Partner Eric Hellige, Chair of Pryor Cashman’s Corporate Group, was interviewed by Law 360 for its January 1, 2011 article “Firms Eye Asia, Latin America For Growth.” The article discusses the growth predicted for the U.S. legal market in 2011, the hot spots for expanding firms, and the up-and-coming economies of Asia and Latin America. 

As Chinese companies seek out investments beyond the country’s borders, and U.S. companies intensify their interests in the country, more firms will set up shop or add resources in China. According to Hellige, “clearly, it's a huge opportunity, given the growing middle class, the increase in the quality of life, and the number of entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals over in China. The markets are really beginning to take off.”  

According to the article, with the last two years proving lean for the U.S. capital markets, Chinese companies have stepped in to provide liquidity for American companies. On the flip side, many U.S. companies see China as a lucrative market for exports, and private equity and venture capital firms are eyeing the country as a prime investment target. Hellige told Law 360 that “the trends translate into a ‘tremendous’ opportunity for attorneys. As we come out of the recession and the whole global economy continues to expand, you’re going to see more work going both ways, both in and out of China.”

When asked about the upward climb of Brazil’s economy, Hellige noted that “there are huge untapped resources down there that a lot of U.S. companies are exploring for the first time so I think it’s inevitable that U.S. law firms will start looking to establish offices and legal relationships in the years to come.”

To read the article from Law 360, please click here.