China

With 100 partners and 300 lawyers, AllBright Law Offices’ litigation and arbitration practice is known for its work in commercial disputes. The firm is often involved in the real estate, mining and metals and financial services sectors. It is often instructed by international corporations and major domestic enterprises. With a proven track record in litigation, the firm is also growing its presence in the international arbitration scene.

Rui Guo is a key name in the firm, acting as lead partner on the majority of cases related to the banking and financial services, construction and real estate sectors. Jianfeng Wang and Sheng Zhang are other lawyers to note for both commercial disputes and international arbitration.

In a notable commercial disputes case, the firm represented Shanghai Fosun High Technology (Group) Co, Shanghai Fosun Industry Investment Co and Shanghai Fosun Industry and Technology Development Co, in an equity transfer dispute with Jiangsu Shagang Group Co, Jiangsu Shagang Capital Holdings Co and Nanjing Iron & Steel Group Corp. The case involved a Rmb13.58 billion ($1.9 billion) equity transaction dispute concerning right of first refusal in China's steel industry. The team led by Guo successfully resolved complex legal challenges regarding ‘equivalent conditions’ in the transaction between the clients and the opposing party, leading to a mediated settlement. The high-profile case, which garnered significant media attention, set an important precedent for similar disputes in corporate law.

On the construction front, the firm advised China Construction Installation Group on a construction contract dispute regarding a refined isophthalic acid plant project in Ningbo. The team provided comprehensive analysis of 43 major disputes encompassing design changes, project delays, and cost overruns due to Covid-19. Through an innovative non-litigation approach, the team facilitated successful settlement negotiations, establishing a precedent for alternative dispute resolution in China's construction sector.

Topsperity Securities Co, Zhongzhou Futures Co and Zhuzhou Hongyu Real Estate Development Co are some of the firm’s recent clients.

Client feedback

“They are effective and smart.” – International arbitration

Minli Tang

“She is a fierce and technically gifted lawyer.”

AnJie Broad Law Firm’s rapidly growing dispute resolution team is recognized for its work in international arbitration and commercial litigation, with particular industry expertise in insurance. The firm regularly represents clients before all levels of court and at various international arbitration institutions, including the International Chamber of Commerce the London Court of International Arbitration and the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. Key partners of the team include antitrust and insurance expert Hao Zhan and employment specialist Zhenghe Liu. On the commercial disputes front, the firm advised Cornerstone International Financial Leasing Co on a Rmb80 million ($11.2 million) financing lease contract dispute involving ‘one property, multiple financing’ complications.

Client feedback

“AnJie Broad has consistently provided me with high-quality legal services. Their team is not only knowledgeable but also responsive and dedicated to finding the best solutions for their clients. I particularly appreciate their attention to detail and ability to simplify complex legal issues.” – Commercial and transactions

Zhenghe Liu

“Mr. Liu is very professional and responsive, with abundant experience. As an employment lawyer, he can analyze cases from both a legal/technical and human perspective, showing respect for humanity.”

Jia Wan

“Wan is a highly regarded lawyer with extensive experience in insurance and commercial disputes. She is particularly skilled in handling high-value insurance claims and complex cross-border transactions. Her deep legal knowledge, coupled with her practical experience, has enabled her to achieve outstanding results for her clients.”

Labour and employment boutique Baohua Law Firm has etched itself a formidable niche in the Shanghai legal landscape with its concentration on handling contentious work arising from employment issues. Clients seek the firm for its services in labour disputes including regulatory, contracts and investigation matters. Runqing (John) Dong and Jay Chen are key contacts for labour and employment issues.

In a notable labour dispute, the firm advised a prominent medical enterprise on enforcing non-compete agreements in a Rmb5 million labour dispute against former employees who joined competitors. The team led by partner Dong successfully proved competitive relationship between companies and employee violations despite evidentiary challenges in establishing breach of confidentiality obligations. The second instance court's ruling upholding the non-compete penalties and compensation repayment set a significant precedent for Chinese employers, particularly in addressing the common challenge of proving violations in cases where employees deliberately conceal their competitive activities. The case provides valuable guidance on evidence collection methods and interpretation of competitive relationships in China's medical sector, strengthening employers' ability to protect trade secrets and enforce post-employment restrictions.

Full-service firm Be Wu & Associates specialises in copyright protection, tort defence, and trademark protection, with a notable expertise in representing clients in the media and internet sector. Key partners focus in copyright and trademarks are Xiaoyu Zhu, Ping Li and Hongxiang Jia.

In one triumphant IP dispute, the firm successfully represented CCTV International Network in copyright infringement proceedings against Beijing Doogoal Technology, which broadcast GIF images of the 2018 FIFA World Cup without a licence. The judgment in this case represents the largest compensation award to date for GIF image infringement. It showcases the judiciary's thorough assessment of GIF image infringement and holds significant guiding value for the online content-sharing service provider industry.

In 2023, the firm bolstered its litigation practice with the addition of several exceptional lawyers. These new hires include an expert in government compliance, with extensive experience working within China's administrative and regulatory agencies. The firm also welcomed an IP specialist who focuses on criminal law matters.

Beijing Cyan Law Firm is well known for construction and infrastructure-related disputes. It is lauded for its experience in advising on a range of domestic and foreign-related disputes at all levels of court. The firm’s clients are mainly large private, public and state-owned companies.

The team is led by Wanhe Ye together with Yinli Gao, both renowned for expertise in construction and engineering disputes.

The details of all cases the firm worked on during the research period remain confidential.

Client feedback

“Under the leadership of managing partner Wanhe Ye, the team was quickly formed to provide important support for our company's letter of guarantee and other related projects. Under the conditions of a tight schedule, complexity and heavy task, the team provided comprehensive legal services such as evidence collection, strategy formulation, and the whole process of stopping the payment of the letter of guarantee, and gave all-round consideration to our company, analysed the problems professionally and efficiently, and solved the legal problems in the process of litigation and stopping the payment of the letter of guarantee. The team analysed the problems professionally and efficiently, solved many legal problems in the process of litigation and stop payment, and safeguarded our legal interests. Our company is very satisfied with the quality of the team's work, the results, the team of lawyers and so on.” – Construction

“Cyan is a boutique law firm with strong strengths and expertise in both international and domestic construction and real estate. A variety of international and domestic construction and real estate cases have been handled by the construction team led by Wanhe Ye, Yinli Gao, Wei Shi and Arthur Chiu, which has provided high-quality and comprehensive legal services. The team has rich experience in providing services in construction projects and provides quick and comprehensive legal advice to resolve various legal issues and disputes in the process of litigation, arbitration and daily contract review, etc., effectively promoting the smooth progress of the projects.” – Construction

“Beijing Cyan Law Firm is the top choice for international dispute resolution. It has an international profile, hiring foreign legal experts as well as Chinese lawyers with a high command of English. The law firm particularly excels in the area of commercial arbitration and cases regarding the construction and engineering industries. What makes Beijing Cyan Law Firm stand out is its strategic, analytical approach and clear communication even in complicated legal matters.” – International arbitration

“They provide out feasible solutions that strike a perfect balance between the need for operation in Russia and compliance with US law.” – Trade and customs

Arthur Chiu

"Arthur Chiu is an experienced lawyer who possesses a unique understanding of applying clients' business interests to foreign, international and domestic (China) law. He specialises in resolving complex international contract disputes with a focus on aligning legal strategies with clients' specific business needs."

“Arthur Chiu has remarkable expertise in international commercial arbitration and business negotiation. Being both a practising lawyer and a lecturer at the UIBE Law School, he has very wide practical and theoretical knowledge regarding international legal and business matters. His rich legal experience, business-oriented mindset, and effectiveness make him an invaluable asset to Beijing Cyan Law Firm.”

“He is honest, hard-working, dedicated and smart.”

“He provides care for the client and rich experience in international business and law. Arthur knows the logic of business and law and can balance them well.”

"With a strong sense of professionalism and great negotiation skills, he excels in providing various solutions to the challenges presented, highlighting his exceptional ability to innovate."

Wanhe Ye

"Wanhe Ye has been deeply engaged in the letter of guarantee business for many years and has handled more than 30 cases of independent demand guarantees in international projects since 2008. He has also handled guarantee disputes (including bond injunctions) with a huge guaranteed amount in international projects. Some of the guarantee amounts are up to $1 billion – involving domestic and foreign courts, the intermediate people's court in major cities in China, several provincial high courts, and the Supreme People's Court. This is also the cornerstone of why we have chosen to cooperate with Mr. Ye multiple times. Mr. Ye provides comprehensive legal services for many of our company’s overseas engineering projects, especially in the formulation of strategy, grasping the direction of the important support, genuinely solving practical problems, and maximising the maintenance of the company's interests."

"The professionalism, efficient feedback, meticulousness, and overall perspective of Wanhe Ye are all commendable. Wanhe Ye has provided whole-process legal services in multiple foreign-related projects, including letters of guarantee, international arbitration, international negotiation, and daily legal services."

"Wanhe Ye possesses important professional qualifications, including being a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a national first-grade registered construction engineer, and holding a building economist qualification. Wanhe Ye can be regarded as an expert lawyer in the field of construction engineering. Many years of professional experience and continuous improvement of legal knowledge have made Wanhe Ye a leading lawyer in this field, capable of providing clients with high-quality and efficient legal services."

Beijing Docvit Law Firm's dispute resolution practice focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular emphasis on financial services, corporate control, and real estate disputes. A new entrant to Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific this year, the firm regularly handles financial lending matters, trust contract disputes, and shareholder conflicts across its network of offices in major Chinese cities.

Jie Chen, senior partner and member of the Management Committee, leads significant matters in banking and finance disputes. He has represented major state-owned enterprises including China Development Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and CINDA Asset Management in Supreme Court retrials and has extensive experience in non-performing asset disposal and NEEQ-related transactions.

In commercial disputes, the firm represented Beijing Jingyuntong Technology Co in securing a retrial in an environmental engineering contract dispute. After unsuccessful first and second instance trials based on disputed judicial appraisals, the legal team obtained notarized government environmental assessment records proving the client's equipment met emission standards. The Hubei High People's Court granted a retrial order in April 2024, marking a rare success in China's retrial system. The case is particularly significant as it establishes a strategic precedent for challenging technical judicial appraisals through government compliance records, rather than directly disputing the appraisals themselves. This innovative approach provides a valuable roadmap for similar environmental engineering disputes where judicial appraisal conclusions are in question, especially in cases involving technical standards and environmental compliance.

Client feedback

“Very familiar with the law.” – Intellectual property

Yuanxia Liu

“Highly experienced in the pharmaceutical field.”

Established in 1998, Beijing Javy Law Firm is a full-service commercial law firm with particular strengths in financial services and dispute resolution. Operating across China through its network of offices, including recent expansions in Chongqing and Guigang, the firm serves domestic and international clients with approximately 400 lawyers. A key partner to note is Cenghai Zhao, who specializes in complex litigation before the Supreme People's Court and various high and intermediate people's courts. He focuses on cases involving the intersection of criminal and civil law, particularly in economic crime defense and criminal compliance matters. His practice encompasses criminal legal risk assessment and compliance advisory services. The firm secured a significant victory for a private-sector investment company in a complex contract dispute against a central state-owned enterprise concerning a multi-phase real estate development project.

