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| Texas-based law firm selects Hong Kong ( 01/06/2005 ) | |||||||||
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Baker Botts L.L.P., recently named "Global Oil and Gas Law Firm for 2005" by Who's Who Legal, opened a Hong Kong office. The law firm aims to enhance its involvement in major energy projects throughout the Asian region and provide the firm with better access to China, one of the world's fastest growing energy and commercial markets.
Baker Botts now has 11 offices that span the globe. In addition to Hong Kong, the firm's worldwide network includes offices in Austin, Baku, Dallas, Dubai, Houston, London, Moscow, New York, Riyadh and Washington, D.C. "Establishing an Asian base of operations is essential for our clients operating in the region," said Baker Botts managing partner Walt Smith. "As the pre-eminent law firm in the world serving energy clients, this expansion will make us more competitive in seeking additional business opportunities in Asia, particularly in China." Regional hub "Hong Kong will be a regional hub for us," said Stuart Schaffer, chair of Baker Botts' Global Projects Group. "It is a gateway for China. We intend to focus on energy projects and transactions throughout the region as well as representing Asian energy companies on their international investments." Baker Botts traces its history to the earliest days of Texas, when founding partner Peter Gray was admitted to the bar of the Republic of Texas in January of 1840, just three years after the city of Houston was established. The 165-year-old international law firm is currently home to former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who continues a family connection to the firm dating back to 1872. The Hong Kong office will initially focus on serving the energy industry, as well as providing corporate and private equity clients with cross-border mergers and acquisitions capabilities throughout Asia, with an emphasis on China. David Powers, partner in charge of the Hong Kong operations, said: "Opening a Hong Kong office with lawyers experienced in the laws and customs of this region is timely and will allow us to respond immediately to client demand for our services. Plus, we will be well positioned to build a strong base of operations that can expand as the regional economy grows. Mike Rowse, director-general of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong said the presence of Baker Botts in the city "further strengthens our existing cluster of world-class professionals, enhancing Hong Kong's attractiveness as the international business and financial centre in Asia." Related link | |||||||||
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