As the industry enters the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism, ALB China singles out ten firms that are set to have a bigger 2010 than most. The reasons for including some firms, such as the soon to be merged Hogan Lovells, are obvious. The other names on the list might be not as familiar, but they are equally capable of distinguishing themselves with their own strategy, unique brand and philosophy. Keep an eye on these ten firms throughout 2010.
Hogan Lovells .jpg)
Crispin Rapinet, managing partner
Quick statistics
• Total number of partners in Greater China (after merger): 25
• Total number of lawyers (ex partners) (After merger): 143
• Number of offices worldwide (after merger): over 40
The merger of Hogan & Hartson and Lovells will create the fifth-largest international firm by headcount in Greater China
Everyone at Hogan Hartson and Lovells will have an exciting and busy few months ahead, as the two firms prepare for the merger taking effect on 1 May. Once merged, Hogan Lovells will become the ninth-largest firm in the world and the fifth-largest international firm in Greater China by headcount. Many observers tip the Hogan-Lovells deal to be the catalyst to a whole raft of similar deals across the Atlantic. As firms jockey for position in the post-GFC market, Lovells’ managing partner for Asia Crispin Rapinet gives them credence. “The combination of two major firms will change the marketplace because of the competitive pressure it puts on other firms. My guess is that we will see more transatlantic mergers over the next few years,” he said.
While the two firms still need to achieve certain regulatory clearances before deciding on fee rates and salary scales, both sides have already started focusing on the integration process. The leadup to May will be critical, as the firms will be working together closely on IT platforms, HR policies, office premises, leadership, and overlapping staff and practice areas. The Hogan/Lovells merger process and its repercussion in the region’s legal industry will be keenly observed throughout 2010.
Winston & Strawn 
Simon Luk, chairman for Asian Practice
Quick statistics
• Total number of partners firm-wide: 422
• Total number of lawyers (excluding partners) firm-wide: 486
• Offices in China: Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong
• Number of offices firm-wide: 14
One of the few firms permitted to open two mainland offices at once, Winston & Strawn enjoys strong growth prospects on an anticipated flood of China-US deals
2009 saw Winston & Strawn making an eye-catching debut in the PRC market – opening two separate offices in Beijing and Shanghai. Late last year, the firm obtained licences for the two offices from the Ministry of Justice through the acquisition of the PRC legal practice of the dissolved Heller Ehrman. Since then, the firm has quickly built up a team of experienced practitioners in the mainland, led by partner Ge Xiangyang in Beijing and Bertrand Theaud in Shanghai. (Ge and Theaud joined from Baker & McKenzie and DLA Piper respectively).
The opening of the offices provided a base for the firm’s international trade practice, which already had a docket of major Chinese representations. Highlights in 2009 included Winston & Strawn’s representation to the government of China in a WTO appeal of the United States’ imposition of prohibitive tariffs on imports of Chinese auto and light truck tires; and the firm’s representation to Tianjin Pipe in the anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations of oil country tubular goods from China. The latter was the largest case ever brought against China, affecting nearly US$3bn in exports.
With the increase in Chinese outbound M&A transactions, particularly investment into the US, the firm is set to gain more Chinese clients seeking legal advice in the west. The two new offices will also bolster its international trade practice across the full range of trade remedy cases, as China emerges a stronger player in international trade. “We look forward to a strong 2010, with expansion in both headcount and market share… We know we are operating in a competitive market but our client base provides us with wonderful opportunities to grow our practice,” said Simon Luk, chairman for the Asian practice.
Diaz Reus .jpg)
Michael Diaz, managing partner
Quick statistics
• Total number of partners firm-wide: 13
• Total number of lawyers (excluding partners) firm-wide: 48
• Year established: 1998
• Number of offices: 8
• Location of offices: Bello Horizonte, Bogota, Caracas, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Miami, Orlando, Shanghai
With a unique “BRIC” strategy, this US boutique firm is breaking new ground
The market for legal services is fast becoming saturated, but Miami-based US boutique firm Diaz Reus & Targ stands out from the crowd, with its niche offering and global presence spanning the US, Latin America and China. In 2009, the firm opened offices in Shanghai and Brazil. Its strategy is clear and simple: focusing on international practice in emerging markets, particularly between China and Latin America. “Over the past few years, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in patterns of trade relations between BRIC countries and interest from western countries, especially the US and Europe, in the growth story occurring in these countries,” said Robert Lee, the firm’s China practice group leader. Lee noted that even during the global financial crisis, the BRIC countries haven’t lost their appeal, especially in terms of activity between BRIC nations.
In addition, the firm’s small size and niche focus give it a competitive edge over its rivals. It says it is more efficient and cost-effective and is able to make decisions quickly, while providing clients with quality service and round-the-clock attention because of its global coverage. “We are a new breed of international law firm, which affords us flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to our clients’ needs and market conditions,” said Michael Diaz, the firm’s managing partner. He expects that arbitration and litigation, M&A and regulatory compliance to be the three fastest-growing areas in 2010. And China’s continual business interests in Latin America, Russia, the Middle East and Africa will keep the firm even busier in coming years
SJ Berwin 
Daniel Liew, Asia head
Quick statistics
• Total number of partners firm-wide: 175
• Total number of lawyers (excluding partners) firm-wide: 435
• Year established: 1982
• Number of offices firm-wide: 13
• Headquarters: London
Launching into Greater China with Hong Kong and Shanghai openings last year, how will this London firm gain a foothold?
2009 was a year of significant growth for London firm SJ Berwin. It opened a Hong Kong office in April, a Dubai office in September and a Shanghai office in October.
Former Dewey & LeBoeuf partner Daniel Liew, who was entrusted with the task of opening Dewey’s own Hong Kong office back in 2007 and is now the Asia head of SJ Berwin, is overseeing the firm’s operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai. “We have felt for some time that it is a market to be in and we waited for the right opportunity… we see China and the East Asian region as a huge growing market where our core areas will be very important.”
The two offices will focus on the firm’s core sectors of fund formation, M&A, private equity and real estate. The expansion came after the firm suffered a dip in PEP of nearly 50% in the previous year. But the increasing client demand for dedicated, capable and experienced lawyers able to assist with both inbound and outbound cross-border legal work involving China will foster new growth momentum for the firm
Lee and Li 
CV Chen, managing partner
Quick statistics
• Total number of partners: 30
• Total number of lawyers (excluding partners): 86
• Number of offices: 4
• Location of offices: Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, Kaohsiung
With more breakthroughs in cross-Strait relations coming, Lee and Li, the largest firm in Taiwan, will grow even bigger
Even before the cross-Strait relations started to thaw in 2008, Taiwan’s largest firm Lee and Li had established a strong cross-Strait practice to service the needs of its clients in mainland China. The alliances it has formed with Shanghai firm Leaven and Lee and Li-Leaven IPR Agency in Beijing enables it to provide legal services on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Lee and Li is facing a new opportunity: the mainland capital flow into Taiwan for investment. Advising inbound investment from the other side of the Strait will give the firm a new source of income and enable it to leverage its home-ground advantage. With the impending MOU between China and Taiwan on supervision of financial sectors across the Taiwan Strait and negations on the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), Lee and Li is poised to make its mark in a new era for cross-Strait relations. Given that the firm was actually founded in Shangahi in 1940, it is perhaps not surprising it is Taiwan’s strongest player on the mainland
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