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Category: Blog

Ruling triggers stamp duty adjustment

By Fiona Chan Hong Kong, 8 December 2021: In a landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal has ordered the Inland Revenue Department to repay the stamp duty it charged two sisters who became owners of their late mother’s flat by voluntary arrangement with their three siblings. The ruling – delivered in the case of Wong […]

Failing to meet our great expectations

Hong Kong, 1 December 2021: “Please, sir, I want some more.” These, of course, are the famous words spoken by the eponymous young orphan in Charles Dickens’ celebrated novel Oliver Twist as he timidly asks the master of the workhouse for a further helping of gruel. As with many of his epic works, the lauded […]

Helpers facing heightened scrutiny

By Arthur Chan and Jasmine Kwong Hong Kong, 24 November 2021: The Immigration Department appears to be taking a stronger stance over its requirement that foreign domestic helpers should have a clear criminal record in order to obtain a work visa. However, this toughening of attitude gives rise to fresh questions about how future applications […]

CFA upholds Small House Policy in full

By Colin Cohen Hong Kong, 19 November 2021: In a much-anticipated judgment, the Court of Final Appeal has upheld the exclusive right of male indigenous villagers in the New Territories to build their own homes, ruling that the so-called Small House Policy is constitutional in its entirety. The judges have declared this right is protected […]

Come cry with me, let’s lament this disarray

Hong Kong, 17 November 2021: Do you think Carrie Lam listens to music? Unlikely, given that our famously workaholic Chief Executive insists she never relaxes. A pity, because an hour with Frank Sinatra and his swinging songs certainly puts a spring in your step and makes you think wistfully of happier times and alluring locations. […]

Riot ruling gives courts greater certainty

By Colin Cohen Hong Kong, 10 November 2021: A landmark Court of Final Appeal judgment has provided welcome clarity on the question of prosecutions for unlawful assembly and rioting, ruling that the doctrine of “joint enterprise” does not apply but stressing that anyone involved – whether directly or indirectly – in such activities could face […]

Anti-voyeurism laws close legal loophole

By Arthur Chan and Gabriel Brettell  Hong Kong, 5 November 2021: The non-consensual photography of intimate parts (colloquially known as up-skirting) and the recording of others engaging in intimate acts when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (voyeurism) are acts that should be punished in a civilised society. They offend a person’s privacy and […]

The mighty pen writes a few wrongs

Hong Kong, 3 November 2021: Who doesn’t have a sneaking admiration for Viz, the British comic for (not so) grown-ups that is full of profane, childish cartoons and surreal humour? The readers’ letters are legendary, to wit: “I was delighted when the kind people at the Inland Revenue wrote to me recently telling me that […]

Political squabbling is kicked into touch

Hong Kong, 27 October 2021: I love football refereeing. Not only is it healthy exercise and a fulfilling social activity, its core components – rule of law, equitable decision-making and appraising each case on its merits – appeal to my instincts as a legal professional. Almost 50 years after my debut as a teenaged match […]

Harbouring doubts about our exit plan

Hong Kong, 20 October 2021: Having lived in Hong Kong for 40 years, I’m sometimes guilty of being blasé about this wonderful city’s unique appeal. Boasting an exotic blend of ancient and modern, East meets West, downtown bustle versus country park tranquility, there is nowhere quite like it. And it appears many people agree, given […]

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Law & More: Episode 66 – Highlights, Part 1

Hong Kong, 1 June 2026: As host of our long-running Law & More podcast, Senior Partner Colin Cohen has welcomed a broad range of guests whose lives have been shaped by Hong Kong. Leading figures from the legal profession, business, politics and academia have been kind enough to share their thoughts and opinions. In this […]

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AI the key discussion point in Dublin

Hong Kong, 26 May 2026: Artificial intelligence loomed large over the Ally Law AGM in Dublin as delegates – including our Senior Partner Colin Cohen and Managing Partner Alex Liu – discussed its impact on the legal profession. A series of talks, workshops and panel discussions examined how AI is shaping the sector, what law […]

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Toasting the original Irish rovers

Dublin, 20 May 2026: In the annals of Sino-Irish relations, Tony O’Neill deserves special mention. In 1976, as coach and doctor to the University College Dublin football team, he organised a pioneering tour to China. The students thought he was mad but O’Neill – known to all as “The Doc” – worked out his plan, […]

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A breakthrough in HK-Mainland procedure

By Alex Liu and John Zhou Hong Kong, 18 May 2026: Fresh measures to speed up and simplify the cross-border service of court documents have been signed off by Hong Kong and the Mainland. The move marks a major step forward in legal co-operation between the two jurisdictions and resolves long-standing issues regarding the management […]

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Law & More: Episode 65 – Yamilette Cano

Hong Kong, 11 May 2026: Today’s guest is Yamilette Cano, president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Yamilette reflects on her life journey: achieving her dream of becoming a professional ballerina, studying international relations at university and then relocating to Hong Kong, where she champions entrepreneurship, innovation and public speaking. She speaks […]

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