Overview
Michael J. Downey is chair of the Hong Kong Employment Law practice at Paul Hastings. He has over 17 years of experience in advising a broad range of international clients, including Fortune 500 multinational and substantial financial services companies, on employment and labor law matters in China, Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Downey and members of his practice provide advice on employment issues to both US-based companies and other multinational companies with operations throughout China and the Asia-Pacific region. Clients assisted by Mr. Downey include multinational corporations and employers in the insurance, airline, luxury goods, hotel, shipping, education, banking, electronic products, financial services, communications, construction and technology fields.
Education
- University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Law, LLM, 1991
- University of Otago School of Law, LLB, 1980
- University of Otago, B.A., 1975
news
- Paul Hastings Represents Mapletree Investments in Singapores Largest REIT IPO - March 8th, 2013
- Paul Hastings Advises Mapletree on US$2.4 Billion Acquisition - August 18th, 2011
- Paul Hastings Practices and Lawyers Recognized by Chambers Asia - April 30th, 2010
- Paul Hastings Selected as The American Lawyers Labor & Employment Litigation Firm of the Year - January 6th, 2010
insights
- COVID-19 Global Payroll Costs Reduction Analysis - April 2nd, 2020
- PH COVID-19 Client Alert Series: A Global Perspective for the International Employer - March 13th, 2020
- What Are the Top Five Trends for Global Employers to Follow in 2015? - February 3rd, 2015
- The Employment Law Review, 5th ed. - March 28th, 2014
- China Matters: The Implementing Regulations for the Employment Contracts Law of the Peoples Republic of China - November 6th, 2008
- Long-term Incentives and Golden Handcuffs in the PRC: A Mix that Encourages Employee Loyalty - May 22nd, 2008
- Developments in the PRC's Employment Laws in 2007 - February 27th, 2008
- China Matters: China Issues Labor Contract Law - July 18th, 2007
- China Matters: Employers in Mainland China May Be Liable for Failure to Prevent and Prohibit Sexual Harassment - June 21st, 2007
- China Matters: Employers in Mainland China May Be Liable for Failure to Prevent and Prohibit Sexual Harassment - February 20th, 2007
- China Matters: China Plans Widespread Protections for Employees - June 30th, 2006
- Chinas Wage and Hour Laws: New Rules Governing Minimum Wages - May 14th, 2004
Engagement & Publications
- Published extensively on labor and employment in China and Hong Kong. His published works have established themselves as standard texts for both legal practitioners and a wider audience.
Involvement
- Admitted to practice in Hong Kong