Is it sheer coincidence that many of the American law firms opening their wallets to help China’s recent earthquake victims also happen to have active China practices? Probably not. But even cynics have to admit that some firms — though certainly not all major firms in the region — are giving much-needed help, regardless of their motives.
More than half a dozen firms (Dewey & LeBouef; Heller Ehrman; Kirkland & Ellis; McDermott Will & Emery; Morrison & Foerster; Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe; Sullivan & Cromwell) have contributed to various relief organizations to aid the Chinese. Other firms pitching in include Baker & McKenzie (its Taiwan office pledged $150,000); Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (contribution and matching gifts, amounts unknown); O’Melveny & Myers ($18,500 in cash and supplies); Paul Hastings (no limit on matching employee gifts) and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (matching funds of $1,000 per employee). Above the Law also reports that Weil, Gotshal & Manges is contributing to relief efforts.
