Interview with Tim Drew of Tanner de Witt

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Tanner De Witt?

My name is Tim Drew, and I am a Partner and Co-Head of the Corporate and Commercial Department at Tanner De Witt. I’ve been practising corporate law for more than 35 years, the last 30 of which have been spent here in Hong Kong. My role involves advising a broad spectrum of clients from multinational corporations and financial institutions to entrepreneurs, family offices and SMEs on a wide and varied range of corporate and commercial matters. These typically include mergers and acquisitions, due diligence investigations, business transfers, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, corporate reorganisations and amalgamations, and a wide range of commercial contracts including distribution, supply and licensing agreements. I also advise on immigration matters, particularly work and investment visa applications for both businesses and individuals.

For our members who may not be familiar with the legal landscape, how would you describe Tanner De Witt’s specific position and expertise in Hong Kong’s legal sector?

Tanner De Witt is proud to be one of Hong Kong’s largest independent law firms, with a reputation built on deep local roots and a truly international outlook.

Our firm is consistently recognised by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation and other leading directories, for our responsiveness, commercial insight, and ability to deliver practical, results-driven solutions. We are particularly strong in our core areas of corporate and commercial (including M&A), restructuring and insolvency, dispute resolution, employment and regulatory & compliance.

What I believe sets us apart is our ability to deliver clear, commercially focussed advice that is both strategic and actionable. We are more than just legal advisors; we are business partners helping our clients navigate the challenges which they face, with confidence.

What are the most common legal challenges your clients are facing in Hong Kong today?

In today’s business environment, defined by rapid regulatory change and increasing complexity, especially in dynamic sectors like fintech, data privacy, and compliance, we help clients navigate this evolving landscape, where new legislation around virtual assets and cross-border data flows demands agility and expert guidance.

Following on from challenges, what major trends are you observing in your sector?

The first trend is regulatory complexity. Hong Kong’s legal landscape is increasingly defined by regulatory complexity, especially in areas such as fintech, data privacy, anti-money laundering and compliance. The pace of legislative change requires organisations to be agile and well-advised.

Secondly, restructuring, insolvency, and transactional growth. The economic climate has led to a surge in restructuring and insolvency work, as well as increased activity in M&A, private equity, and banking. Independent firms are capitalising on these opportunities, with many reporting a significant uptick in demand for advice on distressed assets, turnarounds, and complex transactions spanning multiple jurisdictions.

The third trend involves talent and skills demand. The legal recruitment landscape in Hong Kong is evolving, with growing demand for lawyers who bring bilingual (English/Mandarin) capabilities, cross-border experience, and technological fluency. At Tanner De Witt, we value the advantage bilingualism offers our team and clients, though it is not a prerequisite for joining the firm. We welcome talented professionals from diverse backgrounds and focus on the overall strengths and potential that each individual brings. Versatility is also key.  

Finally, digital transformation is accelerating, with generative AI and legal tech now embedded in daily practice. Nearly 70% of Hong Kong lawyers report using generative AI tools for drafting, research, and document analysis. The profession is moving beyond pilot projects to genuine, repeatable practice, with a focus on balancing speed, accuracy, and client trust. Firms are also rethinking pricing models and value propositions in response to client expectations for efficiency and responsiveness.

Looking ahead, what does the future legal landscape look like in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong remains a vital hub for international business and dispute resolution, and I believe the legal sector will continue to evolve in response to global pressures. The recent Policy Address reaffirms Hong Kong’s position as a leading centre for legal services and dispute resolution and enhancing the city’s reputation as a neutral venue for resolving cross-border commercial disputes. The future will likely see more emphasis on tech-enabled legal services, cross-border collaboration, and a continued focus on transparency and governance.

You’re a corporate member at our Chamber, how do you see the value of such a business community for a firm like yours?

Being part of the Dutch Chamber offers us a valuable platform to connect with like-minded professionals and businesses. It fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and access to new opportunities. For a firm like Tanner De Witt, which thrives on relationships, networking and cross-border work, the Chamber’s network is instrumental in helping us stay engaged with the international business community in Hong Kong.