Wang Junfeng

Under the terms of the agreement, KWM (China) will refer all future matters requiring legal advice in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South America to Eversheds Sutherland (International). Further, clients of Eversheds Sutherland (International) requiring PRC (People’s Republic of China) legal advice will be referred to KWM (China). Referrals will be made on an exclusive basis by both firms, subject to client preference and conflict clearance.

The cooperation agreement is driven by a shared commitment by both firms to provide the best client service, as well as the increasingly diverse and complex legal needs of KWM China’s clients in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East and Eversheds Sutherland (International)’s clients requiring PRC legal advice in China.

As a result of these arrangements, KWM (China) will, subject to regulatory requirements, cease to operate in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East by 31 October 2024. It is expected that the partners and staff of KWM (China) in those jurisdictions will be invited to join the respective offices of Eversheds Sutherland (International), subject to practice needs and other considerations.

Wang Junfeng, global chairman of KWM and founding partner of KWM (China), said: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Eversheds Sutherland (International) after having successfully worked together on many important client matters over the last year. Demand for international legal services has increased and diversified at pace, and Eversheds Sutherland (International) is an ideal fit for our clients with its extensive worldwide network. Both firms share a commitment to quality, efficiency, and providing the highest levels of client service. This arrangement is an exciting development in the international legal market, bringing elevated, global service offerings and new opportunities.”

Lee Ranson, chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland (International), commented: “We are excited to be entering into these arrangements with the leading firm in China. Our clients have increasingly complex needs for PRC legal advice in China, and this new arrangement creates the platform to deliver a solution of the very highest calibre as well as adding strength to our European and Middle East businesses. Working together on certain client development opportunities will also create opportunities for us to generate significant new work across the globe.”

Alan Connell, managing partner of Eversheds Sutherland (Ireland) LLP, added: “We are very pleased to announce the cooperation arrangement with one of the leading firms in Asia, King Wood & Mallesons (China). This is a very positive development and gives our internationally-focused client base access to enhanced top-level and deep legal and tax resources across Asia, alongside our existing offices in Hong Kong and China. We look forward to continuing to support our clients who are doing business in Asia and to assist KWM China’s clients doing business in and from Ireland, across Europe, and beyond.”