Underpinned by a substantial global network of offices, Stephenson Harwood's private client team in Hong Kong is regularly engaged on a wide range of high-profile matters, providing advice on trusts, estates, philanthropy, and multi-jurisdictional tax issues. Kevin Lee heads the practice and has an excellent reputation for representing numerous high-net-worth clients on diverse matters, including succession planning and asset preservation. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Canadian and UK tax law, Lee is often sought after the most high profile, legally complex and multi-jurisdictional trust disputes. Wei Kang is a key contact for trustees and institutions seeking advice on asset protection structures and fiduciary risks, while associate Tze-wei Ng is renowned for her detailed understanding of ESG matters and charities, which allows her to effectively advise on strategic philanthropy and impact investing. Ross Davidson, who joined the firm in 2023 from Macfarlanes LLP, is a trilingual (English, Mandarin, and Italian) international tax and trust law expert.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team has strong capabilities in serving high-net-worth individuals in Greater China. It can provide compliant and practical solutions from several different aspects, such as customers' specific needs, legal compliance, and tax efficiency.'
  • 'The solutions provided are implemented accurately. It is noted that the team also has good cooperation and connections with other law firms, private banks and related service institutions, and can well support customers' needs in different aspects.'
  • 'Wei Kang demonstrated a high level of professionalism and rigorous attitude during the cooperation process. She has extensive knowledge and experience in Canadian taxation, Hong Kong legal affairs, and offshore trusts. She can guide and help clients design and select offshore structures and solutions. She can complete the work efficiently and with high quality. She is also good at proposing high-value propositions. opinions and suggestions.'
  • 'Wei Kang is are able to combine external resources very well in the field and expand their service areas to solve legal and tax issues in the United States and mainland China, which is of great significance to both partners and clients.'

Work highlights

  • Advising one of the largest PRC banks on setting up PRC onshore trust structures with Canadian resident beneficiaries.
  • Advised a UK client on structuring a Singaporean trust to acquire a Monaco company which holds a real property in France.
  • Advising an ultra-high-net-worth individual who is moving back to Canada.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Kevin Lee

Other key lawyers

Wei Kwang, Ross Davidson, Tze-wei Ng