The Hong Kong lateral market has become very active in August, with 10 partner moves recorded from both large international and local boutique firms. Within the mainland of China, PRC law firms continue to expand by making new hires and launching new offices in second and third tier city locations. A group move, consisting of more than 10 partners from litigation boutique Tiantong to another similar firm focusing on disputes practice – Hui Zhong, represents something quite unique in this active market.
Another increasingly interesting phenomena in the EMEA legal market is the rising importance of the Middle East region. More and more firms are either entering the market for the first time, or seriously expanding their existing teams there. Firms like Baker Botts, Charles Russell Speechlys, Clyde and Addleshaw Goddard have just hired new partners in Dubai, Doha and Riyadh, respectively.
