Simmons & Simmons' China practice has been hit by the resignation of five partners who are understood to be in talks with US firm Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson to launch its first Asian office.

The partners, who resigned on Monday (25 September), were based in the top 10 City firm's Hong Kong and Shanghai offices and include China regional managing partner, Huen Wong, and head of the China corporate group, Stephen Mok.

The three other partners are construction partner Philip Nunn, real estate partner Raymond Kwok, and corporate partner Mike Hickman.

Employment partner Fiona Loughrey will take charge of the 17-partner China practice, with a long-term replacement scheduled to be appointed within the next month.

Simmons has 130 legal staff in its Asia practice, in offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.