On all counts, John Budge finds Hong Kong a great place to live

John Budge is head of litigation and dispute resolution at Wilkinson & Grist, one of Hong Kong's oldest law firms (established 1860), serves on the council of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, and is a tireless worker for community causes. In the 2004 Honours List, he was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star for his community work.

 

"Hong Kong is certainly a 'work hard, play hard' city but it is also one with a heart. This is something that has impressed me since I arrived from England in November 1978 as a then newly-qualified lawyer, initially on a three-year contract. Over 26 years later I am still in Hong Kong, still enjoying my time here immensely, and continue to be moved by the Hong Kong people's generosity of spirit.

 

Right from the start I have been very pro-Hong Kong. I consider that it is important for those who have been fortunate in life to give back to the community, and was delighted to find that in a world city so finely tuned towards doing business, huge amounts are raised each year in Hong Kong not only for local organisations but also for use overseas. The Oxfam Trailwalker raised more than HK$22 million (US$2.8 million) in 2003, and every year World Vision, the Red Cross, Save the Children, UNICEF, MSF and Orbis all raise substantial sums of money in Hong Kong. Very recently, huge amounts have been raised for the relief of the tsunami victims. On a per capita basis, Hong Kong has raised more than any other country in the world.

 

Tops in legal expertise

 

I also find the business environment to be very fulfilling. In my view, Hong Kong has the widest legal expertise in the Asia-Pacific region. There are excellent benefits for using Hong Kong's legal expertise, and it is very common to see in regional transactions, particularly contracts relating to projects in the PRC, a Hong Kong law clause and a Hong Kong arbitration clause.

 

As head of the Litigation and Dispute Group of Wilkinson & Grist I look after substantial civil disputes, many involving an international dimension. The firm has 50 lawyers, with offices in Hong Kong and Beijing. Our four departments are Intellectual Property, Litigation, Commercial and Property. 

 

Hong Kong's key strength as a legal centre lies in the huge range of law firms established here, from the very largest international firms to sole practitioners. We also have a substantial number of registered foreign lawyers from numerous jurisdictions around the world. We have an excellent judiciary and the rule of law is the corner stone of Hong Kong's success. 

 

With our excellent legal infrastructure in Hong Kong, business people can be certain that if they do business in Hong Kong and something goes wrong, they are able to have recourse to an independent, efficient and incorruptible judiciary. Also due to our excellent police force, it is a very safe city.

 

I am proud to be a council member of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), which is one of the world's busiest centres.  I am delighted to see the growth in status of HKIAC, and also when necessary, assistance can be obtained from the courts of Hong Kong in the enforcement of arbitral awards.

 

In particular, Hong Kong has great expertise in the arbitration of construction disputes.  I wish however to see more growth in commercial arbitrations and mediations.

 

Proud to serve

 

Community service has been a part of my life from an early stage. Since 1980 I have been involved with the Hong Chi Association (formerly known as the Hong Kong Association for the Mentally Handicapped), Hong Kong's largest non-governmental organisation specialising in services for the mentally handicapped.  It employs 1,300 staff, has an annual budget of more than HK$400 million (US$51 million) and looks after more than 6,000 mentally handicapped people and their families.  It is a wonderful organisation and I am proud to be associated with Hong Chi.  I am also honorary secretary of St. James' Settlement (a multi- welfare centre) and a member of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

 

On all counts - from a business, community service and lifestyle point of view - Hong Kong is a great place to live. If I lived in London or New York, I would have to commute at least two hours a day.  By living in Hong Kong, I am able to be in my office in 20 minutes and that includes taking my children to school.  I have a fascinating job with lots of international aspects to my practice. I also manage to find time to be involved in community service which I find most rewarding.

Although Hong Kong is a small place, we enjoy a high standard of living and the bonus is the ability to travel easily from our magnificent airport. I have had a wonderful time in Hong Kong and I would encourage people to come and live or visit our dynamic city."

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