U.S. law firm Mayer Brown prepares split from Chinese operations

HONG KONG/NEW YORK -- American law firm Mayer Brown is set to carve out its Hong Kong operation amid U.S.-China tensions and an economic downturn on the mainland, Nikkei Asia has learned, a move that will make it the second most high-profile legal company to leave the market in recent months.

Senior management at the law firm recently asked clients in Hong Kong if they would continue working with the local entity when it has been spun out, said a source familiar with the discussion.