Kirkland & Ellis is set to launch in Shanghai after receiving approval from the Chinese Ministry of Justice.

The Chicago leader will open the new office towards the end of this year – marking its second office in the region following its 2006 Hong Kong launch.

Kirkland plans to integrate the two offices and will relocate Hong Kong private equity partner Xiaoyang Li to lead the Shanghai practice. Corporate partner Chuan Li will also transfer to the new base from Hong Kong.