Perkins Coie has commenced the process of closing its Beijing office and will shift its strategic focus in China to Shenzhen, the firm confirmed to ALB.

This move follows the firm’s decision to close its Shanghai office in March this year, marking another adjustment in its operations within mainland China. Perkins Coie has now become the ninth foreign law firm this year to relook its operations in China, following Reed Smith’s recent announcement to close its Beijing office last week.

The Beijing office of Perkins Coie, established in 2001, currently has 11 staff members, including four partners, five lawyers, and two business support personnel, according to its official website.

Among them, Scott J. Palmer serves as the managing partner of the Beijing office, though he divides his time between Beijing and New York. Partner Geoffrey Vance, who previously served as the managing partner of the now-closed Shanghai office, and partner Michael House, who also relocated from Shanghai, split their time between Beijing and the U.S. Partner James Zimmerman is primarily based in Beijing.

Perkins Coie has not yet disclosed the future plans for its Beijing employees.

Perkins Coie explained that Shenzhen, as a fast-growing tech hub in China, has experienced “explosive growth,” which is the driving force behind the firm's strategic shift. "The move will enable Perkins Coie to better serve its China clients in the fast-growing tech hub of Shenzhen - including the firm’s strengths advising on IP and patent litigation issues as well as corporate law, international trade, and trademark matters."

In 2019, Perkins Coie established an IP Agency in Beijing, with a branch in Shenzhen. The firm revealed that it “hoped to have more news to share regarding our planned Shenzhen office opening soon.”

“We remain committed to our presence in Asia and look forward to continuing to advise many high-tech companies and entrepreneurs across Asia,” Perkins Coie stated.