Law & More: The Boase Cohen & Collins Podcast

In this second special highlights episode, our Senior Partner Colin Cohen revisits several more of the conversations he’s had with guests over the past five years, including high-profile businessman Allan Zeman, Irish Consul-General Jennifer Bourke, various barristers from home and overseas, and the former Chief Justice of Hong Kong Geoffrey Ma. Stay tuned.

Host: Colin Cohen
Director: Niall Donnelly
Producer and VO: Thomas Latter        

Established in 1985, Boase Cohen & Collins is an independent law firm equipped with Hong Kong knowledge and global reach. Please visit our website. 

Today’s guest is Michael Campion, a former professional footballer who has since forged a diverse career as a keynote speaker, corporate trainer and podcaster. Michael traces his journey, from football-mad youngster growing up in Hong Kong to the person he is today, recounting the twists and turns of his eventful life and the lessons he has learned along the way. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:39 Meet Michael Campion
01:22 Life as an Entrepreneur
02:12 Growing Up in Hong Kong
03:38 Durham and Choosing Geography
04:41 Back to Hong Kong First Job

In this episode, we speak with high-profile solicitor Ronald Sum, who has vast experience across a range of practice areas, both at home and abroad. Ronald looks back on his Hong Kong upbringing, university days in Australia and his first steps in the legal profession, before offering his thoughts on a range of contemporary issues. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:40 Welcome and Introduction
01:22 Mediation Week and Peer Cases
02:26 Growing Up and Studying Abroad
03:30 Why Law Not Medicine
05:00 Early Practice War Stories
07:02 Maritime Law and Ship Arrests
08:29...

This episode features Senior Counsel Queenie Lau, who reflects on her early years at boarding school in the UK, university days at Cambridge and her subsequent career in the legal profession, including her initial steps as a corporate solicitor before deciding her future lay at the Bar. Queenie speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:37 Meet Queenie Lau
01:46 Life and Schooling
04:00 Choosing Cambridge Law
05:52 From Solicitor to Barrister
07:55 Early Bar Practice
09:24 Judicial Sitting and Balance
10:09 Greater Bay Qualification
11:22 Mediation and Arbitration
12:01 Taking Silk and CFA
14:41 Advice f...

In this special highlights episode, our Senior Partner Colin Cohen revisits some of the conversations he’s had with guests over the past five years, including politician and former government minister Christine Loh, journalist Douglas Wong, ex-Rugby Union chief Robbie McRobbie and various eminent barristers. All of them have interesting stories to tell. Stay tuned. 

Host: Colin Cohen
Director: Niall Donnelly
Producer and VO: Thomas Latter       

Established in 1985, Boase Cohen & Collins is an independent law firm equipped with Hong Kong knowledge and global reach. Please visit our website. 

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 with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:47 Welcome and Introduction
01:52 Growing Up in Mexico
03:00 Ballet Dreams and Discipline
04:13 Canada Ballet Crossroads
05:24 University and International Relations
07:01 Falling for Hong Kong
07:48 Breaking Into Events
10:01 Founding Louder Global
11:29 Confidence and Spe...

In this episode, we examine sports law, a practice area that is evolving rapidly as Hong Kong builds world-class sports facilities and hosts an increasing number of elite international sporting events. Our Senior Partner Colin Cohen is joined by barristers Yang-Wahn Hew and Azan Marwah to discuss the multiple governance, regulatory and compliance issues facing sports stakeholders. Stay tuned. 

Host: Colin Cohen
Director: Niall Donnelly
Producer and VO: Thomas Latter     

Established in 1985, Boase Cohen & Collins is an independent law firm equipped with Hong Kong knowledge and global reach. Please visit our website. 

Today’s guest is academic, barrister and author Malcolm Merry. A leading authority on land law and keen scholar of Hong Kong’s colourful history, Malcolm reflects on his university years, four decades in the city’s legal sector and the diplomatic wrangle that inspired his most recent book. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:48 Meet Malcolm Merry  
01:56 Early Life and Oxford  
04:37 Chicago and LLM Detour  
05:40 Bar Training in London  
06:41 Move to Hong Kong U  
08:12 Discovering Land Law  
11:11 Joining the Hong Kong Bar  
12:39 Full Time Practice Shift  
13...

