Morgan Lewis announced today that it will significantly expand its pan-China corporate, capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, and private equity practice, by appointing nine partners in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai.

All nine partners will arrive from another global law firm, joining Morgan Lewis’ seven-partner team in mainland China.

The nine-partner team is led by Edwin Luk, who advises on Hong Kong capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity matters in relation to Chinese companies. Luk served as global head of his previous firm’s capital markets practice. Maurice Hoo, who was global practice group co-leader of the mergers and acquisitions and private equity practice group at his firm, also leads the team.

The new partners, along with Luk and Hoo, are Ning Zhang, June Chan, Connie Cheung, Keith Cheung, Mathew Lewis, Louise Liu, and Billy Wong.

Morgan Lewis will file an application to become a registered foreign law firm in Hong Kong, and will seek approval to associate with Luk and Partners, a new formed Hong Kong solicitor’s firm.