U.S. law firm Kirkland & Ellis has seen a third partner exit from its Hong Kong office in February alone, with investment funds partner Wang Shinong joining DLA Piper as an of counsel.
Wang’s departure from Kirkland Hong Kong follows those of commercial litigation partner Paul Quinn, who joined Herbert Smith Freehills, and private equity and M&A partner Gary Li, who moved to PRC outfit Zhong Lun Law Firm.
With a focus on private investment funds, liquidity solutions, investment management and regulatory advice, Wang was part of the Kirkland team that advised private equity firm GL Capital on its $1.13 billion take-private offer for Hong Kong-listed SciClone Pharmaceuticals.
He joined Kirkland in 2021 for a second stint – having started his legal career at that firm – and became a partner in 2022. Prior to that, he worked at Debevoise & Plimpton and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
With Wang’s hire, DLA Piper now has 28 lawyers in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Kirkland has 42 lawyers, including 29 partners.