Today’s guest is one of our city’s most high-profile public figures, Regina Ip. In a wide-ranging discussion with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen, Regina reflects on her upbringing and university days, her stellar career in politics and administration, and the challenges facing modern Hong Kong. Having spent almost her entire career in public service, Regina has recently retired from the Legislative Council but, as she makes clear to Colin, she has absolutely no intention of slowing down. Stay tuned. 

00:51 Welcome to Law & More: Introducing Regina Ip
01:42 Grandparent Life & Staying Busy
02:07 Why She Stepped Down...

Today’s guest is Neil Kaplan KC, one of the world’s leading authorities on arbitration. Neil reflects on his long and distinguished career, beginning as a barrister in London before relocating to Hong Kong to serve in the pre-handover Attorney General’s Chambers. He discusses the joys of working in private practice, the challenges of sitting as a Judge, and his tenure as Chairman of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. He speaks with our Senior Partner, Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:51 Introduction to Neil Kaplan: The Father of Hong Kong Arbitration
 01:37 Recent Activities and the Kaplan Le...

In this episode, we meet renowned lawyer and academic Bill Ricquier, whose distinguished legal career has included spells in London and Liverpool before settling down as a long-term resident of Singapore. Aside from law, Bill’s other passion is cricket. Having fallen in love with the game as a schoolboy, he has authored several acclaimed books on the subject. He speaks with our Senior Partner – and fellow cricket fan – Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:20 Early Life and Cricket Passion
04:57 Academic Journey and Legal Career
07:24 Move to Singapore and Initial Challenges
11:24 Return...

In this episode, we meet corporate finance lawyer Julia Charlton, a hugely respected and vastly experienced legal practitioner in Hong Kong’s financial sector. Julia looks back on her career journey, beginning with her upbringing in the northeast of England, practicing corporate law in London, and her bold decision as a working mother to relocate to Hong Kong. As she explains to our Senior Partner Colin Cohen, her arrival came at a time when mainland Chinese companies were just beginning to have a major impact on the city’s markets. Stay tuned. 

00:46 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:45 Curre...

In this episode, we meet former judge Bebe Chu, a leading authority in the field of family law. Bebe reflects on her upbringing in Hong Kong, early days as a solicitor and her subsequent career in the Judiciary, where she was eventually appointed as Judge with Special Responsibilities for Family Cases in the High Court. Since retiring from the bench, she has continued her career as an arbitrator and mediator. She speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.  

00:54 Introduction and Guest Welcome  
01:49 Current Activities and Recent Work  
02:58 Early Life and Education  
05:47 Career Beginnin...

In this episode, we discuss sustainability, East-West geopolitics and rule of law with Chandran Nair. Founder and CEO of the Global Institute For Tomorrow think tank, Chandran offers a unique insight into Asia’s growing influence on the world stage and why the continent must forge a different development path to that trodden by the US and Europe. He covers all this, plus his new book about China, in conversation with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:55 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:34 Chandran Nair's Recent Activities
03:07 Early Life and Education
04:33 Career Beginnings and Move to...

In this episode, we meet notable academic and prolific author Judith Sihombing, who has been mentoring law students in Hong Kong for more than four decades. Judith looks back on her upbringing in rural Australia, early years in the legal profession, time spent teaching in Malaysia, and her distinguished career in Hong Kong. She speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:38 Introduction and Guest Introduction
 01:49 Early Life and Education
 03:49 Legal Career Beginnings
 06:06 Academic Journey in Malaysia
 09:35 Transition to Hong Kong
 11:54 Contributions to Legal Education
 17:20 Establishing Sihombing Law Mentors
 24:23 Reflectio...

In this episode, we meet John Scott, King’s Counsel and Senior Counsel, and a familiar face to many in the law profession. John looks back on his journey through the legal landscape, from his early days as a barrister in London, to the landmark case that brought him to Hong Kong, and his many years here as a commercial litigation and arbitration specialist. He also talks about his long association with Des Voeux Chambers and his work as a Justice of the Peace. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:42 Introduction and Guest Ba...