One of the earliest law firms in China, Beijing Kangda Law Firm sees dispute resolution as one of its core strengths. It focuses on disputes in the fields of securities, equity, investment funds, real estate, and labour and employment. The firm is also particularly known for its expertise in government and regulatory, and criminal disputes.

Main commercial disputes partners include Yan Lian and Rongkuan Yang. For regulatory, senior partner Lina Meng is a key contact.

Case highlights include acting for a biotech company in a Rmb30 million ($4.1 million) product quality liability lawsuit against a seed industry company.

Key clients include Lumenous Device Technologies, Nanchang Quanfei Industrial Development and XX Technology Group.

Headquartered in Beijing, CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office’s legacy practice boasts nearly 300 patent and trademark attorneys and lawyers. The enforcement team provides litigation, administrative enforcement and mediation services to clients relating to patent, trademark, copyright, domain name and unfair competition matters. Its practitioners are well versed in the pharmaceuticals, chemicals and high-tech industries. Key partners include president Chuanhong Long and vice presidents Shaohui Yuan and Jianzhong Kang. In a landmark IP ruling selected as one of Beijing IP Court's Top 10 Typical Cases for 2023, partners Aimin Huo and Fuhai Chu successfully represented Mast-Jägermeister SE (MJSE) in securing Rmb10.15 million in damages against defendants who had misappropriated MJSE's trademarks and trade dress.

Chance Bridge Law Firm provides corporate, commercial, and financial legal services in China. The firm's dispute resolution team handles matters across securities, banking, construction, and intellectual property sectors. Several partners serve as arbitrators at institutions including CIETAC and BAC/BIAC. The firm works with state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and corporations, with particular focus on banking, securities, construction, and intellectual property matters. Partners John Ye, Yuxiang Hu and Liyong Wang helm the firm’s disputes group. In a groundbreaking case that concluded in August 2024, Yuxiang Hu and senior lawyer Manyi Zhou represented CITIC Securities in China's first OTC derivatives trading dispute involving professional investor suitability obligations, securing a favorable Rmb16 million arbitration award before the Beijing Arbitration Commission.

Client feedback

“Legal expertise is excellent. Technical expertise is very strong and comprehensive. Communication with the client works extremely well. More than other law firms, China Patent Agent (HK) can draw on special resources that benefit the client. For instance, the firm is actively involved in supporting IP legislation in China.” – Intellectual property

Ming Deng

“Dr. Deng is the local representative of the firm in Europe/Germany. We discuss legal issues, strategies, and new developments. He draws on expertise from his colleagues in China. In my role as the China interface in the Siemens patent department, he is an invaluable resource.”

Founded in 1984, China Patent Agent (HK) is one of China’s pioneer IP firms. The team houses lawyers with backgrounds in electronics, chemicals and biotechnology. The firm is acknowledged for its expertise in handling patent prosecution and litigation work. Apart from its Hong Kong-based main office, the firm also has offices in Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, New York, Tokyo and Munich.

IP specialists Yuhe Wu and Yanfeng Xiong are key names in the firm.

In one case highlight, the firm acted for German multinational technology conglomerate Siemens in an administrative dispute over the rejection of a patent application for invention.

Key clients of the firm include Meiji, The Lycra Company UK and Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam.

In June 2023, the firm hired leading IP practitioner and trademark specialist Gang Hu from CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office as a deputy general manager.

Client feedback

“They successfully defended the invalidation requests filed against our patents in China with CNIPA.” – Intellectual property

“China Patent Agent (HK) has good understanding of our clients’ needs in China and in the region.” – Intellectual property

Yanfeng Xiong

“Professionalism, dedication, excellent performance.”

Nicole Yu

“Nicole Yu and her team at China Patent Agent (HK)'s Beijing office deliver high-quality IP legal work. We are very pleased with all aspects of their work, from reporting, advice and not least understanding possible cultural differences between how things are handled in China compared to Europe and the US. Furthermore, their English is excellent and, due to the above-mentioned, misunderstandings do not occur.”

City Development Law Firm occupies, and some would argue dominates, a construction-focused space in the Shanghai legal market. The firm’s construction team consists of star lawyers with both legal and civil engineering backgrounds. The team has always been in a leading position in the field, with a particular forte in infrastructure, public utilities and landmark projects. Deputy directors Zhongchun Song and Rubo Han are key names to note, while senior partner Shuying Zhu is a long-time authority in the construction capacity. In a significant construction dispute, Shanghai partner Pengzhou Shi and associate Qian Xu successfully represented Longhai GELIN Frozen Food Co and Longhai Hongchang Food Co in a Rmb207.7 million ($29 million) case against China Construction Fourth Engineering Division Installation Engineering Co.

Clyde & Co is recognised as a pre-eminent practice in the shipping sector, with over 150 dedicated marine lawyers globally and the largest shipping team among international law firms in Greater China. Key figures in the Greater China team include Ik Wei Chong, whose practice focuses on shipping, insurance, international trade, and energy, with expertise in disputes connected to China and the ASEAN region. Nicholas Lum is another leading figure in shipping and maritime law. Matthew Lam is highly experienced in commercial disputes, handling corporate and commercial cases, as well as criminal litigation and shipping matters, including charterparty disputes, ship casualties, and bunker claims. The firm is advising China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) as an unsecured creditor in the $217 million judicial management proceedings of Swiber Holdings and Swiber Offshore Construction.

Client feedback

“Clear guidance with short notice. Competitive fees structure.” – Government and regulatory

Matthew Lam

“Easy to communicate with. Fast response.”

“Great knowledge, understanding, and patience.”

CMS has a well-rounded intellectual property and shipping practice in Hong Kong. Its IP team provides comprehensive services, including portfolio management, filing strategy, enforcement, transactional IP, and contentious matters such as disputes, raid actions, and litigation. The shipping team focuses on litigation, including disputes under charterparties, bills of lading, marine casualties, ship sale and purchase, and shipbuilding. Key figures in the intellectual property practice include Jonathan Chu, head of the IP team in Hong Kong. In the shipping practice, Andrew Horton and Steven Wise lead the disputes team. Adrian Elms has also joined the team to strengthen its commercial litigation capabilities. On the IP front, the firm is advising a leading toy manufacturer on comprehensive global intellectual property matters, including trademark prosecution, enforcement strategies, and licensing arrangements with major international content owners.

Client feedback

“CMS is very professional, efficient and value-for money. Its partners and associates are knowledgeable in the law, very commercial minded and easy to work with.” – Commercial and transactions

Kingsley Ong

“Kingsley is a superb lawyer. He is practical and has great commercial awareness. He is knowledgeable in the law, very professional, efficient and user-friendly.”

Headquartered in Shanghai, Co-effort Law Firm holds a fine reputation in the intellectual property space. It is especially known for its expertise in the areas of copyright infringement and trade secrets issues. The firm is frequently sought after by clients in the media and entertainment, technology and online gaming sectors.

Key practitioners include Minjian You and Gang Fu. Both of them are active in copyright infringement and unfair competition disputes with particular expertise in the technology and online gaming sector.

Commerce & Finance Law Offices is active in key areas of dispute resolution, especially commercial litigation. The dispute resolution team comprises nearly 100 lawyers with 20 partners. Hongji Li heads the dispute resolution team and focuses on complex commercial litigation and international arbitration. Other key names in the team include Jialu Wang and Qiang Cui.

In an ongoing case highlight, the firm is representing Jiangsu Sugang Group Co in a $1.39 billion dispute against Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone Development Co and its subsidiaries over a 2016 equity transaction of Suzhou Green Bank Real Estate Development Co. The case concerns allegations of undisclosed soil pollution across 17 land parcels, following the plaintiffs' failed development projects and environmental assessment issues. Led by partner Qiang Cui, the team's key challenge involves navigating complex regulatory changes in soil pollution standards since 2019, analysing thousands of documents to demonstrate that claims of concealed pollution lack factual basis. While the case remains ongoing at the Jiangsu High People's Court, its significance lies in being China's largest civil litigation case to date, drawing extensive public attention and potentially setting precedents for environmental disclosure obligations in major real estate transactions.

Key clients include China Hainan Rubber Industry Group Co, New China Trust Co and Schindler (China) Elevator Co.

The firm has significantly expanded its dispute resolution practice with the addition of seven new partners. Six of these partners, including Chengyou Gan, Zhenzhong Yang, Meihua Liang, Huiping Liu, and Xue Jiang, join from Jincheng Tongda & Neal, while Dong Liu arrives from Beijing Weiheng Law Firm. Yuli Liu also joins as a partner, strengthening the firm's dispute resolution capabilities.

Dacheng Law Offices is widely recognised for its work in commercial disputes, particularly in the banking and finance space. The firm’s industry strength lies in financial services, technology and communications, energy, aviation and life sciences. Huazhi Yuan and Zhibin Zheng are noted for their work in construction and insolvency disputes.

In commercial and transactions, the firm successfully represented Wuhan Donghu New Technology Entrepreneurship Center Co in a complex contract dispute against Zhejiang Hongzhen Industrial Co, involving Rmb52.96 million, 5,000 square meters of property, and 24.16 acres of land use rights. The dispute centred on a Cooperative Development Agreement for land development through a subsidiary company that later faced bankruptcy proceedings. The case's significance lies in its precedential value for real estate disputes involving bankruptcy proceedings, particularly in establishing clarity on the distinction between contractual rights and property rights in development agreements.

On the construction front, the team represented Agile Real Estate Development Co in a contract dispute against Cedar Holding Group Chengdu Co and its subsidiary over a real estate development project in Chengdu. Led by senior partner Xuegang Wang and his team, the key challenge was successfully arguing for the case to remain under Chengdu court jurisdiction, despite Supreme People's Court's general directive to transfer Cedar Holding Group cases to Guangzhou. The outcome was highly favourable, with both the Chengdu Intermediate People's Court and Sichuan High People's Court supporting virtually all claims in June and August 2024 respectively, securing over Rmb2 billion in rights and interests for the client. The case's significance lies in successfully navigating jurisdictional challenges in major real estate disputes involving distressed conglomerates while expediting project completion and property handover.

Key clients include Amorepacific Trading Co, Chongqing Nanchuan Qingyun Industrial Co, Sichuan Yajule Real Estate Development Co and Yongqing Construction Investment Junyuan Real Estate Development Co.

Client feedback

“Dacheng Law Offices demonstrated remarkable capability in handling our legal matters. They organized the delegated issues with clarity, formulated dispute resolution strategies that were well-thought-out, highly feasible, and practical, and drafted legal documents with professional language in a highly efficient manner. Their thorough and detail-oriented approach ensured excellent outcomes.” – Construction

Jian Gu

“Gu demonstrated very high professional standards. His legal acumen is unparalleled, and expertise is both profound and meticulous. His advocacy is relentless, and commitment to justice is truly commendable.”

