European law firm announces merger with Chinese firm 

European law firm Fieldfisher announces its latest merger with Chinese firm, JS Partners. The merger, structured as a Swiss Verein, takes effect from today – 15th November 2016 – and sees JS Partners adopt the new name ‘FeiShi’ and the Fieldfisher brand.

Based in Beijing, the 12 partner firm was established in 2008.  Many of the firm’s lawyers previously worked at large international firms and have studied or worked abroad.  This allows its lawyers to provide clients with an international perspective when manoeuvring through the nuances of the Chinese legal environment.  JS Partners specialise in antitrust and competition, capital markets, corporate, dispute resolution, employment, inbound investment, intellectual property and outbound investment; and its sectors include: TMT, retail, logistics, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure.  Its clients range from global 500 companies, leading state-owned enterprises, as well as small and medium companies.

Michael Chissick, managing partner of Fieldfisher, says: “We are delighted to welcome JS Partners into the Fieldfisher brand.  The firm’s experience and drive struck a chord with our own vision and growth ambitions.

“This is the third merger in the last six months that we’ve had as a firm.  Last week we merged with commercial firm Hill Hofstetter, and in July month we joined up with SASPI in Italy through a Swiss Verein structure.  Our merger with JS Partners gives a great platform for growth in China.  In each instance, these firms have proactively sought us out which says a lot about who we are as a firm, the maturity of our partnership, and the strength of our strategy and business.

“As we continue to develop our European presence, this merger will allow us to service the growing demand for Chinese clients seeking to invest and do business in Europe, whilst also increasing our ability to service international clients seeking opportunities in China.”

Dr Zhaofeng Zhou, managing partner of JS Partners added: “Fieldfisher’s excellent reputation, strong European reach and growth plans means it is the perfect merger partner for us.  Together we are well positioned to make the most of the growing legal market in China.  We are an ambitious firm and through a combination of growing client demand, and leveraging the opportunities that Fieldfisher offers us, we are looking to expand further in the region in the coming months.”