Azan Marwah

馬亞山大律師

Barrister | Mediator (CEDR)

Call Year: 2012 (HK)

Azan is a distinguished barrister, mediator, and former Judicial Assistant to the Court of Final Appeal. Specialising in public law and family litigation, including child custody, inheritance, and more, he is recognised as a top private client, family & divorce barrister by Doyle’s, Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Azan also handles commercial disputes, offering mediation and conducting Private Adjudication under PDSL9.

In addition to his role as a misconduct investigator, Azan has authored legal texts and serves as a Lecturer at the University of Hong Kong. Outside of practice, Azan is committed to child protection and serves as chairman of the Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights, honorary legal advisor ship for Mother’s Choice and Hong Kong Marriage Equality. His work in protecting children's rights was profiled on the well-known Law & More podcast.

Azan is also an specialist in sports law, having founded the Sports Law Committee of the Hong Kong Bar Association and providing expertise in sports disputes and regulations, along with serving as a mediator.

chambers@azanmarwah.com

Phone Number

Testimonials

'‘Azan is one of a kind; he is uniquely passionate about almost every public interest case that he is engaged in, he has an astoundingly broad knowledge of different fields of law, and he is also familiar with the development of international jurisprudence in the space. He is the counsel to go to when others argue there are no channels of redress available, and he will advocate to the bitter end to challenge the court’s willingness to adhere to fundamental principles of law and argue against academic perspectives which go against fundamental objectives and the spirit of the law.’'

The Legal 500 (Asia Pacific - Hong Kong Bar, 2024)

Administrative and Public Law

''Azan has been ranked by Doyles Guide 2024 as a Recommended Junior Counsel for Leading Family & Divorce Law Barristers''

– Hong Kong.

Doyles Guide 2024

''Azan is a reliable barrister most suited for complex and high-conflict divorce matters. He has a calming presence for emotional clients and is able to deconstruct complex legal technicalities into laymen terms, and while advocating for the client, his approach is always fair and non-inflammatory.’'

The Legal 500 (Asia Pacific - Hong Kong Bar, 2024)

Family and Private Client

''Azan has been ranked by Doyles Guide 2023 as a Recommended Junior Counsel for Leading Family & Divorce Law Barristers – Hong Kong.''

Doyles Guide 2023

"For cases involving children he's the go-to counsel. He's able to sift through what's relevant and present the case very clearly to the judge. He's got a very clear mind, is very logical and has a huge heart."

"Azan's got a very good way of managing clients and solicitors, is very thorough and does his paperwork well and in time. He's quite academic in his approach, which makes it very easy for us."

Chambers & Partners Greater China Region

2024 - Family/Matrimonial: The Bar

'‘Azan is responsive and very practical. He is the kind of lawyer who can see the big picture clearly and offers great strategic advice.’'

The Legal 500 (Asia Pacific - Hong Kong Bar, 2023)

Family and Private Client

Ancillary Relief

AA v. WSC [2023] HKFC 170; [2023] HKFC 129 (variation of child maintenance)
YSG (YX) v. LYAG [2022] HKFC 44 and [2022] HKFC 114 (ancillary relief)
ALDL v. FTFC & Anor [2022] HKFC 22 (ancillary relief, interim maintenance)
Cheung Wing Kuen, Samuel v. Ip Chui Sum [2021] HKCFI 3162 (stay pending appeal; ancillary relief after divorce; partition of property)
R, E also known as M, E v. P, OPM also known as P M, OPR [2021] HKFC 115 (maintenance pending suit, interim child maintenance)
D, M v. D, R (also known as R, R) [2021] HKFC 171; [2021] HKFC 48 (ancillary relief, undertakings)
EBS v. NTC, D [2021] HKCA 1775; [2021] HKFC 16; [2020] HKFC 242 (ancillary relief; compensation)
AD (AKA AT) v. RT [2020] HKFC 188 (maintenance pending suit, legal costs provision)
GAY v. BNK [2020] HKFC 121 (ancillary relief)
XY v. Director of Legal Aid [2017] 5 HKLRD 787 (Director of Legal Aid’s first charge and child maintenance)
W v. H [2018] HKFC 15 (variation of child maintenance)

Child Law

B v. B [2024] HKCFI 3356 (adoption by homosexual parents)
WMB v. EIYL [2024] HKCFI 1773 (wardship; non-Hague child abduction; unmarried father’s application for parental rights)
NF v. R [2023] HKCFI 2233; [2023] 5 HKLRD 58 (parentage of child born through to same-sex spouse through reciprocal in vitro fertilisation)
Re M (Leave for Adoption Arrangements) [2021] 4 HKLRD 476; [2021] HKCFI 2699 (Guardianship of Minors; wardship; child raised by same-sex couple; adoption by non- relative partner)
AA v. BB [2021] 2 HKLRD 1225; [2021] HKCFI 1401 (Guardianship of Minors; wardship; joint custody and joint care and control to same-sex couple)
FR v. MF [2021] HKCFI 1750; [2021] 3 HKLRD 294; [2021] HKCFI 1557 (Hague, Child Abduction: Habitual Residence, Grave Risk, Children’s Objections; publication/open justice)
Re G (Wardship Proceedings: Adoption Application) [2020] 4 HKLRD 276 (adoption; wardship)
Mrs B & Anor v. FRC & Anor [2021] HKCFI 3534; [2021] HKCFI 402 (wardship, adoption)
LA v. L [2017] HKCFI 1601 (Hague child abduction)
PD v. LTY [2017] HKCFI 1104 (Hague child abduction)

Divorce / Nullity

RM v. AY [2023] HKFC 59; [2023] 2 HKLRD D2 (nullity; forced marriage)
Singh Sandeep v. Adita Adila Afriani [2021] HKCA 469 (set aside of decree of divorce on fraud)

Commercial & Company Law

Signature Diamond LLC v. Phillips Fine Watches Ltd [2021] HKCFI 192, [2019] HKCFI 2903 (stay of proceedings pending concurrent foreign proceedings)
United Muslim Association of Hong Kong v. Yusuf Yu [2018] 4 HKLRD 22 (companies appeal)

Public Law & Judicial Review

Ng Hon Lam Edgar v. Hong Kong Housing Authority [2024] HKCFA 29; [2024] HKCA 185; [2023] HKCA 1178; [2021] HKCFI 1812; [2021] 3 HKLRD 427; [2021] 5 HKC 614; [2020] HKCFI 2719 (judicial review, discrimination, same-sex marriage, public housing)
Ng Hon Lam Edgar v. Secretary for Justice [2024] HKCFA 30; [2024] HKCA 184; [2023] HKCA 1224; [2023] 5 HKLRD 608; [2020] HKCFI 2412; [2021] 1 HKC 580; [2020] 4 HKLRD 908 (intestacy, same-sex marriage)
Chanda Gurung v. Director of Immigration [2023] HKCFI 1546; [2023] 3 HKLRD 398 (dependent visa; sham marriage)
Paulus Johannes Zimmerman, Vice-Chairman of the Southern District Council v. of Secretary of the Southern District Council [2021] HKCFI 3030; [2022] 1 HKC 213; [2021] HKCFI 1920; [2021] 5 HKLRD 52; and Lo Kin Hei, Chairman of the Southern District Council v. Secretary of the Southern District Council [2021] HKCFI 500 (judicial review, powers of District Councils)
SW v. Secretary for Justice [2019] 1 HKLRD 768 (human rights, security of person)
ZN v. Secretary for Justice (2020) 23 HKCFAR 15; [2018] 3 HKLRD 778 (CA); [2017] 1 HKLRD 559 (CFI) (human trafficking); [2016] 1 HKLRD 174 (judicial recusal)
Lau Wing Hong v. Chan Yuen Man, Amy [2018] 3 HKLRD 150 (election petitions)
Leung Chun Kwong v. Secretary for the Civil Service and Anor (2019) 22 HKCFAR 282, (2019) 22 HKCFAR 127, [2019] 4 HKC 281 (CFA); [2018] 3 HKLRD 150, [2018] 3 HKLRD 84 (CA); and [2017] 2 HKLRD 1132, [2017] 3 HKC 274 (CFI) (discrimination in civil service employment, tax)
Chan Ho Tin v. Lo Ying Ki Alan [2018] 2 HKLRD 7, [2018] 2 HKC 213 (election petitions)
Designing Hong Kong Ltd v. Town Planning Board, Secretary for Justice Intervening (2018) 21 HKCFAR 237; [2017] 3 HKLRD 560 (CA); [2015] 3 HKC 525 (CFI) (protective costs orders)