Tingrui Guo

“Lawyer Guo is able to respond promptly to the company’s legal inquiries and provide professional legal advice. With a deep understanding of the company’s business, lawyer Guo offers professional and suitable litigation strategies, efficiently resolving disputes related to contracts, labour arbitration, and intellectual property for the company.”

Wei Huang

“Focused on key points and skilled in communication.”

Feng Liu

“During my interactions with Feng Liu’s legal team, I experienced their dedication to professionalism, comprehensiveness, timeliness, high quality, and efficiency in their service. Liu's team has extensive experience and outstanding performance in areas such as major commercial dispute resolution and intellectual property, providing us with effective solutions. Throughout the handling of cases, the team consistently adheres to the principle of ‘never giving up’. This spirit has helped them find breakthroughs when facing challenges and successfully resolve cases.”

DaHui Lawyers’ dispute resolution team is particularly known for its work in commercial litigation and arbitration, especially cross-border disputes. Industry leaders in the fields of aviation, energy, tech, manufacturing, IT, automobiles and finance frequently engage the firm for counsel. Arthur Ma is noted as a key figure within the firm’s dispute resolution practice and has a particular focus on commercial litigation and international arbitration. Xing Wan is another key lawyer to note. The firm is currently representing Wuhan Credit Investment Group Joint Stock Corporation in a landmark Rmb1.36 billion ($190 million) securities dispute retrial, taking over after the client suffered defeats in both first and second-instance proceedings.

Davis Polk & Wardwell has a significant presence in China, with over 100 legal professionals in Beijing and Hong Kong, its largest location outside the US. The firm is active in handling transactions and disputes for Chinese corporates, multinationals, funds, and financial institutions. Its dispute resolution practice focuses on regulatory investigations, enforcement, white-collar crime, and complex commercial litigation. Key figures in the team include Martin Rogers, one of Asia’s leading litigation and financial services regulatory lawyers, with over 30 years of experience in complex litigation, regulatory matters, and white-collar defence. In one commercial and transactions case sample, the firm is representing the Market Surveillance and Monitoring Department of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) in disciplinary proceedings.

DeHeng Law Offices’ dispute resolution practice is known for its expertise in construction and labor and employment. The firm’s construction team often acts for clients in disputes related to infrastructure projects, construction of public utilities projects, land development, real estate construction and financing. Its labor and employment practice, on the other hand, has a track record of advising on disputes arising from cross-regional lay-offs of large state-owned enterprises and foreign-related labor disputes of international enterprises. Key figures of the practice include construction and real estate partners Ganghong Sun and Xiongwei Li, and labor and employment specialist Wenwei Su, whose practice covers risk control of management, employee resettlement, and labor disputes. In an ongoing matter, the team is representing See's (China) Enterprises in a contract dispute against Shanghai People's Park concerning a Sino-foreign cooperative enterprise established in 1993.

Dentons’ Hong Kong team collaborates closely with its China team to handle a wide range of litigation matters, with a particular focus on cross-border disputes in the Greater Bay Area. The firm has notable industry expertise in financial services, technology and communications, energy, aviation, and life sciences. Key figures in the Hong Kong office include Richard Keady, who has over 25 years of experience in litigation, international arbitration, and investigations. In an ongoing commercial dispute, the firm is representing Jiangsu Shagang Materials Trading Co in significant parallel proceedings in Hong Kong and PRC courts, involving a HK$788 million ($102 million) dispute over data centre operations.

Client feedback

"This was a complex case, particularly from a procedural perspective – some of the issues were novel, as they had not been dealt with in the Tribunal before. Dentons brought valuable insight from their extensive experience litigating complex disputes before the Hong Kong courts. This enabled those procedural challenges to be navigated effectively." – Competition/antitrust

Nigel Chan

"Nigel is very hardworking, easy to work with, and always available. He is a great asset to any team."

Richard Keady

"Richard Keady should be every client’s go-to dispute resolution lawyer in Hong Kong. He brings significant insight to any problem, drawing on his years of experience litigating before the region’s courts. Richard understands clients’ needs and strategic objectives, leveraging that insight to help deliver results. He helped us understand what might be achievable within the specific context and devoted significant effort to fostering a partnership. I consider him a trusted adviser. It is also evident that he invests considerable effort in developing his broader team to ensure effective support at all levels."

Dorsey & Whitney is often sought for its multi-jurisdictional contentious work, particularly in the commercial, transactions, and intellectual property areas. The firm handles litigation and arbitration involving corporate acquisitions, shareholder disputes, contentious insolvencies, and various commercial matters related to investments and transactions in the PRC. Its intellectual property litigation practice focuses on anti-counterfeiting, IP enforcement actions, company and domain name disputes, and civil disputes. Key figures include Sirui (Ray) Liu, head of the firm’s Beijing office, who focuses on international and commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly in cross-border and extraterritorial disputes. The firm is representing TikTok and ByteDance in their first-ever jury trial case, a significant trademark dispute at the US District Court Southern District of California.

East & Concord Partners offers a comprehensive dispute resolution practice, with particular strength in arbitration. It is active in commercial disputes, notably those arising in the energy, construction and infrastructure, finance and technology and telecommunications sectors. Its team is regularly sought after by both international and domestic enterprises. Managing partner Qi Zhou is prominent in the arbitration scene, often acting as a senior arbitrator at the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission. Chaoyi Ji heads the dispute resolution practice and is active in both litigation and arbitration. The firm represented a China Merchants Capital fund in an arbitration before the Beijing Arbitration Commission against Dalian Wanda Commercial Management Group and its affiliates.

Client feedback

“Very professional and hardworking team.” – Commercial and transactions

Chaoyi Ji

“Very experienced and professional.”

"Possesses deep knowledge of dispute-related matters, provides practical solutions, always meets deadlines, and is cost-effective.”

Eiger in association with Shanghai Runyi Law Firm is particularly strong at complex labour disputes. The firm often handles senior management and compliance issues, as well as other internal fraud and business fraud-related litigation. It is also experienced in handling international shareholder disputes, mostly representing foreign investors into Asia.

Two key partners to note are Tian Xu and David Jin. Xu’s practice focuses on corporate and M&A, employment and tax, whereas Jin is an experienced commercial attorney with a strong background in disputes and legal matters concerning foreign investment, M&A, corporate governance, and intellectual property.

Top-tier firm Fangda Partners continues to be a frontrunner, singled out for its strong track record and robust presence across the market. The firm focuses on handling high-profile, high-stakes and complex litigation with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes including international arbitration. The firm also enjoys pre-eminence in the IP, regulatory and insolvency space.

Key figures in the dispute resolution team include Pu (Alexandra) Yang, Helen Shi, Nuo Ji and Kate Yin who specialise in IP, international arbitration, insolvency and government and regulatory matters respectively. Benjamin Miao, Daniel Huang and Peter Yuen are other key practitioners.

In commercial and transactions, the firm is representing an individual in multiple corporate governance disputes before various Chinese courts against a joint venture partner. Led by Partners Zheng Shanjian and Allen Fu, the matter involves over 20 civil litigation cases concerning shareholding structure, company control, and shareholder rights. The outcome of these ongoing cases will determine the control of a major corporate group with significant implications for its governance structure and operational control.

On the intellectual property front, the firm is acting for Apple Inc in a series of patent litigations against iRobot before multiple Chinese courts, including Shanghai High Court, Suzhou IP Court, and Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court. Led by partner Alexandra Yang, the matter involves patent disputes over Apple's SIRI system, with iRobot claiming Rmb10 billion ($1.4 billion) in damages – the highest damages claim in China's IP litigation history. The decade-long dispute continues with parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, with the first-round invalidation decision being selected as a yearly case by CNIPA. The ongoing case's outcome will set significant precedents for major IP disputes in China.

The firm counts esteemed companies as litigation clients including China Life Asset Management Co, Everbright Jinhui Investment Management (Shanghai) Co, OPPO and Shanghai Jinxin Investment Advisory.

The firm’s dispute resolution practice has promoted Shanshan (Victoria) Heng, Qian Luo and Yongqi Tao to partners in June 2024.

Client feedback

"Always thinks from the client’s perspective and devotes unreserved efforts to achieve the best possible results for the client. Very experienced and professional in domestic and foreign dispute resolution, capable of managing foreign law firms, and upholds high ethical standards." – Commercial and transactions

"They provide an incredibly high level of legal service, balancing both the commercial aspects of what we aim to achieve with the necessary legal strategy." – Commercial and transactions

"Fangda Partners is very responsive and consistently provides customer-oriented legal services with skillful and experienced lawyers." – Construction

"The team provides strong support during legal proceedings, including strategic recommendations, risk analysis, and commercially sensible solutions that serve the best interests of our company." – Intellectual property

"The service rates are reasonable, and they are always willing to assist, even in very urgent circumstances. The IP team is fabulous as usual, offering constructive suggestions and solutions." – Intellectual property

"Highly experienced, with great knowledge, excellent communication, and structured, well-thought-out work products. They dive deep into risks from various perspectives, provide practical advice with consideration of the business context, and handle unexpected situations during interviews or negotiations appropriately." – White-collar crime

Allen Fu

"He is very insightful and manages his team and the process in a highly professional and capable manner."

Hans She

"Has in-depth knowledge of IP law and extensive experience in the field of pharmaceutical IP. Demonstrates high communication skills, provides well-thought-out advice within a short response time, and applies strategic thinking by incorporating business aspects into legal advice."

Muran Sun

"Always provides timely feedback and constructive suggestions."

Tony Xiang

"Always responds promptly and helps identify the right lawyer for different cases. Provides professional advice and timely reports while leading a highly experienced team to support our cases. The team consistently offers sensible and commercially practical solutions."

Alvin Xiao

"Alvin has profound professional knowledge in commercial dispute resolution. He is highly experienced in advising on complex issues and is always willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best results for his clients. Alvin has a rich professional network overseas, which has created significant value for us. He is my go-to litigator in China for disputes we cannot afford to lose."

Hexuan (Derrick) Zhao

"Derrick is a true professional with extensive legal and industry knowledge. He thinks deeply while providing clear and easily understandable opinions to business management. He manages the expectations of various stakeholders exceptionally well."

Gen Law Firm swiftly established itself as a prominent IP litigation practice across China's principal commercial centres. With offices strategically located in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, the firm's litigation team delivers sophisticated intellectual property representation in high-stakes disputes, specializing in complex litigation across semiconductor, wireless technology, and biopharmaceutical sectors. Managing partner Jing He anchors the firm's litigation strategy, drawing on over two decades of IP and antitrust expertise, complemented by partner Kefeng (Steve) Zhao's trademark, copyright, and data protection work. Partners Jinwen (Kevin) Han and Feng (Jerry) Xia further strengthen the team's capabilities, with their collaborative methodology and deep technological understanding positioning the firm as a leading IP litigation practice in the Chinese legal market.

Client feedback

“They have a good understanding of our business and trademark laws in China.” – Intellectual property

Pei Lyu

“She has a good understanding of our business and trademark practice in China."

