Sara Tong SC
Sara Tong SC
Sara Tong SC
"She's a very forceful advocate who really puts up a fight to highlight the best aspects of arguments. She is good at both public law and commercial law. She is meticulous and thorough. Her written submissions are very well structured and often persuasive" - Chambers Greater China 2023

Call: 2003 (HK)
Solicitor: 2001 - present (England & Wales); 2002-2003 (HK)
Inner Bar: 2022
Member of the HKIAC List of Arbitrators

Education

    University of Cambridge, Robinson College
    Master of Arts M.A. (Hons) Law (First Class in 2 years)

    University of Hong Kong
    Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) (Distinction)

Contact

Email:saratong@templechambers.com
Tel:(+852) 2523 2003
Fax:(+852) 2810 0302

Secretary

Name:Lilian Wong
Email:lilian@templechambers.com
Tel:(+852) 2248 1972

mentions

languages

Fluent in English, Cantonese and Putonghua

Practice Areas

  • Commercial
  • Company
  • Insolvency
  • Public Law / Judicial Review
  • Equity / Trust
  • Property & Conveyancing
  • Probate / Succession
  • Conflict of Laws
  • Professional Liability
  • Disciplinary
  • Injunction / Contempt
  • Employment
  • Banking / Finance
  • Charity
  • Arbitration
  • Mental Health
  • Civil Fraud / Asset Recovery
  • Securities & Regulation
  • Defamation / Media
  • Confidentiality / Privacy
  • Restitution / Unjust Enrichment
  • Appointments And Public Office

  • 2023 – 2024      Deputy High Court Judge of the Court of First Instance
  • 2022      Temporary Deputy Registrar of the Court of First Instance
  • 2021      Deputy District Judge
  • 2020      Temporary Deputy Registrar of the Court of First Instance
  • 2023 – present      Chairperson of the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Boards
  • 2023 – present      Member of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health
  • 2019 – 2021      Co-opted Member of the Consumer Council (Legal Protection Committee)
  • 2018 – 2023      Lecturer on Administrative Law, University of Hong Kong
  • 2023 – present      Member of the Disciplinary Panel of the Insurance Authority
  • 2018 – 2024      Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal Panel (Buildings Ordinance)
  • 2018 – 2024      Member of the Appeal Board Panel (Town Planning)
  • 2018 – 2024      Member of the HKSAR Passports Appeal Board
  • 2022 – present      Member of the Examining Panels for Higher Rights of Audience Assessments (Hong Kong Bar Association)
  • 2017 – present      Panel Counsel for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority
  • 2016 – present      Adjudicator of the Registration of Persons Tribunal
  • 2016 – 2018      Member of the Appeal Panel (Housing Ordinance)
  • 2015 – 2021      Member of the Board of Review (Inland Revenue Ordinance)
  • 2015 – 2017      Member of the Disciplinary Board Panel (Land Survey Ordinance)
  • 2007 – present      Representative of Hong Kong Bar Association on the Steering Committee on Land Titles Ordinance
  • 2018 – present      Member of the Committee on Company Law, Hong Kong Bar Association
  • 2018 – present      Member of the Committee on Land, Trust and Probate, Hong Kong Bar Association
  • 2020 – 2021      Member of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, Hong Kong Bar Association
  • 2020 – present      Member of the Committee on Financial and Securities Law, Hong Kong Bar Association
  • 2007 – 2009      Part-time tutor at University of Hong Kong
  • Publications And Articles

  • 2004 – Present Contributing Editor of the Hong Kong Civil Procedure (White Book)
  • Scholarship And Prizes

  • Bar Scholarship
  • Charles Ching Memorial Scholarship
  • The Advocacy Institute of Hong Kong Prize in Advocacy (for the best performance in the PCLL advocacy course)
  • Baker and McKenzie Postgraduate Prize (for the best performance in the PCLL Commercial Law and Practice course)
  • IFA Prize in Revenue Law (for the best performance in the PCLL Revenue Law course)
  • Cambridge University, Robinson College Scholarship
  • Cambridge University, Robinson College Law Prize
  • Cambridge University, Rebecca Flower Squire Scholarship
  • Prince Philip Scholarship
  • Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholarship
  • Profile

    Sara Tong SC is an experienced counsel specialising in commercial litigation. Her practice comprises a broad spectrum of civil commercial disputes, corporate and shareholders’ disputes, insolvency and bankruptcy matters, trust and probate matters, securities and regulatory matters, jurisdictional disputes, professional liability (in particular, solicitors’ and auditors’ negligence) and professional disciplinary matters, employment disputes and judicial reviews.

