Philip Swainston

Philip has practised law in Hong Kong since 1996. Primarily a criminal defence litigator, Philip conducts, frequently as advocate, trials, mentions, mitigations, bail applications and reviews in the District Court and the Magistrate’s Courts. Philip is also a prosecutor on fiat. ​

Philip has an excellent working relationship with many prominent Hong Kong Senior and Junior Counsel. Counsel is instructed for High Court proceedings; on Magistracy appeals to the High Court; and on appeals to the Court of Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal. 

Philip headed the criminal litigation department of a prominent 13 partner local firm for over 9 years and is experienced in coordinating and leading teams of lawyers to represent corporate clients faced with multiple simultaneous arrests and search warrants issued by ICAC, Commercial Crime Bureau, Customs and Excise and executed at a number of premises, often both commercial and residential. Equally, Philip is well experienced in representing clients on arrest and in custody at police stations for all manner of investigations.

Philip developed a strong family law practice prior to heading the criminal litigation department. He continued to occasionally assist in Family Law cases and since this practice was established has represented clients in divorce proceedings, FDR and CDR, domestic violence (both victims and alleged perpetrators), injunctive relief against child removal and Haig Convention and Wardship proceedings.