
Christopher Hooley
Bio
Bio
Chris was admitted as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 1980 and worked in the City of London before moving to Hong Kong in 1987.
In Hong Kong, he has worked for three large Hong Kong law firms, in each as the Partner in charge of the Corporate Commercial Department.
He has written articles and conducted seminars on a variety of different commercial topics in Asia, Europe and North America and has a strong commitment to social endeavours, one of which is the World Justice Project, where Chris is an accredited contributor.
In addition to his Honours Degree in Law, Chris has a Masters Degree in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from Strathclyde University.
Chris is recognised by Chambers Asia, asialaw and Asian Legal Business for his expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions and he is recognised by Practical Law, as being one of the leading employment lawyers in Hong Kong.
Podcast S1E4 | Corporate & Commercial: Essential Considerations
References
Christopher Hooley ranked as Leading Individual (Band 3) in Chambers and Partners Greater China Region for Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms
Christopher Hooley of Hugill & Ip Solicitors heads the corporate and commercial law practice group at the firm. He is held in high regard for his wide-ranging practice advising multinationals on M&A transactions and joint ventures, and is active on both local and cross-border transactions.
“I have worked with Chris for many years and he is excellent.”
Four of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as asialaw Distinguished Practitioner in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment– Highly Recommended Firm
- Alfred Ip for Private Client and Dispute Resolution– Recommended Firm
- Caroline McNally for Private Client – Recommended Firm
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A– Notable Firm
Christopher Hooley ranked as Leading Individual (Band 3) in Chambers and Partners Greater China Region for Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms
Christopher Hooley of Hugill & Ip Solicitors heads the corporate and commercial law practice group at the firm. He is held in high regard for his wide-ranging practice advising multinationals on M&A transactions and joint ventures, and is active on both local and cross-border transactions.
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Distinguished Practitioner in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment (Highly Recommended Firm)
- Alfred Ip for Private Client and Dispute Resolution (Recommended Firm)
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A (Notable Firm)
Two of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Chambers and Partners Greater China Region Leading Individuals (Band 2) in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Employment: Hong Kong-based (International Firms) (Band 4 Firm)
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate/M&A: Independent Hong Kong Firms – China
Moreover, Alfred Ip is recognized with Band 2 ranking in Private Wealth Disputes – China in Chambers High Net Worth.
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Distinguished Practitioner in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment (Highly Recommended Firm)
- Alfred Ip for Private Client and Dispute Resolution (Recommended Firm)
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A (Notable Firm)
Client Feedback
Independent local firm Hugill & Ip acts for both employers and employees on contentious and non-contentious matters. It has been notably prominent in equal opportunity/discrimination cases, which are rarely seen in the Hong Kong market. In addition, its group’s other wide-ranging experience includes team moves, mass terminations and restructurings. The practice is led by name partner Adam Hugill. Another key individual is Christopher Hooley, who is recommended for advice on employment strategy in connection with team moves and senior executive hires/terminations. Jade Tang joined in June 2020 from Oldham, Li & Nie.
Christopher Hooley heads the corporate and commercial law practice group at Hugill & Ip Solicitors. He is held in high regard for his wide-ranging practice advising multinationals on M&A transactions and joint ventures. Market commentators acknowledge him as “a veteran in Hong Kong.“
Three of Hugill & Ip partners ranked as Asialaw Distinguished Practitioner in the following practice areas:
- Adam Hugill for Labour and Employment (Highly Recommended Firm)
- Alfred Ip for Private Client and Dispute Resolution (Recommended Firm)
- Christopher Hooley for Corporate and M&A (Notable Firm)
Employment law is a core area of focus for Hugill & Ip, and since its establishment in September 2018, under the guidance of ‘knowledgeable and responsive‘ name partner Adam Hugill, the team has rapidly made inroads into the local market on behalf of both employers and employees. Work covers the waterfront of issues facing companies and individuals, including advice on employee transfers and team moves, data privacy, immigration, and discrimination.
Hugill has an excellent track record guiding individuals and employers in Labour Tribunal matters, including representation in any pursuant High Court litigation, and has established a strong reputation in advising on high-profile equal opportunity/discrimination cases.
