Kewei adds top disputes partner to China joint operation with Herbert Smith Freehills / 科伟与史密夫斐尔联营办公室迎来争议解决业务合伙人

Kewei Law Firm has hired partner Cathy Liu in Shanghai, adding China disputes expertise to the firm's joint operation with Herbert Smith Freehills.

A leading China disputes lawyer with international expertise, Cathy specialises in general commercial litigation and also has extensive experience in regulatory investigations, white-collar crime and labour disputes.

Herbert Smith Freehills is one of only six international law firms permitted to integrate China law advice with international legal services through its joint operation with Kewei in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

"Cathy's expertise will be of enormous value to our clients," said Kewei international partner Gavin Guo. "Her experience in regulatory investigations and white-collar crime will be in demand in today's highly regulated markets."

The joint operation, Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei, formally launched in August and its services are already in heavy demand from international and China clients.

"Adding a partner like Cathy strengthens all of our capabilities in China," said May Tai, Herbert Smith Freehills' Greater China managing partner. "Clients can now access China court, tribunal or regulatory representation through one joint operation, saving time and money."

"As the leading disputes practice in Asia, adding expertise in this area was a priority for our joint operation," said Herbert Smith Freehills Executive Partner Justin D'Agostino. "Cathy is an exciting addition to Kewei, and our joint operation, and we look forward to working with her."

ABOUT CATHY LIU

Fluent in Mandarin and English, Cathy obtained her bachelor's degree in law from East China University of Political Science and Law in 2001 and her master's degree in law from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.  She was admitted to the Chinese bar in 2004 and the New York bar in 2013.

Prior to joining Kewei, Cathy was a partner at King & Wood Mallesons.

Cathy has over 10 years' experience representing clients in China court and arbitration proceedings, administrative and criminal investigations, including advice on anti-corruption, anti-monopoly, fraud and sanctions matters. She also advises clients in disputes involving wrongful termination, non-compete arrangements and labour unions.

科伟与史密夫斐尔联营办公室迎来争议解决业务合伙人

科伟律师事务所迎来合伙人刘倩律师加入上海办公室，进一步提升了科伟与史密夫斐尔律师事务所（联营办公室在中国的争议解决业务能力。

刘倩律师是一名具有国际行业知识的中国争议解决类案件先锋律师，擅长一般商业诉讼，在监管调查、白领犯罪以及劳务争议方面拥有丰富的经验。

史密夫斐尔通过与设立在上海自贸区的科伟律师事务所开展联营，成为仅有的六家获准将中国法律服务与国际法律服务相结合的国际律师事务所之一。

科伟的国际合伙人郭武汉表示，“刘倩律师的专业知识对我们的客户而言具有巨大的价值。她在监管调查和白领犯罪领域的经验，在如今高度监管的市场环境下有着非常高的需求度。”

科伟史密夫斐尔联营办公室于今年8月正式启动，迎来了国际客户和中国客户的大量需求。

史密夫斐尔大中华区管理合伙人戴枫媚称，“刘倩律师这样的合伙人加盟可以全方位增强我们在中国的实力。现在，客户可以通过任一联营方直接对接中国法院、法庭或监管机构代表，省时省力。”

史密夫斐尔执行合伙人欧智乐则表示，“作为亚洲领先的争议解决业务团队，增加该领域的专业人才是我们联营办公室的重中之重。刘倩律师的加入为科伟和我们的联营办公室画下了浓墨重彩的一笔，我们非常期待与她的合作。”

刘倩律师简介

刘倩律师普通话和英语流利，2001年毕业于华东政法大学，取得法学学士学位；后于加州大学伯克利分校法学院取得法学硕士学位， 2004年获中国律师资格，2013年获纽约律师资格。

加入科伟前，刘倩律师为金杜律师事务所合伙人。

在十多年的执业生涯中，刘倩律师代理客户参加中国法院庭审和处理仲裁程序及行政和刑事调查事宜，包括提供有关反腐败、反垄断、欺诈及制裁相关的法律建议。刘律师同时也针对涉及非法解雇、竞业禁止安排和工会等争议解决提供咨询服务。