Palo Alto-based Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has opened a new office in Beijing.
The office will be led by former Hong Kong partner Kefei Li, who specializes in capital markets work.
Wilson Sonsini is known for its specialization in the technology and life sciences industries, and the firm in a statement said that focus would continue in Beijing.
“Besides being the regulatory center in China, Beijing is a hub for technology companies and growth enterprises as well as capital markets, private equity, venture capital, and cross-border M&A activities,” Jack Sheridan, the firm’s co-managing partner, said. “That confluence makes it a natural fit for the firm and critical to serving the diverse needs of our clients in the region.”
According to Wilson Sonsini’s website, Li is currently the only resident partner in Beijing. However, the firm in its statement said additional lawyers will be hired for work in the mergers and acquisitions, private equity and intellectual property practices.
Admitted in the U.S., Li primarily represents Chinese clients on their U.S. and Hong Kong initial public offerings. He joined Wilson Sonsini last year from the Beijing office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, where he was a counsel.
Wilson Sonsini first entered Greater China in 2007 when it opened an office in Shanghai, and followed three years later with an opening in Hong Kong. The firm entered into an alliance with four-lawyer Chen & Associates earlier this year to help provide its clients with Hong Kong law advice.
Email: jseah@alm.com.
