Former Baker Botts Hong Kong Chief Exits for King & Spalding

admin | January 8, 2021 | UK News | No Comments

Former Baker Botts partner in charge for Asia offices Mike Arruda has left after the firm announced the closure of Beijing office.

Arruda has joined King & Spalding as senior counsel. He is initially based in San Francisco with plans to eventually relocate to Tokyo. A seasoned energy lawyer, Arruda represents Asia-based oil and gas companies on acquisitions abroad as well as advise overseas companies acquire Asia assets.

He joined Baker Botts in 2015 from Jones Day where he was also a partner; the following year, he was appointed partner in charge for Baker Botts’ Hong Kong and Beijing offices. Earlier in his career, he was partner with legacy Fulbright & Jaworski, legacy Bingham McCutchen and Baker McKenzie.

Baker Botts closed its Beijing office last year and plans to consolidate its China practice in Hong Kong. The firm has four lawyers in Hong Kong, according to its website, including two partners: Joanne Du, who joined alongside Arruda in 2015, and Russell Wilkinson, a longtime partner.

King & Spalding has two Asia offices in Tokyo and Singapore.