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Mayer Brown wants to end its partnership with China. This was confirmed after the Chicago-based law firm announced reaching an agreement in principle to split from its operations in the Asian country.

Mayer Brown To End 15-Year-Long Partnership With China

On Thursday, May 2, the American law firm, in a strategic move, announced its plans to separate from its existing operations in Hong Kong. Mayer Brown shared this decision as part of a broader trend, with various international law firms considering reducing their presence in China.

Mayer Brown's Chinese partners have expressed their desire to re-establish the law firm as JSM (Johnson Stokes & Master), the name of a Hong Kong-based entity that merged with Mayer Brown in 2008. Under the new arrangement, JSM will operate independently, playing a key role in Mayer Brown's future operations in China.

If the Chinese government gives Mayer Brown's plan regulatory approval, the JSM would operate independently, with an estimated start date of 2024, as reported by The South China Morning Post.

Will Mayer Brown Pull Out of China?

According to Nikkei Asia's latest report, Mayer Brown's plan to end its 15-year-long partnership with China doesn't mean it will completely pull out of the country.

The US law firm, in a clear sign of its commitment to the region, stated that it would continue to operate in Hong Kong under a new deal.

"This arrangement allows Mayer Brown to continue its presence in Hong Kong with a practice that aligns with our strategic priorities," said Mayer Brown Chair Jon Van Gorp.

In the new partnership with China, Mayer Brown will continue operating in the Asian country, but with a revised focus. The firm will concentrate on corporate and similar work, aligning its operations with the changing needs of the Chinese market.

Mayer Brown's decision to restructure its operations in China is part of a broader trend among international law firms. These firms are grappling with China's growing pressures on foreign businesses and the country's converging geopolitical and economic problems, which have necessitated a reassessment of their strategies.