US-based Vinson & Elkins LLP (V&E) announced the opening of an office in Hong Kong, its seventh international office, to meet the increasing demand from clients for its services in Asia.

The V&E partner who coordinates the firm's International Practice, Jay Cuclis, has relocated from the US to head the new office in Hong Kong.

Mr. Cuclis said the Hong Kong office will work closely with the firm's existing Asian offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo, as well as the firm's other international offices in London, Moscow and Dubai.

"Hong Kong remains one of the key gateways to China and our new office there will allow us to more effectively represent international clients investing in China as well as to service Chinese clients investing in other markets," Mr. Cuclis said. "In addition, our presence in Hong Kong will increase the firm's capabilities to assist clients on transactions throughout East Asia, as well as in other international markets such as Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East."

Perfect choice

V&E, one of the world's leading energy law firms, has long recognized the increasing importance of Asia and, in particular, China, in international trade and investment, according to Managing Partner of Vinson & Elkins, Joe Dilg.

"Hong Kong is one of the key financial centers of the world," Mr. Dilg said. "Having a vibrant office there not only enhances our capabilities and depth in the rapidly growing Asian market, it is also synergistic with our growth plans in New York and London. Jay's broad international expertise and his prior experience in our London and Moscow offices make him the perfect choice to build a successful office in Hong Kong."

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mike Rowse, said: "The addition of V&E to our legal services sector will certainly strengthen our existing offering to companies operating in our city and in the region."

Vinson & Elkins has operated a dynamic practice in the Asia-Pacific Region for many years. The firm's offices in Beijing, Tokyo and Shanghai now have more than 20 lawyers and legal professionals. The firm's Asia-Pacific Practice Group has served multinational clients across a broad range of industries from private equity, finance, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, production and sourcing, to retail sales and distribution of consumer goods and other products.

Head of Vinson & Elkins' China Practice, Xiao Yong, said: "Vinson & Elkins' expansion into Hong Kong is a strong indication of the firm's commitment to the China Practice and will further strengthen our capabilities throughout China and the Asia-Pacific region."

Vinson & Elkins was established in 1917 and is one of the world's largest international law firms.

Related links
Vinson & Elkins