Weil Gotshal opens in China with CC hire

Weil Gotshal & Manges has joined the growing throng of US firms targeting China by opening a new office in Shanghai.

The firm, which has been scouting out the region for a number of months, obtained its license to open the office, which took place on 7 July, from the Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China.

At the same time Weil Gotshal has recruited Steven Xiang, previously a partner at Clifford Chance’s Shanghai office, to head up the new base where be will become managing partner. Bill Sievers, who is responsible for leading Weil Gotshal’s expansion in Asia will be relocating to join Xiang in Shanghai.

Xiang, an M&A, private equity and securities expert, joined Clifford Chance in early 2002 from Pillsbury Winthrop’s Hong Kong office.

Since the beginning of this year a number of US law firms have either opened new offices or expanded in China, most recently Squire Sanders & Dempsey also made the leap into Shanghai with a new office.