Fulbright & Jaworski has opened in Beijing, giving the Texan oil and gas specialist its second Asian office.

The firm has maintained an office in Hong Kong since 1990, and will transfer partners Jeffrey Blount and Michael Arruda from the city to Beijing.

Blount will take the dual role of Hong Kong and Beijing managing partner, and is also co-head of the firm’s international department. Arruda is head of the firm’s Asian energy practice.

Blount said: “China continues to be among the most dynamic and important markets for many of our global clients.”

Fulbright chairman Steve Pfeiffer said: “Our China-related practice has grown rapidly during the past several years. Beijing is a natural step for us.”