DLA Piper’s China venture capital and PE practice has been dealt a huge blow with the recent loss of lead partner Rocky Lee in Beijing. Lee left his position at DLA Piper to become Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft’s Asia managing partner and head of Greater China corporate practice. Lee will be based in the firm’s Beijing office, which was opened in 2005 and is currently the only location of the firm in Asia.

Having advised many transactions like the NASDAQ IPOs of China Natural Gas and GLG Life Tech Corporation, and the acquisition of Pera Global by Baring Private Equity Asia and CAX during his time at DLA Piper, Lee is widely recognised as a veteran of China venture capital and high technology matters.

According to Cadwalader’s chairman Christopher White, the firm has a long-term strategy for Asia, and Lee’s appointment is seen as part of its strategic execution.

“At this critical moment in the development of Asian finance and given the emerging influence of China, it is more important than ever for clients to seek expert advice concerning complex regulatory and legal matters in Asia,” said Lee.

Lee joined DLA Piper as head of its venture capital and private equity practice in China in 2006.  Prior to joining DLA Piper, Lee worked in the Beijing office of Lovells.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft has offices in New York, London, Charlotte, Washington and Beijing.

Related stories:

• Cadwalader names new Beijing partner
• DLA Piper advises on largest single PE investment in China’s software sector