Italy’s NCTM has taken a first step towards launching in China with the hire of Hermes Pazzaglini from Allen & Overy (A&O) in Shanghai.

Pazzaglini, who was a senior associate with A&O, has joined the expansive Italian law firm as a salaried partner. He will remain in China and split his time between the mainland and Hong Kong. NCTM does not yet have offices in mainland China.