France's Lefèvre Pelletier boosts China practice with TransAsia hire

Meril joins Lefèvre Pelletier from Chinese firm TransAsia Lawyers, a corporate practice with a focus on technology, where he was special counsel. He helped found the Shanghai office of rival French firm CMS Francis Lefebvre and was a partner there from 2007 until joining TransAsia in 2010.

Lefèvre Pelletier now has three French partners in Shanghai, part of an eight-lawyer team in the city. The firm also has offices in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Meril will be charged with developing the corporate practice at his new firm. He also brings expertise in IP and tax law.

The hire will also strengthen Lefèvre Pelletier’s links with TransAsia. The firm has alliances with Australia’s Freehills and Canada’s Torys and also collaborates with UK firms Harbottle & Lewis and Osborne Clarke.