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Matthew Durham

Matthew DurhamConsultant

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An experienced Asia employment lawyer specializing in mainland China matters.

I have spent over 20 years working for international law firms based primarily in Shanghai, after originally training and starting my career in London. I joined Lewis Silkin in mid-2023.

I specialize in mainland China matters, helping multi-national companies to navigate a wide range of employment and people-related issues. I also work on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional projects which have a nexus with Hong Kong and the wider Asia region. My work for clients encompasses a broad array of sectors, including banking and insurance, technology and communications, pharma and professional services.

My work includes advising on:

  • the full range of employment documentation, including offer letters, contracts, confidentiality and non-compete agreements, and handbooks and policies
  • hiring and selection processes, including structuring employment arrangements and immigration issues for expatriates
  • remuneration, bonus and incentive arrangements
  • overtime, sick leave, maternity and statutory social insurance and welfare entitlements
  • employment issues arising from company restructuring and closure scenarios
  • employee issues in the context of M&A activity, including transfer of employees to buyer in asset acquisitions
  • discrimination and sexual harassment issues
  • non-compete and other restrictive covenants
  • employee exits and terminations, including negotiation of mutual termination and settlement agreements
  • investigations relating to employee misconduct, anti-corruption, sexual harassment, as well as whistleblower related issues
  • dual employment arrangements involving the PRC and Hong Kong, as well as regional harmonization projects
  • international assignments, secondments and intra-group transfers
  • data privacy issues

I am a regular speaker and commentator on China employment matters and I have been consistently recognized in the Asia Pacific legal directories over many years.


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