Civil Litigation

Sobrevilla v. Chua [2017] HKCFI 1000 (employment)
D v S, FD v. Shek Kwok Ngai [2017] 2 HKLRD 940; [2017] 3 HKC 127 (sexual discrimination; indemnity costs)
Huge Treasure Ltd v. Jadespring Ltd [2015] HKCFI 155 (landlord and tenant)
Chinacast Education Corp v. Chan Tze Ngon [2014] 5 HKC 277 (e-discovery)

Crime

Cheng Kar Yue, Selina v. Dow Jones Publishing Co. (Asia) Inc., ESS 35334/2024 & ESS 35335/2024 (private prosecution; labour union discrimination)
HKSAR v Tong Ying Kit, HCCC 280/2020 (national security)
HKSAR v. Sharif & Ors [2017] HKDC 254 (wounding with intent)
HKSAR v. Ho Loy (2016) 19 HKCFAR 110; [2015] 3 HKLRD 385 (traffic offences, legal certainty)

Joint Mediation Helpline Office, Alternate Director (2022)
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Law, Distinguished Professional Mentor (2022–2024)
Hong Kong Bar Association, Member of Standing Committees on International Practice, Pro Bono (Co-Chairman), Equality & Diversity, Sports Law (Vice-Chairman), Legal Aid Reform (Vice-Chairman) (previously member of Practice Development, Technology); Bar Council (Elected Member 2021–)
Chinese University of Hong Kong, PCLL Academic Panel of CUHK Law (2021–)
Chinese University of Hong Kong / New Territory East Cluster (CUHK-NTEC), Clinical Research Ethics Committee, Member (2021–2022)
Advisory Committee on Legal Advice for Unrepresented Litigants (in the Chief Secretary's Office), Member (2020–2022)
Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights, Executive Committee, Member (2018–), Vice Chairman (2020–2021), Chairman (2021–)
Hong Kong Marriage Equality, Founder & Honorary Legal Advisor (2019–)
Appeal Tribunal Panel under section 48 of the Buildings Ordinance, Chairman (2018–2024)
United Muslim Association of Hong Kong, Honorary Legal Advisor (2017–2021)
Mother’s Choice, Hong Kong, Honorary Legal Advisor (2012–)
PathFinders Hong Kong, Honorary Legal Advisor (2012–2017)

Leading Junior - Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Bar (Administrative and Public Law) 2024
Excellence Award - The India Association Hong Kong 2023
Leading Junior - Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Bar (Family & Private Client) 2023, 2024
Leading Family & Divorce Law Barristers - Doyle's Guide, Hong Kong 2020, 2022, 2023
Diversity List - The Zubin Foundation 2016
Middle Temple Society Advocacy Scholarship - Middle Temple Society of Hong Kong 2013
American Jurisprudence Award - University of Southern California, Gould School of Law 2010
Honorary Lifetime Member - London School of Economics and Political Science Student Union 2006
Nippon Club Team Trophy (British Open Go Tournament 2004) - British Go Association 2004
Dean's List - George Washington University 2001
Best Advocate - London Universities Mooting Shield