    Sara has been described in the Chambers & Partners guides (Global and Asia Pacific) as “diligent, meticulous and a strong advocate”, “one of the best for the difficult cases”, “a very bright and detail-oriented advocate whose written work and analysis is first rate” and “very practical, very solicitor-friendly and definitely easy to work with".

    She has also been described in Legal 500 as “pro-active and conscientious”, “incredibly thorough, robust and reliable”, “always well-prepared and quick on her feet - an incisive advocate in court and a great cross-examiner” and “very highly regarded amongst the profession”. She has also been recognised by Legal 500 as a Leading Silk in regulatory matters as well as labour/employment matters.

    Sara has been instructed as advocate for a wide range of individuals and institutions at all levels of court in Hong Kong, as well as various specialist and disciplinary tribunals.

    Sara is a member of the HKIAC List of arbitrators and is regularly appointed as arbitrator in a broad range of commercial disputes, including under the HKIAC and ICC Rules. She also appears as counsel in domestic and international arbitrations and related court applications (including for interim relief in aid of arbitrations and setting aside/enforcement of arbitral awards).

    Sara has also been instructed as expert witness on Hong Kong law issues in foreign proceedings in the PRC and the United States.

    Sara has served as a Deputy High Court Judge of the Court of First Instance and has also been appointed by the Government to various statutory appeal boards and tribunals.