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is highly regarded for its white-collar crime and commercial litigation practices. The firm handles a wide array of disputes across the Asia-Pacific region, including matters related to banking, insurance, and shareholder conflicts, contracts, contentious regulatory issues, probate, trusts, and tax. It is particularly experienced in complex cross-border disputes, private wealth matters, employment litigation, and tax controversies. Key figures include Kelly Austin, who leads the compliance and investigations practice, focusing on government and corporate investigations. The firm strategically guided a high-stakes estate dispute to settlement during a 60-day trial, involving a multi-billion USD estate with assets across Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Global Law Office’s dispute resolution team comprises 50 partners with nearly 100 associates with solid skills and rich experience in a broad range of practices including antitrust, finance, compliance, insolvency, construction and intellectual property. It is also well-respected in the field of international arbitration, able to instruct in large-scale matters before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, London Court of International Arbitration and the International Chamber of Commerce. Xing Xiusong and Gao Yifeng are well regarded for their international arbitration capability. Gao is also active in construction and product liability disputes. Other lawyers to note include Jingye Jiang, Zhao Li and Jiuguang Zhao. In commercial and transactions, the firm is acting on behalf of a state-owned enterprise in financial institution debt restructuring matters.

Globe-Law Law Firm makes its debut in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific as a new entrant, recognised for its strong capabilities in intellectual property and dispute resolution. The firm operates a comprehensive legal service platform with ten offices across China and internationally, supported by a network of over 50 global partners. With more than 400 lawyers from leading domestic and international universities, Globe-Law has established itself as one of the earliest law firms in China to focus on intellectual property, building a robust reputation over two decades. Key contact Zhengzhi Wang, a practicing lawyer since 2004, has extensive experience in legislative consulting, arbitration, and high-stakes IP cases. He serves as an arbitrator for several institutions, including CIETAC, WIPO, and SIAC, and has participated in cases that were selected as guiding cases by the Supreme People’s Court. Wang is a notable figure in both domestic and international IP matters. The firm’s IP team is representing Hicon Network Technology (Shandong) in a copyright infringement dispute against MIGU Video Co regarding unauthorised IPTV broadcasting of 25 CBA events.

Grandall Law Firm debuts in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific, recognised for its dispute resolution capabilities across domestic and international matters. With 35 offices globally, including key locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong SAR, the firm is well-positioned to handle complex litigation and arbitration cases. Its office in Shijiazhuang has developed a competitive edge in Hebei Province, offering effective dispute resolution services to government departments, financial institutions, and large enterprises.

Based in Shijiazhuang, key partner Qian (Mike) Zhang is known for his expertise in corporate and commercial disputes, particularly those involving cross-border elements. With over a decade of experience and networks across jurisdictions, he is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional matters.

The firm represents Jizhong Energy Fengfeng Group Co in a loan dispute against China Development Bank's Hebei Branch. Led by partner Zhang, the case involved complex historical loan agreements spanning from 1995 to 2003. The case concluded in March 2024 with the second instance court upholding the first instance judgment, which established significant precedents regarding the interpretation of historical loan write-off policies and the calculation of penalty interest in financial loan disputes in China.

The firm’s other clients from the past 12 months remain confidential.

Grandway Law Offices' dispute resolution practice offers comprehensive services in commercial litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings. The team represents government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international corporations, and listed companies before the Supreme People's Court, local courts, and major arbitration institutions including CIETAC, BAC, SHIAC, and HKIAC. The practice focuses on commercial contracts, securities compliance, investment and financing disputes, with an emphasis on risk control and strategic dispute resolution.

A key partner to note is Gang Xie, an executive partner and CIETAC arbitrator who has been with the firm since 1997. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in commercial litigation, securities compliance, and product liability matters, particularly in China Securities Regulatory Commission proceedings and automotive sector disputes.

Among the commercial and transaction cases, the firm acted on behalf of Beijing Shixin Tonghua Enterprise Management Consulting Center in a Rmb6 billion ($840 million) bankruptcy reorganization case involving Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal Development Co. Led by partner Xie Gang, the matter involves complex negotiations between multiple stakeholders including local government, administrator, and other creditors. The reorganization plan was approved by the court in early 2024, securing full repayment of the principal claim for the client as both the largest creditor and reorganization investor.

The firm also represents notable clients such as Hengtong Logistic Co, Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong Composites Group Co, and Longkou Hengtong Motors Trading Co.

The firm recently bolstered its team with a series of strategic hires, particularly enhancing its dispute resolution and specialized practice capabilities. Xuyan Chen and Junhui Pan joined as partners from Zhejiang Zeda Law Firm in November 2023 and January 2024, respectively, both focusing on dispute resolution. Haifeng He, formerly of Tian Tong Law Firm, further strengthens the dispute resolution team, joining as a partner in March 2024. Additionally, Hanguo Zhang, an expert in IP litigation and non-contentious matters, joined from Haiwen & Partners in July 2024. Jiang Qi, specializing in criminal defence and corporate compliance, was hired from Shanghai RiYing Law Firm, while Zou Ning, with expertise in marriage and family matters, inheritance, and dispute resolution, joined from Win Zone Law Firm.

Guantao Law Firm’s litigation and arbitration department has in-depth experience in investment, equity and IP as well as commercial and financial fraud disputes. It also has deep knowledge in administrative litigation and review. The firm is particularly active in real estate and construction-related disputes. Leiming Sheng and Shaosong Sun jointly lead its disputes team with expertise in commercial and construction disputes as well as antitrust and arbitration. Wei Jiang is also singled out for his work in the construction space. In commercial and transactions, the firm is representing China Huarong Asset Management Beijing Branch in multiple ongoing non-performing financial claims disputes.

Hai Run Law Firm’s dispute resolution team handles complex and high-value cases across civil, commercial, and administrative legal fields. Many of its team members serve as arbitrators for various arbitration commissions. The firm's clients are primarily companies, and its cases often involve high-level courts, including the High Court and the Supreme Court. Key partner Wangshu Chen specializes in civil and commercial disputes, with experience in securities compliance, securities litigation, and corporate litigation. In an ongoing matter, the firm is representing Shanghai Jinlitai Chemical Co and two executives in a precedent-setting securities misrepresentation case.

Haiwen & Partners is one of the earliest domestic law firms in China to engage in foreign and overseas dispute resolution and arbitration. The dispute resolution team consists of more than ten partners and counsels, and over forty professional lawyers. Based in the firm’s office in Beijing, partner Chao Yang has nearly 20 years of experience in dispute resolution, focusing on commercial arbitration and litigation. She specializes in disputes involving investment and financing, capital management, corporate matters, international trade, and Sino-foreign joint ventures. The firm is currently representing a state-owned enterprise subsidiary in an ongoing dispute concerning a cooperative development agreement.

Han Kun Law Offices' dispute resolution practice is renowned for its exceptional quality of work and is frequently sought after for counsel on a range of matters, including commercial disputes, intellectual property issues, antitrust cases, and labor and employment concerns. The firm has garnered particular acclaim for its expertise in handling intellectual property disputes within the telecommunications, healthcare and chemical industries.

Dong (Eric) Liu, partner and member of the dispute resolution team, is lauded for his work in the commercial and transactions field. IP specialist Yan Wang is also a recognized name. Other key names include Denning Jin, Andy Liao and Yaxing Zhang.

In a notable commercial dispute concluded in September 2023, the firm represented a major commercial bank in a fund custodian case. Led by partner Vincent Sun, the team successfully navigated complex jurisdictional challenges where the plaintiff attempted to circumvent arbitration by adding multiple defendants under joint infringement claims. Through multiple rounds of litigation including two cycles of trials and a remand proceeding, the firm secured dismissal of all claims, establishing significant precedent for arbitration agreement applications in multi-party disputes.

In a landmark intellectual property matter, the firm represented a global leading smartphone manufacturer in a high-stakes patent dispute. Under partner Yan Wang's leadership, the team successfully invalidated a previously upheld patent through innovative prior art strategy at CNIPA, leading to the withdrawal of infringement proceedings. The Supreme People's Court's favourable ruling earned the case recognition among China's Top 10 IP Cases of 2023 and inclusion in the Supreme People's Court's 100 leading IP Court pilot program cases.

Client confidentiality is strictly upheld by the firm for all remaining cases it has provided advice on.

The firm has recently strengthened its dispute resolution team through both external hires and internal promotions. In December 2023, Yang Han joined as a partner from King & Wood Mallesons. Xin Liu was hired as a partner from Grandall Law Firm in April 2024. Internally, three lawyers were promoted to partner in January 2024: Jiankun (Rio) Li and Bing San in dispute resolution, and Ying Zeng, who works in both compliance and investigations as well as dispute resolution.

Hengdu Law Firm has established dispute resolution as its core practice area, with a team consisting of 80 partners and extensive experience in representing clients in complex disputes across various fields. The team has practical experience across industries such as construction engineering, real estate, biomedicine, culture and entertainment, banking and finance, and fast-moving consumer goods. The department is led by partner Genping He, who has significant expertise in litigation and business negotiation. In a significant commercial dispute in the photovoltaic industry, the firm represented XX Energy Group Co, XX New Energy Co and their controlling shareholder in a complex equity redemption dispute that concluded in February 2024.

Enjoying a first-class reputation in the market, Herbert Smith Freehills maintains a vast range of domestic and international disputes capability covering the full spectrum of contentious advice across Asia-Pacific. The firm stands out in commercial disputes, international arbitration and white-collar crime among other areas. It also has the largest dedicated arbitration team in Greater China with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Apart from legal expertise, the firm is also recognised for its strategic and commercial approach to handling cases.

Dominic Geiser and Gareth Thomas are key names for commercial litigation. May Tai and Justin D'Agostino are particularly famous in the international arbitration space, while Kyle Wombolt is the dominant player in white-collar crime. Other notable lawyers include financial services regulatory specialist Hannah Cassidy and banking litigation specialists Jojo Fan and Rachael Shek.

On the commercial and transactions front, the firm is acting for both UBS and UBS Europe in defending proceedings commenced by the liquidators of China Metal Recycling in the court of first instance in respect of liabilities arising out of its sponsorship work for the IPO of China Metal Recycling. In another case sample, the firm is defending Bank of China International and BOCI Securities against mis-selling claims brought by their private bank client who is a high-net-worth Chinese individual based in the Guangdong province. This matter is one of the few mis-selling cases in the jurisdiction that have been brought in respect of the sale and purchase of investment products after the 2008 global financial crisis and touches on a complex set of facts that span over a period of six years. The claim well exceeds HK$100 million ($12.8 million).

Notable clients include Bank Julius Baer & Co, BNP Paribas, Chance Talent and Oasis Management Company.

Client feedback

HHP Attorneys-At-Law is recognized for its work in financial disputes. The team has represented clients in disputes relating to trust and wealth management, securities, mergers and acquisitions, shareholders’ rights and corporate governance. Industry expertise ranges across the real estate, machinery manufacturing and automobile sectors. Senior partners Jingdong Xu and Yao Rao are key names in general commercial disputes. In an ongoing case highlight, the firm is representing a Shanghai-listed technology company in a series of five ongoing contract disputes.

