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Lawrence K F Ng

LLM (YALE)
LLB (First Class Honours) (HKU)
PCLL (Distinction in Conveyancing and Probate Practice and Revenue Law) (HKU)
Lawrence K F Ng

Profile

Profile

Lawrence K F Ng is an experienced advocate and has appeared in all levels of court in Hong Kong. He has a broad civil practice, with emphasis on the following areas: Commercial and Company law, Defamation, Land & Property Law, Probate & Administration, Employment Law and Tort & Personal Injuries. He was called to the Bar in Hong Kong in 1993.

He has appeared before the Court of Final Appeal in the following landmark cases:

  1. Jonathan Lu v Paul Chan Mo Po (2018) 21 HKCFAR 94, where the Court of Final Appeal laid down a definitive ruling on the meaning of malice in the context of the qualified privilege defence (led by Andrew Caldecott QC and Gerard McCoy SC).
  2. Incorporated Owners of Po Hang Building v Sam Woo Marine Works Ltd (2017) 20 HKCFAR 241, where the Court of Final Appeal upheld the constitutionality of section 63B of the District Court Ordinance (cap. 336) on the basis that it is proportionate and does not go beyond what is reasonably necessary for the achievement of the legitimate aims.
  3. Big Island Construction (HK) Ltd v Wu Yi Development Co Ltd (2015) 18 HKCFAR 364, where the Court of Final Appeal held that the decision of the English Court of Appeal in Seldon v Davidson [1968] 1 WLR 1083 should not be followed in Hong Kong and that there is no presumption of an implied obligation to repay from the mere fact of payment to a stranger because the making of a bare payment to another may in the nature of things be explicable by reference to a wide variety of possibilities (led by Denis Chang SC).
  4. Oriental Press Group v Fevaworks Solutions (2013) 16 HKCFAR 366 is the first case in Hong Kong on the liability of a website host for defamatory postings by internet users (led by Michael Thomas SC)
  5. Oriental Daily Publisher Ltd v Ming Pao Holdings Ltd (2012) 15 HKCFAR 299 is the leading authority in Hong Kong on quantum of damages in defamation cases (led by Michael Thomas SC).
  6. Champion Concord Ltd v Lau Koon Foo (2011) 14 HKCFAR 837 concerned the construction of a settlement agreement entered into as a result of mediation and a challenge to the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal (led by John Scott SC).

He has appeared for the Oriental Group in their defamation claims against Google as an Internet search engine, the owner/operator of a blog and the owner/operator of an Internet discussion forum and in successfully opposing Google’s appeal against the Court of First Instance’s dismissal of its application to set aside service of the writ outside jurisdiction: Oriental Press Group v Google LLC [2018] 1 HKLRD 2014 (led by Robert Whitehead SC). He has also appeared for the chairman of the Emperor Group Dr Yeung Sau Shing Albert in his defamation claim against Google Inc and in successfully opposing Google’s application to set aside service of the writ outside jurisdiction: Dr Yeung Sau Shing Albert v Google Inc [2014] 4 HKLRD 493; [2015] 1 HKLRD 26. This case concerns Google’s autocomplete function and is the first case of its kind in Hong Kong. He has also appeared in the high-profile defamation trial in Jonathan Lu & Others v Paul Chan Mo-po & Another, HCA 370/2012 (led by Robert Whitehead SC).

He appeared as counsel for the respondent in Landune International Ltd v Cheung Chung Leung [2006] 1 HKLRD 39 (CA), the leading Court of Appeal case on the no reflective loss principle in company law in Hong Kong.

He represented the plaintiff in Golden Eagle International (Group) Ltd v GR Investment Holdings Ltd [2010] 3 HKLRD 273, the first reported case in Hong Kong on the new “sanctioned offers” provisions contained in O.22, rr.23 & 24, RHC.

He also has experience in employment and tort law. In Sun Min v Hong Kong Ming Wah Shipping (2006) 9 HKCFAR 49; [2005] 1 HKC 381 (CA); [2004] 2 HKC 1, he acted for a pregnant employee who succeeded in her claim against her employer for damages for wrongful termination of employment. In H v Lau Ka Yee Michael [2006] 4 HKLRD 579, he represented a victim of sexual abuse in his claim against a former priest and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. This case is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

Lawrence K F Ng sat as a Deputy District Judge for periods in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023 & 2024. He is a co-author of Halsbury’s Laws of Hong Kong, 2nd Ed., Volume 21(2), Defamation (October 2022). He is a Consultant Editor of the Hong Kong Law Report & Digest (since 2005) and was a Contributing Editor of Hong Kong Civil Procedure (2002-2020). He was an Associate Editor of Hong Kong Cases (2000-2006).