In this episode, we are joined by Paola Sangiovanni, the newly elected president of global legal services organisation Ally Law. Paola discusses her first steps in the legal profession, how she has built her practice as a corporate lawyer in Milan, and her hopes and ambitions for Ally Law as she begins her two-year leadership term. She speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:38 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:24 Paola's Recent Activities and Ally Law AGM
02:14 Paola's Background and Journey into Law
05:04 Early Career and Specialization in Life Sciences
07:04 Involvement with Ally...

In this episode, we are joined by King’s Counsel Ng Jern-Fei, an international dispute resolution specialist who handles a wide variety of cases in multiple jurisdictions. Jern-Fei reflects on his upbringing in Malaysia, law studies at Cambridge and early steps in the legal profession, as well as offering insights into his current practice. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:33 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:30 Current Work and High-Profile Cases
02:18 Early Life and Education
03:29 Choosing a Career in Law
04:43 University Experience at Cambridge
06:15 Becoming a Barrister
10:10 Pupillage and Ear...

In this episode, we are joined by James Irvine, director of commercial operations at Hong Kong’s enormous new sports and entertainment hub, Kai Tak Sports Park. James highlights the scale and variety of the incredible facilities, discusses the major events being planned, and explains why Kai Tak is such an important development for the city. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome 
02:12 Overview of Kai Tak Sports Park 
03:35 Accessibility and Transportation 
05:57 Government Vision and Development 
07:59 James' Background and Career 
10:12 Event Management and Operations 
15:52 Sports an...

In this episode, we are joined by Senior Counsel Mohan Bharwaney, a retired justice of the High Court who has authored a significant number of landmark judgments in the field of personal injury and medical negligence. Mohan reflects on his upbringing in Hong Kong, early days as a barrister and some of his memorable cases, in conversation with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:44 Introduction and Guest Background
 02:00 Early Life and Education
 04:18 Law School and Early Career
 09:24 Specialization in Personal Injury Law
 15:20 Notable Cases and Achievements
 19:24 Judicial Career and Law Reform
 29...

In this episode, we are joined by José-Antonio Maurellet SC, the newly elected chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association. In a wide-ranging discussion, José looks back on his student days at Oxford, early work as a barrister and the development of his practice in company and commercial law. He also talks about the work of the Bar Association and its important role in Hong Kong’s legal landscape. José speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:49 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:57 Early Life and Education
03:02 University Experience and Career Beginnings
05:09 Pupillage and Ea...

In this episode, we welcome Iñaki Amate, design industry innovator and chair of the European Chamber of Commerce. Iñaki traces his globetrotting career, which has taken him from his native Spain to Finland, Hong Kong and many places in between, the work of EuroCham, and why it is important for Hong Kong to attract talented professionals from all over the world. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:48 Introduction to Iñaki Amate
01:28 Current Busy Season in Hong Kong
02:18 Iñaki's Early Life and Educ...

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by the Honourable Geoffrey Ma, the former Chief Justice of Hong Kong. Geoffrey looks back on his distinguished career, from his upbringing and education in the UK, to his many years at the Hong Kong Bar, and two decades of service with the Judiciary. He recalls memorable cases, challenges and achievements, and discusses the importance of the rule of law. As well, he talks about his love of football and cricket. Geoffrey speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:48 Introduction to Geoffrey Ma

In this episode, we welcome two prominent members of the German business community: Hannes Farlock, Delegate and Chief Representative of German Industry and Commerce Ltd, and Johannes Hack, President of the German Chamber of Commerce. Hannes and Johannes join our Senior Partner Colin Cohen for a wide-ranging discussion about relations, trade and cultural ties between Germany and Hong Kong, with Brexit and football also on the agenda. Stay tuned. 

 00:44 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 01:39 Current Activities and Delegations
 03:03 Understanding the GIC and Its Role
 04:41 Collaboration Between GIC and the German Chamber
 07:17 German Presence and Influe...

