Linklaters has recently relocated energy and infrastructure partner James Douglass to Beijing as part of its move to boost its partner ranks in Greater China. Douglass is set to move from London to Beijing in January 2011.

As part of Linklater’s Asian market focus, a number of other relocations – Andrew Zaw (managing associate, London to Singapore in early November), James McLaren  (managing associate, London to Hong Kong in early 2011 ) and Jimmy Chua (associate, London to Beijing in December) – will take place.

Earlier this year, Linklaters also moved Teresa Ma, formerly a partner in Hong Kong, to the role of head of the Shanghai office. Simultaneously, Robert Cleaver, formerly a partner in its London office, was shifted to the Hong Kong office.

But the firm is only one out of the long list of Magic Circle and other UK and US firms relocating partners and lawyers to China as part of a focus for the region. Firms like Allen & Overy and Herbert Smith have also made some shuffles this year. A&O corporate partner Gary McLean moved from London to Hong Kong to become head of the Asia-Pacific corporate practice, and Herbert Smith arbitration specialist Justin D’Agostino moved to the Hong Kong office from London. ALB

Related stories:

• Herbert Smith gears up PRC arbitration practice (2 September 2009)
• Linklaters' Harvey promoted to global head of litigation  (11 May 2010)
• Linklaters names new Shanghai head (5 February 2010)