Hogan Lovells closes office in Ulaanbaatar

Hogan Lovells, a multinational law firm co-headquartered in London and Washington, DC, is closing its Ulaanbaatar office following “a review of the market and the firm’s investment priorities”. It will be replaced by a new independent firm established by managing partner Chris Melville and the existing team of 15 lawyers and staff.

The law firm first entered the country in 2010 after establishing a formal association with a local law firm, GTs Advocates, in August 2010. By doing so, it became the first global firm to set up a permanent presence in Mongolia.

Hogan Lovells has since represented and advised the government in several endeavors including an arbitration case regarding uranium mining licenses. The firm has also been active in advising on inbound corporate investment work and foreign investments such as General Electric’s equity investment in the 122 million USD Salkhit wind farm project.

The firm’s decision to exit Mongolia comes following a strategic review of the market. Hogan Lovells will form a cooperation relationship with the new firm in a bid to continue servicing its clients in the country.

“Global and local markets and the strategic priorities of the firm have changed since then. I strongly believe that we have a good practice, an excellent team, and that there are opportunities that we can take advantage of operating from a different platform, including working with Hogan Lovells in the future. We are excited about the next chapter,” said Chris Melville.