Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) has onboarded Joe Choy as a new partner and co-head of its employment and benefits team to assist Chinese-speaking clients on employment and retirement schemes matters, JSM’s partner and employment and benefits co-head, Hong Tran, has told Asia Business Law Journal.
This is JSM’s first partner hire since it resumed operating as an independent law firm in Hong Kong, following its separation from Mayer Brown in December 2024. JSM had previously entered into a combination with Mayer Brown in 2008.
Choy rejoins JSM following a two-year tenure at Eversheds Sutherland, where he served as of counsel and led the firm’s Asia employment, labour and pensions team. Earlier in his career, he worked as a senior associate at Mayer Brown for five years. He is admitted to practise law in Hong Kong as well as the Greater Bay Area.
Additionally, Choy advises on occupational retirement scheme matters and is regularly involved in employment and retirement scheme issues arising from M&A transactions. As a litigator, he has conducted employment proceedings at all levels of the Hong Kong courts.
On Choy’s roles and responsibilities at the firm, Tran said Choy would continue to provide comprehensive advice to employers on Hong Kong employment and retirement schemes matters, and focus on assisting clients with employment issues in China. These will include recruitment, structuring of relationships, variation of terms and benefits, termination, enforceability of non-compete clauses, personal data protection, disciplinary actions and labour relations.
He would also advise on the establishment, maintenance and restructuring of occupational retirement schemes and Mandatory Provident Fund schemes, as well as other related services, said Tran.