Brendan Thomas Kelly
Biography
Brendan is a partner of Baker McKenzie's Shanghai office and Head of the China Tax Practice as well as Chair of Asia Pacific Tax Practice. He has practiced tax with a China focus for about 25 years, with nearly two decades based in China. He has performed a wide range of analysis for various industries with regard to China tax implications, and specializes in advising cross-border clients on tax and legal implications of investment in China.
He also has a wealth of experience in working with multinationals in major mergers and acquisitions, to develop integrated and tax-efficient supply-chain structures and defend against tax and transfer pricing audits and assessments in China. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Kelly was a Tax Partner with the Beijing office of a Big Four Accounting Firm, where he led their International Tax Planning group for Northern China.
Practice Focus
China Tax Effective Supply-Chain Structuring; Transfer Pricing Planning and Audits; Cross-Border M&A Tax
Professional Honors
- Band 1 Lawyer (Tax: PRC Law (International Firms)) - Chambers Asia Pacific (2019-2020)
- Leading Individual (Tax, China) - Asia Pacific Legal 500 (2007-2020)
- Tax Controversy Leader in China - International Tax Review, Tax Controversy Leaders Guide (2013-2019)
- Tax Lawyer of the Year - China Law & Practice Awards 2018
- Leading Lawyer (Tax: PRC law (International Firms), China) - Chambers Asia Pacific (2011-2018)
- Corporate Tax Lawyer of the Year (China) - International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice Awards (2015-2017)
- Indirect Tax Leader in China - International Tax Review, Indirect Tax Leaders Guide (2016-2017)
- Client Choice Top 20 Lawyer - ALB China (2013)
- Leading Lawyer (China) - Asialaw (2013)
- International Law Firm of the Year: Tax - Chambers China Awards (2012)
- Legal experts in Taxation in the Asia Pacific regional - Asialaw Leading Lawyers, (2012)
- Endorsed Lawyer (Tax, China) - PLC Which Lawyer? (2011-2012)
- Leading Lawyer (Tax, China) - Chambers Asia Pacific (2008-2019)
- Recognised Lawyer (Tax, China) - PLC Which Lawyer? (2007-2010)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- American Chamber of Commerce
Admissions
- New York~United States (2001)
Education
- University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D.) (1997)
- Trinity University (B.A. Economics) (1994)
Languages
- English
- Mandarin