Solicitor's China first A former London solicitor is claiming to be the first visiting professor to lecture in a law faculty of a Chinese university.

Graham Perry, formerly a partner with City firm Clinton Davis & Co, has been appointed visiting professor of dispute resolution at the University of International Business and Economics, Beijing.He said his appointment reflects the greater interest in English law and English arbitration procedures in China and the increasing number of Chinese companies involved in arbitration procedures in London - to the benefit of UK law firms.

He said: 'With China continuing along the path of participation and co-operation with world trade, foreign law firms can expect a growing demand for their services.'Those UK firms who have considered China as a marathon and not a sprint will be those reaping the benefits.'The UK is now the highest European investor in China and its second largest trading partner.

After a long slog, most top City law firms now have offices in China.

Mr Perry is an arbitrator in international commodity and sports disputes, having run a UK/Sino export company.

He is a member of the Chinese International Economic Trade and Arbitration Commission, an international panel of arbitrators licensed to act for foreign firms based in China.Andrew Towler