DESMOND ANG specializes in international commercial litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis on high-stakes disputes involving business relationships and investments with companies in China, Taiwan and Japan. Desmond also has a growing restructuring and insolvency practice involving the representation of debtors and creditors in debt restructurings, insolvency and distressed scenarios as well as related litigation.
Desmond has represented clients in proceedings conducted under ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, CIETAC, JCAA, ICDR and UNCITRAL arbitration rules as well as before the Hong Kong courts. He has experience in disputes involving mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, which have been heard in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, California and Switzerland.
Desmond develops practical dispute resolution strategies underpinned by a thorough analysis of the relevant facts. He crafts these strategies to fit into the overall commercial goals of his clients with the ultimate objective of providing high-quality, responsive and cost-effective legal representation. He has counseled individuals and businesses in a wide spectrum of industries, including retail (luxury and mass market), private equity, pharmaceuticals, real estate, oil and gas, technology and telecommunications, natural resources and mining, and sports.
Desmond also serves as arbitrator under both ICC and HKIAC arbitration rules in Hong Kong and London.
Desmond has been recognized in the 2022 edition of Chambers Greater China Region and Chambers Global, where clients have highlighted that he is “one of the top China disputes lawyers in the market, with consistently strong written and spoken advocacy, and an effective team leader”; “good at making full use of advantageous positions from the perspective of legal knowledge, procedures and practices” and “we place great trust in Mr Desmond Ang for professional assistance in major and complex disputes.” Previous editions of Chambers praised Desmond for being skilled at “always maintaining an overview of highly complex proceedings, down to the smallest detail” (2020), “he pays great attention to detail and is very good at communicating with clients” (2019), a "lawyer who can understand what his international clients really need and can provide any advice and support as they need it" (2018). Legal 500 Asia Pacific noted Desmond as one of the “very strong arbitration lawyers” who is “a pleasure to work with.”
Desmond is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.