Financial Times Ranks Dechert Among Most Innovative International Firms in Asia

Dechert lawyers in Asia were again praised for their creativity and fresh thinking by the Financial Times as the firm’s novel achievements won recognition in the FT’s Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards for 2020.

Dechert is consistently ranked highly in the annual Innovative Lawyer reports, which combine the FT’s strong journalistic traditions with independent analysis carried out by specialist researcher RSG Consulting. This year, the firm was ranked as the 14th most innovative firm in Asia.

The FT judges law firms on the originality of their legal work, the leadership qualities they display and the impact of their work on a client’s business. Firms were also assessed this year on their digital maturity and embrace of new technology.

Dechert was also “Highly Commended” in the prestigious “Innovative Practice of Law” category. A white collar team led by Hong Kong partner Maria Sit recovered US$30 million in funds defrauded from a European company and wired to banks in Asia. Acting rapidly, Ms. Sit succeeded in blocking any onward wire transfers, then made creative use of a Mareva injunction to oblige the banks to return the funds. The client made a 100% recovery just four days after the original loss, a feat described by a Hong Kong judge as “exceptionally rare.”

The FT singled out Ms. Sit for individual commendation in its description of the matter.

Read the full FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific 2020 report.

About Dechert 

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 26 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.