Academically, Lawrence K F Ng obtained an LLM degree from Yale Law School and an LLB degree (First Class Honours) from HKU. At HKU, he was awarded the Simon Lee Medal in Law.

Scholarships and Awards

  • Yale Law School tuition waiver scholarship for LLM degree
  • S.L. Pao Education Foundation Scholarship
  • Simon Lee Medal in Law
  • Baker & McKenzie Prize (for Law of Business Associations)
  • Baker & McKenzie Scholarship for International Summer Clerkship
  • Representative of Hong Kong in Jessup International Moot Court Competition in Washington DC
  • Deacons Prize in Law
  • Johnson, Stokes & Master Scholarship in Law
  • Deacon’s Prize for HKU Mooting Competition
  • Sir Man Kam Lo/Jardine Scholarship
  • Chan Kai Ming Prize

Selected Cases

Commercial and Company Law

  • Alpha & Leader Associates Ltd v Victory Mega Trading Ltd [2024] HKCA 709 (Resisting application for leave to appeal against refusal to discharge interim Mareva injunction)
  • High Fashion New Media Corporation Ltd v Leong Ma Li [2024] HKCFI 1490 (Sentencing for contempt of court)
  • Huang Lidong v Kwong Wing Chung [2024] HKCA 465 (Application for leave to appeal to Court of Appeal from District Court)
  • Chen Guomin Simon v Chan Choi Har Ivy [2023] HKCFI 3135 (Trial of claim for repayment of loan; unpleaded matter in relation to Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap.163); Failure to prove plaintiff money lender at material times)
  • Alpha & Leader Associates Ltd v Victory Mega Trading Ltd [2023] HKCFI 2322 (Resisting application for discharge of Mareva injunction and for leave to adduce new evidence)
  • Lee Kam Tai v Chan Kam Wah [2021] HKCFI 3496 (Sentencing for contempt of court)
  • Landway Investments Ltd v Ares Asia Ltd [2021] HKCFI 231 (Trial of claim for misrepresentation in the sale and purchase of share in company)
  • China Wah Yan Healthcare Ltd v Dr Chan Leung Kwok, Vincent [2019] HKCFI 3128 (Interlocutory injunction restraining breach of contract)
  • Big Island Construction v Wu Yi Development [2018] 2 HKLRD 1145 (Personal liability of director for costs)
  • Po Hang Building (IO) v Sam Woo Marine Works Ltd (2017) 20 HKCFAR 240 (Constitutionality of s.63B of the District Court Ordinance)
  • Big Island Construction (HK) Ltd v Wu Yi Development Co Ltd (2015) 18 HKCFAR 364 (Burden of proof and restitution)
  • Champion Concord v Lau Koon Foo (2011) 14 HKCFAR 837 (Challenge to the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal; construction of a settlement agreement entered into as a result of mediation)
  • NEC Tokin Hong Kong Ltd v Cheung Kin Keung [2013] 3 HKLRD 250 (Injunction prohibiting disposal of assets granted under proprietary claim)
  • Golden Eagle v GR Investment [2010] 3 HKLRD 273 (“Sanctioned Offers” provisions contained in O.22, rr.23 & 24, RHC)
  • Big Island Construction v Wu Yi Development [2010] 2 HKC 356 (Guidelines on the procedure and merits of an application for subpoena during the course of trial)
  • FBC Construction v Big Island Construction, HCA 1363/2008; CACV 83/2009 (Statutory derivative action; summary judgment application)
  • Ng Yee Wah v Lam Chun Wah [2009] 2 HKLRD 427 (CA), FAMV 27/2009 (Application for leave to appeal to the CFA; whether consent order gives rise to res judicata)
  • Choi Tak Lan v Ng Wing Hong, CACV 267/2008; HCMP 2670-2672/2006 (Validity of allotment of shares)
  • Chan Chi Ming v Brilliant Rise Container [2009] 4 HKC 458 (CA); [2008] 1 HKLRD 648; [2008] 1 HKC 487 (Construction of s.291 AB of the Companies Ordinance-reinstatement of deregistered company; claim against solicitor for breach of warranty of authority)
  • Ever Joint v Nice Theme [2006] 4 HKLRD 516; [2007] 2 HKC 101 (Whether a derivative action can be brought or continued by a company which has gone into liquidation and whether the action should be stayed)
  • Landune International Ltd v Cheung Chung Leung [2006] 1 HKLRD 39 (CA) (No reflective loss principle in company law)
  • Cheung Hon Wah v Cheung Kam Wah [2005] 2 HKLRD 599 (Application to amend s.168A petition based on post-petition events)
  • Cheung Kam Wah v Cheung Hon Wah [2005] 1 HKC 136 (CA) (Appeal against grant of an interlocutory injunction) (led by Ambrose Ho SC)

