Read our latest coverage on the scramble to get American law firms � and lawyers � into China.
Prior to joining Heller Ehrman in 2003, Wen was a lead partner at the Hong Kong-based firm Siao Wen & Leung. He could not be reached Friday, but an e-mail he sent last week emphasized Jones Day’s global footprint and substantial presence in China.
Wen’s practice areas include corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and China-related matters.
Last month, Jones Day announced the addition of intellectual property lawyer Anthony Chen to its Shanghai office. Chen joined after two years with Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, where he was the Shanghai-based head of the firm’s intellectual property group.
In an interview last month, Chen emphasized the attraction of Jones Day’s strong China practice and international footprint.
Lawrence LaPorte, a partner in Jones Day’s Los Angeles office who has worked with China cases, stressed the importance of lawyers like Chen who understand intellectual property in the United States as well as China.
“I see many more disputes involving Chinese companies in U.S. courts as they gain greater appreciation of IP rights for their business,” he said.
Heller Ehrman has not named a new permanent chair for its China practice. Jonathan Palmer, the regional managing partner for the firm’s Asia practice, is assuming the role in the interim.
“We certainly have the available expertise to continue to serve clients,” said firmwide managing partner Robert Hubbell. “We’re committed to the China practice � it’s an integral part of our overall global platform.”
Hubbell pointed out that the firm has recently brought on several lawyers who are splitting time between the U.S. and China.
Jones Day has more than 100 lawyers in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
