China’s Zhong Lun Boosts its Hong Kong Operations

Zhong Lun Law Firm, a premiere international law firm in China with over 300 lawyers, is now leveling-up its international presence with a new merger deal in Hong Kong effective in February. The firm’s six-lawyer Hong Kong affiliate, Roger Ho & Co, has sealed its deal with another Hong Kong firm, Boughton, Peterson, Young, Anderson (BPYA), which has 21 lawyers. The merger is expected to triple the size of Zhong Lun’s operations in Hong Kong. Once the merger takes place, Zhong Lun will have the biggest Hong Kong office of any mainland Chinese firm, with nine partners and 18 associates. Zhong Lun will be second in rank next to King & Wood, which has over 60 lawyers in Hong Kong.

Zhang Xuebing, Zhong Lun managing partner, explained that the expansion is in direct response to the fact that Hong Kong is now one of the most competitive markets in the world. She said that expanding in Hong Kong is major step to strengthen the firm’s worldwide presence. “This is a significant expansion for us. Hong Kong will be that bridge that links us to the international market.” She added that the new merger deal will further bolster the firm’s areas of practice and services. “Our association with Roger Ho & Co was aimed at tackling the Hong Kong capital markets work, and the association with BPYA will help us focus more on cross-border M&A work.” Zhang also said that given the competitive market in Hong Kong, rivals like Jun He Law Offices and Grandall, will surely launch their own expansion in the country soon.

Zhang also disclosed that Zhong Lun is now looking for partners to expand in New York. She added that the firm wants to broaden its scope to attract more US-based clients.