KWM China and Eversheds Sutherland International launch a formal cooperation agreement

King & Wood Mallesons (China) and Eversheds Sutherland (International), having worked together closely on a number of significant client matters, today announced the launch of a formal cooperation agreement.

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 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), comments: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Eversheds Sutherland (International) after having successfully worked together on a number of 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), comments: “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 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.”