In a significant move aimed at expanding their global reach, Eversheds Sutherland, a prominent international law firm, and China's King & Wood Malleson (KWM) have announced a strategic cooperation agreement. The deal, unveiled on Thursday, is set to strengthen the legal services offered by both firms in key markets.
Under this partnership, Eversheds Sutherland's extensive operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will collaborate with King & Wood Malleson's China branch to provide legal support for clients seeking assistance in China. In return, KWM China will refer all clients requiring legal advice in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America to Eversheds International.
While this collaboration is extensive, it does not encompass KWM's Hong Kong and Australian arms. However, both branches have fully supported the deal, indicating a cooperative spirit in the broader alliance. Similarly, the cooperation agreement does not extend to Eversheds' U.S. branch, a product of the 2017 merger between London-based Eversheds and Atlanta's Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.
It's important to note that this partnership will not impact Eversheds' operations in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. These locations are subject to regulatory restrictions concerning international law firms' advisory and representation services in China.
A spokesperson from Eversheds assured that business would continue as usual for their offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Meanwhile, KWM China takes pride in being one of the pioneer law firms with a private partnership structure to establish a presence in China.
This cooperation agreement represents a significant step forward for both Eversheds Sutherland and King & Wood Malleson, allowing them to harness each other's strengths and bolster their presence in crucial markets. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, this alliance positions both firms for tremendous success on the global stage.
