Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr (WilmerHale) has announced the closure of its Beijing office after two decades of operation, marking a significant shift as U.S. law firms reevaluate their presence in China’s evolving legal landscape.
In a statement released Tuesday, the firm noted, “Like many others, WilmerHale has evaluated our global footprint and has made the decision to close our office in Beijing.” Despite this closure, the firm is committed to supporting clients engaged in trade, sanctions, export control, anti-money laundering, and corporate transactions involving China and beyond.
The Beijing office, which has been WilmerHale’s sole location in Asia, will officially close by the end of November, with operations concluding by the expiration of its lease in March. Currently, four active attorneys, including two partners, operate out of the Beijing office.
WilmerHale opened its Beijing location in November 2004, shortly after the merger of Boston-based Hale and Dorr with Washington, D.C.-based Wilmer Cutler Pickering. At the time, the firm described the Beijing outpost as “an integral part of our broad international practice.”
This decision reflects a broader trend among U.S. law firms withdrawing from China, driven by economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and a decline in deal activity. Recently, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom also announced the closure of its Shanghai office, citing “shifting market dynamics.” Other prominent firms, including Reed Smith, Perkins Coie, Dechert, Morrison & Foerster, and Sidley Austin, have similarly downsized their operations in major Chinese cities.
As WilmerHale pivots its focus, it remains dedicated to meeting the needs of its clients worldwide, navigating the complexities of international trade and corporate law.
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