Buzz

Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP announced that senior securities lawyer Woon-Wah Siu, formerly with Chicago 's Bell Boyd & Lloyd, will join the firm's Shanghai office as of counsel. Originally from Hong Kong, Ms. Siu practiced as a securities lawyer in the United States for over 14 years.

Chris Xiaoyun Lin, formerly a labor counsel at General Electric Company for Greater China, joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Beijing as a senior counsel and will support the firm's emerging public policy practice in China. During his time at GE, Lin supervised all labor matters in the six GE business groups in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong .

Covington & Burling LLP ( Washington, DC – based law firm) opened an office in Beijing.  The office is the first in Asia for Covington, which maintains offices in Brussels, London, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. Covington partner, Stuart Stock, who served as chair of the firm's management committee for six years, relocated to Beijing to head the new office.  Mr. Cao Yu, a former partner at Haiwen & Partners, has joined the new office.

Voice

Is your work place GREAT?

Motivating workers is a key role for management. Managers devise various incentives to increase productivity and output. Law firm managers are not different, in this respect, from managers of commercial enterprises.

High compensation—compared to other industries—is certainly a strong motivator for professional and non-professional staff in law firms. Is it enough? At a certain point, as fatigue sets in, studies show that additional compensation does not result in increases in productivity. Managers need ways to boost morale and energize weary workers.

Law firm output depends on knowledge workers performing together in teams. Thus, law firm managers must work to improve working relationships among lawyers and staff. To perform with maximum efficiency and effect, all team members should be thinking—not merely responding to orders. Each member should have an attitude of ownership in the final output.

Firm-wide activities, including lawyers and support staff together, provide an opportunity to improve team relationships; to acknowledge the value of each individual. Progressive law firm managers use fun and interesting firm activities to build rapport and team spirit. Workers with good spirit, in addition to being more productive, are more likely to be retained by their firms.

Office outings

A quick survey of top tier PRC and international firms shows that many law firms are investing significantly in outings for the enjoyment of their legal teams. Information is for the last 12 months.

Sports activities

Basketball and football matches are also popular among lawyers. In June 2008, Paul Hastings (SH) completed in a friendly basketball game with Baker & McKenzie (SH). A football match between Jun He (SH) and Freshfields (SH) was held the same month.

In May 2008, 14 lawyers from Allens Arthur Robinson Beijing and Shanghai offices joined an invading army of 1600 to take on Great Wall Marathon.

GOOD work places provide a comfortable work space and compensation based on market rates. GREAT places to work provide the same—and energize the workers.

Fun

A university committee was selecting a new dean. They narrowed the candidate list to three—a mathematician, an economist and a lawyer.

In an interview, each was asked: "How much is two plus two?"

The mathematician answered immediately, "Four."

The economist thought for several minutes…….and finally answered. "Four—plus or minus one."

Vacancies

LawInn team is constantly working to bring you the best choice of legal opportunities in China. Here's just a small selection of the positions we are currently handling:

Legal Counsel – Beijing – Ref: LPC07401
One of the world's largest manufacturers of heavy trucks is looking for Legal Counsel, based in Beijing. 5 -10 years of experience with international law firm or corporate law department of MNC is highly favored. Contact Ally Zhang at (010) 5869-4748 or email.

China Legal Counsel – Shanghai – Ref: LPC08101
This is a world-leader in ink jet and laser technologies offering total coding and printing solutions. The company started its China operations in 1995, and it is currently present in 14 cities across China. They are looking for China Legal Counsel, based in Shanghai. Contact Caroline Wang at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

IP Team Leader – Shanghai – Ref: LPF04812
This is a reputable law firm, which is strategically aligned with an international law firm with a network of more than ten offices in the United States and Europe. The firm's IP team is looking for team leader to handle transactional and counseling matters related to electronic engineering industry. Contact Susan Guo at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Associate – Shanghai – Ref: LPF02607
It is a top Wall Street firm from the United States. Major practice groups include M&A, private equity, capital markets, banking and real estate.The firm’s Shanghai office is seeking an Associate with strong experience in Corporate/PE. Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Employment Lawyer – Shanghai – Ref: LPF02819
It is a leading international law firm. The firm's Employment group in China provides advice on a wide range of employment-related issues. 4 – 5 years of solid experience with Employment practice, plus Corporate practice experience will be ideal. Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Japanese Speaking Lawyer – Shanghai – Ref: LPF04824
This is a reputable law firm which is strategically aligned with an international law firm with a network of more than ten offices in the United States and Europe. The growing Japanese legal practice of the firm is seeking a Japanese speaking lawyer to join its Shanghai office. Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

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