In the hope of winning more mandates on cross-border transactions, Zhonglun W&D has recently joined INTERLAW, an international association (est. 1982) of independent law firms from 60 countries.
Becoming the first Chinese member firm of INTERLAW, the firm hopes to strengthen its capacity in assisting Chinese companies to globalise, especially in energy, mining and capital markets. “Via the membership of INTERLAW, we hope to rapidly grow our international contacts and business,” explained Lin Wei, Shanghai-based partner at Zhonglun W&D.
Prior to joining the association, the firm had already established close working relationships with INTERLAW members like UGGC in France and Aird & Berlis in Germany. “We frequently work with many INTERLAW firms for cross-border transactions and this extensive cooperation also fuels our decision to join the association. We would definitely continue to work with these firms because we need their assistance for our clients’ international ambitions,” said Lin.
Given the country’s relentless interest in overseas acquisitions and investments, boosting international capacity has been the priority of many PRC firms over the past 12 months. Jade & Fountain and GoldenGate both became members of TAGlaw, Dacheng joined World Services Group and Gaopeng pledged to ALFA International.
The admittance process, however, differs from association to association. INTERLAW required Zhonglun W&D partners to sit through two interviews with its representatives and then conduct a presentation for INTERLAW directors. Votes are then cast to officially select new members.
Despite the onerous application process, Lin believes that more PRC firms will endeavour to join INTERLAW.
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