15 July 2004 – LAWFUEL – Leading international law firm, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, today announced the opening of its new offices in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China granted the firm the requisite license for the opening on July 7, 2004. The new office is located at 4101 CITIC Square, 1168 Nanjing Road West, Shanghai (Tel: 8621 3217 4618).
The firm is also pleased to announce that Steven Xiang will be joining the firm and will become the managing partner of the new Shanghai office. Mr Xiang has extensive experience in M&A, private equity, international securities offerings, as well as joint ventures and restructurings. He has previously worked in New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai for leading international law firms. Mr Xiang is qualified in New York and Hong Kong and for the past eight years he has focused his practice primarily upon transactions in mainland China.
Bill Sievers, the partner responsible for leading Weil Gotshal’s expansion in Asia, will be relocating from Singapore to join Mr Xiang in the Shanghai office.
Weil Gotshal’s Chairman Stephen J. Dannhauser said, “We have been looking at China for some time now. In our judgment, there are enormous opportunities as China emerges to take its place on the world stage. Our new office will be able to capitalise upon the growing demands from our existing client base and with Steven’s contacts and knowledge of the local market, we believe we will be able to forge strong, new relationships. This is an exciting venture for the firm.”
Mr Xiang said, “Weil Gotshal has taken enormous strides over the past few years and I believe it has the potential to be one of the top two or three law firms in the world. The desire and drive amongst the partners is second to none. Combining our local experience and contacts and Weil’s existing client list creates an extremely exciting opportunity for us here in Shanghai.”
Bill Sievers said, “Having worked in Asia for the last few years, I’m well aware of the tremendous potential of China. We are starting our operations in Shanghai because it is the business and commercial centre of China. Steven is one of the top international lawyers practicing in the PRC. I think we’ll make a great team. Our initial focus will be on crossborder M&A, private equity and international securities offerings.”
Recent Awards
“Law Firm of the Year” for the Americas (Global Counsel 2003),
“Czech Law Firm of the Year 2003” (IFLR Awards 2004)
“Law Firm of the Year France” (Chambers Global Awards 2004),
“US Private Equity Law Firm of the Year” (Chambers Global Awards 2004)
“US Law Firm of the Year in London” (The Lawyer Awards 2004)
“Partner of the Year” (The Lawyer Awards 2004)
