Plowman Chambers is a leading criminal set in Hong Kong, recognized for its track record in high profile and landmark cases and its breadth of practice across criminal, civil and commercial matters. The chambers currently has 45 members, including six Senior Counsel, underscoring its depth of advocacy and specialist expertise. Founded in 1982 by Gilbert Rodway QC, the set has grown while maintaining a client focused approach and operates from Admiralty, Hong Kong.

One of the hallmarks of Plowman Chambers is its flexibility in client service, with members who can be instructed as individuals or as a team to align with case complexity and strategy. Members have consistently been ranked highly by leading directories such as Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and Doyle's, reflecting the quality of advocacy and advisory work delivered.

Since its origins in 1982, Plowman Chambers has grown under the leadership of a succession of senior figures, with the current Head of Chambers Derek Chan SC since December 2022. The founding members and subsequent leadership established the set's reputation for excellence in criminal practice, while its continued expansion and high profile appointments reflect its standing within the Hong Kong legal community.

About Plowman Chambers

Founded in 1982

45 people in their team


Practice areas
Criminal Defense
Lawsuits & Disputes
Corporate & Commercial
Employment & Labor
Real Estate

Languages spoken
English

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Practice areas

Criminal Defense

Plowman Chambers offers expert criminal defense through a team of experienced barristers who handle a broad range of offences, including bribery and corruption, commercial crime, general crime, sexual offences and traffic offences. Members regularly appear in the Magistrates' Court, District Court and High Court, and many cases proceed to appellate venues such as the Court of Appeal. The set provides precise advocacy, strategic advice and tailored representations designed to secure informed outcomes for clients facing serious criminal charges.
Arrests & Searches
Bail Bond Service
Criminal Litigation
Drug Crime
Drunk Driving
DUI & DWI
Juvenile Law
Sex Crime
Speeding & Traffic Ticket
White Collar Crime

Lawsuits & Disputes

Plowman Chambers handles civil and commercial disputes, including general civil matters, commercial disputes and regulatory issues. Barristers advise on complex litigation, appear in trials and appeals, and participate in arbitral proceedings where appropriate. The practice emphasizes practical, results oriented advocacy and clear communication to help clients resolve disputes efficiently while protecting commercial interests.
ADR Mediation & Arbitration
Appeal
Class Action
General Litigation
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Commercial Litigation
Antitrust Litigation
Restructuring & Insolvency

Corporate & Commercial

Plowman Chambers provides corporate and commercial expertise in company law, regulatory and securities matters, and related disputes. Barristers advise on governance, corporate transactions and regulatory investigations, and represent clients in court, tribunals and arbitral forums, delivering robust advocacy and commercial pragmatism.
Administrative
Admiralty & Maritime
Agriculture
Antitrust
Aviation
Business Registration
Contract
Due Diligence
Franchising
Gaming
Government Contract
Licensing
Merger & Acquisition
Transportation
Venture Capital
Cannabis Law
Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations
International Trade Law
Government Relations & Lobbying
Private Equity
Corporate Governance
Sanctions & Export Controls

Employment & Labor

Plowman Chambers offers employment and labour law representation, advising employers and employees on grievances, disciplinary matters and contractual disputes before tribunals and courts in Hong Kong, with a focus on practical solutions and risk management.
Employment Rights
Hiring & Firing
Job Discrimination
Labor Law
Pension
Retirement
Sexual Harassment
Social Security
Wage & Hour
Wrongful Termination
Whistleblower & Qui Tam
Employment Benefits & Executive Compensation

Real Estate

Plowman Chambers handles real estate and land law issues, including property rights, possession disputes and related litigation, appearing in the courts and tribunals to protect clients' interests.
Commercial Real Estate
Housing, Construction & Development
Foreclosure
Land Use & Zoning
Landlord & Tenant
Mortgage
Real Estate Due Diligence
Real Estate Contracts and Negotiations
Brokerage
Conveyancing

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