 

Defamation Law

  • Dr Chan Hin Keung v Apple Daily Ltd [2019] 2 HKLRD 886 (Application to vary costs order nisi in defamation action)
  • Jonathan Lu v Paul Chan Mo Po (2018) 21 HKCFAR 41 (Meaning of malice in the context of the qualified privilege defence)
  • Oriental Press Group Ltd v Google LLC (2018) 1 HKLRD 1042 (Defamation claims against Internet search engine, the owner/operator of a blog and the owner/operator of an Internet discussion forum; application to set aside service of the writ outside jurisdiction).
  • Multi-Winner Investment Ltd v Lau Ming Yee [2017] 1 HKLRD 328 (Trial of defamation claim; common interest amongst owners of a building) (led by Jason Pow SC)
  • Dr Yeung Sau Shing Albert v Google Inc [2014] 4 HKLRD 493; [2015] 1 HKLRD 26 (Defamation claim against Internet search engine; application to set aside service of the writ outside jurisdiction).
  • Health & Beauty International Ltd v Chau Ming Wah, HCA 68/2012 (Trial of claims for defamation, infringement of copyright and infringement of registered design)
  • Jonathan Lu & Others v Paul Chan Mo-po & Another, HCA 370/2012 (Jury trial for defamation claim )
  • Oriental Press Group v Fevaworks Solutions (2013) 16 HKCFAR 366 (Defamation claim against website host for defamatory postings by internet users)
  • Oriental Daily v Ming Pao (2012) 15 HKCFAR 299 (Quantum of damages in defamation cases)
  • Oriental Daily v Ma Chiu Sing [2009] 2 HKLRD 558 (CA) (Defamation claim – interlocutory injunction and contempt of court proceedings)
  • Lee Ching v Lau May Ming [2007] 3 HKLRD 623 (Trial of defamation claim; defence of qualified privilege and malice)
  • Emperor Investments v SBI E-2 Capital Securities [2006] 1 HKC 266 (Forum non-conveniens)
  • Cutting De Hart v The Sun [2005] 3 HKLRD 133 (Defence of qualified privilege extended to the news media)
  • Lee Man Kin v Wong Mei Chun, HCA 2876/2003 (Trial of defamation claim)

 

