HONG KONG – Six lawyers from Reed Smith’s Asia-Pacific offices were featured, and the firm was endorsed in a total of 19 practice categories in the 2026 Greater China listings published this week by The Legal 500. The rankings reflect the firm's strong record across a wide range of practice areas.
PRACTICE RANKINGS
Reed Smith was recommended in four China practice areas and 15 Hong Kong practice areas. The firm once again gained the highest ranking, Band 1, for Data Protection: foreign firms, China.
China
- Corporate and M&A: foreign firms
- Data Protection: foreign firms (Band 1)
- Projects and energy: foreign firms
- TMT: foreign firms
Hong Kong
- Asset finance: Shipping finance
- Banking & finance
- Capital markets (debt)
- Capital markets (equity)
- Corporate (including M&A)
- Dispute resolution: International arbitration
- Dispute resolution: Litigation
- Fintech and financial services regulatory
- Insurance
- Investment funds
- Private equity
- Regulatory: white-collar, compliance and investigations
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Shipping
- TMT
LAWYER RANKINGS
The six featured lawyers were noted for their successful track records in corporate law, data protection, fintech and financial services regulation, international arbitration, and shipping.
China
- Barbara Li (Leading Partner), Data protection: foreign firms
Hong Kong
- Etelka Bogardi (Leading Partner), Fintech and financial services regulatory
- Denise Jong (Leading Partner), Corporate (including M&A)
- Lianjun Li (Leading Partner), Shipping
- Jill Wong (Leading Partner), Fintech and financial services regulatory
- Donald Sham (Next Generation Partner), Dispute resolution: International arbitration
Among the positive feedback, Reed Smith clients commended the firm for:
China, Data Protection – “Team leader Barbara Li has stood out. ... I am impressed by her good, comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge, as well as solid hands-on experience in China's data protection.”
Hong Kong, Capital markets (debt) – “Their debt and bonds team are particularly experienced in handling various transactions. ... Their familiarity with Chinese legal and regulatory landscape put them in a unique position to help clients navigate complex issues. Their knowledge and expertise are highly appreciated by all parties involved.”
Hong Kong, Capital markets (equity) – “The firm’s proactive communication and use of advanced technology enhanced transparency and responsiveness, setting them apart from other firms.”
Hong Kong, Fintech and financial services regulation – “Jill Wong is a seasoned professional, formerly a regulator, and hence has insights and regulatory understanding that set this firm apart.”
Reed Smith operates under the name Reed Smith Richards Butler in Hong Kong.