Morrison Foerster Expands Hong Kong Office

In a significant move, global law firm Morrison Foerster has announced the appointment of Xiaoxi Lin as a partner in its Corporate Group, reinforcing the firm’s presence in Hong Kong. With over 15 years of specialized experience in private equity and mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Lin is set to enhance the firm’s capabilities in the Greater China, Asia, and U.S. markets.

Background of Xiaoxi Lin

Xiaoxi Lin previously held a partnership at a prominent London-based international law firm, where he excelled in private equity and U.S. public M&A practices. His extensive career also includes stints with two major U.S. law firms, allowing him to build a wealth of knowledge across key markets, including Hong Kong, New York, and Beijing.

Areas of Expertise

Lin's legal practice is characterized by a diverse range of services for private equity and investment fund clients, focusing on strategic transactions such as leveraged buyouts (LBOs), growth capital investments, and public takeovers. His expertise extends to advising on complex public transactions, including take-private deals, SPAC IPOs, de-SPAC transactions, and PIPE deals. Furthermore, Lin has been instrumental in dealing with areas such as capital markets, restructuring, CFIUS regulations, fund formation, and litigation, particularly within technology, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and life sciences sectors.

Strategic Initiative for Asia Expansion

Lin's recruitment is part of Morrison Foerster's strategic initiative to bolster its presence and expertise in Asia. This follows several recent appointments aimed at growing the firm's regional footprint, including Scott Jalowayski in Singapore and Greg Salathé and Stephen DeCosse in Japan, as well as the promotion of Derik Rao to partner in Shanghai.

Academic Background and Language Skills

Academically, Lin holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Hong Kong and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center. His fluency in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Shanghainese enhances his cross-cultural communication skills, a valuable asset in the diverse legal landscape of the region. He is also admitted to practice law in New York.

Key Quotes

Marcia Ellis, global co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s Private Equity Group, expressed enthusiasm about Lin’s addition, stating, “Xiaoxi represents a terrific addition to Morrison Foerster. He brings deep experience across a range of corporate transactions and a strong business sense that will enhance the firm’s private equity and M&A offerings both in Asia and globally.”

Timothy Blakely, managing partner of the Hong Kong office, noted the strategic importance of Lin's expertise, asserting that his arrival bolsters their capabilities across Greater China and Asia. “We are eager to integrate Xiaoxi into Morrison Foerster’s global network to develop connections with colleagues and clients throughout the region,” he said.

In his own words, Lin conveyed his excitement about joining the firm: “I am excited to join Morrison Foerster’s globally renowned Corporate Group and continue to grow my practice on Morrison Foerster’s global platform. The firm's excellent reputation in private equity and M&A work across Asia and worldwide offers a tremendous opportunity to connect clients in Greater China and Asia with a market-leading team.”

Conclusion

With Xiaoxi Lin on board, Morrison Foerster is poised to further strengthen its position as a leading legal service provider in the increasingly dynamic Asian market.