Titus wins in terms of comprehensive services. They pretty much cover the entire business life cycle. The firm assists with business formation, employment agreements, and intellectual property rights.

We also find them to be a solid choice for SMEs planning on scaling very soon. This is because they also handle venture capital deals, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. This makes them a one-stop shop setup for various needs.

The team is also an attractive partner for small fund managers. With the firm’s extensive experience in setting up funds in Hong Kong and offshore, they can easily guide clients through Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) licensing.

Clients we interviewed also agree on one thing: the company is responsive and fast with inquiries. When we tried reaching out, they managed to call back within hours, even for a very small business matter.

We would have loved to see a free consultation offering – even a short discovery call would do. Until then, we’d keep hoping. At the moment, we’re at least satisfied that the fees are competitive and the service quality is top-notch. 

Dedicated and confident in the process

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Michael and his team and could not have felt more supported. Their ability to navigate different legal matters and ensure I stayed informed and confident in the process was really appreciated. I find Michael’s dedication to truly understand the nuances of each issue and willingness to give the time you need, regardless of how big or small a client you are, makes such a big difference. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future.”

Mei Wang | Google Review

Understanding and quick to respond

“I used Michael and his company for a company related issue.  Very quick to respond, take a call with me to understand the situation and produce just the document I needed.  Wouldn’t hesitate to use again, very good experience working with them.”

Brian Negley | Google Reviews

The best thing we loved about JC Legal is that their service packages are clearly defined and tailored for different business stages. 

For example, their Startup Program provides 4 to 6 hours of Hong Kong legal advice per month. This comes with complimentary commercial templates, trademark registration, and licensing evaluations.

Considering the inclusions, we find them to be a great value for money, especially for SMEs that need all the major services at a fair cost.

The breadth of expertise is highly respectable. The team covers regulatory compliance, employment law, and more. They also support foreign inventions through a dedicated program, ideal for SMEs who want to scale.

Another strength lies in their start-up-friendly culture. They have a young and dynamic team that’s adept at modern entrepreneurial challenges. This removes any feelings of intimidation too, that may deter most SME owners.

The success rate isn’t as bulletproof as other legal firms, and we did receive reports of unsatisfactory services. However, the majority of the response is positive, and we’re more keen on their top-quality offerings. 

Professional, prompt, and supportive

“We recently engaged JC Legal to address a business related matter. They were very professional, prompt, responsive and supportive in helping us resolve a legal matter in Hong Kong. I would gladly engage their services again and would not hesitate to recommend them to others”

Richard Brakkett | Google Review

Tailormade guidance and advice

“JC Legal team has been very professional and helpful in giving legal and other business services support for companies to start/expand their markets in ASEAN and HK/China with their local knowledge in Malaysia/HK and various partnerships in other countries in ASEAN and other parts of the world. Advice and guidance are given tailor-made to our needs by an experienced team! I have recommended a few of my contacts here too!”

Ezzwanee Ahmed | Google Reviews

With over 45 lawyers in multiple jurisdictions (including Hong Kong, the UK, the US, Japan, and more), we find Oldham, Li & Nie to be a good choice for those who need a global perspective and East-West cultural knowledge in business.

The range of services is sufficient for the average startup. The team handles everything from structuring and employment to intellectual property protection and venture capital fundraising. 

They also customized packages that include NDAs, shareholder agreements, and tax checklists. 

Their fund practice is equally robust. OLN offers project-based fixed fees for setting up fund structures, annual retainers, and negotiations with fund administrators. Clients said they feel assured with the transparency of their fees.

Their responsiveness is also a key strength. Several SMEs told us that senior parents personally engaged in disputes. This helped them overcome issues that would’ve been costly for a small business. 

Unfortunately, we did hear complaints that a few lawyers weren’t as capable with cases as the others. Being consistent in this area would’ve taken their offerings to the next level, so we’re looking forward to improvements.

Efficient and professional 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Vera Sung for her exceptional service in handling our notarization documents. Her efficiency and professionalism were truly impressive. Not only did she respond to our inquiries promptly, but she also guided us through the entire process with ease, saving us a significant amount of time and money. I highly recommend Vera to anyone in need of notarization services, and I will certainly reach out to her for our future needs. Thank you once again, Vera!”

Wilson Lee | Google Review

Realistic with a no-nonsense approach

“Paul Firmin at OLN has been my solicitor for the last 16 years. I recommend him highly for his straightforward, realistic and no nonsense approach, his efficiency and in particular his integrity. He is a kind and compassionate person with whom I have been able to entrust delicate family matters with complete confidence over the years.”

Sarah Gonnet | Google Reviews

One of Tanner De Witt’s greatest strengths is their breadth of practice areas. Their core offerings cover dispute resolution, litigation, and arbitration. They can also help with mediation and regulatory compliance.

SMEs will find them to be a great partner considering their experience. The firm regularly handles mergers and acquisitions and commercial contractors. Their portfolio shows strong success in closing multi-million dollar deals for national brands.

Clients we interviewed particularly valued the team’s employment law expertise. With more than 20 years of experience in this field, the team has acted in landmark cases. They’re experts in contracts and terminations too.

Another strong area is their intellectual property services. SMEs with intangible assets will appreciate the firm’s ability to secure IP registrations, manage licensing agreements, and enforce rights in cases of infringement.

The biggest downside, though, is perhaps their premium pricing. It can be limiting for a lot of SMEs. We recommend budgeting accordingly if you think their notable services are much needed for your goals and needs. 

Excellent law firm

“Excellent law firm that got me better results than I would have hoped for. Jeff Lane is a superstar. TD are now my counsel for my real estate venture as well”

Chris K | Google Review

Honest and frank advice

“Not cheap, but they always give you honest and frank advice towards achieving the best results.”

Dave Jarrett | Google Reviews

With over 40 years of experience, Haldanes Law Firm has built a reputation for its expertise across multiple practice areas. On top of that, they’re well respected for their approachable and professional approach too.

In dispute resolution, Haldances impressed us with its pragmatic approach. The firm offers arbitration, mediation, and full litigation support. With accredited mediators on staff, they make the process stress-free for SMEs.

Their intellectual property team is also noteworthy. They provide SMEs with affordable yet international-grade protection for trademarks, copyrights, and designs.

Additionally, their network of global contacts allows local companies to register and enforce rights. This gives SMEs broader power and control not just in Hong Kong but throughout Asia. 

Their rates are competitive – clients often tell us that they’re worth the investment, no matter how small or complex the case is. 

However, we did take note of inconsistent communication and occasional drafting errors. This suggests that quality control may vary depending on the assigned lawyers. SME should be mindful of these issues and select a lawyer that matches their needs.

Efficient in handling information 

“Loved working with Christina Ma during a challenging time, she was efficient in handling information and communication between timezones. Was supportive for quick resolution. Had good support from Andrew and Sincere during case as well.”

Rebecka “Becka” Hack | Google Review

Professional, knowledgeable, and responsive

“I would simply like to comment on the professionalism, sector, knowledge, and responsiveness of Haldanes as a law firm in general but specifically on the very high-level of attentiveness and guidance I have received from Jonathan Midgley. Both Jonathan and the firm have performed way beyond expectation. I would like to congratulate the firm on their well deserved awards accumulated over the years.”

John | Google Reviews