Welcome
Established in 1992, we are a business focused legal practice with a dedicated group of local and expatriate lawyers qualified in multiple jurisdictions. Combining our international legal experience and many years local knowledge, we bring you a unique style of legal services in Hong Kong.
Our defined objective is to provide discerning users of law firms with a firm of real legal capabilities at an acceptable cost. We take a creative and practical approach to commercial solutions with special attention to good transaction management and close client involvement.
eNews
Banking : Duties of Banks and Lawyers in Non-Commercial Transactions
In the Hong Kong Court of Appeal case of HSBC Bank Corporation v Kwok Lai Sim & Others, the security document signed by the surety/security provider in a "non-commercial" transaction was set aside, the bank's claim against the security provider was dismissed and judgment was entered against the solicitors acting for both the bank and the surety/security provider for breach of duty of care as solicitors.
China Updates
New Circular Clarifies Definition of "Beneficial Owner" in China Tax Treaties
The term "beneficial owner" has been used in various tax treaties between mainland China and other foreign countries (including the double taxation arrangements with Hong Kong and Macao) and the status is often a pre-requisite for non-resident enterprises claiming preferential tax treatment in the PRC. For the purpose of determining the "beneficial owner", the State Administration of Taxation ("SAT") issued a circular number 601(Guoshui han [2009] number 601) on 27 October 2009 ("Circular"), which Circular will affect foreign investors wanting to claim preferential tax and repatriate proceeds out of the PRC.
Contributor Most Read In Hong Kong
In February and March 2010, Chan, Harris, Lee & Partners received an award from Mondaq.com for contributing the most widely read articles in Hong Kong on its worldwide legal web site.