In news that won’t come as a shock to anyone who’s been watching the geopolitical landscape in East Asia, yet another Biglaw firm is shutting down an office in China. This is the fourth large law firm to close the doors of a Chinese office in 2025.
As noted by the American Lawyer, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati — a firm that brought in $1,375,000,000 gross revenue in 2023, putting it at No. 35 on the most recent Am Law 100 — plans to shut down its Beijing office. Wilson Sonsini now becomes the 18th U.S. firm to shutter an office in mainland China since the exodus began in 2024. A firm spokesperson issued the following statement:
“We continually evaluate and adapt our operations to ensure we are effectively meeting the needs of our clients, while maintaining high levels of efficiency. With that approach in mind, the firm has decided to forgo renewing its office lease in Beijing and to begin the process of winding down operations in that location.”
The firm’s offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong will remain open. “We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service in Greater China and the rest of Asia through our other offices in that region,” the spokesperson said, “and will take the steps needed to ensure a smooth transition for clients, attorneys, and professional staff.”
Which Biglaw firm will be the next say zàijiàn to its offices in China? You can email us or text us (646-820-8477) if you have any intel. Thank you.
Wilson Sonsini to Close Office in Beijing [American Lawyer]
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
