FTZ Tie-Up for Fidelity, Hogan Lovells

After more than a year of weighing up a possible relationship, Hogan Lovells lawyers say, the firm has finally tied the knot and launched an association with Fujian Fidelity Law Firm in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

“Various factors have been considered in the decision, including level of commitment, the likelihood of being able to obtain partner buy-in for the association within a reasonable timetable, potential conflicts of interest and business conflict issues, the quality of legal services provided, reputation in the market, recognition of firm values, management structure, and the outcome of financial due diligence and management interactions,” Andrew McGinty, a partner of Hogan Lovells in Shanghai, told Asia Business Law Journal.

McGinty acclaimed Fidelity as a high-quality and innovative law firm, and an excellent match for Hogan Lovells. “We have been delighted with the energy and commitment that Fidelity has put into the association throughout the process and that was a key factor in allowing us to get one of the first few approvals for an association since the rules allowing the creation of associations between qualifying Chinese and foreign law firms were issued at the end of 2014,” he said.