Energy-focused U.S. law firm Baker Botts has become the latest firm to announce plans to shutter its Beijing office. The 13-year-old office currently has five partners and three associates.
With that, Baker Botts becomes the second American and fourth international law firm this year, after Vinson & Elkins, Stephenson Harwood and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP), to depart from the Chinese capital.
According to a statement from managing partner John Martin, the decision was “not taken lightly,” but “in the best interests of the firm and its clients.”
The firm also reportedly reduced its headcount by 50 people globally.
In China, Baker Botts continues to maintain an office in Hong Kong . That office opened in 2005.
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