International law firm Ropes & Gray is looking forward to creating Hong Kong legal jobs later this month when it is officially licensed to practice law in the Asian city, according to a press release.

The firm intends to apply its expertise in the practice areas of private equity, mergers and acquisitions, public takeovers, equity capital markets and debt capital markets.

The recognition will occur on May 28, also when 26-year legal veteran Julian Chung will come aboard. Experienced Chinese corporate attorney Gary Li also will join the firm’s effort in Hong Kong.

“These moves reinforce our strong commitment to serving clients with their most critical issues in China and across Asia,” said Brad Malt, chairman of Ropes & Gray. “Julian Chung and Gary Li bring an unparalleled depth of experience and knowledge that will bolster our market-leading private equity franchise and expand the range of complementary capital markets services we offer our clients.”

The legal recruitment of Chung and Li will establish the pair as partners with Ropes & Gray.

The firm opened an office in Shanghai in 2011 and its Asian practices have seen the number of attorneys more than double in the past year.