Eversheds receive green light for Beijing launch

Two law firms have announced plans to open in Beijing. London-based law firm Eversheds has secured a licence for its long-planned Beijing office whilst US's Kirkland & Ellis is applying for a licence.

Eversheds hopes to be open for business in China before Christmas, complementing its existing bases in Shanghai and Hong Kong and looking to recruit senior people on the ground, reports Legal Week.

Application process

Meanwhile, Chicago-headquartered firm Kirkland & Ellis has also confirmed its plans for a launch in the Chinese capital.

The firm is in the process of applying for a license to operate in Beijing three years after opening in Shanghai. Under Chinese law, international firms can only open one office every three years.