Linklaters has appointed a partner duo to head up its China practice, with Asia litigation head and Hong Kong managing partner Marc Harvey and Beijing head Celia Lam replacing Zili Shao in the role.

Harvey and Lam take up their four-year terms with immediate effect after Shao was appointed as Asia managing partner in April.

Both Harvey and Lam have headed their respective local offices since 2004 and will continue in these positions, with Linklaters stating that joint managing partners should help integrate client advice across Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.