Cadwalader to Close Hong Kong, Beijing Offices, Lay Off 25 Lawyers

After several months of discussions, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft will shutter two offices in China — in Hong Kong and Beijing — and with it, lay off 25 lawyers, the firm’s managing partner Pat Quinn told Big Law Business in an interview this week.

The two offices, which staff four equity partners, will close by Dec. 31, he said.

“It’s a very difficult decision because these are good people,” said Quinn, at a 40th floor conference room table in Cadwalader’s downtown Manhattan office. “…but it’s something we have to do to fit a more focused strategy.”

The decision, being announced to partners ...