Client feedback

“HHP Attorneys-At-Law (HHP) excels in combining deep industry knowledge with tailored legal solutions to address a wide range of complex disputes. Their ability to thoroughly understand our industry and the unique challenges we face has been a cornerstone of their effectiveness. Whether it’s navigating intricate commercial disputes or resolving labor-related controversies, HHP consistently delivers results that align with our business objectives.” – Labour and employment

Yao Rao

“Yao Rao exemplifies exceptional leadership and expertise in dispute resolution, consistently demonstrating a deep understanding of complex legal and industry-specific issues. Her ability to blend strategic thinking with technical knowledge allows her to craft innovative solutions that align with her clients' business objectives. Rao’s remarkable strategic vision enables her to see the bigger picture while addressing intricate legal details, ensuring strategies are both effective and commercially sound. Her profound knowledge spans diverse sectors, from manufacturing to construction, allowing her to tailor approaches that resonate with industry-specific challenges. With strong communication skills, Rao fosters trust and collaboration, keeping clients well-informed and confident in the chosen legal strategies. As a leader, she inspires her team to excel, balancing mentorship with accountability to deliver exceptional client outcomes. Deeply invested in her clients’ goals, Rao proactively identifies potential risks and opportunities to secure the best possible results. Her ability to consistently deliver results while maintaining a client-centric approach makes her an invaluable asset to HHP and a trusted partner for her clients.”

HongFangLaw’s practice is exclusively dedicated to intellectual property. The firm is especially active in litigation for clients in the automotive, communications, construction, energy, pharmaceuticals and software industries. Xu Zhang is the main contact in the firm.

Case highlights include acting on behalf of British multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo in filing an objection and an application for trademark invalidation against Guangzhou Gangpai Garment; advising South Korean beauty and cosmetics chaebol Amorepacific Corporation on a trademark infringement dispute against Cosmeceuticals (Guangdong); and advising another South Korean cosmetics brand, Innisfree Corporation, on trademark infringement litigation against Shanghai Pingfan Glasses and Jiangsu Pingfan Glasses.

Some of its most important clients include 3M, Bandai Namco, Hennessy, Hisense Group and Treasury Wine Estates.

Client feedback

“They always offer a tailor-made solution for each situation.” – Intellectual property

Xu Zhang

“Zhang Xu, a partner at HongFangLaw, is our most frequent contact. His experience and insights in IP practice in the energy industry have been very helpful for us when it has come to formulating an IP protection strategy in China.”

Hui Ye Law Firm focuses on cross-border commercial disputes and has built a strong practice in this area. Through its Hui Ye International Commercial Dispute Resolution Committee, the firm handles equity disputes, investment disputes, and a range of commercial cases for multinational corporations and state-owned enterprises at arbitration institutions domestically and internationally.

The dispute resolution team includes experienced professionals with significant expertise in arbitration and litigation. Key partners such as Dong Wu, Frank Ji, Chuanbao Zang, Sean Yuan, and Qingsong Wei serve as arbitrators for institutions including CIETAC, HKIAC, and local arbitration commissions. Cheng Chen focuses on cross-border disputes, including international contracts and equity cases, at SIAC, CIETAC, and other arbitration centres. Steven Zhou, Rocky Ding, and Zhicheng Pan work on foreign-related commercial disputes, employing arbitration, litigation, and non-litigation approaches.

The firm represented Xi'an Zhuoyeze Real Estate against the Natural Resources and Planning Bureau of Xixian New Area in a land use dispute. Led by partner Siwei He, the team successfully challenged a state-owned construction land use right transfer contract after the client, having paid substantial initial fees, was prevented from development by heritage authorities due to the presence of a national-level cultural relics reserve. The Bureau had failed to complete mandatory archaeological procedures before the transfer, violating the 'archaeology first, then transfer' principle. The Railway Transportation Court's ruling to rescind the contract established important precedent on land transfers in culturally sensitive areas and confirmed such disputes as administrative rather than civil matters, which had significant implications for burden of proof and procedural requirements.

The rest of the clients remain confidential.

Founded in 1997, Hylands Law Firm is renowned for its expertise in intellectual property disputes, particularly in the media, entertainment, sports, and machinery sectors. The firm handles a wide range of IP matters, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and unfair competition, serving clients across industries such as entertainment, arts, media, sports, TMT, and healthcare. The firm also excels in commercial and insolvency disputes. Key partners include Yingzi Liu, who specialises in culture, entertainment, sports, technology, and media, providing comprehensive legal services in these areas, as well as Zhitong Zhu and Wenting Li, who focus on commercial disputes. The firm represented Saifu Fuxing (Shenzhen) Equity Investment Fund and Jiaxing Saifu Benyuan Equity Investment Partnership Enterprise in an equity dispute.

Client feedback

Yiru Sun

“During our collaboration with Lawyer Sun Yiru's team, we deeply appreciated the professional expertise and service quality of Hylands Law Firm. The team members not only possess a solid legal foundation but also demonstrate a diligent and responsible work ethic. They consistently prioritise the interests of their clients, attentively listening to our needs and opinions while providing timely, targeted legal advice and services. In summary, lawyer Sun's team showcased outstanding professional competence, diligent work ethics, and a strong sense of responsibility while handling the series of securities misrepresentation dispute cases for our company.”

“Ms. Sun has excellent professional ability; she can handle all kinds of complex disputes in the case with ease and pinpoint the key to solving the problem.”

Ince & Co is a prominent firm in the shipping sector with a comprehensive contentious practice that includes litigation, arbitration, and mediation. The team handles disputes related to charterparties, carriage of goods by sea, cargo claims, shipbuilding and repair, ship sale and purchase, port and terminal matters, marine insurance, and shipping-related personal injury cases. The firm also advises on cross-border commercial disputes and international sale of commodities, with expertise in both Hong Kong and English law, and lawyers qualified in Mainland China and Australia. Key figures include Rosita Lau, head of the shipping and port and terminal practice, who is recognised for her extensive experience in shipping disputes. In a high-profile English High Court collision case, the firm represents Donghai Marine Insurance Co and Seacon Shipping Group Holdings regarding an LNG vessel collision in Belgium.

Client feedback

"Ince & Co provides timely and comprehensive advice to my bank in exploring possible alternatives and formulating legal action plans. They also demonstrate strong knowledge of litigation procedures, especially regarding PRC and Hong Kong cross-border issues." – Commercial and transactions

Rosita Lau

"Knowledgeable and highly experienced, with enthusiasm for accomplishing clients' instructions."

Victoria Yeung

"Victoria's most impressive attribute is her attention to detail. She demonstrates an excellent command of both the law and the facts in any given case. She is highly responsive and consistently helpful."

Jia Yuan Law Offices' dispute resolution practice offers comprehensive legal services across commercial litigation, securities compliance, intellectual property disputes, and bankruptcy proceedings. The team specializes in handling complex commercial and financial disputes, including equity investment conflicts, shareholder rights issues, partnership enterprise controversies, corporate bond disputes, and financial lending challenges. Their practice spans critical areas such as arbitration, litigation, securities regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection, with a particular focus on resolving intricate commercial and financial legal matters.

At the forefront of the firm's dispute resolution capabilities is partner Chencheng Cai, whose expertise epitomizes the practice's strategic approach to legal challenges. Specializing in securities compliance, civil and commercial litigation, and arbitration, Cai has developed significant experience in navigating complex legal terrains involving administrative penalties, civil compensation, and criminal cases related to securities information disclosure, insider trading, and stock market manipulation. His practice extends beyond these core areas to include extensive work in civil enforcement, administrative disputes, corporate bankruptcy liquidation, and intricate company, financial, and real estate controversies.

Jincheng Tongda & Neal (JT&N) offers legal services to both domestic and international clients across various practice areas, such as commercial, intellectual property, antitrust, construction, and real estate. The firm prides itself on a highly capable cross-border dispute resolution team, led by managing partner Chen Yang, with senior partners Lan Li and Hongdeng Li among the many talented lawyers contributing to its success. In a landmark Rmb4.72 billion ($660 million) case concluded in June 2024, the Supreme Court's Second International Commercial Court ruled on complex corporate governance disputes involving a Cayman Islands-registered, Nasdaq-listed company. Led by partner Chen Yang, the team successfully defended against claims brought by British Virgin Islands companies regarding board resolution validity and alleged breaches of fiduciary duties.

Client feedback

“Their experienced legal team specializes in conducting comprehensive assessments of the risks involved in the arbitration process, providing us with valuable insights to inform our decision-making.” – International arbitration

Lu Li

“Highly responsive, deeply experienced, and equipped with a business-driven mindset.”

Ruxueyu Luo

“When faced with complex legal issues, Luo consistently provides swift and effective solutions, helping us mitigate potential risks. His feedback is exceptionally precise, pinpointing problems with a level of accuracy that is rare in the legal industry. Luo's clarity and precision in communication have significantly enhanced our work efficiency.”

Jingtian & Gongcheng’s dispute resolution team is highly regarded for its strength in contentious work, focusing on both domestic and international disputes. The practice handles corporate, regulatory, securities, intellectual property, and insolvency disputes for a wide range of clients, including state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and foreign corporations. The team also has significant expertise in arbitration, representing clients in complex cases before major domestic and international arbitration bodies such as CIETAC, BAC, HKIAC, SIAC, and the ICC. Its work spans a variety of sectors, including trade, investment, banking and finance, real estate, construction, energy, and intellectual property.

Chungang Dong, a Beijing-based partner and co-head of the firm’s dispute resolution practice, is a key figure in this area. Qualified to practice in both China and the United States, Dong has represented clients in hundreds of lawsuits before all levels of PRC courts. His cases cover a wide range of substantive areas, such as trade, investment, banking and finance, real estate, construction, energy, product liability, and intellectual property. Other key names include IP specialist Ye Zhao and government and regulatory practitioner Siyuan Liu.

In commercial and transactions, the firm secured a Rmb1.6 billion ($224 million) victory for China High-Speed Railway Technology Co in CIETAC arbitration proceedings and subsequent enforcement actions against Henan Luozhoujie Expressway Co. Led by partner Dong, the team successfully enforced a redemption clause tied to unmet investment objectives concerning a 13.249% equity stake. Following the February 2023 arbitral award, the team overcame enforcement challenges from the state-owned respondent, who contested the arbitration agreement's scope and alleged arbitrator conflicts. In September 2024, the local court rejected these non-enforcement arguments, establishing significant precedent for investment redemption rights and demonstrating successful award enforcement against state-owned enterprises in their home jurisdiction.

In intellectual property, the firm’s IP team achieved a precedent-setting victory in one of China's most closely watched standard-essential patent (SEP) disputes, representing OPPO against Advanced Codec Technologies (ACT). Led by Beijing partners Ye Zhao and Guo Chen, the team secured a landmark Supreme People's Court ruling that fundamentally reshapes China's SEP litigation landscape. The Court's final judgment established China's first comprehensive judicial framework for determining FRAND licensing rates, comparable agreements evaluation, and behavioral standards for technical negotiations. This milestone decision serves as a blueprint for future SEP litigation in China's telecommunications sector and strengthens China's position in global SEP jurisprudence.

