Perkins Coie reboots China strategy with Shenzhen office launch

Perkins Coie is renewing its Chinese footprint by opening a representative office in tech hub Shenzhen. 

The US firm, best known for its work for major tech clients, said the Shenzhen move is aimed at strengthening its ability to support Asia-based companies with US and cross-border legal needs, as well as helping clients scale new technologies.

Shenzhen, which sits in China’s Greater Bay Area just across from Hong Kong, is an important part of the global technology supply chain and a centre of tech innovation and manufacturing in China.

The new office will be led by managing partner Bing Ai, and litigation partner Wei Yuan, both US-trained lawyers with experience advising tech businesses.

A return to China? 

Perkins’ reinvestment in Shenzhen comes after it joined the wave of US law firms which scaled back or entirely withdrew from mainland China in recent years.

The Seattle-headquartered firm kept an office in Taipei, but joined the American exodus when it shuttered its Shanghai and Beijing offices in March and September 2024, respectively. 

When closing its doors in Beijing, a firm spokesperson told China Business Law Journal that Shenzhen would be a strategic focus going forward.

There are early signs China might be back on the radar for large international firms despite the retreat, with 2026 seeing an uptick in law firm interest in Shenzhen as a tech centre.

Alongside Perkins’ comeback, Pinsent Masons entered into a Shenzhen joint venture with Chinese firm China Commercial Law Firm in March this year, and offshore firm Appleby was approved to open an office last year.

The move comes as Perkins prepares to merge with City firm Ashurst, in a combination that is still subject to a partner vote but is expected to complete later this year. Ashurst has a long-standing presence in China, with offices in Beijing and Shanghai.

What they said

“The opening of our Shenzhen representative office underscores our commitment to delivering trusted U.S. legal guidance across borders and supporting clients as they navigate the legal and regulatory complexities of operating in global markets,” said Perkins’ managing partner Bill Malley.

"This office provides on-the-ground support enabling regional companies to execute U.S. and international cross-border strategies with greater speed, coordination, and confidence," added Bing Ai.