Kirkland & Ellis has expanded its China practice with the hire of partner Xiaoyang Li from Beijing's Jun He Law Offices.

Li (pictured) will initially be based in Hong Kong while the expansion of the firm's China practice is underway.

The "strategic" appointment will boost Kirkland's practice in China during the economic downturn, said the firm.

The new hire will add to the firm's hiring spree, which recently saw additions to the PE practice in Hong Kong.