Beijing-based Broad Bright has hired a nine-strong team from Run Ming in a move which significantly strengthens its Shanghai office.

Partners Philips Ding and Chen Yifan will both join the firm as partners, and will be accompanied seven associate-level attorneys.  The hires bring the total number of partners in Broad & Bright’s Shanghai office to five.

Ding's practice focuses on M&A, private equity investment, project development, finance as well as regulatory advice. Chen Yifan, who has extensive experience in representing Japanese clients, will focus on FDI and labour law matters.

 For its part, Run Ming has moved quickly to fill the gaps left by the departures. According to sources close to ALB China, the firm has already hired a new partner for its Shanghai office and is set to announce the arrival of a new team shortly.