Cadwalader Broadens Reach in China by Adding Prominent Partner

NEW YORK, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, one of the world's most prominent law firms, has significantly broadened its reach in China with the addition of Rocky Lee, a lawyer widely recognized as among Asia's top private equity and venture capital advisors.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100603/NY15367 )

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100603/NY15367 )

Rocky joins Cadwalader as its newly appointed Asia Managing Partner and Head of its Greater China Corporate Practice in the Corporate Department.  

"At this critical moment in the development of Asian finance and given the emerging influence of China, it is more important than ever for clients to seek expert advice concerning complex regulatory and legal matters in Asia," Lee stated.  "Cadwalader is known for that unparalleled sophistication and for the ability to deliver exceptional legal service under the most demanding conditions.  I am excited to be joining a firm where I can lend my skills and insight in support of leading firm clients."      

"Rocky has an established reputation as an outstanding practitioner in the Asian equity markets," said Ron Hopkinson, Head of Cadwalader's Private Equity Group.  Numerous awards and accolades evidence his competence and skill as a legal counselor who can deliver exceptional market insight and premier client service.  However, it is his entrepreneurial energy, his passion for the law, and his leadership qualities that make him a perfect match for Cadwalader," Hopkinson stated. "Rocky is a true legal pioneer with exceptional knowledge and experience in China legal and business affairs."

"Cadwalader has a long term Asia strategy. We intend to build practices that respond to the demands of our clients and reflect our practice strengths," said W. Christopher White, Cadwalader's Chairman.  

Rocky not only represents many Chinese companies and multinationals in financing, acquisitions and capital markets matters, but he regularly advises entrepreneurs, executives and company boards on business and legal issues. In particular, Rocky's representation of multinational financial services firms, investment banks, funds and institutional investors operating and investing in China has earned him an unsurpassed reputation in the legal market. Rocky has been recognized as a top lawyer in his area of expertise by The Legal 500, Asia Law & Practice, and Chambers Asia ranked him and his practice in Band One for three consecutive years. Rocky formerly headed DLA Piper's Asia Private Equity and Venture Capital Practice.

Rocky received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley with High Honors and Academic Distinction. He received his JD degree, specializing in Business Law, from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law. He is fluent in English and Mandarin.

About Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, established in 1792, is one of the world's leading international law firms, with offices in New York, London, Charlotte, Washington and Beijing.  Cadwalader serves a diverse client base, including many of the world's top financial institutions, undertaking business in more than 50 countries on six continents.  The firm offers legal expertise in antitrust, banking, business fraud, corporate finance, corporate governance, environmental, financial restructuring and reorganizations, healthcare, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, private client, private equity, real estate, regulation, securitization, structured finance, and tax.  More information about Cadwalader can be found at www.cadwalader.com

SOURCE Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP