Reed Smith has launched a presence in Shanghai with the hire of corporate partner Jay Yan, the former regional managing partner for US firm Dorsey & Whitney.

Reed Smith, which already has two Asian bases in Hong Kong and Beijing, will launch in Shanghai with immediate effect, having recently received a licence to open on the ground.

Yan, who focuses on international corporate law including cross-border investment in China and the US, has been replaced as Dorsey's Shanghai managing partner by former Eversheds partner Peter Corne.

Yan will be joined at the new office by of counsel Zack Dong, who is relocating from Reed Smith's Beijing office. The firm is currently recruiting additional lawyers to strengthen its presence in Shanghai with the intention of rapid expansion.

Global managing partner Gregory Jordan commented: "A presence in Shanghai solidifies our role as a key player in this centre of global business and commerce and bringing in Jay Yan to head this office gives us seasoned experienced leadership in this important market."

Reed Smith's launch comes after Ogier recently became the first offshore firm to secure a formal presence in mainland China with the launch of an office in Shanghai.