Hong Kong at a Crossroads: Rising Autocracy and the Exodus of Western Influence Mark 27 Years Post-Handover

Hong Kong — Twenty-seven years post its handover from Britain to China, Hong Kong faces significant transformations impacting its status as an autonomous entity and its role as a global hub. The vibrant city, once recognized as “Asia’s World World City,” is now under the tightening grip of the Chinese Communist Party which few anticipated would take such a strong hold. The cosmopolitan allure of Hong Kong has significantly diminished as a mass exodus of expatriates, particularly from Western nations, unfolds. International schools and universities have seen the departure of foreign staff, and numerous foreign … Read more

Anne-Marie Allgrove Reflects on Year of Change at Baker McKenzie, Dismisses Partner Exodus as Industry-Wide Trend

Sydney, Australia – Anne-Marie Allgrove, who recently marked her first year as the national managing partner of global law firm Baker McKenzie’s Australian operations, is steering the company through a turbulent time characterized by significant staff turnovers. Despite the apparent setbacks, Allgrove offers a broader perspective on the changes taking place, suggesting they reflect broader industry trends rather than problems unique to the firm. Allgrove acknowledges the recent spate of departures among senior lawyers, but she contends that this phenomenon is hardly confined to Baker McKenzie. The reopening of markets such as London and Singapore … Read more