Three of the five nominations are female led, further demonstrating Appleby’s commitment of promoting diversity across the organisation and the benefits this brings. Co-managing partner Judy Lee is shortlisted as Dealmaker of the Year, recognising her expertise in the IPO field. In 2018, the Hong Kong Capital Markets team led by Judy advised on 51 listings with aggregate proceeds of more than HKD 9.5 billion, which represents a HKD 1.6 billion increase in value year–on-year from 2017’s total proceeds. Partner Fiona Chan is shortlisted for Woman lawyer of the year and led on InfraRed NF’s Financial Investment with Fullsun. Fiona leads the Female Leaders network for Appleby Hong Kong and is also a member of Women in Law Hong Kong, sitting on the flexible and agile working committee.
Appleby also received a nomination in the Equity market deal of the year category for providing BVI counsel to Shenwan Hongyuan Group in relation to its global offering and listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Led by Counsel Vincent Chan and with net proceeds of approximately HKD 9.24 billion, this is the largest Hong Kong IPO so far this year.
Judy Lee commented on the nominations saying “Our Hong Kong team has been recognised by ALB once again for our outstanding work, which further demonstrates our leading position in the offshore corporate advisory area in Asia“.
Cameron Adderley, Hong Kong Co-Managing Partner and Global Corporate Practice Group Head, said “I am delighted that the exceptional service provided by my Partners and our team has been recognised by these nominations. It is particularly gratifying to have Judy and Fiona nominated in three categories given Appleby’s commitment to diversity in the workplace and the promotion of women within the legal profession.”