Pillsbury announced May 23 that the firm had opened an office in Hong Kong as part of a long-term expansion strategy in Asia. The firm previously announced its intention to open in Hong Kong after applying for license 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.
According to Pillsbury the Hong Kong team comprises U.S. and English law-qualified lawyers and staff who will work 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, a firm statement read.
“Our opening in Hong Kong is an important step in continuing to build our presence in Asia,” said Chairman 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.
“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 marks the second China office for Pillsbury, which already operates in Shanghai under China practice leader Tom Shoesmith.
“We have made great strides and have helped our clients achieve excellent results in China lately,” Shoesmith said in a statement. “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.”