Publications

General editor, co-author, “Duxbury etc: Hong Kong Family Court Tables” (2019-)
Editor: “Halsbury’s Laws of Hong Kong, [238] LEGAL AID” (2018-)
Contributing editor: “Hong Kong Chitty on Contracts” *(Chapter 7, Conflict of Laws) (5ed)
Contributing editor: “Archbold Hong Kong” *(Chapter 47 – Companies) (2015-present)
Contributing editor: “Hong Kong Civil Procedure” *(Orders 89 & 90) (2015-present)
Co-author: “Hong Kong Family Court Practice”, 2ed (June 2015)
Editor: “Atkins Court Forms Hong Kong, vol. VIII FAMILY” (2015-)
Author, “Personal Data Privacy in the Digital Age”, HKLJ Vol. 43/3 (2013)

Selected List of Lectures & Talks

17 February 2025, ‘Distinguished speaker’ at the 5th LAWASIA International Human Rights Conference in Kathmandu, titled “Human Rights and Inclusion: Children, women and LGBTQI people (Inclusion)”
8 January 2025, talk for the Hong Kong Family Law Association on “Hong Kong and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child after 35 years:- Will we ever have a Children's Bill?”
University of Hong Kong Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Conference ‘Criminalising Surrogacy’, October 2024 (Panel Moderator)
University of Hong Kong Centre for Comparative and Public Law ‘Conference series to review Hong Kong’s Progress in the Protection of Children and Advancement of Child Rights’ 2024, Panel Speaker (Best Interests of the Child; Law Reform)
7 September 2024, Hong Kong Family Law Association 2024 Modern Families Conference (Panel Speaker on Blended Families)
LAWASIA 2023 Conference in Bangalore, India, Family Law Stream, Panel Topic ‘The Queer Family: Emerging Legal Issues’ (Distinguished Speaker, title: “LGBT Families in Hong Kong: Progress, Inch by Inch”)
Lecture (annual): ‘Child Welfare & Social Work’, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Social Work Department
Interview: Arirang News's "Within the Frame" programme - Child Abuse & Child Protection (2023)
Seminar: "Sports Arbitration and Mediation for the Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee (“SFOC”)", co-organised by The Hong Kong Bar Association and The Law Society of Hong Kong (2023)
Lecture: Training Course of Expert Witnesses, Module 7.2, Children’s Rights, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (2022)
Panel: Macquarie Law School and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, Asia in Focus ‘Access to justice for LGBTI+ people: Comparative perspectives’ (2022)
Moderator: Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law 9th Annual Conference 2022 (Workshop B25) (2022)
Webinar: Protecting Children in Divorce, LexisNexis (2020)
Panel Moderator: Marriage Equality Forum, Faculty of Law, University of Hong Kong (Panel Discussion I: Shared Traditions and Challenges – U.S., Taiwan and Hong Kong) (2019)
Panel Speaker and VIP Guest: Roundtable on Safeguarding Children’s Best Interests: Translating Policies into Local Practices – Combating Violence Against Children, Faculty of Law, University of Hong Kong (2018)
CPD: Modern Families and the Law - Developments from QT and Leung Chun Kwong (2018)
Panel Moderator: Forum on Gender Recognition Legislation in Hong Kong, Faculty of Law, HKU (Panel 2 – Transgender Community Voices) (2017)
Panel speaker: Child Protection Conference, 2017, Centre for Comparative and Public Law, HKU (Working together towards permanency) (2017)
Conference Panel Chair: Eastern and Western Perspectives on Surrogacy, Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, HKU and the Centre for Law, Medicine & Life Sciences of the University of Cambridge (2016)
Lecture: ‘Child Protection laws – United Kingdom vs Hong Kong’, Sharing Forum on Child Protection Legislation in Hong Kong, Against Child Abuse (2016)
CPD: Child Protection for Social Workers (2016)
Speaker and presenting paper: Conference on Teaching and Learning in Law “Directions in Legal Education”, Faculty of Law, Chinese University of Hong Kong (2016)
Speaker: Public Interest Law Conference, University of Hong Kong, Centre for Comparative and Public Law, 18 January 2014