8 August, 2019
Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills is adding local law capabilities in Mainland China, following the approval of a Joint Operation with Kewei Law Firm by Shanghai's Bureau of Justice.
The firm becomes one of only six international law firms permitted to integrate China law advice with international legal services through the Joint Operation model based in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.
The Joint Operation will be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei. It integrates international and PRC legal advice, initially in cross-border M&A and corporate, banking and finance, disputes, competition, capital markets and financial services regulatory.
Kewei offers top-quality China lawyers with international experience, a strong client list, and an innovative managed legal services business, which will also integrate with Herbert Smith Freehills' market-leading ALT China operation. Founding partner Xu Wenbao, partner Stanley Xie and international partner Gavin Guo lead the firm.
"Our 30-year China practice is strong with plenty of room to grow," said Asia Executive Partner Justin D'Agostino. "This new licence will transform our business on the Mainland, and signals our long-term commitment to China."
The two firms have been working together for some time, and the partnership has been well received.
"We have already attracted instructions on billion-dollar matters from some of the largest companies operating in China," said Greater China Managing Partner May Tai. "Adding Kewei to our highly rated Mainland practice completes our offering in Greater China, and clients have responded very positively."
Established in 1995, Kewei has championed innovation throughout its 24-year history.
"Kewei Law Firm has been recognised as a pacesetter for high-quality service in the Shanghai legal sector for many years," said Kewei founding partner Wenbao Xu. "As founder, I've been pleased to witness every success of the firm to date and am excited about this latest development onto an international platform."
"Both firms would like to thank the Bureau of Justice in Shanghai for approving this partnership," said Kewei partner Stanley Xie. "Given initial demand, our team is already expecting further growth in both our business and our legal talent."
