Herbert Smith Freehills is adding PRC law capabilities through joint operation with Kewei Law Firm in Shanghai. The firm becomes the sixth international law firm permitted to integrate international and PRC legal services in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

The joint operation will be known as Herbert Smith Freehills Kewei. The firm will provide advice in the areas of cross border banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and financial services regulatory.

"Our 30-year China practice is strong with plenty of room to grow," said Asia executive partner Justin D'Agostino. "We have already attracted instructions on billion-dollar matters from some of the largest companies operating in China," said Greater China managing partner May Tai. "Adding Kewei to our highly rated Mainland practice completes our offering in Greater China, and clients have responded very positively."

Kewei Law Firm focuses on advising local and international clients on cross border transactions including banking and finance, capital markets and M&A.