Jacqueline Shek
+85221736324
Jacqueline Shek
Executive Director | ZEDRA
OFFICE
JURISDICTION
Hong Kong
NSW, Australia
RECOMMENDED SPECIALISMS
Private Investment Office
Multi-National Families
TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Wealth planning
International trust structuring
Family Governance
CROSS-BORDER CLIENT EXPERIENCE IN
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
We have had some very interesting intergenerational wealth transfer cases this year, transitioning wealth from patriarch’s/ matriarch’s/ their estates to their children’s different trusts or other holding structures. We have also had the pleasure of creating structures for some very smart energetic and interesting entrepreneurs in the financial services industry industry as well as in the AI, fintech, biotech space.
How did you get into private client?
I am qualified both as an accountant and as a lawyer. I was practising for many years as a tax lawyer dealing with cross borders tax structuring, funds set up, etc, then specialised in private wealth structuring.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Be curious. Be nosey. Dealing with sophisticated UHNW families require the technical ability to deal with some very big and complex commercial transactions, but at the same time, you are dealing with people and their families on a very personal level and that requires the personal touch to really understand your client’s values and underlying concerns.
What is your favourite quote?
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford.
Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?
I like to travel and I love to be outdoors; hiking or on the beach. During the pandemic, I have grown attached to my Kindle and taken to watching way too many docu-series and movies on Netflix.
When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?
Joël Robuchon’s restaurants
Serena Kwok
Serena Kwok
Executive Director - Kensington Corporate Advisory Services Limited | Kensington Trust
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Hong Kong
RECOMMENDED SPECIALISMS
Simple Structures
Shân Warnock-Smith QC
Shân Warnock-Smith QC
Queen's Counsel | ICT Chambers and 5 Stone Buildings
JURISDICTION
Cayman Islands
England and Wales
British Virgin Islands
Trinidad and Tobago
Barbados
DIFC
Ad hoc admissions in Bermuda and Hong Kong
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Advice and litigation in connection with all aspects of trusts and succession planning vehicles.
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
The Court of Final Appeal’s decision in G and DBS Trustee. It was significant and such a fundamental issue for everyone involved in trusts.
How did you get into private client?
I started life as a private client lawyer (and not much of a litigator, really). It was only as the years went by and international trusts became much more regularly used that I got involved in the international nature of the work. Inevitably, as it was international, part was going to be litigious. I was a private client advisor, and the spin off was litigation. I feel very strongly that this is the way around it should be -proper trust lawyers, rather than general litigators,turning their hand to trust litigation.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Communicate! The most important characteristic of a first-class private client lawyer is the ability to communicate with and relate to lay and professional clients and other advisers.
What is your favourite quote?
"Dignity, always dignity." Singing in the Rain
Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?
Interior design, exercise and jigsaws (it’s the only thing I ever do slowly!).
When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?
Bacaro, in Cayman. A wonderful outdoor area – and my son is captain of the Bacaro football team.
Where have you seen growth in your practice over the last year?
Reorganising trust structures as UHNWIs choose safer places to live, such as Cayman, in light of the pandemic.
What is the main area of growth you predict for the next 12 months?
Even more trustee blessing applications to approve such reorganisations.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be confident in your abilities but never believe your own publicity.
Thelma Kwan
Thelma Kwan
Barrister-at-Law | Thelma T M Kwan
JURISDICTION
Hong Kong
TOP 3 AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Trusts
Matrimonial
Probate
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
Sitting as a Family Court Judge, and looking at divorce litigation from a different perspective.
How did you get into private client?
Working in trust companies, and doing estate planning with high net worth clients.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Listen beyond the words of the clients and be of integrity.
What is your favourite quote?
"Do or do not, there is no try." Yoda, Star Wars.
Where have you seen growth in your practice over the last year?
I have sat as a family court judge for almost 4 months in 2020.
Can you identify any new areas you have developed within your practice to further benefit your clients?
Having sat on the bench, I have learnt a different perspective on matrimonial litigation. I am able to advise my clients (both on contentious and non-contentious matters) with added depth and colour.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Have an opinion, voice it out.
Mark Lea
Mark Lea
Principal | Lea & White Solicitors
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
England and Wales
Hong Kong
TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Trusts and foundations laws
International estate planning
International and comparative taxation
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
Advising the Governments of Hong Kong on Trust Law, of Malaysia for Labuan on Trust Law and Foundations Law, and of Samoa (including drafting) Trust Law, Foundations Law and Trustee Companies Law. Expanding the practice of international estate planning ("IEP") into China and Taiwan as well as throughout Asia and into the Middle East. Teaching IEP in Singapore, Hong Kong and Samoa.
How did you get into private client?
Initially working as a director of Rothschilds Trust Companies and as a director of NM Rothschild (CI) Limited.
Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?
I used to play several sports but now suffer from Lyme Disease which means I cannot walk properly. I used to modestly collect glass and Chinese porcelain and still have interest in these. Now I am concerned with writing.
When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?
On my travels when working, my favourite restaurant is The Grove in Auckland, New Zealand.
William Ahern
William Ahern
Partner | Haldanes
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Hong Kong
England & Wales
Australian Capital Territory
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
I gave what I thought was the best presentation of my career on the dangers of the CRS Mandatory Disclosure Rules in Mexico City at the STEP LATAM conference in October 2018.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Read everything you can get your hands on and don’t be afraid to fight for the rights of your clients which are under attack on many fronts.
What is your favourite quote?
When your neighbour starts preaching, brand your calves early!
Jonathan Mok
Jonathan Mok
Principal | Jonathan Mok Legal
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Hong Kong
England and Wales
New South Wales, Australia
Tasmania, Australia
TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Matrimonial and family disputes
Trust and Probate disputes, mental incapacity applications
Private clients advisory and structuring
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
I continue to represent UHNW clients in dealing with their contentious and non-contentious matters including wealth planning arrangements for their next generation.
How did you get into private client?
When I came back to HK in 1992, I joined a firm known for divorce. I was always very interested in litigation – so I focused on matrimonial and criminal defence work. When I joined Johnson Stokes & Master in 1995, they needed someone with that expertise, as part of their full service offering. I did private client work as a natural progression. I always see myself as a 100% private client lawyer, continuing to do that for 22 years in JSM Mayer Brown, leaving in 2017 to establish my own firm Jonathan Mok Legal.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Given that private client is a niche practice, they should have a good foundation by learning from the specialists in this field. For the contentious rising stars, they should aim to develop their advocacy skills by representing clients in court hearings so that they can acquire hands on experience which is essential for advising clients in litigious matters
What is your favourite quote?
A good settlement is one which leaves the parties feeling a bit dissatisfied and at the same time they don’t regard themselves as having achieved complete success in their claim.
Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?
Private client takes up so much time! I enjoy exercising – jogging and swimming.
When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?
There are many interesting restaurants such as The Harwood Arms or Dishoom in London. For Tokyo, Effervescence or Narisawa which specialise in modern French cuisine with a Japanese component. Candlenut in Singapore serves high-end Peranakan cuisine.
Alfred Ip
Alfred Ip
Partner | Hugill and Ip Solicitors
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Hong Kong
TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Contentious trust and estates
Contentious advisory
Family law
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
Setting up our law firm with my partner, Adam Hugill, in September 2018 has been a huge highlight, as we are now a practice with over 20 members, half of whom are practising solicitors. We have taken on a number of new instructions, some of them are fascinating in terms of both legal and factual issues.
How did you get into private client?
A prominent case for Stanley Ho Hung-sun introduced me to the world of private client. Ten years ago, I was involved in a family dispute in relation to his assets. Since then, we have established a reputation for dealing with contentious and non-contentious estates.
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
Patience - Being a good listener set yourself apart from a lot of your peers.
Compassion - Understanding their concerns and resolve their issues with your special knowledge and wisdom.
What is your favourite quote?
“You reap what you sow: Life is like a boomerang. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy.” Grant M. Bright
Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?
Skiing in Chamonix, at my chalet.
Erik Wallace
Erik Wallace
Partner | Loeb & Loeb
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
Hong Kong
New York
TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Private Wealth, International Tax, Trusts & Estates
What is your favourite quote?
“This is a question too difficult for a mathematician. It should be asked of a philosopher." Albert Einstein, when asked about completing his income tax form.
Richard Norridge
Richard Norridge
Partner | Herbert Smith Freehills
JURISDICTIONS QUALIFIED IN
England and Wales
Hong Kong
TOP AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Succession planning
Disputes
Philanthropy and charitable giving
What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?
I am working on the highest profile trust matter currently in Hong Kong, involving numerous family and professional parties. The case involves a range of issues and allegations including technical trust issues through to undue influence, as well as issues concerning the regulation of listed companies. It should have some key updates to trust law once decided.
How did you get into private client?
After qualifying, the first email that came around was from Robert Hunter and focused on trust litigation matters. This was the first trial that I did. I was tempted to retire afterwards, as the case was so interesting and I have been hooked ever since!
What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?
It is important to maintain the difficult balance between being close to your clients and carefully understanding their wishes, whilst also maintaining enough objectivity to bring fresh perspectives.
What is your favourite quote?
“I know that history is going to be dominated by an improbable event, I just don’t know what that event will be.”
Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?
My family! Playing and supporting Oxford United Football Club – they just keep going.
When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?
The Canonbury Tavern at the end of our road.
