Mayer Brown announced the addition of Joanne Du as a partner. Originally from Mainland China, Ms. Du, who will divide her time between the Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices, will be a key member of the globally integrated Oil & Gas industry team.
Previously a partner at Baker Botts, Ms. Du advises international oil and gas companies, Chinese oil and gas companies, and other PRC-based corporations and state-owned institutions on their domestic and cross-border energy transactions.
"Joanne will substantially strengthen our global energy capabilities," said Alexandre Chequer, the global head of the firm's Oil & Gas group. "Her extensive experience in the sector will serve the needs of our clients doing business in China and will also connect Chinese corporations to our unique global energy platform."
"Joanne's impressive background in Asia will be a plus to our clients doing business in the region,” added Mr. Chequer. “Her experience in cross-border deals around the world representing Chinese companies, strong relationships with major oil and gas companies, and language and cultural knowledge will broaden our scope and geographical reach in this sector."
"A lawyer of Joanne's caliber is a terrific addition to our team of top-tier corporate lawyers in Asia," said Jason T. Elder, a partner and co-head of the firm's Corporate & Securities practice. "A key component of our Corporate practice includes representation of national energy companies; Joanne's arrival demonstrates our continued investments in this area."
Ms. Du has built a robust energy practice in Asia, with clients ranging from national and international oil and gas companies, energy services companies, liquefied natural gas companies, petrochemical companies, to energy project funds and investors.
She advises clients on investment and transactional matters in key energy markets with varying oil and gas regimes such as production sharing, concession, and technical service arrangements.
Her work includes advice and assistance on bids and the tendering process, investment assessment and strategy, due diligence review, joint ventures and joint operations, asset or share acquisitions, investment and operation compliance, gas sales and distribution.
She has worked on numerous headlined transactions in key energy markets, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, Cambodia, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Middle East and Africa.
A registered foreign lawyer in Hong Kong, Ms. Du is admitted to practice in New York.
Commenting on her move, Ms. Du said: "Mayer Brown has incredible resources, superior client service, an outstanding reputation and a collaborative culture – qualities that will help expand my practice and serve our clients well. I am truly excited to join Mayer Brown."
