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Locations > Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand
How we can help
We provide individuals, families, businesses and charitable organizations that have cross-border ties to Australia and New Zealand with seamless legal services and solutions for their activities around the world. Our multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional team advises on Australian inbound and outbound matters, collaborating with clients to implement innovative legal solutions. We help our clients achieve their goals in areas such as tax and estate planning, real estate, charitable activities, corporate matters, intellectual property, family law, immigration and expatriation.
Examples of Australian cross border tax and estate planning advice we provide include:
- Implementing dual resident structures for high net worth families relocating overseas with cross-border income and assets, charitable activities and joint ventures
- Formulating global holding structures for US inbound investments in real estate, venture capital funds, and startups in the technology, manufacturing and entertainment industries
- Advising international families, founders and executives on cross-border wealth transfers and succession planning, cross-border retirement plans and pension distributions
- Representing foreign executors, trustees and fiduciaries on US tax filing and reporting obligations of trusts with US assets and US resident beneficiaries
- Advising on the tax aspects of cross-border financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, licensing and distribution arrangements
- Structuring film financing transactions and advising on the tax treatment of film and music libraries
- Managing cross-border tax risks arising from permanent establishment, employees on global assignments, independent contractor and agency relationships
Association with Bentleys
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To further meet the needs of our clients, we are proud to be associated with Bentleys, a multi-service advisory firm based in Australia and New Zealand. Through this non-exclusive association, we can complement the cross border advice we offer with local Australian and New Zealand tax advisory, accounting and legal services to further support our clients in their business, personal and charitable endeavors. Withers and Bentleys work closely to expand the range of cross-border advice available to our respective clients by sharing knowledge and expertise and making mutual referrals. |
Withers and Bentleys launch international association
Track record
Australian A-list celebrity
Withers represented an Australian celebrity in the acquisition of US real estate assets through an inbound holding structure.
Strategic restructuring for US-Australian and US-Canadian-Australian executives
Withers advised two executives and their families in the strategic restructuring of their global assets and income to mitigate adverse tax consequences to their existing global estate structures.
Ultra-high net worth US citizens relocating to Australia and New Zealand
Withers advised ultra-high net worth US citizens in relocating from the United States to New Zealand and Australia. This matter involved the restructuring of domestic trusts and business holdings to mitigate cross-border tax and estate administration complexities.
US-citizen spouse of an Australian investment firm founder
Withers represented the US-citizen spouse of an Australian investment firm founder in their cross-border US-Australian estate planning.
Australia-based software development company
Formation of joint venture covering HK, Singapore and Australia, and advising on related employee share option scheme and general corporate matters
Represented Japanese operator in disputes over LNG plant in Western Australia
Defended claims by contractor for profit on project under an EPC Contract – overall disputed amount exceeded USD10 bn.
Divestment of Novotel Brisbane Australia
Advised the manager of CDL Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust in connection with CDL Hospitality Trust’s divestment of Novotel Brisbane Australia.
Australian-based software development company
Representing an Australian-based software development company, with their various corporate matters, including (i) an employee share option scheme; (ii) general corporate advice and (iii) employment law issues with its employees.
A leading Australian private school
We advised our client on their international fundraising plans for their alumni.
Acted for Australians who have committed forgery in Singapore
which required our team to liaise with the Australian High Commission.
Experience
Whatever you have inherited, and wherever it is in the world, our leading team of lawyers can help you to protect the value of the asset, manage the tax implications and resolving any disputes.
Charities and non-profitOur significant practice in the non-profit sector means our lawyers can handle governance, mergers, commercial projects and day-to-day issues such as employment while you focus on your mission.
From advising on tax or global expansion, helping company founders realise their vision is an important aspect of our work.
High net worth individualsWith complex interests that often span several jurisdictions, highly successful people need seamless advice. With a full-service offering across our offices around the world, we provide just that.
We help business leaders to manage their responsibilities at work and home – from advising on employment contracts and regulatory matters, to dealing with tax, wills and prenuptial agreements.
Private companiesAs a private company, you need reliable, efficient service. As the only global law firm focused on private capital, we are here to help you protect your interests at every stage of the lifecycle.
Key contacts
Marsha Laine Dungog
Partner | San Francisco
Ivan A. Sacks
Partner | New York
James Hamilton
Senior Associate (Australian Qualified) | Admitted in Victoria | London
James Hamilton
Senior Associate (Australian Qualified) | Admitted in Victoria | London
Corporate
View Profile
Simon Wong
Partner | Hong Kong
Kwong Wing Leon
Partner | Singapore
Robert Kovacs
Partner | London
Claire Christy
Partner | London
Charles S. Kolstad
Partner | New York
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Insight
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Get in touch
Our website will give you a flavor of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.