CBLJ’s A List is compiled through a rigorous, independent process. Corporate counsel and executives from Chinese and global businesses, partners from Chinese and international law firms, and industry experts are invited to nominate the lawyers they most esteem.
The Visionaries list honours international lawyers whose leadership and influence are shaping the future of the legal profession. This year, more than 4,000 nominations were received, with only 80 international lawyers selected worldwide, underscoring the exclusivity and prestige of the recognition.
David is widely regarded as a leading authority in offshore legal services. Over the past five years, he has led private equity and M&A transactions exceeding USD170 billion and advised on restructuring and litigation matters worth more than USD550 billion. As the only lawyer based in the Chinese Mainland admitted to practise in the Cayman Islands, he is highly proficient in Cayman, BVI and Bermuda law. He has represented major Chinese property developers in complex offshore debt workouts, including a landmark Cayman Islands precedent later adopted in Hong Kong.
This recognition highlights David’s exceptional contributions to the legal profession and Appleby’s commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions across Asia and globally.