International law firm Appleby has announced the official opening of its new Shenzhen office.

Appleby said it was the first offshore law firm with two offices in mainland China and the only one with a legal presence beyond Shanghai.

A statement on its LinkedIn page read: “In February 2025, we received formal approval from China’s Ministry of Justice to offer offshore legal services in Shenzhen, further expanding our reach and commitment to serving clients in this dynamic region.

“The Shenzhen office will complement Appleby’s Shanghai presence, enabling the firm to offer seamless, locally embedded legal services to clients throughout mainland China and beyond.”

David Bulley, Asia managing partner of Appleby, said: “The opening of our Shenzhen office marks a significant milestone for Appleby, strengthening our ability to support Chinese clients as they pursue growth and investment opportunities around the world.

“As China’s leading technology hub, Shenzhen is experiencing a surge in cross-border activity. With a local presence now established, we’re well positioned to deliver offshore legal services directly to clients in southern China, offering unmatched legal insight and operational agility in the market.”