Fang Jian, a partner in Mainstream Corporate, joined Linklaters’ Shanghai office from a local Chinese firm, searching for more international experience. His highlight has been the commitment to developing local talent that has enabled him to become a partner.

“I had studied Chinese law, but was very keen to develop with a top international law firm. I could see that Linklaters had quality through and through – the people, the clients, the deals. But I’ve also been impressed with their commitment to developing local talent.

“Here our Chinese lawyers don’t play second fiddle to their international peers. They’re not a supporting cast. They share centre stage, which has helped me acquire really broad experience and exposure to some of the leading organisations around the world. The fact that I’m now a partner proves the point.

“It’s incredibly exciting in China right now, especially in the financial sector where Linklaters has emerged as the leading law firm.  And the regulatory framework is literally being developed as we go along, so we’re actually in the process of creating and defining the legal landscape.”