Thomas Guise targets Chinese market after launch of new office in Birmingham

WEST Midland law firm Thomas Guise has expanded its operation with the opening of a new office in Birmingham. The firm already has a strong presence in the region, with offices in both Worcester and Studley.

The expansion follows a number of developments for the firm including a rebrand, the launch of a new website and the recruitment of two additional members of staff.  

The Birmingham office, in Ethel Street, will serve as the hub for the firm’s growing list of Chinese clientele – both in the UK and abroad. This follows the firm’s trade mission to China in October.

The new office is headed up by Wayne Thomas, who will work alongside Nancy Hai, Thomas Guise’s new Manager of Chinese Legal Services. Fluent in Mandarin, Ms Hai will assist Thomas Guise’s Immigration Team with Mandarin-speaking clients based in both the UK and China. Her recent work for the company includes managing visa and ‘indefinite leave to remain’ applications and assisting Chinese clients with purchasing property in England.

Joining her is Mark Pardoe, who will be based at the firm’s Studley office and who will head up the Education and Regulation and Compliance Teams. Mr Pardoe has more than 15 years’ experience working in areas including commercial law and contracts, dispute resolution and advocacy, information law and employment law. He is an acknowledged expert in regulatory law and compliance and co-authored Alternative Business Structures – A Compliance Guide for Law Firms. Prior to joining Thomas Guise he worked for as an in-house lawyer for two large corporations.

Mr Thomas, director and founding partner at the firm, said: “Thomas Guise has had tremendous success over the last few years. Our expansion into Birmingham, along with the appointment of Nancy Hai, are great steps towards generating more work from the Chinese community in the UK and Mainland China. As a company, we understand and value the needs of the Chinese market and are now able to service our customers with a native speaker of their language in an advantageous location.

“We’re also delighted to officially welcome Mark to our Studley office. With his extensive experience within the legal profession, he will be a valuable addition to Thomas Guise’s Education and Regulation and Compliance Teams.”