Singapore Big Four law firm Rajah & Tann has added Michelle Li to its Shenzhen office as the new head of its international arbitration, construction and projects practices in China from Herbert Smith Freehills. 

Li will take over from Hew Kian Heong, who joined Rajah & Tann in early 2024, and now heads the Shenzhen representative office. Hew was previously also at Herbert Smith Freehills, where he headed the construction and infrastructure disputes at HSF’s China joint operation firm Kewei. 

With over 20 years of experience in construction and infrastructure disputes, Li advises Chinese and international clients on complex contracts, claims, disputes and transactional matters across diverse sectors, including energy, chemicals, mining, rail and power generation.

Prior to joining HSF in 2017, Li worked at Pinsent Masons.

“We are delighted to welcome Michelle to the Rajah & Tann Asia family. She has far-reaching experience in advising Chinese and international clients on complex infrastructure projects and cross-border disputes. Combined with her deep understanding of the Chinese market, she will greatly strengthen our ability to offer market-leading advice in China-related disputes,” said Patrick Ang, the firm’s managing partner, in a statement.

The addition of Li comes after the firm officially set up its Shenzhen office in the fourth quarter of 2024, having received approval from China’s Ministry of Justice in July. 

Till date, a total of seven foreign law firms, including Bird & Bird, Morgan Lewis, and HFW, have established representative offices in Shenzhen.