Bird & Bird strengthens PRC Corporate team with new partner in Shenzhen

Lucia joins from A&O Shearman and specialises in cross-border M&A. She is a market recognised China outbound expert in Energy & Utilities, Tech & Comms, advanced manufacturing, automotive (including electric vehicles (EVs)) and Retail & Consumer sectors.  She is a trusted advisor for clients and highly regarded for her expertise in complex, multi-jurisdictional M&A, joint ventures and strategic commercial matters. She was recently awarded “Lawyer of the Year - Projects and Energy (Foreign Firms)” by Legal 500 China Awards 2025.

Lucia has over 15 years of experience, including 8 years in Europe working for international law firms as well as a Shenzhen-based multinational telecoms company.  She is a qualified lawyer in England & Wales and New York, with both common law and a PRC law background and qualifications.

Lucia’s hire strategically expands Bird & Bird’s presence in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA), complementing the expertise of our existing team including partners David Cheng, James Fong, John Shi, and Sarah Zeng. Together, this strengthened team reinforces Bird & Bird’s aim to be the go-to international law firm for sector focused corporate M&A advice, both within the region and beyond. 

Alberto Salvadè and Matt Bonass, co-heads of the international Corporate Practice Group at Bird & Bird commented: “Lucia’s experience in M&A, combined with her deep sector expertise, is a real differentiator in the market and will be a great asset to the firm. Her ability to bridge the gap between Chinese and international business practices - especially in M&A deal structuring, due diligence, drafting, and commercial negotiations - is highly valued by clients seeking a trusted advisor who understands both legal complexities and commercial dynamics.”

Alison Wong and Danny Leung, co-heads of China at Bird & Bird, said: “Lucia’s proven track record in leading complex cross-border transactions, combined with her extensive in-house network, puts her in a strong position to enhance our offering in China and internationally – solidifying our position as the leading technology-focused international law firm in the GBA. The GBA is one of China’s most vibrant tech hubs, and Lucia’s expertise will be hugely beneficial for clients operating in that space with strong “going global” ambitions.”

James Fong, head of Corporate in China, commented: “The GBA is a hub for tech-driven companies with global legal needs, aligning perfectly with Bird & Bird’s strengths in tech, IP, and cross-border expertise. Lucia’s deep relationships and international experience position her to drive our growth in Shenzhen and the GBA, where sectors like Tech & Comms, NEVs, and Advanced Manufacturing are booming. With Chinese companies expanding globally, we’re well-placed to support M&A, fundraising, joint ventures, and strategic investments, leveraging our expertise in IP and sectors like renewable energy to add value across key markets.”

Lucia added: “Bird & Bird has established an unrivalled reputation within Shenzhen’s in-house community, with a diverse client base in tech and comms, energy (particularly renewables), EVs, advanced manufacturing and so on, and global visions and transactional potential. This perfectly matches my outbound practice. I’m particularly excited to collaborate with the international Bird & Bird network, assisting clients on their M&A and “going global” strategy.”