Kirkland Beijing Partner Defects to China’s Han Kun in New York

Kirkland & Ellis Beijing partner Steve Lin has left the firm to join Chinese law firm Han Kun Law Offices as a partner in its New York office.

Lin will be the first partner for Han Kun New York, since the firm launched that office last December. He will split his time between the firm’s Beijing, Hong Kong and New York offices, Han Kun said in a statement.

Lin advises on corporate and securities deals and matters and also advises U.S. listed Chinese companies on compliance and corporate governance matters. Last year, Lin acted for the underwriters on Tuhu Car’s $145 million Hong Kong IPO.

He has also been involved in several Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) deals in recent years. Earlier this year, Lin was part of a Kirkland team that advised Chinese digital investment platform Webull Corporation on a $7 billion merger with SPAC, SK Growth Opportunities Corporation. Last year, he also advised on the $1.3 billion SPAC merger between Hong Kong’s Aquila Acquisition and Chinese steel trading website operator ZG Group.

Lin has worked at Kirkland for over 13 years, joining the firm first as an associate in 2011 and making partner two years later. Prior to that, he worked at Latham & Watkins.

Lin’s departure will leave Kirkland with five lawyers including one corporate partner in its Beijing office. In mainland China, Kirkland also has an office in Shanghai, where it employs 10 lawyers, half of whom are partners.

“We thank Steve for his contributions to Kirkland and wish him well in the future,” a Kirkland spokesperson said.