Gianni & Origoni expands China practice with dual partner appointments in Shanghai and Hong Kong

International law firm Gianni & Origoni (GOP) has strengthened its strategic presence in the Asian markets through the appointment of two new foreign partners. Yujing Liu joins the firm’s Shanghai office, while Sergio Scanu has been appointed to the Hong Kong team. These hires reflect the firm's ongoing commitment to its structured and long-term growth strategy in China.

Yujing Liu specialises in mergers and acquisitions and private equity, focusing on high-value strategic cross-border transactions. Her professional background includes significant experience at major US and Chinese law firms, where she advised multinational corporations on international operations. She joins Gianni & Origoni from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Sergio Scanu brings extensive expertise in assisting both Italian and Chinese clients with cross-border commercial and M&A deals. His practice focuses on international commercial contracts, having developed his career in Beijing and Hong Kong with leading Italian firms. His appointment reinforces the firm’s ability to navigate the complex business dynamics between Italy and China.

With these new additions, the firm now operates with an 11-person team across Hong Kong and Shanghai, including eight legal professionals. This expansion follows a series of strategic investments in the region that began with the establishment of the Cindia Desk in 2007. Recent developments include the appointment of Ambassador Vincenzo De Luca as of counsel and the addition of Eviana Leung to the Hong Kong office in March 2025. In Shanghai, the firm’s office is located within the city’s primary institutional district, facilitating close cooperation with the Italian Consulate General, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, SACE, and ICE.

Alessandro Zalonis, the recently appointed head of the China practice and partner for Southeast Asia, noted that a structured and deeply rooted presence in the country provides clients with timely and practical support. He emphasised that Italian businesses can rely on the firm for their internationalisation efforts in Asia, while Chinese investors benefit from qualified legal assistance when expanding their interests in Italy and the broader European market.