Kai Wang

Kai Wang’s legal career has come full circle. Wang, a real estate attorney, started her legal career with Carlsmith Ball LLP, a regional law firm with offices throughout Hawaii and in Los Angeles. She has now rejoined Carlsmith Ball, becoming a partner of the firm and chairperson of its Greater China Practice Group. She is based in the firm’s Honolulu office.

Wang’s practice focuses on commercial real estate, foreign investment in Hawaiian and Californian real estate, hospitality and land use. She also specializes in cross-border investment, particularly China foreign direct investment (FDI) and outbound direct investment (ODI).

Before returning to Carlsmith Ball, Wang worked in the Greater China region for about 10 years, handling cross-border transactions in international law firms and as an in-house counsel. Most recently, she served as vice president and regional general counsel at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Greater China. During her almost three years with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Wang oversaw legal matters within Greater China with a portfolio featuring over 320 hotels in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China and Taiwan.

Educated in the United States and China, Wang holds four degrees. She earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) at Harvard Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, William S. Richardson School of Law, Masters of Arts, also at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at Yantai University, China. She is qualified to practice law in Hawaii and California. Wang speaks English and Mandarin.

Recognized for her accomplishments, Wang was included in the inaugural issue of “GC Powerlist: China and Hong Kong 2017”, which is published by Legal 500.