Reinforcing its Hong Kong office, Zhong Lun makes key M&A appointments from Ropes & Gray and Kirkland.
In a move that reflects the shifting dynamics of the legal industry in Asia, several partners have departed from Kirkland & Ellis's Hong Kong office this year, while joining Zhong Lun in both Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The departures from Kirkland & Ellis's Hong Kong office are attributed to a combination of factors, including firm restructuring and market challenges. At least five partners have left the firm, although the specific reasons for each departure remain undetailed. The firm's ongoing adjustments in its Asian presence, as indicated by hiring activities in the region to bolster its team after recent departures, provide a contextual clue [1].
Broader industry trends also show lawyers moving between firms in Asia amid competitive market dynamics, new firm openings, and strategic alliances [1][2]. In the Hong Kong legal market, firms like Pillsbury, Miura & Partners, and others have expanded or opened new offices, attracting partners [1]. Some firms in Asia have also adjusted operations or exited certain markets, which can prompt partner departures [1]. Additionally, partners might be attracted to other firms strengthening their Hong Kong or regional presence, or relocating to growing hubs like Singapore, as indicated by various firms' hiring activities and alliances in the region [1][2].
Despite the lack of direct explanations for the partners' reasons for leaving Kirkland & Ellis, several general factors can be inferred. These include market dynamics and competition, strategic firm restructuring or refocusing, and opportunities with other firms or regions.
Meanwhile, Zhong Lun has been strengthening its presence in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. The firm has added Qiu Pengchao from Clyde & Co and Tat Pan from Reed Smith to its Shanghai office. In Hong Kong, Zhong Lun has welcomed Shen, Lu, and Wang, who previously worked at Ropes & Gray, Kirkland, DLA Piper, and Skadden respectively. Shen spent 14 years at Ropes & Gray before joining Zhong Lun, Wang worked at Ropes & Gray for more than ten years, and Lu spent six years at Kirkland & Ellis after joining in 2022. Prior to Kirkland, Lu was an associate at DLA Piper and Skadden [3].
Wang has a longstanding focus on cross-border mergers and acquisitions and investments by private equity funds and companies. This focus aligns with Zhong Lun's strategic expansion in the region [4]. With the addition of Shen, Lu, and Wang, Zhong Lun's Hong Kong office now has 26 partners [5].
The sources confirm the departures and hiring trends but do not provide detailed reasons for the exits [1][2]. The specific reasons for the partners' decisions to leave Kirkland & Ellis and join Zhong Lun remain undisclosed.
[1] Asian Legal Business
[2] The American Lawyer
[3] The Lawyer
[4] China Daily
[5] Zhong Lun Law Firm
- The departures of partners from Kirkland & Ellis's Hong Kong office may be a result of their desire to focus on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, as demonstrated by the joining of partner Wang at Zhong Lun, who has a longstanding focus in this area.
- The move of these partners from Kirkland & Ellis to Zhong Lun could potentially be influenced by financial opportunities and business growth prospects, as Zhong Lun continues to strengthen its presence in both Hong Kong and Shanghai, expanding its team through strategic hires.
