In a significant shift within the legal landscape, K&L Gates, a prominent player in the Biglaw arena, has announced the closure of its Beijing office, marking it as the ninth major law firm to withdraw from China in 2025. This decision comes amidst a broader pattern of Biglaw firms reassessing their positions and operations in the region.

K&L Gates, which generated approximately $1.33 billion in gross revenue in 2024, ranks 44th on the most recent Am Law 100 list. The firm originally established its Beijing branch in 2004, but recent strategic evaluations under new leadership have led to a consolidation of operations. The firm's activities in Beijing will be integrated into its Shanghai office, maintaining its strong presence in mainland China along with its Hong Kong office.

A spokesperson for K&L Gates detailed the firm's strategy, stating, "The firm’s new leadership team has recently undertaken a strategic review of our global operations, including our real estate footprint, with the ultimate goals of aligning resources with client demand, strengthening our high-performance culture, and staying efficient." They emphasized the continued commitment to serve both Chinese clients and global clients with interests in China, leveraging their offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as well as their extensive network across Asia and beyond.

Despite the office closure, K&L Gates is taking measures to ensure a smooth transition for its staff. Some lawyers from the Beijing office have been offered relocation options to other branches, while other employees have been presented with severance packages.

The trend of international law firms closing their offices in China raises questions about the changing dynamics of legal practices in the region and the global economic factors influencing these decisions. As the industry watches these developments, speculation about which Biglaw firm will next exit China continues to grow.

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