Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance has nabbed two associates from Australian law firms for the UK-based firm's expansion into China.

Vivien Teu comes from Deacons in Hong Kong and joined Clifford Chance on 15 January in the firm's Shanghai office. She has experience in advising international clients on investment fund management, and will focus specifically on mainland China funds work.

Patrick Phua will also join Clifford Chance's Shanghai office in early February. He comes from Mallesons Stephen Jaques and focuses on M&A and finance work.

Clifford Chance is planning to double in size in mainland China to more than 100 lawyers within the next five years, according to the UK's The Lawyer. It is unclear, however, whether the firm is targeting more solicitors from Australian firms in its quest for growth.

"Our Asian corporate team had one of its busiest years ever in 2006, and we expect this active market to continue well into 2007," said Clifford Chance's managing partner for Beijing and Shanghai, Stephen Harder (pictured), in a press release. Harder was not available for further comment by press time.

Clifford Chance has also appointed associates Colleen Ryan from Chicago law firm Kirkland & Ellis and Ming-Yen Yip from Rodyk & Davidson in Singapore.