Local law firm opens Chinese office

| 07/07/2011

(CNS): Local law firm Ogier has announced the opening of an office in Shanghai. According to a release the firm said the move is part of the group’s strategy to provide “the most innovative and comprehensive multi-jurisdictional services,” with a significant presence in each of the world’s key financial centres across all timezones. Thefirm already has an office in Hong Kong which is the fastest growing office in the group. Peter Cockhill, Managing Partner, Cayman Islands said the Chinese office was a natural extension of the increase in client representations there.  “This is the next step in our strategy for growing our Asian practice and demonstrates our longer term commitment to growth in this region,” he said.

Group Chief Executive Officer Nick Kershaw said that it was critically important to establish a strong presence in mainland China to provide services responsive to local market conditions and practices.  “We are the first offshore firm to have an office in mainland China and are the only offshore law firm in Asia with lawyers qualified to offer advice on the key jurisdictions of BVI, Cayman, Guernsey and Jersey.  As a result, our business in Asia is well established and has been extremely successful,” he added.

Ogier Shanghai will be headed up by Kristy Calvert who is a native Mandarin and Shanghainese speaker and has extensive corporate and commercial law experience in the Asia Pacific and in particular China where she was previously Legal Director for Rio Tinto China / Asia.

Ogier’s Shanghai office will provide mainland Chinese clients with direct access to Ogier’s professional services through its network of global offices, the firm said.  Chinese clients will particularly benefit from Ogier’s Hong Kong office where the  40 person team will provide advice in an effective and timely manner.  Ogier Hong Kong is the fastest growing office in the group and the headcount is forecast to double over the next three years. 

James Bergstrom, Managing Partner Ogier Hong Kong said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kristy to the Ogier Group.  Her experience and in-depth knowledge of the Chinese market is a real asset.  Our new Shanghai office will allow us to provide even better support for our clients in China and offers tremendous development potential.  We are in the great position of being able to continue to support our Chinese clients with our international experience and now with enhanced local expertise.”

 

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