Reed Smith deepens China capabilities with new projects and M&A partner in Beijing

BEIJING, July 1 2019: Global law firm Reed Smith today announced that Eric Lin has joined as a partner in its Energy and Natural Resources industry group in the firm’s Beijing office.

Eric was previously a partner and the Beijing Office Head of Simmons & Simmons. He has over two decades of experience in international M&A, projects and project finance, energy and natural resources projects. With particular experience in China outbound and inbound investment projects, he has advised foreign clients on multi-billion-dollar joint ventures in China as well as represented Chinese clients on outbound transactions in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia and Africa.

Praj Samant, Chair of Reed Smith’s Energy and Natural Resources industry group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Eric. He brings extensive experience of working with Chinese and international clients across the region and is a fantastic addition to our practice, further deepening our M&A and projects capabilities. Energy and Natural Resources is a key industry focus for Reed Smith, and also an active and thriving sector for China.”

Asia-Pacific Managing Partner, Denise Jong, added: “Eric’s arrival is a key piece of the ongoing growth of our practice in Asia. He is an outstanding lawyer and we are thrilled that he has joined us.”

Michael Fosh, Beijing office managing partner of Reed Smith, said: “Eric has a wealth of experience in M&A and projects work. His arrival will further expand and strengthen our PRC inbound capacity and bring significant additional M&A and projects capacity in the Energy and Natural Resources sector in China. He joins us at an important time with the continuing development of the transformational ‘Belt and Road Initiative’.”

Eric Lin commented: “I am very excited to join the truly exceptional Energy and Natural Resources industry group at Reed Smith. It is a natural fit for my practice, and I look forward to serving my clients at this integrated global platform.”

Reed Smith’s multidisciplinary Energy and Natural Resources industry group comprises around 160 lawyers worldwide, combining regulatory, transactional, financial, environmental health and safety, projects and construction, and litigation disciplines.

With five offices in Asia, including in Beijing, Reed Smith is at the forefront of law firms advising on cross-border strategic transactions across the region.

Eric began his career with Allen & Overy in 2001, where he worked in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and London, before going on to join Simmons & Simmons as a partner in 2011. He attended the University of International Business & Economics in Beijing and the New York University School of Law.

Eric is a qualified lawyer in the PRC and is admitted to practice in England and Wales and New York. He is fluent in English and Mandarin and is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN). Since 2013, Eric has been ranked as a leading M&A lawyer by the IFLR 1000.

Reed Smith has made several recent lateral partner appointments in Asia, including Stephen Chan and Mark West joining the firm’s disputes practice in Hong Kong, and Dora Wang joining the firm’s global regulatory practice in Shanghai. She is also based in New York.

About Reed Smith

 Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm, dedicated to helping blue-chip clients move their businesses forward.

 Its long-standing relationships, international outlook and collaborative structure make it a go-to partner for speedy resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.

Led by internationally trained and qualified practitioners, each with decades of legal experience in Greater China, our Beijing office is very well positioned to guide clients on their China investments and operations.