Alpha & Leader law firm news

The growth of boutique firms has been one of the main themes seen in China’s legal industry over the past 12 months. While the financial crisis presented a heavy burden for larger full-service law firms to shoulder, it proved to be a blessing in disguise for burgeoning boutique practices.

The increasing sophistication of the legal services markets in regional centres outside of the traditional hubs of Beijing and Shanghai was one of the themes of the ALB China Law Awards 2010.

The Shanghai expo, themed “Better City, Better Life”, is expected to attract between 70 and 80 million visitors and will be a significant event for Shanghai. Aside from the opportunities brought by the World Fair, the city remains a key focus for international and domestic law firms.

When reports surfaced of Lehman Brother’s bankruptcy and the fall of Merrill Lynch, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the US, it seemed like market activity had slowed. But figures released by Mergermarket show otherwise.

The government's plan to transform Guangzhou into a regional innovation and financial centre, combined with the strengthening cooperation between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, have meant that local firms are snapping up opportunities brought in by the city's new stage of development.

ALB takes a closer look at the development of the legal industry in a number of leading economic centres in China

ALB takes a closer look at the development of the legal industry in a number of leading economic centres in China.

The 2007 FactSet Global Filings league tables reveal that offshore law giant Ogier had the most number of documents filed, with 1,500. That was nearly double that of second-placed Mourant, which had 780. The documents show the number of times firms represented the issuers. It also reflects the multiple tranches involved in a securities deal in which a law firm served as advisor.

US firm Bryan Cave has chosen Alpha & Leader, a Guangzhou-based law firm with offices in Beijing and Shanghai, to be its 'preferred' local partner. Alpha & Leader employs more than 100 professionals and focuses on practice areas of risk and asset management and arbitration.

With the passing of the end of the financial year on 30 April, UK firms have been proudly announcing the fruits of their labour in recent weeks with the posting of financial results for the year 2004-5.

This book is a 'must have' for anyone involved in the field of advising  on tax issues  for  non-UK domiciled individuals.