Robinson Gill Lawyers officially launched its Asia Desk Strategy on 27 February at a major Lunar New Year event attended by clients, referral partners, consultants and community leaders.
Held in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs - where the firm has long-standing ties to the Asian business community - the event marked a significant milestone in Robinson Gill’s international strategy and its deep commitment to strengthening professional bridges between Australia and Asia.
The morning opened with the symbolism of the Year of the Horse - representing momentum, courage and forward movement.
As the Master of Ceremonies noted, cross-border success today is no longer defined by how quickly a business enters a market, but by how well it structures its operations, manages risk and builds for the long term.
“This is not simply the launch of a department,” guests were told. “It is the building of a professional bridge - connecting Asia and Australia with expertise, insight and long-term vision.”
Founding Partner Tim Robinson reflects on the evolution of Robinson Gill’s China and Asian practice, outlining how the firm has adapted over decades to support clients navigating cross-cultural and cross-border legal matters. In this video, he discusses the importance of cultural understanding, Mandarin-speaking expertise, and building trusted legal relationships within Australia’s growing Asian business community.
From one Mandarin-speaking lawyer to a strategic Asia Desk
Principal Lu Cheng, Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, reflected on the growth of the Asia Desk over the past 15 years.
“When I joined Robinson Gill, I was the only lawyer who spoke Chinese,” Ms Cheng said. “Today, our Asia Desk has become a substantive and strategic part of the firm, supporting a large and diverse client base across industries.”
The formal Asia Desk concept emerged four years ago with the appointment of Principal Serena Ding to lead the Property and Wealth team. Since then, the Desk has expanded to include Mandarin-speaking lawyers and support staff across commercial law, corporate structuring, disputes, family law and regulatory advisory.
“Our growth has not just been in size,” Ms Cheng explained. “Our capabilities have expanded significantly - from cross-border corporate structuring and transactions to AFSL and ACL licensing, FIRB applications, renewable energy projects and complex estate planning for high-net-worth clients.”
A preventative and commercially grounded approach
A central theme of the launch was Robinson Gill’s belief that strategic advice should prevent disputes - not simply resolve them.
While the firm has a strong litigation heritage, Ms Cheng emphasised that litigation should often be a last resort.
“Too often we see clients who did not receive proper advice before entering a transaction, or who do not fully understand Australian regulatory expectations,” she said. “Because we understand both the Australian and Asian legal and cultural landscapes, we are able to guide clients before issues escalate.”
She noted that many clients approach Robinson Gill after other advisers have been unable to resolve complex matters.
“We are strong problem-solvers and willing to think outside the box. But more importantly, we provide genuinely holistic advice - coordinating corporate, property, tax, family and succession considerations under one roof.”
Formal appointment of Asia Desk Honorary Consultants
A highlight of the event was the formal appointment of five distinguished Consultants to the Asia Desk Consultancy Panel, reflecting the firm’s commitment to a multidisciplinary, ecosystem-based model.
Each consultant was introduced and presented with an official certificate of appointment:
- Mr Wang Jing, an internationally recognised expert in cross-border litigation and arbitration with more than 30 years’ experience and rankings in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Asialaw
- Mr Russell Pawsey, a highly experienced financial services specialist and recognised authority in AFSL and ACL licensing and regulatory compliance
- Ms Green Yang, former senior adviser at Austrade with nearly 25 years’ experience in international trade and government engagement
- Mr Kobe Li, corporate governance expert, former ASX Listings Compliance adviser and recognised Top 100 Governance Professional
- Mr Carlos Barros, senior taxation specialist and former Director within the Australian Taxation Office’s Tax Avoidance team
Ms Cheng described the consultants as an essential part of the Asia Desk’s strategic growth.
“Our strategy is to build a trusted ecosystem,” she said. “Many of our clients have, over time, become referral partners and even consultants. That is exactly the kind of long-term collaboration we want to continue developing.”
A values-driven strategy
In her keynote address, Principal Serena Ding reinforced that the Asia Desk is not only a commercial initiative, but an expression of Robinson Gill’s core values.
“This launch is more than an introduction,” Ms Ding said. “It reflects who we are. Our values define the way we work.”
She highlighted three pillars underpinning the Asia Desk:
Professional excellence
With accredited specialists across multiple disciplines delivering meticulous, ethical and deeply informed advice.
Collaboration
Built on authenticity, respect and genuine partnership. “We show up as ourselves,” she said. “Clear communication and real care build trust — especially in cross-border relationships.”
Boldness
The willingness to take on complex matters, explore emerging practice areas and lead when it serves clients’ interests. “Being bold means fighting the right fight and having the courage to lead, not follow.”
Deep roots, global outlook
Robinson Gill has long served the diverse communities of Melbourne. The Asia Desk Strategy formalises and strengthens the firm’s role as a trusted legal partner for Asian individuals, families and enterprises operating in Australia and across borders.
With bilingual lawyers fluent in Mandarin and multiple dialects, and established professional networks across Australia and Asia, the firm delivers integrated advice across:
The launch event also featured client and staff showcase videos, reinforcing that the Asia Desk’s strength lies not only in technical capability, but in the people and culture behind it.
A new chapter
The event concluded with Ms Ding noting in closing: “Today marks not only a strategic milestone, but a commitment - to our international clients, to our community and to the future.”
With a growing client base, expanded regulatory capability and a strengthened consultant panel, Robinson Gill’s Asia Desk now enters its next phase - strategically supporting more Asian corporates and families as they invest, expand and build sustainable success in Australia.
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