Wesley O’Brien
Counsel
Wesley O’Brien is a Counsel in the Hong Kong Private Client & Trust practice. He joined Conyers in 2019 in the Cayman Islands office prior to relocating to Conyers’ Hong Kong office in 2025.
Wesley has a broad practice encompassing all aspects of private client and trust law advice and litigation, as well as advising on structuring for web3 and digital asset matters.
Wesley advises on the establishment, reorganisation and governance of complex trusts, pensions, foundation companies and other wealth management structures and is also regularly engaged to advise on estate planning, contentious trust and probate matters, as well as a range of regulatory matters, including the application of economic substance and exchange of information laws. Wesley has significant experience in relation to web3, crypto and digital assets matters, in particular with respect to the structuring, governance and regulation of Cayman Islands foundation companies in connection with decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) and token issuances.
Prior to joining Conyers, Wesley practiced as a tax lawyer at a leading Australian law firm. His experience advising on complex tax matters continues to provide valuable insight and understanding of the challenges and issues facing many of his clients.
Wesley recently spoke at a seminar hosted by the Hong Kong Trustees’ Association (HKTA) on “Utilising Offshore Trusts as a Tool for Estate Planning, Family Governance, and Managing Risk”.
Jurisdictions
Qualifications
Professional Background
- Associate, Gadens, Melbourne, Australia
Education
- Australian National University, Legal Practice Course, 2015
- Monash University, Master of Laws (Juris Doctor), 2014
- RMIT University, Bachelor of Arts (International Studies), 2009
Bar Admissions
- Bermuda, Registered Associate, 2025
- Cayman Islands, Attorney-at-Law, 2019
- Victoria, Australia, Solicitor, 2015 (not currently practising)
Awards & Accolades
- Recognised as an Associate to Watch in the 2023 edition of Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide
- Recognised in The Legal 500 Caribbean since 2021 (Trusts/Private Client)
- Recognised as one of the Citywealth 2019 Future Leaders Top 100
- Recognised in Legal Week’s The Private Client Global Elite 2024
Associations
- Full Member, Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP)
- Member, Cayman Islands Legal Practitioners Association