, for example, mediation may not be an option. We spoke with Elsie Liu, Head of Family Law Group at Haldanes to find out more about the Mediation process and when this may an option during the divorce process.To find out more about Haldanes, please visit www.haldanes.com