Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP announced Tuesday that it will close its Beijing office following a strategic review of its presence in mainland China. The move comes after months of consideration and reflects the firm’s shift toward strengthening its foothold in other parts of Asia, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, and a potential return to Singapore.

Beijing Office Closure and Partner Transition

Eversheds confirmed that Jay Ze, the firm’s only partner based in Beijing and head of its China corporate practice, has left the firm. Ze is now a partner with Stephenson Harwood LLP in London, where he has taken on a new role in their corporate team. Eversheds expressed gratitude for Ze’s contributions and wished him success in his new position.

The decision to close the Beijing office was first hinted at in July 2023 when the firm disclosed it was evaluating its Beijing presence. This review took place against the backdrop of a cooperation agreement signed last year with King & Wood Mallesons (KWM), a move that has enabled Eversheds to serve its clients in mainland China through a mutual referral model with KWM.

Commitment to Asia: Focus on Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore

Despite the Beijing office closure, Eversheds remains committed to the Asian market. The firm emphasized that its Hong Kong and Shanghai offices remain central to its strategy in the region and are not under review. In addition, Eversheds is planning to re-establish a branded presence in Singapore and is preparing to file a formal application with local regulators. The firm had previously exited Singapore in 2020, ending its merger with the Harry Elias Partnership.

Eversheds’ spokesperson reiterated that the cooperation with KWM has been highly effective in its first year, resulting in numerous referrals and new business. This alliance has also led to staffing growth, with Eversheds integrating teams from KWM, including 11 staff members in Frankfurt and a 23-person unit in London.

Eversheds To Close Beijing Office : Strategic Partnership with King & Wood Mallesons

KWM, with origins in Australia and China, operates as a Swiss verein, which allows its international offices to function independently while sharing branding and strategy. Through this structure, Eversheds can provide clients with seamless access to legal services in mainland China, leveraging KWM’s strong domestic network.

This strategic pivot enables Eversheds Sutherland to focus on high-demand legal markets within Asia while leveraging partnerships to support client needs across the region. The firm’s streamlined approach underscores its ongoing commitment to Asia’s growth potential in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.