Ashley M. Howlett

Partner

Ashley Howlett's practice focuses on construction and engineering issues connected with infrastructure and major projects. Ashley has been based in the Beijing Office since its opening in 2003, and he leads the Firm's Construction Practice in Asia. Ashley advises Chinese and international clients on all aspects of the design and construction process, including drafting and negotiating contract documentation, dispute avoidance, and dispute resolution by way of mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

Ashley has lived and worked in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and been involved in major construction and infrastructure projects throughout Asia for the past 13 years. Ashley's practice is focused on construction projects and disputes in China, and he also regularly counsels Chinese contractors in relation to projects around the world. He has recently advised Chinese contractors involved in projects in Angola, Brazil, Dubai, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Ashley is ranked as a leading individual for construction and dispute resolution by Asia Pacific Legal 500 and is ranked in the Chambers & Partners 2008 and 2009 Asia Legal Guides as the leading foreign construction lawyer in China, where he is described as "probably the most famous foreign construction lawyer you'll come across in China" and "extremely pragmatic, shrewd and personable — you can't get better than him." Ashley is also the author of the only English language text book on Chinese construction law, Chinese Construction Law — A Guide for Foreign Companies, which was first published by CCH Wolters Kluwer in October 2006 with a second edition published in November 2009.