The new office – the firm’s third Asian outpost – is set to open in May and will focus on real estate and infrastructure projects. The office will be led by former BLP chairman Peter Robinson, reports Legal Week.

Leading player

Commented Mr Robinson: ‘China is a leading player in the world economy and is continuing to grow at a faster rate than more mature economies.
‘Establishing our first office in mainland China is a key part of our strategy to ensure we are on the ground in the markets where our clients are based or are looking to invest.’

Magic circle

The firm follows a host of UK and US firms with a Beijing presence, including all of the magic circle firms. Los Angeles-based Gibson Dunn & Crutcher has  also confirmed it intends to open a Beijing office this year while London firm Eversheds has also secured a licence.