The arrival in June 2020 of Jade Tang from Oldham, Li & Nie strengthens the firm’s capacity on the non-contentious front, in particular, and adds further weight to a team that also includes Christopher Hooley, who regularly handles strategic employment advice as an offshoot of his corporate and commercial practice.
‘The firm provides a fast and professional turnaround.’
‘Adam Hugill is very professional, knowledgeable, and responsive.’
Insights

Director’s Duties: where to draw the line with creditors?
Director’s Duties: where to draw the line with creditors? https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hugill-ip-hdr-meeting-room-blu_1600x583.jpg 1600 583 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Virtual Shareholders’ Meetings – possible soon?
Virtual Shareholders’ Meetings – possible soon? https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/work-table-chair-interior-meeting-corporate-334447-pxhere.com-1.jpg 800 600 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Podcast S3E2 | Corporate & Commercial: Shareholder Disputes
Podcast S3E2 | Corporate & Commercial: Shareholder Disputes https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/hugill-ip-hong-kong-hdr-skyline3-coral_1920x700.jpg 1920 700 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Podcast S2E5 | Employment: Team Moves
Podcast S2E5 | Employment: Team Moves https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hugill-ip-hdr-meeting-room-blu_1600x583.jpg 1600 583 Adam Hugill https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Adam-Hugill_500x700_2-96x96.jpg
The Limited Partnership Fund Bill
The Limited Partnership Fund Bill https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hong-kong-city-architecture-dome-metropolis-building-1594168-pxhere.com_-e1593425851324.jpg 600 750 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Shareholder Liability
Shareholder Liability https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Hugill-and-Ip-Solicitors-Corporate-and-Commercial-Shareholder-Liability_sm.jpg 1920 1080 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Podcast S1E4 | Corporate & Commercial: Essential Considerations
Podcast S1E4 | Corporate & Commercial: Essential Considerations https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-ip-hong-kong-skyline2-hdr_1200x800.jpg 1200 800 Gary Wong https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Gary-Wong_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Commercial Contracts and the Importance of the Force Majeure Clause
Commercial Contracts and the Importance of the Force Majeure Clause https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/arrows-marcus-wallis-416821-unsplash_1600x1065.jpg 1600 1065 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Third-Party Guarantees in the Art Market
Third-Party Guarantees in the Art Market https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/anna-kolosyuk-481874-unsplash-e1560920940606.jpg 1350 900 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Global Banking and Finance Review | Hugill & Ip Solicitors keep achieving outstanding recognitions and expanding its boutique law firm practice in Hong Kong
Global Banking and Finance Review | Hugill & Ip Solicitors keep achieving outstanding recognitions and expanding its boutique law firm practice in Hong Kong https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Hugill-and-Ip-Pattern_1600x1006.png 1600 1006 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512-150x150.png
China Business Rules for Joint Ventures, Product Manufacturing and Distribution
China Business Rules for Joint Ventures, Product Manufacturing and Distribution https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/bicycle-e1544605061140.jpg 545 386 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
A new Agreement on Trade in Goods under the Framework of CEPA Takes Effect Today
A new Agreement on Trade in Goods under the Framework of CEPA Takes Effect Today https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/containers.jpg 566 398 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
A New China E-Commerce Law is Coming into Effect in January 2019
A New China E-Commerce Law is Coming into Effect in January 2019 https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/computer.jpg 660 378 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Blockchain Rising Popularity and its Recent Developments in Hong Kong and Mainland China
Blockchain Rising Popularity and its Recent Developments in Hong Kong and Mainland China https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/blockchain01.jpg 506 332 Christopher Hooley https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/hugill-and-ip-solicitors-Chris-Hooley_500x700-2-96x96.jpg
Associated Press | Three Partners of Hugill & Ip Solicitors achieve strong results in 2019 Chambers Asia-Pacific ranking
Associated Press | Three Partners of Hugill & Ip Solicitors achieve strong results in 2019 Chambers Asia-Pacific ranking https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Hugill-and-Ip-Pattern_1600x1006.png 1600 1006 Hugill & Ip https://www.hugillandip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hugill-and-ip-LogoMark_512x512-150x150.png