In this episode, we meet former Director of Public Prosecutions and later Justice of Appeal Ian McWalters, who looks back on his upbringing in Australia, adventurous days as a lawyer in Papua New Guinea, and four decades of stellar service in the Hong Kong legal profession. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:50 Introduction to Ian McWalters
 02:29 Early Life and Education
 04:14 Career Beginnings in Papua New Guinea
 08:11 Transition to Hong Kong
 10:22 Rise in Hong Kong's Legal System
 14:01 Director of Public Prosecutions
 18:53 Judicial Career
 28:48 Reflections and Future Plans
 35:3...

In this episode, we meet forensic accountant and white collar crime investigator Anoop Gidwani, who reflects on his long career with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and some of the landmark cases he worked on. As well, Anoop talks about his passion for cricket, which he has served for decades as an umpire and administrator, and efforts to grow the sport in Hong Kong. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

00:37 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 01:52 Early Life and Education
 03:01 Career Beginnings in Hong Kong
 05:09 Joining the ICAC
 06:20 Notable Investigations and Cases...

We are delighted to meet Jennifer Bourke, the Consul General of Ireland to Hong Kong and Macao. With a busy schedule that mixes politics, business and culture, Jennifer is loving life in Hong Kong, where she embraces the city’s energy, works closely with the Irish community and promotes the many attractions of her homeland. She speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

 00:44 Introduction to Jennifer Bourke
 01:05 Jennifer's Role and Responsibilities
 02:58 Recent Activities and Cultural Promotion
 03:27 Jennifer's Background and Education
 06:24 Journey into Diplomacy
 09:21 First Posting in Thailand
 10:39 Experience in Vancouver...

In this episode, we are honoured to be joined by solicitor John Budge who, aside from his career in the legal profession, has compiled an exemplary record of public service. John looks back on his four-plus decades in Hong Kong and talks passionately about his work in the community with a particular focus on two organisations close to his heart, the Hong Kong Club Foundation and Voice For Prisoners. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:31 Introduction and Welcome
 01:13 John Budge's Current Endeavors
 02:41 Early Days in Hong Kong
 06:06 Life and Work at Wi...

In this episode, we are honoured to be joined by Dr Siddharth Sridhar, whose pioneering work in the field of infectious diseases has pushed him into the public spotlight. In a wide-ranging discussion with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen, Siddharth explains his passion for microbiology and his acclaimed research into viral hepatitis. He also reflects on Hong Kong’s Covid-19 response and the lessons to be learned. Stay tuned. 

In this episode, we meet Senior Counsel Chua Guan-Hock, who looks back on his schooling and university days in the UK, first steps in the Hong Kong legal profession and work as Chairman of the Appeal Board Panel for Town Planning. He also reflects on his long association with Des Voeux Chambers, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Hock speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. 

00:31 Welcome to Law & More: A Chat with Senior Counsel Chua Guan-Hock
02:11 A Journey from Malaysia to Hong Kong: Early Life and Education
03:51 Choosing Law and the Path to C...

In this episode, we meet Senior Counsel Victor Dawes, who reflects on his upbringing in Hong Kong, his university days in London and his first steps in the legal profession as a young barrister. He also sheds light on the work of the Hong Kong Bar Association and his role as Chairman. Victor speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:31 Introduction to Victor Dawes
 01:11 Victor Dawes: Balancing Act Between Practice and Chairmanship
 02:07 Journey into Law: Victor's Background and Education
 03:02 The Path to Becoming a Barrister: Education and Early Career
 05:48 Pupillage and Early...

In this episode, we are joined by well-known divorce lawyer Sharon Ser, who reflects on her upbringing and early experiences as a legal professional in London, her subsequent move to Hong Kong and how she established her formidable reputation as the go-to person in Family Law. Sharon speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned. 

 00:31 Meet Sharon Ser: Hong Kong's High-Profile Divorce Lawyer
 01:30 The Busy Life of a Family Lawyer Post-Holidays
 02:41 Sharon's Journey: From London to Law
 04:47 Breaking into Law: Influences and Early Career
 09:54 The Big Move: From London to Hong Kong
 1...

