With a strong presence in Greater China and also able to leverage vast tax-focused resources throughout its international network of offices, Baker McKenzie is well-positioned to advise local clients, as well as international companies with operations in Hong Kong, across a myriad domestic and cross-border contentious/non-contentious matters. Team head Pierre Chan's own practice is reflective of the eclectic nature of work handled by the team as a whole, being as adept at handling complex succession planning tax issues for high-net-worth individuals as he is advising large financial institutions and corporations on income tax and stamp duty matters. Chan has also been increasingly active of late advising on contentious matters, both in terms of audit responses and core litigation - a reflection of the general heightened scrutiny the authorities have placed on falling more into line with current international tax standards. Steven Sieker also regularly  represents clients in tax disputes with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue, as well as helping clients formulate robust risk management strategies to avoid scrutiny. Amy Ling  is also a key member of the team and regularly advises multinational corporates on the PRC tax implications of investment activity on the Mainland.

Led from Hong Kong by Anderson Lam and also working in a very cohesive manner with the Mainland China group and its broader international network, DLA Piper remains a popular choice for large multinational entities, as well as a growing number of China-based companies, across a myriad advisory and  transactional work. A reflection of the authorities' heightened vigilance, the team has also been very active of late attempting to secure advanced rulings for corporates ahead of planned transactions. In addition, it has been increasingly busy responding to formal inquires and on tax audit matters, as well as in context of formal litigation. Although corporate tax work still informs the majority of the workflow, Lam has also made increased inroads into the private client field, acting for HNWIs on succession planning and attendant tax efficient trust establishment. Associates Edith Liu  and Lilian Ip consistently support Lam, particularly with the tax elements of corporate restructuring projects.

Drawing upon a ‘deep knowledge of tax law’, the ‘extremely hard working’ team at Gibson Dunn excels in handling complex contentious work for global and regional companies, funds and private clients (including HNWIs and family offices). The scope of this work is broad and includes audit inquiries, tax disputes and appeals, as well as risk management advice. Indeed, the ‘outstanding’ team heads Brian Gilchrist and Elaine Chen are recommended not only for their ability ‘to get you out of trouble’ but also ‘better still, to keep you out of trouble’. 

Leveraging 'good basic understanding of tax laws across jurisdictions', Morrison & Foerster is particularly skilled at advising on cross-border tax structuring work associated with transactions handled by the firm. In this context, 'very commercial and extremely responsive' New York-qualified team head Matthew Lau excels in advising Asian corporates on the tax law issues associated with their US corporate/M&A activity. Zhifei Xie  is also a key member of the team and is particularly focused on advising US and Asia-based fund sponsors and investors on tax issues in relation to the formation of, and investments in private funds.

Acting on its own as well as often alongside other international offices at the firm, LPA Law excels at advising fast-growing businesses and international companies across a range of domestic and international tax-related issues, including income tax, transfer pricing, and tax structuring across multiple sectors. Leveraging its French heritage (and regularly working alongside the firm’s Paris headquarters), the team, which is led by Nicolas Vanderchmitt, is particularly skilled at advising French companies on tax issues associated with their Hong Kong/PRC investment activity. Splitting her time between Paris and Hong Kong, counsel Marie-Gabrielle du Bourblanc is also very skilled at handling tax matters with a French nexus, including advice to executives and employees (local or expatriate) on issues related to their mobility (departure to Asia, return to France).

Led by Anna Chan, one of several in the team with dual legal and accountancy qualifications, Oldham, Li & Nie provides a one-stop-shop service to corporates and HNWIs across a wide range of tax advisory,  contentious planning and transactional mandates. The team also benefits from the support of Victor Ng, who provides assistance to corporations and individuals on international tax planning, particularly as it relates to Hong Kong, China, and the EU.