Ignore China at your peril, says Law Society

28 January 2010

With China on course to pass Japan as the world's second largest economy, the Law Society says that law firms looking to do business overseas cannot ignore China's growth and increased presence around the globe.

China's economy expanded by 8.7 per cent in 2009, more than the government's own initial expectations, while the republic's investment in other economies continues to grow.

In response to this, the Law Society International Division has prepared a programme for its members throughout 2010 to link up with Chinese lawyers and businesses, beginning with a trade mission to the UK by 10 Chinese law firms from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing from March 22-24.

Law Society President Robert Heslett says:

"Closer working with China and building stronger links with Chinese law firms can help UK firms looking to develop their relationships around the globe and not only with China itself.

"China has invested and built up relations with other economies, such as those in Africa, which makes it all the more important for UK firms to connect with their counterparts from China. The fact that so many lawyers are visiting in March shows the value China attaches to working with UK-based solicitors."

The inward trade mission will include networking opportunities, one-to-one business development meetings and opportunities for UK firms to host events, as well as a UK market overview for the visiting lawyers by UK Trade & Investments.

The delegation will visit London and Birmingham as part of the visit, which will include a networking reception at the Law Society's Chancery Lane headquarters in London.

The inward visit is part of Law Society International's ongoing programme to develop closer working with China's legal sector. The Society will visit China later in the year and will also have a presence at the Shanghai Expo 2010.

Alison Hook, head of Law Society International, says: "China's economy is expected to become the world's largest by 2030. It's already one of the biggest and growing, so it makes sense for UK lawyers to benefit from the fact that China's leading lawyers are keen to do business with our members. The trade mission to the UK provides an excellent opportunity for that to happen."

Find out more about the visit at http://international.lawsociety.org.uk/node/7185