About us
SF Lawyers is an independent law firm, which is in association with KPMG Law in Australia. As a member of KPMG’s Global Legal Services network, which has more than 2,850 legal professionals operating in 80 jurisdictions, and which is in alliance with ZICO Law network across the ten jurisdictions of ASEAN, giving legal coverage to clients’ business needs wherever they may be in the world. We are able to not only provide quality legal services in Hong Kong, but also assist you with your business issues and challenges around the globe.
At SF Lawyers, we understand that ultimately what you want are commercial, innovative and pragmatic legal outcomes. We pride ourselves in our ability to apply our technical legal expertise and local experience, oftentimes alongside KPMG professionals, to deliver integrated business solutions. Working with us means having a trusted partner to help resolve legal issues, so that you can focus on growing your brand and your business.
Why SF Lawyers
Our unique approach
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We work alongside you to reduce complexity through practical and integrated advice. -
Client service
We believe in being client-centric through our excellence in service quality and timeliness. -
Collaboration across disciplines
We collaborate with our network of professionals, bringing you a one stop business solution. -
Global footprint
We leverage our experiences in Greater China and our global network, which currently has over 2,850 legal professionals in 80 jurisdictions. -
Innovation driven
We deploy technology enabled solutions to help you identify and manage risks more efficiently and effectively.
Our services
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Corporate and commercial
- Employment
- Technology and intellectual property
- Data privacy and protection
Mergers and acquisitions

M&A is an important part of business strategy, and we know that having a team of trusted advisers to rely on makes all the difference. This is especially true in Asia, which has its own cultural, language and multi-jurisdictional complexities as deals frequently have a cross-border element to them, often involving China.
Many of our lawyers have expertise and legal qualifications across multiple jurisdictions and they are adept at advising Hong Kong, mainland Chinese, U.S., European and other clients on complex M&A transactions, both public and private, and have developed a unique understanding of the issues arising in this region. We have advised on a wide range of transactions such as private equity, cross-border joint ventures, outbound investments, foreign direct investments and public and private acquisitions and divestitures.
We can assist you in each step of the deal, from the initial memorandum of understanding, due diligence and structuring, through to drafting, negotiation and execution of transaction documents, followed by post-merger integration, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. We do this by working closely with our colleagues with expertise in employment and intellectual property law, and leveraging our connections to the best professionals from the KPMG international network who can offer valuable tax, accounting and strategic advice. The end result is a one-stop integrated offering which delivers real value to your transaction, no matter where you are.
Corporate and commercial

Every business encounters legal needs – whether as a result of commercial transactions, internal reorganisations, or specific projects. To help you in implementing these transactions effectively and efficiently, you will need a trusted, commercially savvy and responsive adviser.
With the support of multi-disciplinary professionals in the wider KPMG network, our team can offer a broad suite of support in general corporate and commercial matters, such as commercial contracts, corporate governance assistance, shareholder agreements, business set-up, Hong Kong employment and immigration law and technology licensing.
The team has advised on a wide variety of corporate matters in virtually every major sector, including technology, media and telecommunications, finance, pharmaceutical, steel, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, agriculture, aircraft, education, semiconductors, machinery, chemicals, infrastructure, construction and property development.
Employment

With companies and their employees increasingly becoming more global, acquisition and management of region-specific talent has also become increasingly important. At the centre of this trend is the Asia Pacific region, which can present challenges with often divergent employment regulations, languages and cultures. We can provide you with legal advice in Hong Kong, and also bridge the gap with other jurisdictions by tapping into our global network of experts.
Our expert employment team can assist you with the preparation or advice on employment contracts, executive stock option and related plans, the on-boarding and exits of employees (including internal transfers), privacy matters, corporate restructuring, employee handbook reviews.
Our team can advise you on employee investigations, advice on disciplinary actions and risk management issues, and on the development of best practice compliance programs to mitigate the risk of disputes.
Technology and intellectual property

In today’s dynamic commercial environment of new technologies, of explosive growth in personal data protection risk and regulation, and protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, present major challenges for any business. To succeed, businesses need to recognise and protect their intellectual property rights as key business assets, take steps to ensure their data and that of their customers and suppliers are protected and in compliance with regulations in the markets in which you operate, and manage and protect their technologies in an increasingly complex world of robotics, blockchain and artificial intelligence. Our team takes a business-driven approach which combines our legal expertise with our business acumen, to devise tailored solutions together with you in all aspects of knowledge-based assets, from creation, to commercialisation and protection.
Key areas where we can support you include:
- Portfolio management and development: advising on brand creation, intellectual property counselling, registration, audits and due diligence exercises
- Commercial exploitation and monetization of intellectual property: strategising on intellectual property structure in commercial deals; advising on, negotiating and drafting of a wide range of IP-related transactional agreements and collaborative development agreements
- Reputation management
- Know-how, trade secrets and confidential information protection and enforcement
- Technology and Internet-related IP issues
- Advertising, trade descriptions compliance
Data privacy and protection

