Michael Hwang

With over 35 years of experience at the intersection of commerce, governance, and community, Michael Hwang is Senior Counsel at Coal Harbour Law, acting as strategic “General Counsel” to entrepreneurs, international enterprises, and institutions. Called to the British Columbia bar in 1990, he advises on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters where business objectives, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuance intersect.

Michael specializes in guiding the full business life cycle—from formation and growth to restructuring and succession—and in coordinating specialized legal teams across borders. He has led high-stakes files including U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings, trade disputes, and the establishment of international branch offices, aligning commercial goals with local counsel to support global expansion and risk management.

One of the few senior lawyers in Western Canada able to advise Korean-speaking clients directly, Michael supports Korean enterprises entering North America and Canadian firms investing in Korea. He is also a committed advocate for Indigenous reconciliation, structuring partnerships that recognize First Nations as true partners in resource and infrastructure developments.

Michael’s public service includes serving as Chair of British Columbia’s Small Business Task Force in 2018, where he championed regional consultations on First Nations reserves and promoted protocols recognizing unceded Indigenous lands. He has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and was named Businessperson of the Year by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. Michael brings a practical, grounded perspective focused on long-term integrity and community impact.