Associate (US Tax)

Withersworldwide

Job title: Associate (US Tax)

Division: Private Client and Tax – US Tax Team 

Location: Hong Kong

About WithersWorldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration

For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives.

We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors, and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes.

Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute, or protecting their finances for the future.

To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones.

We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first.

Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

Private Client and Tax Division

Today, we are the only truly global law firm dedicated to the personal and private capital needs of high net worth individuals and families.

Many of our clients are international families with interests in a number of locations. In a fast-moving and increasingly compliance focused world, the need for integrated advice that reaches across borders has never been greater. With offices across Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific we provide coverage that other law firms in this area cannot match. Our team of experienced private client solicitors continually look for opportunities to ensure we have a strong presence in the locations where our clients live, work and invest.

Our advice to fiduciaries covers the design and implementation of new plans, as well as the modernization and consolidation of older trusts. We also assist them in complying with the complex rules surrounding investments, accounting, taxes and compliance.

This practice generates approximately 55% of the partnership's revenues and is the largest in the world with over 300 people. We advise on domestic and international tax, estate planning, succession and mental capacity laws in Europe, the US and Asia, as well as facilitating our client's philanthropic endeavours. We have immigration teams in the major financial centres and are well placed to deal with tax investigation and litigation cases. Real estate is very important to our clients, and we have a specialist residential and rural team. 

Clients from every walk of life

Our clients have achieved success in many fields, from senior executives to multi-generational families, owners, managers and investors in private capital and some of the world’s wealthiest people. In Europe we have represented 70% of The Sunday Times top 100 Rich List and in Asia we act for 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List.

We act not just as private client lawyers but trusted advisers, looking to build strong relationships with you and with other professionals advising you. This is one of the reasons we are proud to have been asked to represent families down the generations.

Our mission: To be recognised as the top, and only truly global, law firm offering integrated domestic and international private client and tax advice.

Accolades

The private client team is ranked top in our offices around the world by the leading legal directories and have won and been shortlisted for a number of well recognised awards over the years

The role

The role is for a US qualified tax and wealth planning lawyer interested in an associate position in Hong Kong.  The associate would join an established team of tax and private client practitioners in Hong Kong, many of whom are US qualified.  The team regularly works with its colleagues our other offices in Singapore, Tokyo, London, New York and San Francisco among others.

The associate will advise high net worth individuals, their families on US and international tax, trust and estate planning issues as well as on US expatriation and immigration issues and IRS Voluntary Disclosure programs.  They also will advise on structuring investments into businesses and real estate as well as into funds.  They will work with US and international trusts and foundations, private trust companies, holding companies and family offices and advise on FATCA and CRS reporting issues.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this position and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Key Skills and Experience

• 1-3 years of relevant experience preferred
• Admitted to practice law in the US
• LLM in taxation is preferable
• Strong commercial awareness, financial aptitude and with the integrity to handle highly confidential information appropriately
• Excellent communication skills and high levels of interpersonal skills, and of course, able to stay calm under pressure
• Organised, conscientious and highly detail-oriented and
• Technically competent and importantly, an ability to use your initiative to adapt and think laterally
• Enjoy being a team player, with a flexible and can-do attitude and approach
• Self-motivated and goal focussed, you will enjoy change and variety, and thrive under pressure​

The Essentials

• From time to time, the incumbent will have the opportunity to be involved in our wider firm social & cultural activities.  We think this is a great thing!
• Our Firm operates under a 'Mobile Working' arrangement.  As such, and with due consideration for the needs of the business, requirements for in-office activities as well as maintaining strong engagement with the team and colleagues within the office, the Associate will have the opportunity to divide their time working in or external to the office.
• Business hours:  Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm however given the nature and scope of the role, flexibility in availability is required.
• We provide 25 annual leave days per annum + an annual "Wither's Day"

Information for Recruitment Agencies

WithersWorldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, WithersWorldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of WithersWorldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training, and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

#LI-LZ1