The firm’s litigation clients include Liga Huawei, Nacional de Fútbol Profesional, Ningbo Ketian Magnet Co, Tebon Securities Co and Zhejiang Tangde Film and Television Co.

The firm has recently strengthened its contentious practice with several key appointments. In October 2024, Ping Liu joined as a partner, bringing expertise in litigation, criminal defence, anti-fraud and anti-bribery investigations, and cases involving economic, financial, and internet crimes. Yuan Zhou also came on board as a partner the same month, focusing on dispute resolution. Earlier in the year, Zhanjiang Zhang was hired in March 2024 as a partner specializing in intellectual property, litigation, and arbitration, while Jia Ma joined in May 2024 with expertise in criminal defence, securities litigation, corporate investigations, and data security.

Client feedback

"Both commercial disputes and labor disputes. Strategically thinking and practical solutions." – Commercial and transactions

"Well-known for expertise in Chinese laws and practices." – Competition/antitrust

"Provided professional support and efficient communication during the handling of dispute cases." – Competition/antitrust

“Jingtian & Gongcheng adopts flexible solutions to adapt to shifting market trends. They have deep, practical experience in many ‘first-of-its-kind’ deals and cases, which have been recognised by both clients and the legal industry." – Intellectual property

"Good navigation of the complex Chinese legal system, enabling the development of appropriate strategies to address a range of nuanced matters." – Intellectual property

Li Li

"Li Li's team responds promptly. The service plan provided by Li aligns with the actual situation of the company's business operations. Li's team delivers high-quality, efficient, and professional legal services."

"Having experience in multiple roles, including at the Intellectual Property Office, in-house counsel, and as a lawyer, they excel at understanding the needs of private businesses and offer creative solutions."

"Lawyer Li Li's team conducts thorough analysis based on the facts, tailoring case strategies to clients' needs. They actively seek solutions from both legal and commercial perspectives, paying close attention to details throughout the process. This includes case management, evidence collection, and drafting documents, effectively safeguarding clients' interests."

Qiang Ma

"Qiang is a great communicator, highly accessible, and actively involved in our matters."

"Qiang Ma is a highly experienced senior trademark lawyer with extensive expertise in trademark litigation."

"Senior, professional, and highly skilled in trademark strategy and trademark litigation."

"Qiang Ma performed exceptionally well in helping the company win the case."

"Qiang Ma is highly professional in handling trademark issues."

Jianbo Pan

"Provides commercially oriented legal solutions based on deep legal knowledge and experience. With profound insight into business and corporate operations, he offers practical, grounded advice and alerts clients to potential risks."

Xiaofeng Tian

"Well-known for expertise in Chinese consumer and anti-trust laws and practices."

Based in Shanghai, Joint-Win Partners has comprehensive coverage in the commercial disputes field. The firm is active in matters involving capital markets, corporate, government and IP. It has rich experience in dealing with government agencies with a strong track record in handling various administrative lawsuits. One of the key figures at the firm is Yueguang Zhu, a veteran commercial disputes lawyer with a particular focus on finance, administrative and IP law. Ling Ling and Zhenming Guan are other senior lawyers to note. The firm secured a landmark victory against Tencent in a closely watched unfair competition case involving browser plug-in technology.

Client feedback

“Excellent understanding of the industry and grasp of dispute resolution.” – Commercial and transactions

Zhicheng Fang

"He is highly responsible."

"He performed exceptionally well in understanding our industry and business."

Meng Tang

"Tang is an unquestionable expert in contracts. He helped us identify many loopholes and modify the contracts in advance, preventing significant losses."

Yongjie Wang

"He possesses extensive practical experience and strong legal reasoning skills."

JunHe’s dispute resolution team is well-regarded for its work in commercial, construction, and intellectual property disputes. With more than 120 lawyers, including over 50 partners, the team has extensive experience in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations. Xiao (Arthur) Dong, a partner at the firm’s Beijing office, is a key figure in the firm’s dispute resolution practice. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dong focuses on complex litigation and arbitration matters related to cross-border transactions. His expertise spans international trade, cross-border investments, M&A, shareholder disputes, technology transfer and intellectual property protection, as well as distribution and franchise disputes. Other notable figures in the practice include Zhao (George) Wang, Zhen Zhao, and Leon Liu, who also bring significant expertise to the team. The firm secured a significant victory in a high-profile live streaming revenue dispute, successfully representing a Douyu anchor in claims against both his talent agency and the Douyu platform.

Client feedback

"Providing professional advice and deliverables. Sufficient dedicated resources were allocated, and issues were addressed with timely responses." – Competition/antitrust

Lingyun (Jacky) He

"Jacky is very supportive and professional in his work, advice, and assistance. He always responds to our requests promptly and provides efficient and practical solutions."

Founded in 1995, Beijing-based JunZeJun Law Offices provides a comprehensive and diverse array of litigation services that includes commercial litigation, securities, maritime law and construction, with a particular forte in the IP arena. The firm’s IP practice covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and domain names in industries involving telecommunications, semiconductors, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, media and other traditional industries.

Senior partners Danny Ye and Nan Ding lead the firm’s ever-growing IP team.

In IP disputes, the firm’s IP team, led by Danny Ye, represented Guangzhou 37 Mutual Entertainment Technology and Shanghai Guanhang Network Technology in defending a copyright infringement and unfair competition litigation brought by Wemade Entertainment and Chuanqi Ip in relation to the game “Heroes of the Kings”. This case provides a framework for games copying and rational referencing. The case was one of the 10 leading IP cases of 2021, according to the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI).

During the research period, IP lawyers who have joined the firm as partners include Liangyong Liu, Fei Li, Shengli Wang, Yi Cheng, Yi Li, Lianfeng Zhang, Pan Xiao and Helou Huang. The firm has also promoted 16 partners. In May 2022, it set up a new office in Nanchang to enhance legal resources integration and brand influence in central east China.

Notable IP clients include Dyson Technology, Guangzhou Duoyi Network, Guangzhou Ewan Network Technology and Shanghai Ewan Information Technology Group.

Client feedback

“They provided meticulous work and excellent results. The firm helped the company recover a lot of losses.” – Commercial and transactions

“With excellent legal expertise and rich work experience in the non-performing asset disposal business, the firm puts forward unique solutions for large-scale, difficult-to-dispose and complex-transaction projects and actively safeguards our interests. They never shrink back in the face of problems, but achieve the expected goal through unremitting efforts.” – Commercial and transactions

“Professional, serious and efficient.” – Construction

“The service is meticulous and attentive with a detailed work report issued for our company at each stage. They provide timely feedback and have strong professional ability. The team led by Lianfeng Zhang is not only familiar with laws and regulations, but also understands the specific application mode in practice. The case is carried out according to the lawyer’s original idea and the preliminary results have been satisfying so far.” – Construction

“You don’t have to worry about cases that are entrusted to JunZeJun. They are very good.” – Construction

Yi Chang

“Highly professional and detail-oriented. We feel secure letting her handle even the toughest cases.”

Hongmei Cheng

“When representing us, he sorted through every detail of the work and offered professional legal recommendations. He also took part in business negotiations, safeguarding our interests and achieving satisfactory results.”

“He represented us in the Hanzhong City Construction Investment & Development dispute. He provided outstanding and well-prepared representation.”

“He represented our company in litigation, preservation, and execution of our existing risk. He handled the cases with dedication, professionalism, and high efficiency.”

Na Lv

“Handles assigned work meticulously and completes it on time to a high quality.”

Zhe Song

“Professional, earnest and efficient.”

Lianfeng Zhang

“Dedicated and professional.”

“Lawyer Zhang is sincere and dependable. Even before representing us, he had already combed through many facts and a lot of evidence relating to the case. He puts complicated cases into a clearer structure that made it easier for us to determine our litigation plan. In representing our case, lawyer Zhang was hardworking and responsible, always answering our enquiries and keeping us updated at every stage so we knew how the case was going. I am very impressed by lawyer Zhang’s level of professionalism and would like to have him represent us in any future cases.”

“A lawyer with solid and comprehensive professional knowledge. Highly experienced, sincere, and responsible. Capable of not providing comprehensive legal service solutions and professional recommendations for our company from a business perspective.”

K&L Gates’ dispute resolution practice is active in commercial and transactions. The firm has experience handling debt restructuring, fraud, professional liability, and contentious employment matters, as well as construction, securities and investment company litigation. In addition, it has been handling an increasing number of technology and intellectual property related disputes.

Key people include Christopher Tung and Sacha Cheong, two Hong Kong-based partners. Tung is active in construction, environmental law, clean energy and carbon finance. Cheong specialises in commercial cases, white collar crime, employment and construction. Jay Chiu is another key contact.

In a commercial dispute, the firm is assisting China Silver in several funds-related litigation matters arising from swap transactions and redemption rights under subscription agreements. These matters are ongoing before the Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal in Hong Kong and have also given rise to parallel proceedings in the Cayman Islands as well as winding-up and bankruptcy proceedings in Hong Kong.

In the IP space, the firm is representing Luxshare Precision, one of the biggest and best-known connector companies in China, in patent litigation in response to a patent infringement claim brought by its competitor for the usage of certain electrical connectors and cages in downstream products sold in the US. The case was first filed in 2020 and the firm received a favourable final initial determination from the administrative law judge in March 2022.

In January 2022, the firm welcomed Susan Munro as counsel to the international arbitration team in Hong Kong.

Some of the firm’s new clients are FTI Consulting, Grant Thornton, Hong Kong International Aviation Leasing, Lexington, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Wuyi Bairong Electric Appliance and ZTE Corporation.

Client feedback

“When it comes to litigation with international elements, the Hong Kong office of K&L Gates can easily connect clients to lawyers of other jurisdictions to provide quick and sound advice on foreign law.” – Commercial and transactions

Sacha Cheong

“Litigation partner Sacha Cheong is very approachable. Clear road maps detailing the major steps in litigation are provided to clients at early stage. Advice is prompt and candid, and clients will not be advised to incur unnecessary costs.”

“As a partner, Sacha is very responsive to clients’ queries. He provides quick and sound advice to clients and makes sure that clients are informed at all stages of litigation. He is also knowledgeable in both court litigations and arbitrations in Hong Kong. Clients can feel very comfortable in entrusting litigation matters to Sacha.”

Chris Tung

“Very personable and hard working. Great with clients. Intelligent.”

Kangxin Partners is focused exclusively on intellectual property disputes including those related to IP rights, trade secrets, unfair competition, and technology transfer. The IP enforcement team has specialists in electronics, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and communications as well as computing technology. IP litigator, Samson Yu heads the firm.

Making its debut in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific this year, Kennedys has a strong contentious insurance practice in Hong Kong. The team handles a wide range of claims across casualty, financial lines, cyber, medical malpractice, property, and construction sectors. Key figures include Meiling Yip and Wilson Tam, who focus on casualty claims involving catastrophic injuries, property damage, and workplace incidents. Joanie Ko is a key contact for financial lines and cyber matters, including directors and officers’ disputes, regulatory investigations and cyber claims. Christine Tsang and Sandy Cho are experienced in medico-legal disputes, regularly advising healthcare professionals, hospitals, and insurers. Rudy Chung focuses on commercial disputes and regulatory investigations.