The SF Lawyers data privacy team is experienced in tackling complex issues relating to data protection and personal data privacy issues for multinational companies across a wide range of industries. In particular, the team assists clients on the collection, use, storage, disclosure, transfer and disposal of data.
In addition, the team often works together with KPMG Global Legal Services and other KPMG service lines to provide its clients with a complete offering on large data privacy projects. This is especially beneficial for multinational companies handling large volumes of data. The complete offering enables clients to understand and manage data privacy risks from multiple angles and jurisdictions.
Our people
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Shirley Fu
Partner
+852 2685 7828
shirley.fu@kpmglegal.com.cnPartner
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David Murray
Consultant
+852 2833 1655
david.murray@kpmglegal.com.cnConsultant
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Leo Tian
Partner
+852 2847 5185
leo.tian@kpmglegal.com.cnPartner
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Sherman Wong
Senior Associate
+852 2685 7421
sherman.wong@kpmglegal.com.cnSenior Associate
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Rachel Kan
Senior Associate
+852 2847 5048
rachel.kan@kpmglegal.com.cnSenior Associate
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Bbill Tang
Managing Associate
+852 3927 3251
bbill.tang@kpmglegal.com.cnManaging Associate
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Bessie Chow
Managing Associate
+852 2685 7974
bessie.chow@kpmglegal.com.cnManaging Associate
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Steve Shi
Legal Assistant Manager
+852 2685 7964
steve.l.shi@kpmglegal.com.cnLegal Assistant Manager
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Kanami Booku
Paralegal
+852 2143 8703
kanami.booku@kpmglegal.com.cnParalegal
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Abby Liang
Legal Assistant Manager
+852 2685 7690
abby.liang@kpmglegal.com.cnLegal Assistant Manager
Insights
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Private Enterprise: Set Up of Philanthropies in Hong Kong – The Legal Aspect
May 2022The establishment of a charity in Hong Kong entails thorough understanding and handling of many issues - tax, legal and more, and a strategic framework is essential for an effective philanthropic setup. Read more » -
3 Key Reasons Why Legal Health Checks Can Help Your Business
February 2022You may also have heard of financial health, which focuses on the state of your personal financial situation. But what about legal health? What is it and does it really matter to you as a business owner? Read more » -
Hong Kong Companies Register’s New Inspection Regime
January 2021An overview of The Hong Kong Companies Registry's new inspection regime together with key takeaways on the way forward for key stakeholders Read more »
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Returning value to shareholders of Hong Kong companies - dividend distribution, capital reduction and share buy-back
December 2021Three common ways for Hong Kong-based companies to provide returns to shareholders include distribution of dividends, capital reduction and share buy-back. Read more » -
Stock Exchange Consults on Listing Rules for Share Schemes
December 2021A guidance on the Proposed Amendments to Listing Rules relating to Share Schemes of Listed Issuers Read more » -
Hong Kong as a two-way Gateway between the GBA market and the international market: are you well positioned to ride on the opportunities arising from the GBA initiative?
December 2021This article aims to introduce the key strengths of Hong Kong as the global gateway between GBA market and the international market. Read more »
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HK Stock Exchange - Enhanced Enforcement: What it means and who may be affected?
August 2021The Hong Kong Stock Exchange recently amended the Listing Rules to enhance its disciplinary powers and sanctions for enforcement. Here is a brief overview on the key amendments and key considerations in Listing Rules compliance going forward. Read more » -
Amalgamation in Hong Kong: An effective way to streamline corporate structures
August 2021Amalgamation has become a popular method for a group to streamline its structure and business in Hong Kong, however there are certain important issues to pay attention to. Read more » -
5 Reasons Why ESG is Important For Hong Kong Businesses
July 2021ESG looks to become a long-term fixture in the business world. Here is a brief overview of where things stand for Hong Kong businesses, investors and their legal advisors. Read more »
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Limited partnership fund – A new regime
July 2021Since the new Limited Partnerships Fund regime started in Hong Kong, we have been seeing a trend of asset managers (especially Chinese asset managers) bringing their fund structures onshore as an alternative to other commonly used jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands. Read more » -
The COVID-19 Vaccine Dilemma in an employment context in Hong Kong
March 2021A framework through which employers may wish to consider vaccination issues relating to their employees Read more » -
Reimagining the legal function
September 2020Legal departments have an unprecedented opportunity to evolve their functions, transform their services and make a greater impact for their organizations. Read more » -
Business transformation: Get ready for the new normal
April 2020Successful transformation requires a combination of business and legal skills, together with careful planning and diligent execution. Read more »
