Troutman Sanders LLP reported Monday it will open an office in Shanghai, making it the only Atlanta-based law firm with an office in mainland China, the world's fastest-growing economy.

The opening of the Shanghai office continues Troutman Sanders' expansion in the Pacific Rim, where the law firm operates a Hong Kong office that opened in 1997. Combined, the two offices will employ about 40 people.

"China's economy is booming, and many of our global clients are working in or planning to expand into this growing region," said Robert W. Webb Jr., chairman and managing partner of Troutman Sanders, during a press conference at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

He said the expansion will help clients in the Asia-Pacific region, who need legal assistance with mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, private equity and venture capital, corporate law.

Webb joined Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin last fall on the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's trade mission to China.

"The opening of a Troutman Sanders office in Shanghai is an important step in Atlanta's ongoing efforts to strengthen business ties with China," Franklin said. "It is a great example of what can be accomplished when local business leaders work together to tell Atlanta's story, as they did during the September trip to China. We will continue that cooperation as we work to expand Atlanta's global reach."

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