International law firm Withersworldwide has announced the appointment of Wei Zhang, partner in the private client and tax team, as Managing Director of its Hong Kong office, as of July 2022.

Wei joins the ranks of a growing number of women leaders at the firm, alongside Withers CEO Margaret Robertson in U.K., Withers Chairperson Justine Markovitz in Switzerland, and Managing Partner Deborah Barker, S.C. in Singapore. Our track record in appointing women to leadership roles continues to strengthen with 45% of our global partnership and half of our partnership board made up of women. Withers is also committed to cultivating and promoting talented young partners to renew energy and ensure our comprehensive generational growth. Wei's appointment has made her the youngest Managing Director amongst Withers' 17 global offices.

Wei comments: "Businesses in Asia continue to expand, and we are seeing a marked surge in demand for high quality legal services. Hong Kong's role as an international legal hub and its close integration with Greater China will embrace further opportunities. With strong foundations for this growth, I am confident that we can continue to build on our successes and drive our strategic vision forward to service our clients as they seek opportunities around the world."

Wei's legal practice has been focused on sophisticated tax and wealth planning matters for high-net-worth individuals, their families and fiduciaries. In cross-border planning contexts, she often advises individuals with residences, assets as well as wealth planning vehicles in multiple jurisdictions. In relation to U.S. connection planning matters, she advises individuals who are either migrating to, expatriating from or investing in the U.S., or looking to come into compliance with U.S. tax and reporting obligations.

Wei has been listed as a leading private wealth practitioner in Chambers' High Net Worth Guide since 2020 and has won and been mentioned in a multitude of industry awards from Wealthbriefing Asia and China Law & Practice. Legal 500 and Chambers deemed her to be "extremely attuned to the expectations of clients and also the nuances of the concerns which they may have" and "experienced in U.S. individual tax planning", with the ability to "develop strong relationships with clients".