Charles Allen

Partner & Head of Hong Kong office

Charles is the head of our Hong Kong Office. His core expertise is in commercial litigation and international arbitration, and he acts for a wide range of commercial clients. He is admitted in Hong Kong and in England, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

“What value do I bring to my clients? Deep experience, effective strategy, and a sound knowledge of the law.”

“I have lived and worked in Hong Kong for almost 30 years, having previously worked in London. Almost everything I do has a cross-border or international element. Very often, but not always, my clients are companies who have business disputes.

What value do I bring to my clients? Deep experience, effective strategy, and a sound knowledge of the law. Delivering success for our clients is about mastering these core elements. That, in turn, is built on highly developed listening skills, extremely clear and concise writing, and developing empathetic relationships with people. That’s why I particularly value face to face meetings with all my clients”

Directory quotes

"Charles has such an impressive history and is a strong litigator." - Chambers The Greater China Guide 2024

"Litigation Star" - Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2024

'RPC has gone from strength to strength with its hire. Jonathan and Charles make a dynamic duo who have both range and local expertise and respect. As a conflict-light firm, I would think that they would be a reliable firm to refer cases to.’ - Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022

A client is grateful for his "strong advice," which "helped achieve a very desirable outcome for our litigation." - Chambers The Greater China Guide 2022

"Super Litigator" - Chambers The Asia Pacific Guide 2021

"He has really good insight and is very easy to deal with," - Chambers The Asia Pacific Guide 2019

"When I needed something quickly, he always adapted and tried to deliver." - Chambers The Asia Pacific Guide 2019

“Very knowledgeable, experienced and down-to-earth”. - Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2019

“A very sharp and tactical lawyer – one of the best people to instruct in Hong Kong.” - Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2019

Memberships

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Solicitor Member, Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, Hong Kong
Member, International Chamber of Commerce
Secretary, ICC Standing Committee on Commercial Law and Practice
Member, Panel of Arbitrators of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
Member, Panel of Arbitrators of the Law Society of Hong Kong
Member, Panel of Arbitrators of the Asian International Arbitration Centre
Member, Panel of Arbitrators, Mongolian International Arbitration Center
Member, Reserve Panel of Arbitrators, Singapore International Arbitration Centre
Member, Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group
Mediator, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
Member, Panel of Arbitrators of the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre