The international law firm, Steptoe & Johnson (S&J) has opened an office in Beijing.

The Washington DC-based firm, which also has offices across Europe, will use its Beijing building to advise companies doing business in, and from, China on a wide range of matters such as international trade, market access, export control, antitrust and compliance with various EU and US regulations.

Roger Warin, S&J’s chair, says: “Our long history serving US and international clients with Asian business interests provides a strong foundation on which to build in Beijing. This new office will enhance our ability to provide services to multinational companies operating in China as well as Chinese companies expanding beyond the People’s Republic of China.”

Moving to the Beijing office is Eric Emerson, a partner in S&J’s international trade and investment practice, as managing partner.

Emerson has been with S&J for 18 years and advises companies on all types of international trade issues, including US trade litigation and access to US markets.

He comments: “Our decision to open an office in Beijing reflects the firm’s longstanding and continuing commitment to serving clients in this market.”

Joining Emerson is Susan Munro, a new partner who has over a decade of experience in China and was recently hired by S&J from an undisclosed major international law firm. Emerson comments: “It is a particular pleasure to welcome Susan to the firm where her legal capabilities and her business acumen will be of significant benefit to our clients.”

Munro has spent more than 10 years advising clients on market entry and exit strategies, acquisitions and regulatory matters, as well as conducting numerous earnings management investigations and representing clients in arbitrations and cross-border litigation.