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Deal Watch 1/13/2012
January 13th, 2012 by Danielle Brown-Davis
Latham & Watkins has advised Tokyo-based Recruit Co Ltd in respect of its
acquisition from affiliates of Cerberus Capital Management LP of the 100 per cent ownership of US-based Advantage Resourcing America Inc and Netherlands-based Advantage Resourcing Europe BV for approximately US$410 million. PartnersJulian Kleindorfer, Hiroki Kobayashi, Diana Doyle and Robin Struve led the transaction.
O’Melveny & Myers has represented China Polymetallic Mining Ltd, the largest lead and zinc pure mining company in Yunnan, China, in respect of its HK$1.46 billion (US$187m) IPO on the HKSE. Citigroup Global Markets Asia Ltd is the sole global coordinator and a book-runner of the global offering. Other book-runners include Bank of Communications International Securities Ltd and Renaissance Capital (Hong Kong) Ltd. Before the IPO of China Polymetallic, the firm also acted for the client in its pre-IPO fundraising. Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and other investors subscribed in an aggregate of US$90 million exchangeable bonds issued by the controlling shareholder of China Polymetallic. Partners Gordon Ng and Geng Ke led the transaction.
King & Wood and Mallesons Plan to Create Largest Law Firm in Asia-Pacific Region
January 9th, 2012 by Dawn P. Robertson, Esq.
As recently reported, King & Wood and Mallesons plan a merger of sorts. It will be interesting to see how this merger plays out as more and more PRC and US/UK/AUS attorneys start to integrate and work side by side as colleagues. The merger may experience a few challenges because it’s unclear how it will expand the firms’ client bases. Some experts are concerned because in the past, large state-owned enterprises have shown a preference for hiring local firms instead of international law firms.
What many people fail to realize is that the world is advancing at a rapid pace. The business and economic climate has drastically changed and has moved to Asia. As an Asian-based international firm, the King & Wood and Mallesons merger may become a ‘game-changer’ in the market.
Asia Year in Review: 2011
December 23rd, 2011 by Dawn P. Robertson, Esq.
Below, we have outlined some of the hiring trends that we have observed in 2011. In December alone, Cypress has been contacted by more than 8 firms to work on retained partner-level searches and open offices next year. We are expecting the number to increase even more as we enter 2012. Can these firms compete as latecomers? Many firms have done so successfully such as Ropes & Gray and Fried Frank but it’s a difficult task and takes a good amount of due diligence and guidance from advisors with local experience. How does a new firm plan to compete with well-established US and UK firms that have been there for years? There are many factors to consider. This is a pivotal point in history as these emerging markets start to play a leading role in a globalized economy. We’re here to share our knowledge, relationships and guide anyone considering a move.
Representative Partner Moves and Promotions: 2011 Year in Review
December 21st, 2011 by Andrew Magee
With many moves and promotions at the senior level and partner level so far this year, there has certainly been a shakeup in the makeup of many of the top firms in Asia and the Middle East. Let’s see what has happened since June. [To see January through June 2011 Partner Moves see: Representative Partner Moves & Promotions: 2011 Year in Review]
PRC Nationals: When is it Time to go Home?
December 21st, 2011 by Andrew Magee
Since the economic recession of recent years, PRC nationals practicing in America or the UK face a dilemma. With the job market being so competitive since the crash, it has become increasingly harder for Chinese nationals to get and keep a job in the US/UK at top firms. With pressures from these firms, the economic environment, and even their families, PRC nationals looking to return have to confront a difficult decision; when is it the right time to go home?
Jobs of the Week 12/17/11
December 17th, 2011 by Adley Julian
Japanese-Speaking Banking/Finance Associate – Tokyo
Position: This firm’s Tokyo office is looking for a Japanese-speaking foreign associate with 2-4 years PQE in banking and finance.
Asset Finance Lawyers — Hong Kong
Position: A top international law firm has multiple openings in their Hong Kong office for Asset Finance attorneys. The firm is seeking junior and senior attorneys.
Junior/Mid Corporate Associate – Hong Kong
Position: A leading international law firm seeks a junior to mid-level corporate associate (1-4 years PQE) for its Hong Kong office.
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Asia: Finding the Right Recruiter
December 15th, 2011 by Dawn P. Robertson, Esq.
As indicated in The Lawyer this fall, firms are starting to proactively approach foreign universities seeking attorneys for their China offices. US and UK firms have always been eager to bring over bilingual expats from the US, UK and AUS. Over the last few years, firms have been increasingly focusing on attorneys with exposure in the US, UK or AUS, preferably with a US J.D. or LL.M. as well as international law firm experience. Firms are realizing that strong legal technical skills and a foreigneducation are equally as important as language skills, top local academics and even a book of business. The bar has been set higher, but for those of you who fit this specific skill set, opportunities are plentiful and it’s very important that you make the right decision. It can be difficult in an ever-changing market like China and Japan to make this decision.
Jobs of the Week 12/10/11
December 10th, 2011 by Adley Julian
Mid-Level Tax Associate – Hong Kong
Position: This top international law firm is looking for a 4th-5th year post-grad US JD with experience in US individual tax law.
Disputes 3+ Years PQE (FCPA)
Position: This preeminent international law firm is seeking a litigation/disputes lawyer with FCPA expertise, as well as with experience conducting corporate investigations. The ideal candidate would be able to act as an ambassador for the firm, write technical articles for publication, and an expert in client relations (e.g. client industry dynamics). In this position, the candidate would work closely with the Business Development Team, while acting as role model to others, and a mentor to those more junior than the candidate themselves.
IP/IT Senior Associate – Shanghai
Position: Prestigious law firm seeks a senior associate with IP and life science regulatory experience for their Shanghai offices.
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It Can’t Hurt To Ask: 12 Questions You Should Ask Any Potential International Recruiter
December 7th, 2011 by Dawn P. Robertson, Esq.
Although thousands of attorneys will work with a recruiter this year, most will spend less time evaluating recruiters than they do researching airfares on the Internet. A recruiter should play a much larger role in the job-search process than simply relaying information about opportunities, especially when it comes to Asia based assignments. Unlike the practice of law, the legal-recruiting profession is not regulated and does not require any type of license. Yet using a recruiter involves temporarily entrusting the course of your career to another person. As many recruiters turn their attention to the Asia legal markets with the domestic economic downturn, we thought it timely to suggest the following questions when interviewing a potential recruiter to determine their experience and expertise in the Asia legal markets. There are many excellent legal recruiters out there, but not all recruiters are created equal and, most importantly, only a handful of recruiters have yet to gain the experience and the knowledge that the Asia legal recruiting field demands.
Jobs of the Week 12/03/11
December 3rd, 2011 by Adley Julian
Mid to Senior Corporate/Commercial Attorney – Beijing
Position: This elite international firm is searching for a Corporate and Commercial Associate to work in the Beijing office.
Mid to Senior Corporate Attorney – Shanghai
Position: This elite international firm is seeking a Corporate Associate to work in the Shanghai office. The role will involve running transactions and a high level of responsibility.