Dechert set for Beijing debut after licence win

The Philadelphia-based firm revealed today (15 August) that its licence application to open an office in Beijing has been approved.

The new office will mark the second in Asia for Dechert, after the firm opened in Hong Kong at the beginning of the year.

The new office will focus on advising financial institutions, domestic and international companies and private investors on all corporate matters.

Commenting on the new office, Dechert chairman Bart Winokur said: "The decision to establish on-the-ground resources in Beijing results from our assessment of our client's current and potential business interests in mainland China and neighbouring countries."

Salans and Weil Gotshal & Manges have both recently received licences to practice in Beijing, while Covington & Burling opened an office in the city in late July.

The news follows a number of recent moves in Dechert's international offices. Last month corporate and M&A partner Kathie Claret and public and private funds partner Joseph Smallhoover quit the firm to join Bryan Cave's new Paris branch.

However, the firm has recently boosted its London and New York offices, with former Tyco chief William Lytton joining New York office as senior counsel, while arbitration partner Daniel Gal joined the firm's London arbitration practice from Dewey & LeBeouf in June.

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