This time, our guest is well-known public interest lawyer Patricia Ho, who has dedicated her life to assisting Hong Kong’s most vulnerable residents. Patricia highlights issues such as human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation of migrant workers, and explains what drives her to continue fighting for the rights of those at risk. She speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:00 Introduction and Patricia's Profile
00:31 Patricia's Current Focus: Scam Centers
01:25 Patricia's Early Life and Interest in Law
02:17 Patricia's Education and Journey to Law
02:56 Patricia's Experience Studying in London
04:27 Patricia's Passion fo...

In this episode, we are joined by Sabrina Ho, who is Vice Chair of Council at the historic Helena May in Central. Sabrina tells us about the club’s fascinating history and outstanding record of charitable work, as well as revealing her personal motivation for being so heavily involved in community outreach. She speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

00:31 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:07 Sabrina's Retirement and Volunteer Work
01:38 Sabrina's Early Life and Education
02:06 Sabrina's Career Path and Experience
02:35 Sabrina's Connection with London School of Economics
03:02 Sabrina's Experience in Law Fi...

In this episode, we welcome former footballer Tim Bredbury for a fascinating chat about his career and his thoughts on the game as it is today. Tim, born in Hong Kong, started out as a young professional with Liverpool in England before going on to play with notable success in Hong Kong, Australia and Malaysia for almost two decades. Since then, he’s enjoyed various roles in the game, including coaching, marketing and working in the media. 

 00:31 Introduction and Guest Background
 01:00 Tim Bradbury's Current Endeavors
 01:40 Early Life and Upbringing
 03:10 Football Career Beginnings
 03:57 Experience at Liver...

In this episode, we are pleased to welcome globe-trotting corporate lawyer Ramesh Vaidyanathan. In a wide-ranging discussion, Ramesh talks about practising law in his native India and the country’s growing status as a world economic power. He also provides an insight into his role as President of Ally Law, the global legal services network in which BC&C is a long-standing member. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen.

 00:33 Introduction and Ramesh's Welcome
 01:19 Ramesh's Recent Activities and Challenges
 02:24 Ramesh's Journey to Becoming a Lawyer
 03:27 Transition to Corporate Law and Career Progression
 05:25 Experie...

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by one of Hong Kong’s premier criminal defence lawyers, Jonathan Midgley. In a wide-ranging discussion, Jonathan reflects on his early days in Hong Kong, recalls some of his most notable cases, and voices his unequivocal support for the city’s rule of law. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

 00:32 Introduction
 01:08 Recent Activities and Personal Experiences
 02:05 Early Life and Education
 03:42 Journey into Law
 05:11 Early Career and Move to Hong Kong
 08:08 Experiences in Hong Kong's Legal System
 12:47 Views on Representin...

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by a true giant of the Bar, King’s Counsel Edward Fitzgerald CBE. A champion of prisoners’ rights, steadfast opponent of the death penalty and firm believer in the power of redemption, Ed looks back on some of his landmark criminal and human rights cases in a fascinating discussion with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.

Host: Colin Cohen
Director: Niall Donnelly
Producer and VO: Thomas Latter       

Established in 1985, Boase Cohen & Collins is an independent law firm equipped with Hong Kong knowledge and global r...

In today's episode we are delighted to be joined by Ambassador/former Consul General of Egypt Amr Elhenawy. A diplomat for more than three decades, during which he was posted all over the world, Amr recently left the Egyptian Foreign Ministry and has made Hong Kong his home, setting up a business to facilitate investment and cultural ties between China and the Arab world. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen.

Host: Colin Cohen
Director: Niall Donnelly
Producer and VO: Thomas Latter        

Established in 1985, Boase Cohen & Collins is an independent law firm...

In today's episode,  we welcome an old friend of the firm and someone who loves visiting Hong Kong, former English Premier League referee Mike Riley. In a wide-ranging discussion, Mike reflects on memorable moments in his career, his recently relinquished role as general manager of the elite English referees’ body, and the increasing use of technology to help match officials. He speaks with our Senior Partner Colin Cohen. Stay tuned.  

Host: Colin Cohen
Director: Niall Donnelly
Producer and VO: Thomas Latter       

Established in 1985, Boase Cohen & Collins is an independent law firm equipped with Hong Kon...