Sydney 27 June 2005: Blake Dawson Waldron (BDW) has enhanced its China practice with the appointment of one of its most experienced international partners, Justin Shmith, to its long established Shanghai office.
Presently a partner in Melbourne, Justin practises in the projects, corporate and corporate finance areas. He also has corporate advisory experience at an Australian investment bank and is a former Blake Dawson Waldron Board member.
Justin will join a strong team of lawyers in Shanghai, including Li Ping and Trevor Goh.
In making the announcement, BDW managing partner, John Atkin, said: “Justin’s appointment to our China practice recognises the growing depth and complexity of our work in the region.
“BDW is a leading Australian firm in China and was one of the first to set up an office there seven years ago. Our decision to relocate a senior partner with an impressive international track-record will greatly enhance our capacity to assist on outbound investment from China as well as in performing the more traditional role of the Shanghai office in assisting with investments in China.”
Justin has significant experience working on a range of major projects including the re-franchising of the Victorian public transport network and major international infrastructure related investments. He has also worked on several major public private partnership (PPP) projects. Justin has presented on PPP projects in China and has advised Australian corporations on investments into China.
“The combination of China’s established position as an investment destination and its emergence as an investor in Australia and the region as it globalises, makes this a particularly exciting time to be in China.
“The level of service demanded of all lawyers in China has been increasing and we want to ensure that the quality of our service is consistent with our commitment to be a leading Australasian firm in China. Over time, this will see us strengthen our China practice as we build on our existing core client base, mainly in the resources sector. I am looking forward to being a part of its future development,” he said.
China colleague Li Ping joined the Shanghai office when it was established in 1998. She has particularly extensive experience acting for Chinese corporates, and leads the firm’s relationship with a number of China’s largest companies. Trevor Goh has wide project and infrastructure experience acting for, amongst others, inbound investors to China.
For further information contact:
Tim Graves
Media & Public Relations Manager
02 9258 6237 m: 0414 413 553
e-mail: tim.graves@bdw.com