King & Wood appointed Rupert Li, former Beijing chief representative and partner of Clifford Chance, as international managing partner to lead the expansion of the firm’s international business.  Li will split his time between Hong Kong and Beijing.

CMS appointed Steve Yu as partner and head of IP for CMS Shanghai.  Yu previously served with Eversheds.  He has rich experience in advising clients on cross-border IP licensing, establishment and operation of R&D centers, IP portfolio management, IP due diligence and enforcement of IP rights in civil and criminal actions.

About billing rates...

Along with the demand for legal services in China picking up in 2010 we wondered about law firm billing rates.  We note an Altman Weil Flash Survey (www.altmanweil.com) reporting that US law firms project an average overall 3.2% rate increase for 2010.  What about in China?

Our informal survey shows many firms raising rates from reduced rates instituted in 2009.  Some firms are holding rates for clients.  Most firms report being busy, though with total output reduced from the 2008 peak because of reduced head count. 

One top tier international firm we found representative.  Their billing rates for different levels of fee earners are up about 6% in 2010 over depressed 2009 levels.  Overall, the 2010 rates are then only a little above the peak rates of middle 2008, before the financial crisis.

We continue to see a wide gap between hourly billing rates charged by international firms and domestic Chinese law firms.  Chinese firms charge much lower than international firms.  We did not find any evidence that the gap between the two groups changed as a result of the financial crisis.

The chart and graph capture the information.

2010 Partner hourly billing rate of law firms in China (Shanghai offices)

2010 Partner hourly billing rate (USD/hour)

Notes:

Sample size

• 25 law firms located in Shanghai, including 13 international law firms (11 US/UK firms; 2 European firms) and 12 domestic law firms (with more than 4 offices)
• 42 partners, including 17 in international law firms (14 US/UK firms; 2 European firms) and 25 in domestic law firms

Methodology: Informal data collection from individual contacts; precise numbers may vary

The lower rates charged by domestic law firms provide considerable price advantage for domestic firms in attracting clients.  This price advantage in favor of partners in domestic firms becomes their disadvantage when these same partners attempt to move to an international firm—their clients may not choose to follow.  With many international law firms in China seeking to expand their teams by attracting senior lawyers from domestic firms, the wide rate gap slows the process. 

Over time, with the maturing of legal services in China, we would expect to see the rate gap move from a comparison of international and domestic firms.  The gap will move to a comparison between firms—whether international or domestic—performing sophisticated and complex work and those performing routine work.

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

IP Attorney – Shanghai – 6+yrs – Ref: LPC11701
This is a one of the world’s leading manufacturing companies, supplying a wide range of injection molding equipment and services.  Currently, the company is seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacancy of IP Attorney, to be based in Shanghai.  Contact Susan Guo at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

French speaking lawyer – Shanghai – 2+yrs – Ref: LPF10702
This is a leading French law firm.  The firm has more than 10 offices and 200 lawyers worldwide.  Currently, the firm is looking for qualified candidates to fill the vacancy of French speaking lawyer, to be located in Shanghai. Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Legal Counsel – Shanghai – 3-6yrs – Ref: LPC04902
This is a European-based international provider of asset-based financing products.  Globally, the company has a presence in more than 30 countries.  Currently, the company is seeking a Legal Counsel, to be based in Shanghai.  Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Corporate Associate – Shanghai – 4-5yrs – Ref: LPF08203
This is a Spanish-based law firm.  The firm’s 900 lawyers specialize in commercial legal practice and litigation with its financial and tax practice.  Currently, the firm is looking for Corporate Associate to join its Shanghai office. Contact Jolie Hu at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Legal Counsel – Shanghai – 3+yrs – Ref: LPC11801
This is a prestigious multinational corporation with a long history.  The company produces a variety of construction and high-performance materials.  Currently, the company is seeking Legal Counsel, to be located in Shanghai.  Contact Jolie Hu at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Senior Corporate Lawyer – Shanghai – 6-8yrs – Ref: LPF10402
This is a reputable Italian law firm.  The firm provides integrated legal advice.  It has more than 300 attorneys working in offices worldwide.  Currently, the firm is seeking Senior Corporate Lawyer, to be based in Shanghai.  Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

BD Assistant – Beijing – 3+yrs – Ref: LPF04227
This is one of the world’s largest law firms and listed among the top-tier UK law firms.  The firm operates as one team for China projects.  Currently, the Beijing office is seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacancy of BD Assistant.  Contact Linda Li at (010) 5100-0696 or email.

For more positions, please click http://www.lawinn.net/service2.asp