Land & Property Law

  • Sun Hing Building (IO) v Join Profit (Hong Kong) Ltd [2024] HKCA 589 (Termination of agreement for use of common corridor by incorporated owners)
  • Centre Chase Investment Ltd v International Industrial Building (Castle Peak Road)(IO)(No 2) [2023] 1 HKLRD 1073 (Principles on application to adduce fresh evidence by additional party who was not a party at trial) (led by Abraham Chan SC)
  • Hung Wai Building (IO) v Sunny Elegant Ltd [2022] 2 HKLRD 249; [2022] 3 HKC 510 (Jurisdiction of Lands Tribunal; interpretation of s.45(3) of the Building Management Ordinance (Cap.344))
  • Centre Chase Investment Ltd v International Industrial Building, Castle Peak Road (IO) [2021] 5 HKLRD 457 (Action by co-owner against incorporated owners in respect of common parts – whether joinder of offending co-owner under third party procedure against policy or rationale of s.16 of the Building Management Ordinance (Cap.344)) (led by Abraham Chan SC)
  • Ng Yuk Pui Kelly v Ng Lai Ling Winnie (2021) 24 HKCFAR 401 (Part performance pursuant to s.3(2) of the Conveyancing & Property Ordinance (Cap.219); contractual estoppel)
  • Centre Chase Investment Ltd v International Industrial Building, Castle Peak Road (IO) [2020] 4 HKLRD 14 (Application for review of decision under s.11A of the Lands Tribunal Ordinance (Cap.17); addition of new substantive grounds; adducing supplemental report as new evidence)
  • Chow Shu Soon v Ng Fuk Ming [2022] HKCFI 565 (Trial of claim relating to beneficial interest in property assigned without consideration)
  • Fupo Investments Ltd v Ma Wing Kwong [2019] 5 HKLRD 119 (Land law – possessory rights over land – family assets – action for possession of family properties against son based on wrongful occupation)
  • Gainfield Investment Ltd v Lam Yi Lai [2016] 3 HKLRD 771; [2016] 5 HKC 145 (Jurisdiction of District Court for recovery of land under s.35 of the District Court Ordinance (Cap.336); time for determining ratable value of land for purposes of s.35 was commencement of proceedings)
  • Gainfield Investment Ltd v Lam Yi Lai (No 2) [2016] 4 HKLRD 534 (Resisting late application for leave to amend pleading)
  • Pacific Dunlop Garment Ltd v Fundamental Global Ltd & Ors [2014] 6 HKC 339 (Whether option to purchase land was validly exercised)
  • Chan Chi Ming v Brilliant Rise Container Depot, HCA 1110/2003 (Claim for possession of land)
  • First View Development v Pat City, HCA 2071/2006 (Requisition on title)
  • The Incorporated Owners of Tsuen Wan Garden v Prime Light, HCA 1526/2006 (Claim to enforce a deed of mutual covenant)

 

Probate and Administration

  • Re Estate of Haque Shaquil [2012] 1 HKLRD 689 (Pass over of executor under s.36 of the Probate and Administration Ordinance)
  • Re Estate of Ma Shu Tau, deceased, HCMP 35/2011 (Represented the beneficiaries of a substantial estate in the Administrators’ Beddoe application)

 

Employment Law

  • Woon Thean Mun v Hong Kong Airlines Ltd [2023] HKCFI 149 (Appeal from Labour Tribunal; whether employment contract lawfully terminated)
  • Sun Min v Hong Kong Ming Wah Shipping (2006) 9 HKCFAR 49 (CFA) (Claim by pregnant employee for damages for wrongful termination of employment)
  • Lui Lin Kam v Nice Creation Development [2006] 3 HKLRD 655 (Meaning of continuous contract under the Employment Ordinance)
  • Sun Hiu Lan v Leung King Catering [2004] 3 HKLRD 953 (Continuity of employment)

 

Tort  & Personal Injuries

  • H v Lau Ka Yee Michael [2006] 4 HKLRD 579 (Claim by a victim of sexual abuse against a former priest and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong)

Publications / Lecture / Talks

  • Co-author, Halsbury’s Laws of Hong Kong, 2nd Ed., Volume 21(2), Defamation (October 2022)
  • Consultant Editor, Hong Kong Law Report & Digest (Since 2005)
  • Contributing Editor, Hong Kong Civil Procedure (2002-2020)
  • Associate Editor, Hong Kong Cases (2000-2006)

Memberships & Appointments

  • Deputy District Judge (January 2015, May 2016, February 2018, January 2022, August 2023 and May 2024)
  • Member, HKSAR Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel (2021-2026)
  • Chairman, HKSAR Buildings Appeal Tribunal Panel (Since 2018)
  • Member, HKSAR Torture Claims Appeal Tribunal (Since 2023)
  • External Examiner, PCLL Civil Litigation course at HKU (2007-2024), CUHK (2015-2024) and CityU (2015-2024)
  • Chairman, Hong Kong Bar Association Standing Committee on Barristers Qualification Examination (2005-2019)
  • Bar Council Member, Hong Kong Bar Association (2002-2007 and 2009-2012)
  • Member, HKSAR Inland Revenue Board of Review (2005-2007)

Specific Areas of Expertise

Commercial & Company Law, Defamation Law, Land & Property Law, Probate & Administration, Employment Law, Tort & Personal Injuries

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