Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance and Shanghai He Ping Law Firm have established a joint operation office in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ), following approval from the Shanghai Justice Bureau.
The joint operation will focus on providing legal services across corporate and M&A, as well as financial regulation, antitrust, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
Shanghai He Ping Law Firm, founded in 1993 by partners Guo Huiming and Cheng Jingwen, ranks among Shanghai's earliest law firms. Initially under the direct supervision of the Shanghai Justice Bureau, it restructured into a partnership in 2009.
According to public records, Guo, a Fudan University graduate, began practicing law in 1985, specializing in foreign-related legal matters. Co-founder Cheng, previously with the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Federation, was among the early practitioners in overseas Chinese-related legal services.
Key practice heads at He Ping include Ma Yun, who focuses on cross-border investment with expertise in the industrial manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, and consumer retail sectors; Liu Tianfeng, who leads financial regulatory compliance; and Peng Xuqiu, who heads the intellectual property practice.
The firm currently has 28 lawyers, according to the Shanghai Bar Association.
In 2021, He Ping relocated to Shanghai's Lujiazui district, marking a strategic shift toward international practice.
"He Ping has a deep understanding of PRC law and extensive experience in advising on China-related matters. We greatly appreciate the guidance and support of the Shanghai Bureau of Justice for the Joint Operation and look forward to further enhancing our cooperation with Clifford Chance," said Guo and Cheng in a joint statement.
Added Connie Heng, regional managing partner, Asia Pacific at Clifford Chance: "We are very grateful to the Shanghai Bureau of Justice for their approval and are excited about the opportunities the Joint Operation will bring for our clients. Clifford Chance has been operating in China for 40 years with a leading market position, and we look forward to further strengthening the capabilities we can offer our clients with our Joint Operation partner, He Ping."
The Shanghai FTZ's joint operation pilot programme, launched in 2014, has approved eight such partnerships to date, with most established before 2020.
