Integrated Asset Protection

Michael Pfeifer counsels high net wealth individuals and families, including entertainers and athletes, on international tax issues, planning for pre-immigration and expatriation, and structuring cross-border investments. He also handles estate planning matters, including the use of domestic and foreign trusts, and tax controversy matters, including voluntary disclosure proceedings.

A former Special Assistant to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Associate Chief Counsel-International, Michael was a principal architect of the 1996 foreign trust tax rules and the Clinton Administration’s expatriation tax proposal. He was also involved in the development of the "check-the-box" entity classification regime and the introduction of the "comparability" standards for foreign retirement and pension plans under certain U.S. income tax treaties.

David Lesperance is one of the world’s leading international tax and immigration advisors. A recognized expert in the fields of taxation, citizenship and residency, David has helped several hundred high and ultra-high net worth individuals and families secure themselves and their assets. He has done this both directly and in collaboration with the clients’ existing financial and legal advisors and family offices. Since the beginning of his career in 1990, he has worked with HK, Chinese and Asian clients and US clients on BackUp and expatriation strategies.

David ’s personal interest in these areas of law grew out of his experience working as Canadian immigration and customs officer while attending law school. Since being called to the Ontario bar in 1990, David has developed his expertise with major Canadian law firms, his own law firm and as a private advisor.

Rupert Morris is a partner and head of Walkers' Private Capital and Trusts Team in the Channel Islands. Based in Guernsey he has almost 15 years' practice as a private wealth specialist focusing on private client advisory and structuring work.

Rupert also has significant experience since qualifying as a Guernsey Advocate in 2010 as a contentious practitioner, appearing before the Guernsey courts at all levels, particularly in respect of Beddoe, Public Trustee v Cooper and Saunders v Vautier applications as well as applications to vary the terms of trusts.

He is recognised as one of the leading lawyers in his field in Guernsey, sits on the STEP Worldwide Council and is the Chair of STEP's Guernsey branch.

Rupert is instructed by many leading fiduciaries, financial institutions, government departments and UHNW individuals in respect of all aspects of local and cross-border advisory and structuring work, impact investment, charitable structures, and regulatory matters including investigations and dawn raids.