Charles Russell Speechlys has added Vanessa Duff as a partner in the Family team in the firm’s Hong Kong office. Her appointment aligns and supports the firm’s Private Capital focus in the region. Joining from Withers Hong Kong, Duff brings with her over 15 years of experience advising on all aspects of family law. This encompasses issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship, including divorce, financial arrangements and separation. As many of her clients are expatriates, her expertise lies in dealing with cases which have an international perspective, with a particular interest in cases involving Hong Kong-European jurisdictional disputes. Over the years, Duff has built up an extensive international network and an abundance of connections with specialist foreign lawyers, and therefore can confidently manage multi-country cases. Much of her work involves advising on and drafting prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements. This is a nuanced area of her practice, which often requires a considered approach and an understanding of the interrelation with European marital regimes and marriage contracts. Duff is also known for her ability to resolve cases with complex financial issues, and those involving inherited wealth and family businesses. In addition, a large part of her practice includes advising clients on disputes involving children. This relates to custody issues, care and control and access, and child maintenance. She also deals with international relocation cases and High Court cases of child abduction. Where appropriate, Duff is dedicated to resolving disputes outside of the Court, and is a keen advocate of mediation and private FDRs.