Linklaters in talk with two Chinese firms for Shanghai venture

Linklaters is in discussions with two Chinese law firms, Shanghai Kai-Rong Law Firm and Shanghai Capital Law & Partners, as it attempts to become the first Magic Circle firm to practise Chinese law.

Named Project Trident, Linklaters has been looking for a local law firm to partner with in the Shanghai free trade zone since the beginning of the year, shortly after China's ministry of justice approved plans to allow international firms to enter its legal market through the Shanghai free trade zone. The move made cooperation agreements available to firms operating in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, allowing international firms to practise Chinese law for the first time instead of relying on a representative office.

Tying up with boutique Chinese firms

Asia managing partner Marc Harvey is leading the project and has overseen discussions with 10 Chinese firms. Shanghai Capital Law & Partners and Shanghai Kai-Rong Law Firm are both boutiques and suit Linklaters’ plan of tying up with a small local firm. These talks are the most advanced of the 10 firms Linklaters has met with. Source: Legal Business

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