1986
B.A., Criminology
Simon Fraser University · Psychology minor
Founder · educator · bridge-builder
Michael Hwang, B.A., J.D.
황승일 · HwaGyo 和橋
Business & Real Estate Lawyer · Commercial REALTOR® · Educator · Entrepreneur
I bring perspectives from law, business, real estate, teaching, community service and technology to one purpose: helping people anticipate problems and take practical next steps.
Michael has more than 35 years of experience in real estate, financing and business transactions, advising small and large businesses, nonprofit organizations and institutions. He has handled 6,000+ business and real estate matters as responsible lawyer, mentored articled students, lawyers and staff, and contributed to pro bono and public legal education. He is fluent in English and Korean.
Founder statement
Making experience useful beyond one transaction
After more than 35 years working with entrepreneurs and business transactions, I want to make that experience useful beyond the next individual transaction. My aim with ProBX is to help build a more professional, connected and reliable system for business transitions in Canada—one that brings owners, buyers and advisors together with better preparation, education and practical tools.
Legal foundation
Michael has more than 35 years of legal experience spanning real estate, business, franchise, and mergers and acquisitions. His career has included work at Bull Housser and Clark Wilson, and he founded Amicus Lawyers in New Westminster. He now serves as Senior Lawyer at Coal Harbour Law.
Business and entrepreneurship
His work extends from legal transactions into commercial real estate, business transitions, and technology. He is a Commercial REALTOR® at REMAX Commercial Advantage, Founder and Business Broker at Professional Business Exchange Inc., and Founder and Principal at Hanada Technologies Inc. ProBX.ca is his flagship entrepreneurial initiative, developing a professional marketplace for business transitions with education and readiness support. Its ambitions include confidential opportunity matching, practical transaction systems, and multidisciplinary collaboration as part of broader infrastructure for Canadian SME transitions.
Teaching
Michael created and teaches Business Brokerage Essentials and serves as an Instructor at Vancouver Community College. Teaching provides a practical way to translate complex legal and business questions into clear steps people can use.
Public and community service
His public service includes Chair of the BC Small Business Task Force in 2018, service on the BC Small Business Roundtable, past President of the Downtown New Westminster BIA, and past Co-President of the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society. He founded the Korean Heritage Festival in 2002 and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He currently serves as a Director of The New Vista Society.
HwaGyo — harmonious bridge
HwaGyo is Michael’s personal signature and pen name. Meaning “harmonious bridge,” it reflects an aspiration to connect disciplines, cultures, generations, and people with opportunities while making difficult decisions easier to understand.
Education & credentials
A foundation for professional work
1989
J.D.
University of British Columbia
1990
Called to the British Columbia bar
Practising law in British Columbia since 1990
2013–2016
CUDA® Director Accreditation
Completed while serving as a credit union chair
2024
British Columbia real estate licence
Licensed REALTOR® since 2024
Continuing professional development includes real estate, business, wills and estates, and Indigenous law.
Career
Law, entrepreneurship and culture
1989–1990
Articled Student · Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP
Pacific Rim practice and international business law.
1990–1991
Associate Lawyer · Clark Wilson LLP
Property acquisitions and financing for multinational clients.
1992–present
Principal Lawyer · Hwang & Company Law Corporation
A long-running legal practice spanning business, real estate, financing and related transactions.
2008–2018
Amicus Lawyers
The operating name and a distinct chapter of his legal practice in New Westminster.
Past chapter
Columbia Theatre
After semi-retiring from Amicus, Michael operated Amicus Performing Arts Club Inc., doing business as Columbia Theatre, as an entrepreneurial and cultural chapter in downtown New Westminster.
2024–present
General Counsel & REALTOR® · REMAX Commercial Advantage
Advises the managing broker and agents, presents webinars on business brokerage and legal compliance, and provides real estate and business brokerage services.
Governance & service
Service to enterprise and community
2018
Chair, BC Small Business Task Force
Since 2018
Director, The New Vista Society
2013–2016
Chair, Sharons Credit Union
2011–2012
Member, BC Immigration Task Force
2010–2012
President, Downtown New Westminster BIA
2002–2008
Founder and President, North Road Business Improvement Association
2002
Founder, Korean Heritage Festival
Past service
Co-President, Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society; service on the BC Small Business Roundtable
Additional service
Board and committee service with Spirit of the Children Society, Douglas College, SHARE Society, PWS&D Committee and Burnaby Chamber of Commerce
1991–1993
Corporate Secretary, BC Liberal Party
Recognition
Service and professional work
2003
Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal
For community service
2007
Business Person of the Year
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
2011
Reader’s Choice Law Firm
The Record · recognition of the law practice
Interests & values
Beyond the work
His interests include history, cultural heritage, gardening, music, time with his dogs, road trips and world travel, including visits to more than 26 countries. He values reconciliation, equity and ethical governance.
Future direction
What I’m building toward
Better business transitions
Help owners prepare earlier, buyers ask better questions, and advisors collaborate across disciplines—so business legacies and opportunities can pass more responsibly to the next generation.
Knowledge that travels
Extend practical education through Business Brokerage Essentials, teaching at Vancouver Community College, and future learning resources that make complex transactions easier to understand and prepare for.
Useful technology and stronger communities
Explore tools through Hanada Technologies that connect people with practical help, while continuing community governance and service connected to affordable housing and senior care.
Planned signature series
Building Better Business Transitions in Canada
A planned series of practical conversations and future articles about preparation, education, confidential matching, transaction systems, and multidisciplinary collaboration.