King & Capital Law Firm specialises in criminal litigation, civil litigation, and commercial litigation, the firm showcases its dedication to staying up to date with legal developments through the establishment of an anti-monopoly department and keeping pace with revisions to the Anti-Monopoly Law. Notable partners at the firm are Yali Liang, Yanhui Sun, Qilong Zhao, Tao Ma, Libin Zhang, and Yi Lin. The firm achieved a significant defence victory in one of China's largest securities litigation cases, representing a former LeTV executive in a Rmb6.3 billion ($882 million) shareholder class action suit.

King & Wood Mallesons is widely regarded as a top-tier law firm and a dominant force in the legal industry, excelling across multiple practice areas. Recognised as a true leader, the firm consistently sits at the top of ranking tables for commercial and transactions, government and regulatory, insolvency, intellectual property, international arbitration, and labour and employment. Key names in the commercial and transactions space include partners Rihong Yu, Tao Huang, Yue Dai, Ya Peng, and Dongxia Xia. In international arbitration, Yuwu Liu is a standout partner who specialises in cross-border arbitration and litigation. In its landmark securities litigation practice, the firm is defending Industrial Bank in a landmark securities misrepresentation case before the Beijing Financial Court – the first of its kind in China's interbank bond market.

Client feedback

"Provides excellent work and expertise at a very competitive price." – Energy

Jia Fei

"Provides effective strategies and plans for dispute resolution; very reliable and responsive."

Sheng Li

"Demonstrates an accurate understanding of the client's goals, offers timely feedback, and provides practical suggestions."

Kirkland & Ellis is highly regarded for its expertise in insolvency and white-collar crime. The firm’s restructuring and insolvency team handles contentious matters, including enforcement strategies, litigation, and in-court restructuring processes, with a strong capability in navigating cross-border disputes in the region. The Asia restructuring and insolvency group consists of four partners leading a team of 12 attorneys, offering broad expertise in complex restructuring disputes. Key figures in the restructuring and insolvency practice include Neil McDonald, who focuses on contentious insolvency matters. In insolvency, the firm is currently advising an ad hoc group of international bondholders in one of the largest real estate restructurings in Asia Pacific.

Labour law specialist firm Lanbai Law Firm has more than a decade long history in corporate HR compliance and employment legal services in China. From risk defence to risk treatment, it covers every aspect of labour and employment law with solid experience on both the contentious and non-contentious sides. Bin Zhang and Minghui Qian are the practice’s main partners.

Founded in 2022, Beijing-based Lantai Partners is experienced in handling all manner of commercial disputes including bank loans and guarantee issues, contractual default, construction and product liability matters. The firm is regularly entrusted by governments, domestic and foreign companies, financial institutions and tech companies. It is especially noted for its capability in banking and financial disputes. Guang Yang, Xiaomin Yao and Qing Wang are key partners at the firm who are noted for their commercial disputes expertise. Partner Shaoqing Tian is active in construction disputes. On the commercial and transactions front, Beijing partner Qing Wang successfully represented Equal Pleasant in a $5.6 million independent guarantee fraud dispute involving crude oil transactions with Agricultural Bank of China Ningbo Branch.

Latham & Watkins has a well-established presence in Greater China, where its litigation practice is supported by a team of seasoned advocates based in Hong Kong and Beijing. The team regularly advises on complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and contentious regulatory matters, with particular experience in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional disputes. The firm's expertise includes securities litigation, shareholder disputes, and cases requiring urgent injunctive or interim relief. Key names in the Greater China litigation practice include Dominic Geiser, chair of the litigation and trial department in Asia and a partner in the Hong Kong office. Led by partner Dominic Geiser alongside London partners Sophie Lamb KC and Samuel Pape, the firm is representing Sonangol EP, Angola's state-owned oil company, in concurrent proceedings involving a shareholder dispute over control of an energy and property conglomerate.

Client feedback

“The firm provides clear advice and thorough action in litigation.” – Class actions

Dominic Geiser

“He is proactive and innovative.”

Hui Xu

"Hui Xu provides unique value to his clients, whether they are Chinese companies or multinational corporations (MNCs)."

Founded in 2002, Lawsons Law Office engages in various areas of dispute resolution, including financial, corporate, bankruptcy, labor and employment, family, and construction disputes. Notably, the firm possesses extensive expertise in financial legal disputes, which have been a longstanding core and advantageous focus for the firm. Lawsons Law Office has established itself as a trusted provider of comprehensive legal services to numerous domestic banks and non-bank financial institutions. In the commercial and transactions space, the firm is representing a state-owned real estate enterprise in a dispute concerning the validity of 34 property contracts.

Lewis Silkin is recognised for its focus on intellectual property and employment disputes. The firm’s Hong Kong office supports multinationals across Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, handling high-profile IP disputes involving trademarks, patents, copyright, designs, trade secrets, and anti-counterfeiting. The team also has a strong track record in employment-related disputes, advising clients on complex cross-border issues and delivering effective strategies across both practice areas. Key sectors include consumer products, fashion, entertainment, technology, and life sciences. A key name in the Hong Kong office is Jezamine Fewins, an experienced litigator specialising in both employment and contentious IP matters. She is noted for her practical approach to high-stakes disputes and her expertise in protecting and enforcing clients’ intellectual property rights.

Client feedback

“They are very thorough in considering the overall strategy with the client (both local and overseas), and work with counsel well as a team, even at early stage of the dispute and during the course of the litigation.” – Commercial and transactions

Kenix Yuen

“Excellent attention to details and strategy of the case and is excellent is managing both the client and counsel as a team. A very hands-on litigator but with an open mind to work with others.”

Lifang & Partners is highly regarded for its expertise in intellectual property law, with a focus on the technology and telecommunications industry. Notably, this sector constitutes around one third of the firm's client base, particularly in patent-related cases. A key figure in this practice is Guanbin Xie, whose expertise spans intellectual property disputes, antitrust and competition law, and consultancy for high-tech companies. He provides long-term legal services to a host of leading multinational enterprises, including Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Samsung, Tencent, Xiaomi, and DJI, cementing his reputation as a trusted advisor in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Beijing partners Guanbin Xie and Yuanyuan Zhang led a team representing Xiaomi in a landmark patent dispute with Huawei.

Liu Shen & Associates has emerged as a pioneering force in patent prosecution and IP litigation within China's complex legal landscape. Established in 1993, the firm has consistently delivered comprehensive legal services across IP litigation domains, drawing strength from one of the most robust technical litigation teams in the Chinese legal market. The practice specializes in patent and trademark litigation, patent invalidation, trademark administrative proceedings, copyright infringement, and trade secret disputes, serving both domestic and international enterprises with strategic precision. The firm's competitive advantage stems from its exceptional technical understanding and ability to provide nuanced legal strategies that bridge technological complexity with legal interpretation.

A distinguished partner driving the firm's technical litigation capabilities is Guanyang Yao, who brings nearly 15 years of deep expertise in patent prosecution and litigation. Yao's profound understanding of China's intricate patent legal framework enables the firm to navigate complex intellectual property challenges with exceptional technical acumen and strategic insight. His specialization in patent law has been instrumental in positioning Liu Shen & Associates as a preeminent IP litigation practice, particularly in cases involving sophisticated technological disputes and cross-border intellectual property conflicts. Yao's approach combines rigorous legal analysis with a comprehensive understanding of technological ecosystems, making him a pivotal figure in the firm's litigation strategy.

Shanghai-based law firm Llinks Law Offices is well regarded for its expertise in handling complex commercial and construction disputes. The firm is actively involved in a wide range of finance, investment, and general business-related disputes. Charles Qin and Peiming Yang are recommended for their proficiency in commercial disputes and international arbitration. Patrick Zheng also contributes significantly to the firm's notable cases. In competition and antitrust, Shanghai partner James Wang secured a groundbreaking victory for ‘Finding Unicorn’, China's leading blind box brand, in the country's first unfair competition case involving ‘blind box online drawer’ business models. The team successfully challenged a third-party operator's unauthorised pre-sale activities through online draw box methods, with the Hangzhou court ordering the defendant to cease infringement and pay damages and expenses.

Headquartered in Beijing with branch offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen, IP firm Lung Tin Intellectual Property Agent provides IP services including litigation, counselling and mediation in the areas of trademark, copyright, trade secrets and unfair competition. The firm’s industry sector strengths lies within the engineering, machinery, biochemistry and pharmaceuticals fields.

A key IP practitioner to note is partner Qinghong Xu, who is a patent attorney with explicit knowledge in the automotive, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy sectors. Partners Jacob Zhang, Yan Huang and Deland Wu are also key figures.

The IP team is representing a Chinese partially state-owned technology company in an administrative litigation filed by Conversant Wireless Licensing (formerly Core Wireless). Another ongoing dispute has the firm representing Denmark-based Grundfos, the largest pump manufacturer in the world, in patent litigation and patent invalidation proceedings against Heifei Shinhoo Canned Motor Pump.

The firm welcomed Jun Wang to its bench from King & Wood Mallesons in February 2022. He specialises in patent application and prosecution.

Key clients include Lemi (Beijing) International Architectural Planning and Design, Markor International Household Products, Molex and Shanghai Sulzer Construction Machinery.

Client feedback

“Actively communicates business progress with us and provides professional legal advice.” – Intellectual property

“The professional and experienced patent infringement litigation team and the sound preparation of litigation documents have allowed us to win many lawsuits and obtain high compensation.” – Intellectual property

Yan Huang

“Attentive and very knowledgeable about Chinese design law.”

Siyue (Jacob) Zhang

“Handles every assignment with dedication, drawing on professional knowledge and experience to achieve goals.”

“Jacob is my go-to attorney in China. He is an excellent patent attorney. His technical knowledge is really good. He is very good at communicating and his advice is always appropriate to the client’s needs. He has an excellent team working with him as well.”

Lusheng Law Firm mines a unique niche exclusively dedicated to intellectual property. It is also a patent agency authorized by the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Managing partner August Zhang specializes in the areas of trademark, copyright, trade secret and unfair competition and he often advises clients with the security and enforcement of their valuable IP assets in the region. Head of the firm’s litigation team Rongde (Sharon) Qiao, Beijing-based Nandi (Landy) Jiang and Shanghai-based Shan (Carol) Wang are key figures. In a groundbreaking ruling for agricultural IP protection in China, Beijing partner Sunny Su and Shanghai partner Jin Ling secured a landmark victory for ENZAFruit New Zealand International in the first major test of China's revised Seed Law.

Client feedback

“Lusheng Law Firm excels in its deep expertise and responsiveness. Their ability to handle complex intellectual property issues with precision and efficiency, coupled with their clear and proactive communication, ensures that our projects proceed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.” – Intellectual property

Nandi (Landy) Jiang

“Landy Jiang is highly knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and reliable in handling intellectual property matters. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, ensuring that our requirements and concerns are well understood and addressed. Her proactive approach and thorough legal analysis consistently contribute to the success of our projects.”

