Sidley Austin appoints new top man in Asia

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood has appointed William Fifield as the managing partner of the firm’s Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore offices.

Fifield, who is currently managing partner of Sidley’s Dallas office, is due to take over from Kenneth Cote in March 2005.

Fifield's 33-year career with Sidley has spanned a number of firm’s practice areas, including international law, joint ventures and distribution agreements. He is also an experienced litigator. He also served as Kimberley-Clark’s board member between 1995 and 2003.

Cote, will return to the firm’s New York corporate practice after seven years in China.