U.S. law firm Perkins Coie has announced the closure of its Shanghai office, making it the latest international law firm to scale back operations in mainland China.
Since June 2023, both Proskauer Rose and Akin Gump have announced the closures of their Beijing offices, and Latham shuttered in Shanghai.
A spokesperson for the Seattle-based Perkins Coie confirmed the news to ALB, stating, "We are providing significant support to our lawyers and staff in Shanghai during this transition and truly appreciate their commitment to the firm and our clients."
Despite the closure, the spokesperson emphasized, "China has one of the world's most dynamic technology and business markets for established companies, venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurs, and we remain committed as a firm to our China practice and clients."
Perkins Coie still has a presence in the Greater China region. with offices in Beijing and Taipei. In November 2019, the firm established a China IP agency, led by Scott J. Palmer from its Beijing office, which also has a branch in Shenzhen.
Established in 2006, the Shanghai office of Perkins Coie specialized in intellectual property and litigation, regulatory and government affairs, and foreign direct investment, serving mainly technology companies within and out of China. The firm's website currently lists eight staff members in Shanghai, including one resident partner, Jun Lu, and three resident senior consultants.
