After shutting its doors in Beijing this April, US law firm Weil has closed its Shanghai branch, marking an end to its 20 years of operation in mainland China.
“The firm is consolidating its Asia operations through the Hong Kong office. We remain dedicated to our award-winning Asia practice and to providing top service to our clients in the region,” Weil’s spokesperson told China Business Law Journal.
The firm’s website has removed the link to its Shanghai office and only Hong Kong appears on the list of Asia branches.
Its Hong Kong office houses 18 lawyers, including Weil’s head of Asia practice and partner Charles Ching who is formerly based in Shanghai.
In 2004, Weil got the green light to set up its Shanghai office and then it expanded its mainland operations opening a Beijing branch in 2008.
Six US law firms, including Weil, have announced the closure of their mainland China offices this year. Last month, UK firm Eversheds Sutherland announced it was considering a closure of its Beijing office.
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Eversheds Sutherland is deliberating on closing the Beijing office, but its co-operation deal with King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) will remain unchanged, a move the firm has confirmed with China Business Law Journal
Weil exits Beijing and set to close Shanghai office
Weil has closed its Beijing office and is currently in discussions to shut down its Shanghai branch
For more stories about office closures, visit law.asia.
