Simmons makes debut partner hire for new Beijing base

Simmons & Simmons has made its first partner hire to launch the firm's new Beijing base, with M&A specialist Davis Wang set to join from China's King & Wood.

The UK top 15 law firm was recently granted a Beijing licence following its application at the start of the year and has stated that it plans to recruit more local lawyers to gain greater access to Chinese clients.

Wang, who has been a partner at leading Chinese firm King & Wood for three years, specialises in foreign direct investment, M&A, private equity fund investment and fund formation, with a focus on the technology, media and telecommunications industry.

The office's opening date and the number of lawyers set to accompany Wang in the new base are yet to be confirmed.

Simmons managing partner Mark Dawkins said: "China is a key area of expansion for the firm, and the opening of a Beijing office is part of our commitment to build upon and develop our strength in the region."

Simmons country head of the firm's China offices Paul Li added: "We have been in China for over 30 years and the hire of this excellent and seasoned practitioner further demonstrates our commitment to growth in the region."

Simmons first applied for a Beijing licence in 2004. It deferred the project after suffering a five-partner walkout from its Hong Kong office in 2006, when a team including former China managing partner Huen Wong quit to join US firm Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson.

Michael Hickman, who also left for Fried Frank at that time, rejoined Simmons' Shanghai office as a senior counsel earlier this month after 18 months as a partner at Dechert.

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