Hong Kong opening marks latest step in Pillsbury's ongoing Asian expansion

HONG KONG—Pillsbury today announced the opening of an office in Hong Kong as the firm’s next step in the long-term expansion of its offering in Asia. The firm previously announced its intention to open in Hong Kong after applying for a license there in March. Finance Partner Paul Jebely will serve as managing partner and will be joined by Finance associates Luca Denora, Zara Machado and Sharon Nourani.

The Hong Kong team comprises U.S. and English law-qualified lawyers and staff who will work seamlessly with the firm’s other Asian and global offices focusing on transportation finance, private client advisory, disputes (including corporate investigations, white collar defense and U.S. regulatory enforcement matters) and technology-focused corporate and securities matters. Members of the Hong Kong team are fluent in English, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects, as well as in Farsi and Italian.

“Our opening in Hong Kong is an important step in continuing to build our presence in Asia,” said partner Jim Rishwain. “Under Paul’s dynamic and experienced leadership, our team in the new office will significantly augment the already strong transportation finance and cross-border services we offer clients.”

Jebely, who worked in Hong Kong prior to joining Pillsbury earlier this year, is recognized as one of the leading aviation finance lawyers in Asia and Africa, having advised clients on commercial and corporate aircraft transactions worth billions of dollars. Last month, Pillsbury’s Transportation Finance lawyers were acknowledged for their roles in seven of Airfinance Journal’s 2015 Deals of the Year.

“I am thrilled and privileged to work with the talented professionals at Pillsbury and to bring the firm to Hong Kong to serve our clients across Asia and globally in transportation finance and across practices,” Jebely said.

Pillsbury’s Hong Kong opening comes on the heels of several noteworthy developments in China. Earlier this month, the firm added a team of employment litigation and corporate partners on the West Coast who bring significant cross-border experience to the China practice, and in January, the firm welcomed renowned patent lawyer Dr. Jack Ko to the Shanghai office. Last December, a team of lawyers guided a Chinese fund in a $300 million purchase of a semiconductor company.

“We have made great strides and have helped our clients achieve excellent results in China lately,” Shoesmith said. “Our intention is to continue building on this momentum, and we’re excited to forge ahead with the skilled team we have in place in Hong Kong.”

About Pillsbury

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is a leading international law firm with offices around the world and a particular focus on the energy & natural resources, financial services, real estate & construction, and technology sectors. Recognized by Financial Times as one of the most innovative law firms, Pillsbury and its lawyers are highly regarded for their forward-thinking approach, their enthusiasm for collaborating across disciplines and their authoritative commercial awareness. For more information, visit www.pillsburylaw.com.