Cleary Gottlieb Plans Beijing Office Closure, Consolidates in Hong Kong

Cleary Gottlieb has announced the closure of its Beijing office, effective July 2025, merging its operations with its Hong Kong office. The firm stated that this decision aims to enhance efficiency in serving clients throughout the Greater China region, where private equity and other financial services have been expanding. Cleary Gottlieb is among several major law firms reducing their presence in China, with others like Milbank LLP also planning to exit. The Beijing office, which has been operational since 2006, has a team of five lawyers, and it is expected that they will be relocated to Hong Kong. This move reflects a broader trend of American firms reassessing their operations in mainland China amidst changing market conditions. The firm reassured clients of its continued commitment to the region despite this consolidation.