Lovells has launched an alliance with nine independent Chinese law firms, the City giant announced today (3 September).
The Sino-Global Legal Alliance (SGLA) will see lawyers from the participating firms working together in cross-firm practice groups, with each team sharing know-how development, training and business development.
The firms in the alliance are: Shanghai practice Allbright, Shenzen’s China Commercial; Qingdao’s Deheng; Wuhan-based Dewell; Guangda in Guangzhou; Join & High in Tianjin; Chongqing’s Solton & Partners; T&C in Hangzhou; and Wang Wu Yang & Ma in Shenyang.
Lovells has previously worked with member firms in areas such as finance, dispute resolution and intellectual property, while some firms have referred work to Lovells or received work via the top 10 City law firm. The Chinese firms will now also refer work to one another, with any member able to take the lead role on a particular transaction.
Lovells currently offices in Beijing and Shanghai, with more than 30 foreign-qualified lawyers based in the two offices. However, local regulation limits the work the firm can do in the region.
Robert Lewis, Lovells’ Beijing managing partner and chairman of the non-exclusive alliance, said: “The SGLA by design is client-driven and we are committed to delivering the best services at the best value. The SGLA will work with the client to identify a relationship partner in the preferred member firm who can act as a single point of contact to coordinate the joint services, either on a practice area basis or across multiple practice areas.”
Lovells managing partner David Harris added: “China is a market in which we have seen tremendous growth over recent years driven by client demand. The alliance has been formed in response to that demand and is indicative of our commitment to the development of our practice in China.”