Dora is a Partner in the Assets and Structured Finance group.
Specialising in ship financing practice, Dora represents banks, leasing companies and other financial institutions in domestic and international, syndicated and bilateral loan and leasing transactions. She also has experience in advising financial institutions on loan restructurings, defaults and enforcement and loan portfolio transfers.
She was listed by Legal 500 Asia Pacific as a Next Generation Lawyer in Hong Kong for Shipping Finance from 2017 to 2019 and as a Rising Star in 2020. IFRL1000 also named her as a Notable Practitioner in Banking and Finance in Hong Kong since 2019.
Prior to joining Watson Farley & Williams, she was with another reputable ship finance practice of an international firm for over 13 years.
She is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
- Advising CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. on the US$1.1 billion sale and leaseback of five 200,000 m3 LNG carriers with Pure Energy Limited, which is controlled by Mr. George Prokopiou. This deal was awarded the Marine Money 2024 East Leasing Deal of the Year and the China Business Law Journal’s Projects Deal of the Year 2024.
- Advising Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. in the US$848 million sale and leaseback transaction involving 18 vessels chartered to a reputable large tanker fleet operator. This deal involved three flag states, encumbered and non-encumbered second-hand vessels and newbuildings, resulting in differences in documentation and closing arrangements across the ships.
- Advising a PRC leasing company on a sale and leaseback transaction of two gas carriers (VLGCs) with a European shipowner and its subsequent amendments, including lease novation to another major listed shipowner.
- Advising a lending syndicate led by a major European bank on a landmark US$325 million loan facility with Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, secured by 50 vessels, amongst which 41 were mortgaged to secure six previous loan facilities, all refinanced on the same day. This deal was awarded the Marine Money Bank Debt – East Deal of the Year Award 2018, Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia Deal of the Year and Shipping Finance Debt Deal of the Year in the 2018 Global Transport Finance Annual Gala Awards.
- Advising Taiwanese financial institutions on the recovery of US$400 million loans from a Taiwanese shipowner following its successful filing for Chapter 11 US Bankruptcy Code protection of overseas incorporated SPVs.
Education
- 2005 – 2006 · Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, University of Hong Kong
- 2002 – 2005 · Bachelor of Laws, University of Hong Kong
membership & Association
- Law Society England & Wales (SRA)
- Solicitor of Hong Kong
