Simmons & Simmons’ China practice has been hit by the resignation of five partners who are understood to be in talks with US firm Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson to launch its first Asian office.

The partners, who resigned on 25 September, were based in the top 20 UK firm’s Hong Kong and Shanghai offices and include China regional managing partner Huen Wong and the head of the China corporate group, Stephen Mok.