K&L Gates adds Wang Yang, Dechert’s former China practice head, at its Hong Kong office, strengthening the firm’s cross-border M&A practice.
Wang told China Business Law Journal: “I chose Hong Kong because it places me at the centre of the strongest cross-border deal flows in Greater China and the Greater Bay Area, where growing client demand, market momentum and my particular expertise intersect most effectively. Being based here enables me to stay close to the trends shaping outbound investment, capital formation and regional expansion – and to deliver more strategic, real-time guidance to clients as those opportunities evolve.”
He continued: “After more than 22 years in practice across the region, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Hong Kong’s exceptional legal and financial infrastructure. The rule of law remains the bedrock of its system and underpins a highly sophisticated transactional environment that continues to attract global investors and dealmakers.”
Earlier in his career, Wang practised at Broad & Bright (now AnJie Broad), Clifford Chance and Orrick, where he served as a managing associate. He joined Dechert in 2012 and was appointed managing partner of the firm’s Beijing office in 2020, based in both Beijing and Hong Kong.
In 2024, Dechert successively closed its Beijing and Hong Kong offices, exiting the Chinese market. Wang subsequently relocated to the firm’s Singapore office as an M&A partner and led its China practice.
Wang focuses on cross‑border M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, with expertise in Greater China matters. He also has experience in capital markets transactions, including HKEX main board listings and Nasdaq deSPAC transactions, as well as other corporate, regulatory and dispute resolution matters.
His clients have included private equity funds, multinational corporations, family offices, investment banks, Chinese private enterprises, state‑owned enterprises, and US‑ and Hong Kong‑listed companies, spanning sectors such as manufacturing, life sciences, technology, media, telecommunications, and food and beverage.
Wang is qualified to practise in New York and the Chinese mainland.
Adam Tejeda, corporate practice area leader at K&L Gates, said in a press release: “Yang’s arrival strengthens our corporate practice in Asia and reinforces our commitment to the Hong Kong market. We continue to see meaningful cross-border activity involving China and the broader region, including investors accessing opportunities through Hong Kong and companies pursuing international expansion.”
Wang stated: “Hong Kong also remains one of the world’s premier dealmaking centres – where private and public capital consistently connects with opportunities across Asia and beyond. At the same time, increasing competition within mainland China is prompting many PRC businesses to look outward, with Hong Kong serving as their natural gateway to access international talent, structure cross-border opportunities and position themselves as global players.
“As a lawyer focused on supporting Chinese clients in achieving those ambitions, there is no better place for me to be,” he added.