    Experience

    Commercial+
  • King Field Shipyard Ltd v. Tai Pak Sea-food Restaurant Ltd & Anor [2024] HKCFI 2320
  • Shih Rick Ju-Feng & Ors v. Lo Yuen-Li & Ors [2024] HKCA 317 (on appeal from [2021] HKCFI 2896)
  • CMBICDHA W Investments Ltd v. Li Lei & Ors [2023] 2 HKLRD 939; [2023] HKCFI 2176
  • Li Ngan Kwan & Ors v. Gao Li Hui [2023] HKCA 781
  • Yu Quan Li & Anor v. UBS AG [2022] HKCFI 1364
  • Cheung Kong Property (Business Development) Ltd v. Gold Brilliant Investment Ltd & Anor [2021] HKCFI 603
  • Bank of Communications Trustee Ltd v. China Energy Reserve and Chemicals Group Overseas Co Ltd & Anor [2021] HKCFI 486
  • Zillion Global Ltd v. UBS AG [2020] HKCFI 953
  • Eastgate Advisors Ltd v Zhu Liang & Anor [2020] 3 HKC 6
  • Kot See For v. Lam Man Cheung & Ors [2021] HKCFI 1029, [2019] HKCFI 2403, [2019] HKCFI 1871
  • Brave Venture Ltd v. Xinhua News Media Holdings Ltd & Ors [2017] 5 HKLRD 153, CAMP 42/2017
  • Daimler AG (formerly known as Mercedes Benz AG) v. Leiduck & Anor [2018] 1 HKLRD 1188; [2018] 1 HKLRD 40; [2013] 2 HKLRD 822 (CA); [2013] 5 HKC 170 (CA), 220, 242; [2012] 3 HKLRD 119; CACV 172/2011(CA); FAMV 36/2012 (CFA)
  • Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co. Ltd & Others v. BYD Co. Ltd & Others [2012] 3 HKLRD 736 (CA), [2018] HKCA 408
  • Big Island Construction v. Wu Yi Development & Anor [2010] 2 HKC 356; [2014] 2 HKLRD 1054 (CA); (2015) 18 HKCFAR 364 (CFA)
  • Credit Agricole Indosuez Shanghai Branch v. China Textile Machinery Co. Ltd & Anor [2010] 2 HKLRD 965
  • Company+
  • Re Time China Holdings Limited (HCCW 218/2024)
  • Re Luen Tat Watch Band Manufacturer Limited [2024] HKCFI 546
  • Re Cheer Creation Ltd, Hiroshi Technologies Ltd, Elite Giant Ltd [2024] HKCA 489
  • Re Reignwood International Investment (Group) Company Limited [2021] HKCFI 3794
  • Re Next Digital Limited [2021] HKCFI 3087
  • Great Sea Global Ltd & Ors v. Registrar of Companies & Ors [2020] 4 HKC 664
  • Re Pacific Bulk Lines Company Limited [2020] HKCFI 1690
  • Chinaculture.com Ltd v. Lam Ting Ball & Ors [2018] HKCFI 742
  • Re China Metal Recycling (Holdings) Ltd [2015] 2 HKLRD 747
  • AR Evans Capital Partners Ltd v. Gen2 Partners Inc. [2012] 4 HKLRD 511
  • Securities & Regulation+
  • Acting for and advising the Securities and Futures Commission on regulatory matters relating to entities and persons regulated by the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571)
  • Securities and Futures Commission v. Target Insurance (Holdings) Limited (HCMP 2002/2024)
  • Securities and Futures Commission v. Hong Kong Resources Holdings Company Limited & Ors (HCMP 856/2024)
  • Securities and Futures Commission v. Superb Summit International Group Limited & Ors (HCMP 2305/2020)
  • Securities and Futures Commission v. Vantage New Generation Securities Ltd [2023] HKCFI 2471
  • Securities and Futures Commission v. Adamas Asset Management (HK) Limited [2021] HKCFI 729
  • Cardinalasia Consulting Limited & Anor v. Securities and Futures Commission (SFAT 2/2021)
  • Acting for listed companies and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on regulatory and compliance matters
  • China Properties Group Limited v. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited [2023] HKCFI 1885
  • Probate / Succession+
  • Acting for and advising the joint and several administrators of the estate of Nina Kung in multiple proceedings concerning, inter alia, the sanctioning of a scheme of arrangement relating to the Estate’s charitable purpose, and related litigation: [2023] HKCA 648; [2022] HKCA 1907; [2022] HKCFI 3255
  • Poon Loi Tak (administrator of the late Poon Nuen Deceased) v. Poon Loi Cheung Desmond [2023] HKCFI 101
  • Re Estate of Ma Shu Tau [2022] HKCFI 16
  • Huang Meixia v. Leung Hoi Shan & Ors [2021] HKCFI 3727
  • The Ban Khi v. The Loei Beng & Anor [2019] HKCFI 1492
  • Lee Charles v. Lee Yan Chun & Others [2010] 1 HKLRD 415
  • Equity / Trust+
  • Lee Chi Wang v. Wong Pui Yin Georgeanna (HCA 176/2022)
  • Tao, Soh Ngun v. HSBC International Trustee Ltd [2018] HKCA 691; [2018] 1 HKLRD 603
  • LYYC v CHL & Anor [2019] HKFLR 1; [2019] HKCA 521
  • Yuan Chu Chen & Ors v. Chen Min Chun & Ors [2018] HKCFI 530
  • Law Shuk Hoi v. Lo Lok Fung Kenneth & Others [2010] 4 HKLRD 316 (1st Instance); [2011] 5 HKLRD 23 (CA)
  • Professional Liability+
  • Acting for and against solicitors and auditors in professional negligence claims; acting for and against banks, liquidators and directors for breaches of duties
  • CECEP Costin New Materials Group Limited v. RSM Nelson Wheeler (HCA 435/2019)
  • China Citic Bank International Ltd v. Li Yan Hung & Ors [2024] HKCFI 1410; [2023] HKCFI 2978
  • The Official Receiver v. Yen Ching Wai David & Anor [2024] HKCFI 546
  • Yu Quan Li & Anor v. UBS AG [2022] HKCFI 1364
  • Zillion Global Ltd v. UBS AG [2020] HKCFI 953
  • Tsui Yuen v. Ho Tse Wai, Philip Li & Partners (a firm) [2021] HKCA 1613
  • New Century Credit Services Co . Ltd v. Yeung Hung & Ors [2020] HKCFI 2651
  • China Medical Technologies Inc. (in liquidation) v. Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (a firm) & Anor [2019] HKCFI 2631
  • Jim Chiu Yuen v. C.L. Chow & Macksion Chan (a firm) & Ors [2018] HKCFI 215
  • Chinabase Holdings Ltd v. Robert Chun Chung Ip t/a Robert CC Ip & Co & Ors [2016] 4 HKLRD 304
  • Disciplinary
  • Acting for the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council against accountants in proceedings before the Accounting and Financial Reporting Review Tribunal
  • Acting in various disciplinary proceedings against accountants before the Disciplinary Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • The Registrar of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants v. Tang Chung Wah [2022] 5 HKLRD 298
  • Law Fei Shing v. The Disciplinary Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants [2019] 4 HKLRD 225
  • Conflict of Laws
  • DP World Djibouti FZCO & Ors v. China Merchants Port Holdings Co Ltd [2020] HKCFI 639; [2022] HKCA 84; [2022] HKCA 1330
  • China Medical Technologies Inc. (in liquidation) v. Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (a firm) & Anor [2019] HKCFI 2631
  • Tremendous Success Holdings Ltd & Anor v. Sinosoft Technology Group Ltd & Ors HCA 2345/2013
  • Arbitration+
    Appointments as Arbitrator:
  • Presiding arbitrator in a commercial dispute between a Hong Kong entity and BVI/PRC entities arising from a share subscription agreement and deeds of guarantees, HKIAC, Hong Kong
  • Co-arbitrator in a commercial dispute between two Hong Kong entities arising from distributorship agreements and licenses to use intellectual property rights, ICC, Hong Kong
  • Co-arbitrator in a fund investment dispute between two Hong Kong entities, HKIAC, Hong Kong
  • Sole arbitrator in an employment dispute between a Hong Kong entity and a PRC entity arising from an equity incentive scheme, HKIAC, Hong Kong
  • Sole arbitrator in a commercial dispute between two Hong Kong entities arising from a sales agreement, HKIAC, Hong Kong
  • Sole arbitrator in a commercial dispute between a Hong King entity and a Mexican entity arising from a purchase agreement, HKIAC, Hong Kong
  • Sole arbitrator in a commercial dispute between a Hong Kong entity and a PRC entity arising from a loan agreement, HKIAC, Hong Kong
  • Appointments as Counsel:
  • Representing the respondents in an arbitration under the ICC Rules involving jurisdictional challenges
  • Representing the claimant in a series of arbitrations under the ICC Rules involving disputes arising from share subscription agreements
  • Representing the respondent in an arbitration under the HKIAC Rules concerning a dispute involving alleged breaches of a sole agency agreement for the supply and distribution of products internationally
  • Representing the claimant in an arbitration under the HKIAC Rules concerning a dispute arising from a series of loan agreements involving share sale and repurchases
  • Representing the claimant in an arbitration under the HKIAC Rules concerning a dispute arising from an agreement for the supply of coal
  • Representing claimants/respondents in applications for interim relief in aid of arbitrations, including injunctions to prevent dissipation of assets, interim receivership orders, and anti-suit injunctions to restrain court proceedings commenced in breach of arbitration agreements
