Clifford Chance strengthens China corporate practice

International law firm Clifford Chance has announced the appointment of four senior associates to its China corporate practice group.

Joining the firm's corporate practice in Beijing is Justin Wilson who will draw on his experience advising on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, establishing investment funds, corporate reorganisations and restructurings and general corporate and commercial transactions. Over his career, Wilson has practiced in London and more recently, Singapore. Wilson joined Clifford Chance last month and reports to Amy Lo, head of Clifford Chance's China corporate practice.

Heading to the corporate practice from Simmons & Simmons in Hong Kong is Ping Ye, who will relocate to Beijing - bringing advisory experience on cross-border M&A and foreign investment in China. Similar to Wilson, Ping takes up a newly created position and also reports to Lo.

The third hire is Richard Lee, who joins the Hong Kong corporate practice as a registered foreign lawyer. Prior to moving the firm in December 2004, Lee was a member of Baker & McKenzie Hong Kong's China practice group, where he advised retailing and manufacturing clients on joint ventures, equity acquisitions, resolution of disputes and restructuring along with other general PRC investment issues. He too will report to Lo.

The final hire is Simon Bell who adds a further boost to the Hong Kong corporate practice and report to Roger Denny, head of corporate Asia. Bell had previously practiced at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton for seven years in London and New York. Aside from experience in securities offerings, he brings expertise in cross-border M&A, private equity and joint ventures to Clifford Chance.

With the new hires, the firm's China corporate group now encompasses approximately 40 fee-earners.