Freshfields promotes four new partners in Asia

Freshfields has announced the promotion of four new partners in Asia, effective 1 May 2026. Danny Li and Ya Ma from the firm’s global transactions practice in Hong Kong, Laurent Bougard from the antitrust and competition practice in Tokyo, and Stephanie Chiu from the people and reward practice in Hong Kong have all been elected to partnership.

ETLegalWorld

Published On Apr 17, 2026 at 11:10 AM IST

Global law firm Freshfields has announced the promotion of four new partners in Asia, effective 1 May 2026.

Danny Li and Ya Ma from the firm’s global transactions practice in Hong Kong, Laurent Bougard from the antitrust and competition practice in Tokyo, and Stephanie Chiu from the people and reward practice in Hong Kong have all been elected to partnership.

Matt O’Callaghan, Freshfields’ Asia Regional Managing Partner, commented, "Asia remains central to Freshfields’ growth strategy, and these four promotions reflect our ambition for the region. Danny, Laurent, Stephanie, and Ya have consistently demonstrated what matters most – outstanding client work and deep expertise in their respective fields. Their elevation to the partnership positions us strongly for the next phase of growth in a market that continues to grow in importance to our clients and to the firm."

Advt Danny Li advises on international private capital transactions across the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on pan-Asia M&A, growth capital, and corporate finance transactions.

He acts for a broad range of leading global and regional PE sponsors, pension funds, and sovereign linked investors, guiding them through the full life cycle of their investments and strategies in this dynamic and fast-growing region.

Ya Ma advises on cross-border M&A, foreign direct investment and life sciences regulatory matters in China. Her practice covers inbound and outbound investments as well as regulatory advice covering the entire life cycle of pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, food and cosmetics.

This combination enables her to help life sciences companies navigate both transactional and regulatory aspects of entering and operating in the Chinese market.

Laurent Bougard advises on cross-border merger control and antitrust matters with an Asia-focus. He works with clients active in a wide array of sectors, including consumer goods, industrials and logistics.

Several private capital clients operating in Asia-Pacific are working with Laurent on regulatory matters arising from their regional deals.

Stephanie Chiu advises multinational corporations, private equity sponsors and financial institutions across Asia on complex employment and compensation matters. Her practice covers cross border workforce issues, including executive compensation arrangements, employment compliance, and the employment aspects of M&A transactions.

Advt She also advises on sensitive workplace investigations and strategic workforce change programmes. Based in Hong Kong, Stephanie supports clients across the region and advises in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.