In a continuing trend, Morgan Lewis & Bockius has become the latest firm to close an office in China. The Shenzhen office, which had been operational for less than two years, was recently shuttered. This marks the 16th closure of a U.S. firm office in mainland China since the trend began in 2024, according to American Lawyer.
With just two lawyers on staff, the office’s viability came into question after its leader transitioned to DLA Piper last November. This prompted Morgan Lewis to consolidate its Chinese operations by moving its intellectual property practice back to its Shanghai office, originally established in 2017.
Lesli Ligorner, representing the firm’s Shanghai office, noted that while they have parted ways with the legal staff in Shenzhen, Morgan Lewis maintains a strong presence in China through its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, offering a range of legal services that include corporate investigations, investment management, and intellectual property guidance. These combined offices are staffed by nearly 70 lawyers and 46 professional staff members, bolstered by significant hires like the addition of Bingna Guo in Beijing in October 2024.
The decision echoes a broader movement observed among U.S.-based firms reassessing their footprint in China as external factors influence operational strategies. For more on the emerging legal landscape shifts, including firm closures in China, please refer to Above the Law.