Lawyer Monthly - August 2021 Edition

LAWYER MOVES Kirkland & Ellis hired Paul Guan, a top private equity real estate lawyer, as a partner in its Hong Kong office. Guan has been tapped to lead the firm’s private equity real estate practice in the Asia region. Guan represents global and regional private equity sponsors and strategic investors on a range of complex and cross-border real estate M&A, joint venture, fund formation, securities and financing transactions. He joins Kirkland from Paul Hastings, where he was also a partner in a Hong Kong office and head of its regional real estate practice. Kirkland is one of the largest private equity practices in Asia, with ore than 140 lawyers and other legal professionals handling M&A, private equity, capital markets, fund formation, financing transactions and other matters across Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Its team has been involved in some of the largest and most complex private equity deals in the region. Jon A Ballis, chair of Kirkland’s executive committee, congratulated Paul on his appointment. “Private equity activity in the real estate space has exploded in Greater China and Paul’s arrival will help us better meet the needs of our clients,” he said. “He is a rising star in this key area, and his real estate-focused practice adds a new and important dimension to our market-leading global private equity real estate platform.” Guan has been recognised by Chambers Asia-Pacific as a “ Leading Individual” f or real estate in China, and was named a “Highly Regarded” lawyer for M&A and real estate in Hong Kong SAR by IFLR1000. Kirkland & Ellis Gains Real Estate Head from Paul Hastings In a first for one of Australia’s largest law firms, Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) appointed Chris Owen as a dedicated partner to oversee its pro bono programme and elevate its contribution to the community. Owen, joins from Simmons & Simmons’ London litigation team, where he led the firm’s contentious ESG disputes group and co-chaired its international pro bono practice. He has spent more than 15 years working pro bono and supervising the contributions of hundreds of lawyers. “Our pro bono efforts have progressed to the point where appointing a dedicated partner will ensure that we continue to lift our contribution to the wider community,” said Alison Deitz, chief executive partner at NRF. “Chris has a passion and flair for pro bono work, from developing and refining firm-wide strategy to meaningful collaborations with key clients. We welcome him to our partnership and look forward to working with him to further our pro bono programme.” Owen also brings expertise in advising legal clinics, aiding indigenous communities in obtaining access to justice, advocating on behalf of clients in court proceedings and advising on international projects. He is also a member of the UK’s UN Global Compact committee, which is working to combat child labour internationally. “I am a strong believer that pro bono can bring multiple benefits to a firm like NRF,” Owen said. “Not only can we help those who are most in need, but in doing so, our own lawyers gain opportunities to develop their skills and form strong ties within communities, both locally and globally.” NortonRose Fulbright Names Dedicated ProBono Partner 11 AUG 2021 | WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM