北京隆安律师事务所在本月初与北京友仁律师事务所合并后，又开始新一轮合并洽谈，以进一步扩大律所规模。目前，隆安律所正与另五家律所进行接洽。

After boosting its headcount and national presence through a recent merger with Beijing Allied Law Firm, Longan is continuing merger discussions with five other law firms to increase its size. “Merging is the best method for us to expand as quickly as possible. Through successful mergers, we can gain an international foothold, expand our practice specialties and establish the firm as a brand quicker than other firms,” said managing partner Xu Jiali.

According to Xu, Longan’s decision to merge with Allied is also fuelled by the two firm’s complementary practice group focus. Allied’s main practice area is international business – its lawyers are qualified to practice overseas and have substantial international experience in the field. Longan will have stronger international trade, foreign investments, international dispute resolution and IP practices after the merger is completed.

The firm now has over 310 lawyers working across nine offices – Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. ALB

Related stories:

• 10 PRC firms make ALB Fast 30 (10 November 2009)
• New foreign legal counsel for Longan (18 March 2009)
• Longan opens second office in the PRD(30 June 2009)