Eversheds has recruited Morgan Lewis energy partner Ingrid Zhu-Clark to head up its new Beijing office ahead of its formal opening next week (20 May).

Ex-Dewey & LeBoeuf partner Zhu-Clark, who moved to Morgan Lewis following the collapse of the US firm last year, will be joined at the new Beijing base by Uria Menendez special counsel Jay Ze.

Zhu-Clark, whose practice focuses on the international oil and gas sector, advises Chinese clients on outbound investment matters across multiple jurisdictions including Russia, Central Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, Ze, who specialises in cross-border M&A, joins Eversheds as a partner. He will be tasked with developing both inbound and outbound opportunities in China for the firm.

The Beijing launch for Eversheds has been long expected after the firm secured its licence to practice in the region last September. The firm first announced plans to set up an office in the Chinese capital in 2010.

UK managing partner Lee Ranson, who has executive responsibility for developing the firm's Asia business, said: "The Beijing office opening marks the next stage in our journey to create a truly global law firm servicing our clients in their key markets. We are particularly excited by the expertise and depth these hires bring to our international energy and natural resources offering."

Beijing has become a key target for international law firms in recent years. In March, Clyde & Co secured a licence to open in the region while Stephenson Harwood also confirmed a local launch after gaining its licence late last year. Elsewhere, Ashurst recently gained its Beijing licence while Berwin Leighton Paisner is opening a local office this month.