Buzz

Fabiola M. Suwanto joined Bryan Cave as principal in the firm's Shanghai office. Suwanto will practice with the firm's Private Client and International Trade Groups. Suwanto is Indonesian Chinese and grew up in Singapore. Her practice focuses on assisting expatriates in China and Asia with their international estate planning and estate and trust matters.

Competition lawyer Martyn Huckerby left Clifford Chance and returned to Mallesons Stephen Jacques where he was once an associate in the firm's Sydney office. Based in the Shanghai office, Huckerby has been mostly active in cases involving the new Anti-Monopoly law.

Seven corporate partners in Allen & Overy's Hong Kong office quit the firm to join Latham & Watkins. The group includes the firm's two top partners in its China and Hong Kong group: Asia corporate chief Michael Liu and China group head Kenneth Chan. The other partners are Jane Ng, Simon Berry, Stanley Chow, William Woo and Cathy Yeung. The departures leave four partners in the Magic Circle firm's Hong Kong corporate group.

US-based law firm Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference developed an unofficial affiliation with Chinese firm Grandall Legal Group by appointing Grandall partner James Li as a visiting attorney. Li will join Sichenzia's Asian practice group for the next few months to boost the firm's connections with the Chinese market, furthering the firm's experience with Chinese companies intending to become public and accessing capital in the US.

Vinson & Elkins advised Sinopec International Petroleum (SIPC), the international trading arm of Chinese energy giant Sinopec Corp, in connection with SIPC's cash offer worth $1.9 billion for Toronto-listed Tanganyika Oil. If consummated, the acquisition would be one of the largest takeovers by a Chinese acquirer of a North American-listed public company.

China's first Sino-foreign managed law school, China-EU School of Law (CESL), opened in Beijing with a ceremony attended by Vice Premier Li Keqiang and European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso. CESL is part of the China University of Political Science and Law. Jointly operated by 16 Chinese and European universities, CESL aims to cultivate a new generation of comprehensively trained law professionals proficient in international legal procedure.

On October 27, Pittsburgh law firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis (G&L Gates) hosted a reception at Ritz Carton Hotel in Shanghai to celebrate the opening of its new office, the 25th for the firm. The Shanghai office will support the corporate, finance and regulatory work K&L Gates performs for international and Chinese companies.

Martin Hu, who founded Boss & Young in 1999 with other partners, has recently established Martin Hu & Partners (the MHP Law Firm). In 2008, Hu was elected to the Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference for a five-year term.

Voice

Is your golden career SECURE?

Law firms in China are not immune from the global economic downturn. While not yet as severe as in the US, the impact is evident. Fewer firms are actively recruiting new hires. A couple of lawyers in a mainland office of one leading US firm told us that they are in a panic as they see colleagues leaving without notice. They fear being laid off because this firm's business is declining sharply. Several Hong Kong lawyers called, anxiously inquiring about opportunities to relocate to mainland China.

As the negative news spreads, and the business decline is felt more directly in China, most lawyers will be considering how to secure their golden careers. Here are some suggestions.

Don't panic; stay positive

If you are starting to worry about losing your job, take time to think more critically about your own particular situation. Be proactive and positive. No one ever makes progress with a sad face and poor attitude. Use the same talent and skill you provide to clients to consider the best career plan for you. Continue to do high-quality legal work. Don't sit around waiting for partners and clients to call. Find out if anything needs to be done, and do it. Find out which partners have work, and show interest in what they are doing.

Consider temporary shifting

If another department — such as litigation, employment or bankruptcy—gets busy at your firm, try to pick up some projects in those departments. Look for ways to show that you can add value in another area. But, remember that this downturn will not last. Do not grab work in a “hot” area today that may not suit you in the long term. Try to find the right match for your skills, personality and interests. After this difficult period, you will do better in your best-fit practice area.

Build relationships

When you focus on building relationships with other professionals, you create opportunities to connect with these professionals if you do find yourself in a job hunt. Much valuable information you need in a job hunt is found in the heads of the people in your profession. It's imperative that you network with your legal circle — law school classmates, lawyers in other firms and your recruiting consultant. Do it before you actually need their help.

Take some time for yourself

If you find yourself in a real slowdown, consider ways to upgrade your education. Take some legal education programs if possible. Take time to organize your office, your computer, your work systems to make you more efficient. Even consider taking vacation time and time with your family. A slow period can present a valuable opportunity to recuperate and prepare for the time with things are busy again.

Fun

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:

Senior Corporate Lawyer – Beijing/Shanghai – Ref: LPC05004
This is a leading US law firm with nearly 1000 lawyers and 18 offices worldwide (three offices in greater China area). Currently, it is seeking Corporate lawyer(s) with at least 5 years practice experience to join its corporate team. Contact Ally Zhang at (010) 5869-4748 or email.

Associate (French speaking lawyer) – Shanghai – Ref: LPF08701
Based in Paris, it is one of the foremost independent law firms in France with more than 150 lawyers worldwide. With the growth of its China practice, the firm is looking for Associate with French proficiency to join its Shanghai office. Contact Angel Xin at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Paralegal (Spanish speaking lawyer) – Shanghai – Ref: LPF08801
This is a reputable US firm, which was selected as Chambers and Partners as US Law Firm of the Year for excellence in legal services in jurisdictions around the world in 2007. The firm recently opened its office in Shanghai. They are now looking for Spanish speaking lawyer with a couple of years of work experience. Contact Jolie Hu at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Senior IP Attorney – Shanghai – Ref: LPF02821
This is a well-known international law firm with an extensive range of legal services organized around several global practice groups. The firm's Technology, Media and Commercial (TMC) group is seeking one Senior IP attorney (7+ PQE). Contact Susan Guo at (021) 6249-2300 or email.

Legal Counsel – Shanghai – Ref: LPC08003
It is the world's leading supplier of auto parts. The company operates over 30 legal entities in China and has a holding company in Shanghai. The company is now seeking China Legal Counsel. Contact Caroline Wang at (021) 6249-2300 or email .

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