Just saw this
article in Legal Week about Weil Gotshal poaching 2 corporate partners in Hong Kong. Seems like the perfect time to pick up some more partner level attorneys: when the economy is down, but supposedly getting better. Article after the jump.

Weil Gotshal & Manges has boosted its Asia practice with a double hire from Simmons & Simmons in Hong Kong.

Henry Ong has joined Weil's Hong Kong office as a partner along with Jasson Han, who joins as a partner-level senior consultant, the same title he held at Simmons.

Ong's practice focuses on M&A and technology, media and telecoms, while Han specialises in energy-related work.

In addition to joining Weil's corporate department, Ong will also set up his own local law firm, Henry Ong & Co, which will operate in association with Weil, as firms must practise for three years in Hong Kong before being allowed to practice local law. Weil launched in Hong Kong in 2007.

Of course, this probably doesn't bode well for Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons recalled two City partners from its Hong Kong office earlier this year, while the firm also laid off three corporate associates in the office in March.

Are things really picking up that much? (Folks in Hong Kong, please speak up in the comments) If you read Above the Law's sponsored section, you would think the market is booming, but that hasn't been my impression from people I've spoken with. Which explains why no associates were poached or taken from Simmons. (and that Simmons doesn't even appear able to feed all of its associates) Sounds like firms like Weil are trying to prepare themselves for the upturn by grabbing partners they want. Anyone disagree?