Experienced Technology Transactions Partner Joins Latham in Hong Kong, Further Strengthens Asia Corporate Practice
Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that Rhys McWhirter has joined the Hong Kong office as a partner in the Data & Technology Transactions and Artificial Intelligence Practices. McWhirter’s practice focuses on a broad range of commercial, intellectual property, data privacy, and AI matters, advising multinationals, tech companies, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions on strategic alliances, digital transformation projects, and complex commercial contracts.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rhys to the firm; his senior expertise and skills further enhance our regional team,” said Posit Laohaphan, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins’ Asia offices. “He brings a wealth of experience in advising on business-critical technology-driven transactions that are highly complementary to our existing capabilities in Asia, making him a strong addition to our corporate team in Hong Kong and the broader Asia region. His work in a fast-developing and high-stakes area is accretive to our practice, and his depth of knowledge of the law, business acumen, and extensive tech expertise combine to make him one of the region’s leading tech lawyers.”
Highly regarded in his field, McWhirter has a strong track record of guiding prominent entities across the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the technology, financial services, infrastructure, mining, and aviation sectors.
“Our data and technology transactions capabilities for clients in Asia and across the globe are truly unique: our teams on the ground in key tech, financial, and regulatory hubs worldwide provide vast resources and exceptionally deep experience, all as part of an integrated global technology transactions practice,” added Ghaith Mahmood, Global Chair of the firm’s Data & Technology Transactions Practice. “Rhys has a stellar reputation for advising on transformational technology-driven projects at the cutting edge of the market. He brings strong experience in some of the region’s and the world's most significant fast-growth sectors, including digital infrastructure, fintech, and AI, and his addition is another step forward in extending our global leadership in all things tech."
“Latham’s global experience and track record in the tech and data arenas are unparalleled. Our global platform, advanced tech expertise, and proven track record enable us to advise clients on increasingly sophisticated and complex matters, regardless of the legal issue, jurisdiction, or industry,” said Fiona Maclean, Vice Chair of Latham’s Technology Industry Group, and Vice Chair of the firm’s Data & Technology Transactions Practice. “Rhys’s expertise complements our growth strategy for both our Asia and global practices extremely well. He brings vast experience in advising on high-value, strategic commercial and technology projects, making him a great asset to our team and our clients.”
McWhirter joins Latham & Watkins from Eversheds Sutherland. He received a Bachelor of Science in Organic Chemistry and a Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University in 2011, followed by a Diploma in Legal Practice from The College of Law in 2012.