This article is part of our Hong Kong Spotlight series, profiling our lawyers based in our Hong Kong office. In the series, we find out about their backgrounds, their journey through law and hear why Hong Kong is important to them.
Timothy is a leading US tax lawyer in Asia, practising in Hong Kong since 2008. Prior to that time Timothy practised in the US. Timothy assists clients in the creation and administration of wealth planning structures to protect and grow wealth in a tax efficient manner with a view of multi-generational succession.
I knew I wanted to get into law when… I don’t think there was a specific moment when I knew I wanted to get into law. Rather, I always had an interest in law, but as an undergraduate initially pursued Psychology as a major. After graduating and considering potential career paths, I felt pursuing a degree in law would provide additional, interesting, options. Once enrolled in law school, it become clearer that my preference was to pursue a career practicing law.
I chose tax because… I went into law school with an open mind, and after the first year one of the subjects I gravitated towards was taxation. In weighing offers from firms, I ultimately decided on a more boutique private client tax firm as I thought that the firm would be more flexible with respect to my development (as compared to a larger "corporate" firm). This proved true as the firm I joined allowed me the opportunity to relocate to Asia early in my career.
The thing that motivates me most is… One of the things I very much enjoy about the job that also motivates me is that we tend to work directly with the individual behind the corporate structure. On this basis, you are helping solve some very personal issues for individuals and this provides a sense that you are acting as the trusted advisor for the client.
The work achievement I'm most proud of is… I am very proud that we have been able to build such a strong private client team in Asia (and many of our team members have been together over a decade). To me this is more important than industry awards or other accolades.
The thing that makes Hong Kong such a great place to live is… I was meant to be here for a year. And then when that year came up, I couldn't leave. Hong Kong is such a dynamic place -- from a personal standpoint, from a cultural standpoint, from the types of work you get, from the clients that are interacting with, etc. Hong Kong also as a great combination of the conveniences associated with living in an international financial centre alongside the benefits of great outdoor activities (such as hiking).
One opportunity in this region… The private client world in Asia has been advancing at breakneck speed and there is a need for good, sophisticated advice. This need creates an opportunity for qualified practitioners who are on the ground and are committed to being in Asia.
Somebody that has inspired me during my career is… There are certainly three or four mentors I've had over time that I do my best to live up to their standards. They are all for different reasons and you hope that you can take all that you know, blend it together and try and draw all the positives you can.
One thing I wish I knew when I started my career is… Learn Chinese!
One future trend in my practice area is… I think private client advice is more and more sought after. All the things that life throws at you – where do I live? Do I want to retire? Where should my children go to school? – these questions all increase demand for private client work.
One thing you don't know about me is... I am an avid hiker and a certified scuba diver.