Gowlings Opens Beijing Office

TORONTO, September 28, 2011 -

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, a leading Canadian law firm with offices in London, announced today it is strengthening its long-standing commitment to China with the official opening of the Gowlings International Inc. Representative Office in Beijing.

“With the opening of our Beijing office, Gowlings continues to focus on international work and to support the evolving needs of our clients seeking to capitalize on the economic opportunities associated with the world’s fastest growing market,” said R. Scott Jolliffe, Gowlings’ Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “With our established and experienced networks in China, Gowlings is taking an important step forward in providing on the ground liaison, co-ordination and support in a country known for its high-growth enterprises and entrepreneurship.”  

Gowlings’ strong commitment to China began in 1985 when it became the first international law firm to file a patent application in the country. Since then, Gowlings has built a global China team composed of more than 100 professionals, including several who are fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese.

Gowlings brings a strong team of legal experts with proven foreign investment knowledge in the industry sectors that align with China’s growth, including natural resources, energy, mining, financial services, manufacturing, technology and life sciences. Gowlings also boasts strong expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and government relations, which are critical in China’s growing desire to expand in other countries, including Canada.

The Firm’s professional team also brings insight into the social, cultural and legal differences between Canada and China, which are essential to bilateral trade and investment with China.

“Having an office in Beijing is reflective of the fast-changing nature of our global economy,” said Clark M. Roberts, Chief Representative in Beijing. “As one of the largest law firms in Canada, we have a responsibility to our clients to remain at the forefront of global economic trends, and we believe our Beijing office strengthens our ability to reach out to the market in a city that is increasingly shaping our global economic future.”

About Gowlings

Founded in 1887, Gowlings is one of Canada’s largest law firms, with offices across the country, as well as in Moscow, London and Beijing. The Firm offers a diverse range of services to assist Canadian and international organizations in achieving their business objectives. Recognized for excellence in business law, advocacy and intellectual property, Gowlings provides dedicated industry expertise in the energy, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, life sciences, government, financial services, technology and manufacturing sectors. Combining traditional legal services with innovative solutions in a number of highly specialized areas of law and business such as international tax planning and listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Gowlings is Canada’s go-to law firm. Visit www.gowlings.com.

For more information, please contact:

Toronto
Anna Robinson
+1-416-848-1401

Vancouver
Alicia Richards
+1-604-691-7391

Montreal
Roch Landriault
+1-514-843-2345

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