  • Representing claimants/respondents in applications for leave to enforce arbitral awards and applications to set aside leave to enforce arbitral awards:
    CMBICDHAW Investments Ltd v. CDH Fund V Partnership & Ors [2024] HKCA 516; [2024] HKCA 882
    G v X & Ors [2024] 2 HKLRD 636
  • Public Law / Judicial Review+
  • Castillo Raquel Adona & Ors, Nguyen Lan Huong v. Torture Claims Appeal Board (FAMV653/2022, FAMV 185/2023)
  • Gao Jie (acting by her next friend Qu Mingpeng) v. Director of Immigration [2024] HKCFI 1750
  • China Properties Group Limited v. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited [2023] HKCFI 1885
  • Sunevision Holdings Ltd v. Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation [2022] 3 HKLRD 21; [2022] HKCA 1795
  • Lo Ming Yin v. Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority [2020] HKCFI 1135
  • G & Ors v. Lam Kui-Po William, Deputy Chairperson of the Torture Claims Appeal Board & Anor [2020] 2 HKLRD 118
  • AW v. Director of Immigration & Anor [2016] 2 HKC 393 (CA)
  • Li Kim Ming & Ors v. The Hong Kong Housing Authority & Anor [2016] 3 HKLRD 592
  • SS v. Director of Immigration [2018] HKCFI 2357
  • HW, MST & Ors v. Director of Immigration, HCAL 129, 156/2014
  • T v. Torture Claims Appeal Board, HCAL 80/2015
  • MSSL v. Director of Immigration, HCAL 211/2015
  • DI & Ors v. Director of Immigration, HCAL 135/2015
  • Asia Television Ltd v. Communications Authority, FAMV 23/2013 (CFA); [2013] 3 HKLRD 618 (CA); [2013] 2 HKLRD 354 (CA)
  • Lei Chaohui v. Registration of Persons Tribunal & Others, HCAL 97/2011
  • Bondson Technology Ltd v. Secretary for Justice, CACV 249/2011 (CA)
  • Chan Chiu Wah v. The Housing Authority & Anor [2011] 3 HKLRD 259
  • Mok Charles Peter v. Tam Wai Ho & Anor (2010) 13 HKCFAR 762 (CFA)
  • Dr. Chan Hei Ling Helen v. The Medical Council of Hong Kong [2009] 4 HKLRD 174 (CA)
  • King Glare Ltd v. Secretary for Justice [2008] 6 HKC 450
  • Property & Conveyancing+
  • Win Profit Corporation Ltd v. World Orient Investment Ltd [2012] 2 HKLRD 1053
  • Strong Beauty Ltd v. Gain Legend Industries Ltd [2008] 1 HKLRD 570 (1st Instance); CACV 337/2007(CA)
  • Everwin Inc. Limited & Others v. MTR Corporation Limited, CACV 218-230/2008 (CA)
  • Forever Business Ltd v. Long Surplus International Investment Ltd [2007] 2 HKLRD 700 (CA)
  • Minchest Ltd v. Lau Tsui Kwai [2006] 3 HKLRD 869 (1st Instance); [2007] 2 HKLRD 43 (CA); (2008) 11 HKCFAR 551 (CFA)
  • See To Keung & Anor v. Sunny Way Ltd [2005] 4 HKC 535 (CA)
  • Nation Group Development Ltd v. Bank of East Asia Ltd [2006] 2 HKC 486 (CA)
  • Sun Wealthy Ltd v. Galant Motors Ltd [2006] 2 HKC 239 (CA)
  • Employment+
  • Johnny Wong Lam v. Dairy Farm Company Limited (HCA1893/2024)
  • Tung Woon Hing Candice & Ors v. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd [2022] HKCFI 826
  • Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd v. Shi Huaifang [2019] HKCFI 1212
  • Ho Chee Sing James v. Secretary for Justice [2015] 4 HKLRD 311
  • Uferahal Ltd (formerly known as Hasselblad Asia Pacific (HK) Ltd v. Hansen [2015] 1 HKLRD 683
  • Cantor Fitzgerald (Hong Kong) Capital Markets Ltd & Others v. Ainslie & Others, HCA 41-44/2012, HCA 1160/2011
  • Mental Health
  • Re C.G., HCMH 44/2012
  • Re L.G., HCMH No.78 / 2012
  • Re LLC (statutory will) [2010] 3 HKLRD 16; [2010] 4 HKLRD 400
  • Charity
  • Secretary for Justice v Chinachem Charitable Foundation Limited & Ors [2022] HKCFI 3255
  • Tong Cun Ming & Ors v. Cheung Sun Ling Sanny, the Administratrix of the Estate of Kwan Yau Hang, deceased & Ors [2022] 4 HKLRD 979
  • Family / Matrimonial+
  • Hannelore De Lasala-Debring v. Ernest Ferdinand Perez De Lasala [2014] 2 HKLRD 674
  • H v. W & Others, HCMC 6/2008
  • HJFG v. KCY [2012] 1 HKLRD 95 (CA); [2012] HKFLR 27
  • SMSE v. KL [2009] 4 HKLRD 125 (CA); [2009] 5 HKLRD 770 (CA)
  • W v. H & Anor [2009] HKFLR 230 (CA); [2008] HKFLR 329; [2008] HKFLR 378
  • H v. T, FCMC 10524/2006
  • (Please refer to the Hong Kong Judiciary website for other cases)

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