Global law firm Morgan Lewis has set up a new office in Shanghai, its sixth in Asia and second in China.

The office, which opened last Friday, gives Morgan Lewis Stamford - the combination of Stamford Law and Morgan Lewis established last year as an Asian hub for the global Morgan Lewis firm - a substantial foothold in China.

"This new Shanghai office underscores Morgan Lewis' commitment to grow our presence in Asia. I am thrilled to welcome a team of lawyers who are deeply familiar with China, and its business and legal systems," said firm chair Jami McKeon. "Shanghai is not only China's largest city but a global financial centre of critical importance to our clients all around the world."

The new 35-member Shanghai team is led by global corporate transactional lawyers Mitch Dudek, Todd Liao, Alex Wang, Eddie Hsu and Cindy Pan, and includes 18 other legal professionals and 12 professional staff.

It offers legal services in areas like mergers and acquisitions, real estate, private equity and investment needs. Other services include advising on the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Britain's UK Bribery Act, technology licensing, intellectual property protection and enforcement, and labour and employment.

"Our new Shanghai office... serves as a conduit for China companies interested in expanding to other parts of Asia and globally," said Mrs Lee Suet Fern, the senior director of Morgan Lewis Stamford.

Yasmine Yahya