贝克博茨律师事务所近日宣布将关闭北京办公室。这家专注能源领域的美国律师事务所北京办公室设立已经13年，拥有五位合伙人和三位顾问律师。

这是继美国文森艾尔斯律师事务所、英国罗夏信律师事务所和英国博凯立律师事务所后，第四家关闭北京办公室的国际律所。

据贝克博茨管理合伙人John Martin的一份声明，这一决定“并非轻率做出的”，而是“为了公司和客户的最大利益”。

据报道，该公司还在全球范围内裁员50人。

在中国，贝克博茨继续在香港设有办事处。该办公室于2005年开业。

Baker Botts becomes latest international firm to announce Beijing closure

Energy-focused U.S. law firm Baker Botts has become the latest firm to announce plans to shutter its Beijing office. The 13-year-old office currently has five partners and three associates.

With that, Baker Botts becomes the second American and fourth international law firm this year, after Vinson & Elkins, Stephenson Harwood and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP), to depart from the Chinese capital.

According to a statement from managing partner John Martin, the decision was “not taken lightly,” but “in the best interests of the firm and its clients.”

The firm also reportedly reduced its headcount by 50 people globally.

In China, Baker Botts continues to maintain an office in Hong Kong. That office opened in 2005.

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