It’s a trend and we are going to see a lot more of it
Top Chinese law firm Commerce & Finance ‘open’ to global alliance
C&F managing partner Li Hongji told The Lawyer: “Previously, the firm was resentful about the idea of having a formal or closer relationship with a particular international firm, for fear of losing out on opportunities working with others.”
“But there’s been a shift in our strategy and thinking. Now we have a more open mind about international alliances and associations.”
“We’d be happy to see a deal with a leading global firm, but so far there’s nothing formal on our agenda.”
The strikingly candid admission by one of China’s elite firms underlines the rapid shift within the PRC legal market following the tie-up between of Chinese firm King & Wood, Australian firm Mallesons Stephens Jaques and UK firm SJ Berwin.
National firm Zhong Yin has entered into co-operation agreements with Australia’s Minter Ellison, offshore firm Maples & Calder, Malaysia’s Azmi & Associates and Germany’s Gleiss Lutz.
National firm Guantao, which has a strategic alliance with Ashurst, appointed the legacy UK firm’s former senior partner Geoffre Green as a strategic adviser (27 May 2014)
