The US firm will, instead, be routing is China work through its office in Shanghai. The managing partner of the Hong Kong office, Kristi Swartz, has joined the Hong Kong office of Bryan Cave. Managing partner of Blank Rome told Legal Week: 'In response to client needs and local economic forecasts, we are determined that Blank Rome will remain focused on China from its Shanghai office while we look to expand further in the United States and elsewhere in the world.  We anticipate a solid 2013 and hope to grow our global capabilities, particularly in corporate law, intellectual property, maritime and litigation.' Blank Rome's Hong Kong office was opened seven years ago. It opened in Shanghai in 2011. There are about 500 lawyers in the firm.