Paul Weiss Closing in Beijing as Big Law Retrenches in China (1)

Paul Weiss plans to shutter its office in Beijing by the end of the year, joining a raft of Big Law firms who have reduced their presence in China in recent months.

The firm’s Beijing office, which was launched in 1981, lists one partner, a counsel, and two associates, according to Paul Weiss’ website.

“We remain committed to having a strong presence across Asia, including in Hong Kong and Tokyo, and will continue to provide the highest-quality service to our clients in all of our global offices,” a firm spokeswoman said in a statement.

More than a dozen US law firms have closed offices or reduced their footprint in mainland China over the past year. The list includes WilmerHale; Kirkland & Ellis; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Perkins Coie; Weil, Gotshal & Manges; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe; Sidley Austin; Dechert; and Winston & Strawn.

Dentons, which had perhaps the largest presence in China, separated from its mainland Chinese practice in 2023, citing compliance with a data regulation law the country passed.

The moves come as relations between the US and China have deteriorated. The US this week imposed greater export controls on chipmaking equipment to China. China responded by banning exports of some metals to the US.

Law firms have pivoted to focus on Singapore, though the region is dealing with a slow market for M&A, the type of big-ticket work that drives revenue for law operations.

Paul Weiss’ Beijing closure was first reported by The New York Times.