Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP ("BLG”) has announced the appointment of Steven D. Fieldman as Senior Consultant to its China Corporate Commercial Group, based in Shanghai. Prior to joining BLG, Steve worked with Herbert Smith LLP in Shanghai and Beijing. Steve has 35 years of experience in law, including twelve years in China. Steve will work closely with BLG Shanghai’s new lead partner Brinton Scott, focusing on developing BLG’s China Corporate Commercial Group by expanding the existing service offered to clients.

David Smyth, Managing Partner Hong Kong & China, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to the China team. His core strengths are well-aligned with those of the firm and the areas we are looking to develop. Steve’s appointment reinforces BLG’s long-term commitment to China.”

During his twelve years in China, Steve has worked in the role of In-house Counsel to a leading venture capital firm and in private practice with both local and international law firms.  He has extensive experience in advising foreign and Chinese investors and target companies in relation to venture capital and private equity transactions, cross-border mergers and acquisitions and foreign direct investment. Steve has worked across a diverse range of sectors, from agriculture to high-technology throughout China.

Steve Fieldman said: “Joining BLG at this time of growth offers me the opportunity to play an integral role in the development of its practice in China. It also gives me the opportunity to rejoin forces with an “old friend”, having worked with Brinton when we were at Herbert Smith.  The role also enables me to utilise experience as a Professor and trainer in China, as I will work with the BLG team in Shanghai and across Asia.” 

Since 1998, Steve has been a part-time Professor in the Joint USA-PRC MBA Program of Shanghai University of Finance & Economics and Webster University (St. Louis, Missouri). He teaches Business Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Capital. Steve has also taught in international MBA programmes in Shenzhen and Chengdu. He has received numerous commendations in the USA and China for his legal work and teaching.   

Brinton Scott, BLG Shanghai’s lead partner, noted that: “Steve’s experience in mergers and acquisitions and foreign direct investment fits very well with BLG’s existing capability in China. His extensive experience in venture capital and private equity is key to expanding our service offering to clients. Having worked as both In-house Counsel and as a private lawyer, Steve brings invaluable insight and understanding in meeting the needs of our clients and the challenges they face when doing business in China. I am very much looking forward to working with Steve once again.”

BLG senior partner Simon Konsta said: “Steve’s appointment is another significant step in BLG’s international strategy to develop the full potential of our team in China and across Asia. We will continue to focus on our Asia investment and to build on the team’s core strengths to ensure we provide the best service to our clients.”