While strategic shifts have prompted many U.S. firms to scale back their presence in China, Dechert has gone on a shopping spree. So far this year, the Philadelphia-based firm has added 13 lawyers in Hong Kong and Beijing, including four partners.
The new hires include a four-lawyer corporate team led by partner Stephen Chan from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, and a six-lawyer energy team led by partner Xiao Yong from Vinson & Elkins. In Hong Kong and Beijing, Dechert now has 30 lawyers—the highest combined head count since both offices opened in 2008.
