When it comes to expanding geographical coverage, many Shanghai firms will choose to open their second location in Beijing. Shanghai firm Haworth & Lexon, however, has taken a different approach by setting up its first branch office in Chongqing, the biggest city in Southwest China and the country’s fourth municipality directly under the administration of the central government.

Haworth & Lexon has become the first Shanghai firm to open an office in Chongqing. The firm’s partner Marshal Chen (pictured) has relocated from its Shanghai office to head the new branch. Haworth partners, Chen Jing, Shen Xi, Jia Rui and Liang Xiancheng, have also joined Chen to form the core part of the new Chongqing team.

The Chongqing office focuses on practice areas including domestic and international investment, M&A, international trade and maritime affairs, IP, insurance and commercial disputes.

“Chongqing is the essential gateway to the west part of China. Hence, the city’s rapid economic growth and prime location offers many business opportunities for law firms, especially for M&A, investment, and international business practices,” said Marshal Chen.

According to a report by ALB China earlier this year, China’s western inland region maintains a high growth market, offering foreign companies a wide range of business and investment opportunities.

Growth prospects aside, firms in Chongqing are also facing an increased level of competition as large national firms like King & Wood, Dacheng, Zhonglun W&D and Guantao, have all established their presence in the region. With more than 3,000 firms generating an annual income of more than US$306m, the western part of China is quickly becoming force to be reckoned with.

Haworth & Lexon currently has 14 partners and 18 lawyers working in the two offices and also has affiliations in Sydney and Paris.

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