In an unexpected shift in China’s legal landscape, Shenzhen is fast becoming a preferred location for international law firms. This year alone, three major players announced new office launches in the city: Bird & Bird, Holman Fenwick Willan, and Morgan Lewis & Bockius. These developments come as other leading Chinese cities, such as Shanghai, witness a retreat of foreign law firms with at least three voluntarily downscaling their operations.
In an official declaration last month, Bird & Bird characterized Shenzhen as the hub of China’s top technology and life sciences organizations and labeled the new office a ‘natural next step’ in its expansion strategy across Greater China. Despite the promises of Shenzhen, international law firms are still recommended to exercise caution, given China’s evolving law scene and the uncertainties that lie within.
Read more about these developments on Law.com.