CMS has recruited a private equity lawyer from Mayer Brown in Hong Kong, following the ongoing separation of the U.S.-based firm from its legacy practice, Johnson Stokes & Masters, in Greater China.
Helen Wang is joining CMS as a partner, after nearly three years as a counsel in Mayer Brown’s corporate and securities practice in Hong Kong. While at the firm, she was also co-chair of its Asia women’s network.
Last August, Law.com International recognized Wang as one of 10 rising stars as part in the regional private equity realm. Her work is focused on the formation, maintenance, and restructuring of investment funds across the Asia Pacific region, with HSBC, Haitong International Asset Management, and ACA Investments Pte Ltd named as some of her key clients.
Wang’s move will see her reunite with partner Paul Moloney, with whom she joined Mayer Brown in 2021. Moloney exited the firm and joined CMS’ funds and real estate practice with an associate Gigi Ma in July. He advises asset managers, financial institutions, and family offices on public and private fund formations as well as regulatory issues.
“I am thrilled to join the CMS funds practice and contribute to its growth in Hong Kong and Asia by making the most of the exciting opportunities the market presents,” Wang said in a statement. “CMS's global reach and strong commitment to innovation resonate deeply with my philosophy towards client service. I look forward to working with Paul and the team to deliver a comprehensive global service to our clients".
“I am delighted to welcome Helen to the firm. Helen is a highly respected lawyer in the fund's space, and her appointment, alongside the recent addition of Paul and Gigi, sends a strong message of the firm’s commitment to Hong Kong and our ambitious growth plans in the funds market”, said Caryn Miller, CMS partner and joint managing director for Asia and the Middle East, in a statement.
Before joining the U.S.-based firm, Wang spent over three years at Eversheds Sutherland in Hong Kong. She previously practiced in Australia, including in-house counsel roles at BT Financial and TAL Insurance.
In October, Law.com International reported that CMS is in discussions to become the second international law firm to establish a presence in India through an alliance with a local Indian firm.