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China’s new draft Data Privacy law: Impacts for financial services sector
November 2020The growing responsibilities of the financial institutions. Why get tougher now? Read more » -
China’s new draft Data Privacy law: Impacts on e-commerce providers
November 2020So what’s the big deal? Extraterritorial application of law and foreign online retailers will need to comply. Read more » -
China’s new draft Data Privacy law: Not just an administrative issue for Employers
November 2020What's happening? Introducing China’s new draft Personal Information Protection Law. So what’s the big deal? A much bigger issue than you may think. Read more »
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Transaction at zero price? Wait a minute – is it too good to be true?
October 2020Transaction at zero price? Too good to be true? Whilst you may think that as a matter of commercial sense parties are free to enter into transactions on whatever pricing terms they agree, this may not always be the case in law. Read on to find out about on the legal risks which may arise from transactions at undervalue. Read more » -
Legal issues in digital transformation for retailers
August 2020The first half of 2020 has brought unprecedented uncertainties, complexities and changes to the retail industry. Most, if not all, retail executives are considering how to turn their challenges into opportunities as they reshape their businesses towards the new norm. Read more » -
Supply Chain Transformation
June 2020The supply chain is the lifeline of any business. Businesses therefore need to do everything in their power to ensure resilience and optimisation amid rapid change. Supply-chain problems can have complicated knock-on effects, and this is why solutions must be holistic. Read more » -
Hong Kong directors under the spotlight
May 2020Are you a director of a Hong Kong company? Worried about your personal liability as a director, especially as your company struggles during COVID-19? Read on to find out more on directors’ duties in difficult times. Read more »
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Employment Support Scheme Updates
May 2020A summary of the requirements and key considerations for businesses when evaluating whether to apply for the Employment Support Scheme, based on the details released by the Government on 19 May 2020. Read more » -
How well are your joint venture arrangements performing?
May 2020Like many other commercial relationships, the joint venture arrangements between businesses often need regular appraisal (and re-evaluation) to ensure the underlying intent and purpose remains viable to the business. Read more » -
Have you looked at your infrastructure financing and M&A transaction arrangements in light of COVID-19?
April 2020We have identified some of the more typical financial covenants that businesses should be looking at. Read more » -
Restructuring your business to face the future
April 2020SF Lawyers analyses the extent to which a business restructuring can help address the current considerable risks and challenges. Read more »
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Business transformation: Get ready for the new normal
April 2020Successful transformation requires a combination of business and legal skills, together with careful planning and diligent execution. Read more » -
How the coronavirus outbreak might affect your business
February 2020Legal considerations that businesses should bear in mind when faced with common contractual issues Read more » -
Employment Issues in the Spotlight during Turbulent Times
February 2020Legal issues that businesses should bear in mind when considering common measures in handling employee related issues Read more » -
Streamlining Social Insurance in Mainland China for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Residents
December 2019A recent change in the Chinese regulations for social insurance has sought to clarify social insurance arrangements for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwanese residents. Read more »
News and media
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An important milestone
21 January 2020SF Lawyers held celebratory drinks to mark its first anniversary on 17 January 2020 Read more » -
Interview with Shirley Fu
The Legal 500Principal Shirley Fu talks about the strategies of SF Lawyers, the newest KPMG affiliated law firm in Hong Kong, with The Legal 500. Read more » -
KPMG expands Asia Pacific legal capabilities, opens an affiliated law firm in Hong Kong
17 January 2019 · KPMGThe KPMG Global Legal Services network is pleased to announce that it has expanded its legal capabilities in Asia Pacific by establishing a new law firm in Hong Kong, known as SF Lawyers. Read more »
Careers
SF Lawyers and KPMG’s Global Legal Services network are continuously expanding and evolving to cement itself as a leading legal advisor. Our clients are of various sizes and industries and are from around the world.
A copy of our recruitment brochure may be obtained upon request.
To facilitate our wide client base, we look for individuals with a diverse background and an open mind to challenge the traditional ways of how clients are served and how to add value to clients. At SF Lawyers, we are committed to continuously facilitate the growth of our people to ensure that they reach their maximum potential and provide an innovative work environment that encourages everyone to share viewpoints, approaches and ideas.
If you are a qualified legal professional who shares our vision and would like to form part of our collaborative and multidisciplinary team, we would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch with us at: info@kpmglegal.com.cn
Contact us
Prince's Building
10 Chater Road
Central, Hong Kong