Wilson Sonsini opens new office in Shanghai

As first revealed on www.thelawyer.com (2 August), corporate securities partner Carmen Chang has rejoined Wilson Sonsini from rival Shearman & Sterling to lead its Asian push.

The Silicon Valley firm is looking to open an office in Shanghai, although this is dependent on the firm's application for a licence being approved by the Chinese Ministry of Justice.

Chang has returned to the firm to lead its China practice. She rejoins as a partner, having quit for Shearman in 2003, and will become a member of the firm's policy committee.

Chang will be supported by corporate and securities partner Don Williams, who is overseeing the firm's licence application, and corporate finance partner Lucas Chang.

Wilson Sonsini, which is headquartered in Palo Alto and which operates eight offices around the US, has been considering opening in China for almost a year.

The firm currently has a standing agreement with leading Chinese firm King & Wood to use office space in its Beijing premises. In return, the Chinese firm leases space in Wilson Sonsini's Palo Alto headquarters.