Kai Leung, Partner
Kai brings a wealth of business and financial perspectives to legal issues.
Kai has been practising law for more than 10 years. Before making the switch to law, he was an accountant for over 20 years, with a decade of experience as the CFO of public-listed and private companies spanning various industries and operations across the Asia Pacific region. He has managed legal and accounting/finance functions in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and the USA.
Kai has worked closely with private equity and venture capital firms, and advised corporate boards of directors and senior management on funds raising, mergers and acquisitions, investments and divestments, and IPOs. In addition, he has advised on and negotiated local and cross-border commercial contracts, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Kai is also actively involved in pro bono community service and sits on the board of directors of a not-for-profit organisation that supports migrants and refugees.
Kai read law at Monash University and is admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia. He holds an MBA from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom and a B Bus (Accounting & Finance) from Edith Cowan University. Kai is also a Fellow CPA of CPA Australia and a member of the Law Institute of Victoria.
Karen Chay, Partner
Karen has over 25 years of experience gained in private practice and from in-house legal counsel roles. Her technical skills have been honed working with some of the most prestigious Asia Pacific law firms and the legal departments of several top Australian and European banks. These are complemented by her ability to carefully balance legal needs with business realities and practical considerations.
Karen's core expertise lies in the real estate, banking and finance, and commercial sectors. She has managed and coordinated all aspects of a wide range of property-related and conveyancing cases. She has also built a solid foundation advising on legal issues and negotiating documentation for loan and collateralisation arrangements, investment and brokerage products, and OTC derivative transactions including ISDAs. Other matters in her portfolio have encompassed asset securitisation schemes, mergers and acquisitions, and business sales and purchases. She is adept at reviewing trust structures and handling estate planning initiatives.
Karen assists a diverse clientele, from regular mums and dads to private wealth individuals, from SMEs to global institutions. She has earned the trust and praise of her clients, who appreciate her care and thoroughness in conducting their matters, and her impactful contributions in championing their interests.
Karen is admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia. She obtained her LLB (Hons) from the National University of Singapore and is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria. Outside of her work as a lawyer, she also volunteers her time and helps out in various ministries at her parish church.