Mayer Brown is among the largest and longest-standing law practices in the market. The firm is frequently sought out for its work in general commercial, construction, insolvency and financial services regulatory disputes. The team is also developing a niche in emerging technology matters including electronic transactions and data privacy.

John Hickin is a partner to note for commercial and transactional litigation. Alan Linning is singled out for contentious regulatory work, while Gabriela Kennedy and Menachem Hasofer are recommended for IP and construction work respectively.

In commercial and transactions, the firm successfully represented a major developer in Hong Kong in its compulsory sale application of an industrial building in Quarry Bay with a reserve price of HK$5 billion ($638 million), the highest of its kind, in an auction to expand its hub in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. This case represents the highest reserve price ever set among all compulsory sale orders issued under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance (Chapter 545) in Hong Kong. It is a highly contentious matter that has involved a substantial amount of expert evidence. The trial itself lasted for a duration of 25 days, encompassing all stages including the presentation of closing submissions.

Key clients include First Laser, Gig Lok Monastery and Junefield Gold Investments.

In January 2023, the firm promoted Raymond Yang and Jason Leung to partners.

Client feedback

"Delivers excellent value, maintains good communication, and offers commercially sound advice." – Banking and financial services

“Their presentation has raised the staff's awareness in complying with the relevant instruments.” – Construction

“Mayer Brown has a team of highly skilled, experienced and dedicated professionals who are always ready to provide top-notch legal advice to clients.” – Construction

“Good customer service with professional recommendations.” – Intellectual property

“Mayer Brown excels in case management. Their team is extremely capable and knowledgeable in all aspects of trademarks and IP issues, as well as arbitration.” – Intellectual property

“Practical advice, making themselves available when we needed them most.” – Labour and employment

“Great communications with us as clients, unassuming and making themselves available when we needed them most.” – Labour and employment

“Everything – they are a fountain of excellent knowledge.” – Labour and employment

“Very responsive, prompt and comprehensive advice.” – Real estate

Duncan Abate

“Always remembers the human side of a legal equation.”

Tom Fu

“Tom shows his professional knowledge on construction dispute in the case.”

Amita Haylock

“Amita is exceptionally knowledgeable in all aspects of intellectual property and trademark work. Amita excels in litigation and arbitration.”

Gabriela Kennedy

"Responsive and accessible, fostering good customer relationships, and providing professional legal advice."

Billy Lam

"Provides responsive and comprehensive advice."

Jason Leung

“He is professionally qualified in law and engineering. His dual qualifications enable him to quickly understand the issues in dispute and communicate effectively with the frontline colleagues.”

Mei Ling Lew

“Mei Ling is a very experienced and highly dedicated lawyer who is able to handle complex disputes arising from large-scale building construction projects. She has a detailed and practical approach, and she is always keen to deliver work of high quality.”

"Highly efficient, industrious, meticulous with an eye for detail, and possesses extensive knowledge."

Ben McCosker

"A good communicator who excels in coordinating teams and demonstrates strong technical expertise."

Jennifer Tam

“Jennifer is personable, approachable, young and energetic. She cares about our case and was able to help us risk-manage.”

“Jennifer listens to us and provides practical advice. She is unassuming and leads her team of junior lawyers well.”

Merits & Tree Law Offices’ dispute resolution practice is active in insolvency and intellectual property. Its assets and bankruptcy restructuring team has extensive experience in representing asset management companies, financial institutions and social investors in a large number of litigations and execution business related to non-performing assets disposal. Its IP practice  has a track record of handling dispute settlement in the TMT, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical devices, artificial intelligence, chemicals and materials fields.

Key partners include Zunsi Liu, Leiming Li, Sheng Jiang and Wenliang Zhang. IP experts Lihui Zhao, Wei Deng, Jing He and Karen Hu are also notable partners of the firm.

In commercial disputes, the firm handled a miner exploration rights dispute between two Inner Mongolia companies, and represented China Agriculture Industry Development Fund in a share repurchase disputes against varies parties.

In the IP space, the firm represented Beijing ZCOOL Network Technology in an unfair competition case against Huaban over infringement actions. The firm obtained a high compensation judgment in the first instance and successfully reached a settlement and obtained a high settlement payment in the second instance. The case marks the first unfair competition case obtained through big data in the picture area and has no precedent of judicial practice.

The five former Anli Partners lawyers, Zheng Li, Chenxi Qu, Jingxiang Zhou, Haiqing Wang and Xia Lan, joined Merits & Tree Law Offices in August 2022.

Merits & Tree Law Offices’ dispute resolution practice is active in insolvency and intellectual property. Its assets and bankruptcy restructuring team has extensive experience in representing asset management companies, financial institutions and social investors in a large number of litigations and execution business related to non-performing assets disposal. Its IP practice, on the other hand, has a track record of handling dispute settlement in the TMT, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical devices, artificial intelligence, chemicals and materials fields. Key partners include Zunsi Liu, Leiming Li, Sheng Jiang and Wenliang Zhang. IP experts Lihui Zhao, Wei Deng, Jing He and Karen Hu are also notable partners of the firm. In a high-stakes intellectual property dispute, Beijing partner Jing He is defending Zhongnanhong Culture Group in a copyright infringement and unfair competition claim brought by The Pokémon Company

Client feedback

"What impressed me was that Merits & Tree Law Offices always responded in a timely manner. The lawyers at the firm understood our business needs and incorporated them into their drafted documents, which left us very satisfied."

Han Ye

"I believe Ye understood our company's business needs quite well. Due to the matrix of work allocation at the firm, Ye recommended several excellent lawyers to us for various issues and topics."

Morgan Lewis & Bockius is sought out for commercial litigation and arbitration work. Its Hong Kong disputes and litigation team regularly represents clients on multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes across Asia, and in connection with disputes arising globally for Asia-based clients. Charles Mo is a notable figure on the commercial disputes side, while Lesli Ligorner advises on labour and employment and white-collar crime disputes. Shaobin Zhu is noted for his IP litigation expertise. The firm's Hong Kong team secured a significant trial victory in David Lo v. Patrick Yeung, a complex trust and contract dispute concerning shares in Asian Capital Holdings (now ZZ Capital International).

Client feedback

"The firm is responsive, thorough, communicative, and highly capable." – White-collar crime

Lesli Ligorner

“She is smart, knowledgeable, responsive and a good communicator.”

Supported by a highly capable litigation and arbitration practice, Morrison Foerster is acknowledged for its strength in cross-border disputes across the region. The firm provides corporate investigation and enforcement capabilities backed by a fully integrated regional practice across five offices in Asia. Managing partner Timothy Blakely heads the firm’s Hong Kong litigation department. His practice focuses on government investigations, complex commercial litigation and international arbitration matters. Another key partner to note is Chen Zhu. The Hong Kong team secured a landmark settlement for Snap-on and Mitchell Repair Company in a complex cross-border IP dispute against Chinese competitor Autel.

Recognised for its dispute resolution expertise, especially in the commercial and transaction space, Norton Rose Fulbright has an excellent track record of managing large and complex transactions, projects, and disputes in China and internationally. The firm’s dispute resolution team is led by experienced practitioners based in Hong Kong. Daniel Ng focuses on commercial litigation and advises banks, financial institutions, and corporates on contentious matters. Kevin Hong specialises in international arbitration and commercial litigation, with additional expertise in construction disputes. Camille Jojo, a senior consultant, handles complex finance disputes. The firm is currently advising Techtronic Industries, a Hang Seng Index constituent company, in obtaining urgent interlocutory injunctions and disclosure orders in the Hong Kong High Court against a former senior officer for misappropriating confidential information related to lithium-ion battery cell technology.

Client feedback

"Excellent at preparing thorough instructions to counsel and ensuring that the client's needs are met." – Commercial and transactions

Kevin Hong

"Kevin is highly experienced in the commercial litigation and arbitration sphere. He combines strong legal knowledge with business acumen and has the ability to see the big picture when devising sensible strategies and managing expectations."

Camille Jojo

"He is deeply dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for clients and is adept at developing innovative solutions to complex problems."

O'Melveny & Myers is recognised for its international litigation and arbitration practice. The firm works on high-profile M&A, joint ventures, insurance, financial services and IP disputes. Managing partner Denis Brock is recognised for his work in the commercial and arbitration space. Kieran Humphrey is another lawyer to note.

The firm played a pivotal role in an international arbitration case where it represented a US telecommunications company that had counterclaims against mainland Chinese-controlled entities. This arbitration, conducted under the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, centred around the breaches of a shareholder's agreement, encompassing violations of both federal and state laws in the US. Notably, the arbitration proceedings were initiated following a stay of a related US district court action involving the mainland Chinese entities. Through its diligent efforts, the firm successfully secured a favourable outcome as the tribunal dismissed the opposing party's counterclaims.

The rest of the clients the firm has acted for during the research period remain confidential.

Client feedback

"Offers prompt and practical advice, supported by industry knowledge. Provides strategic and tactical guidance, effectively communicating options and their associated consequences.” – Construction

"Demonstrates a remarkable level of expertise and possesses the ability to transform complex legal problems into practical and actionable advice." – Insurance

Denis Brock

"Displays a high level of expertise and serves as an excellent advocate. His higher rights of audience provide him with a distinct and often valuable perspective when assessing litigation solutions. He consistently prioritises the best outcomes for the client."

Kieran Humphrey

"Exhibits excellent client communication skills. Possesses great strategic and tactical acumen, enabling the identification of options that might otherwise be overlooked. Displays excellent legal knowledge across a wide range of areas and industries."

"Always responsive and maintains a pleasant demeanour in all interactions."

“Kieran Humphrey, in particular, is an outstanding lawyer and a key contact for achieving successful resolutions in contentious matters."

Established in 2004, outstanding employment law boutique River Delta Law Firm is the go-to law firm for international and domestic corporations. The firm handles both contentious and non-contentious issues involving all range of labour law and HR-related matters. The firm is a member of Innangard Global, an international labour and employment law firm network, and is also a member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. Jingbo Lu and Xiaorong (Cathy) Qu are key individuals in this field.

In one triumphant case, a team led by partner Qu successfully navigated a challenging labour dispute for Shanghai Leo Pharma Consulting, which involved an employee's sexual harassment incident. After a five-year legal battle, they secured a favourable court ruling for the client by obtaining testimonies, evidence, and defining legal parameters for sexual harassment.

Other notable clients include AsiaInfo Technologies (China), Cainiao Smart Logistics Holding, Ruijie Networks, Videojet Technologies (Shanghai) and Shenzhen Airland Home Furnishing Products.

Ropes & Gray is best known in Hong Kong and China for its white-collar expertise handling international investigations, anti-corruption matters and regulatory compliance. The firm is the choice for clients operating in some of the most highly regulated sectors in the region including life sciences, private equity, financial services, real estate, technology and consumer goods. It has been expanding its areas of expertise, including insolvency.

Partners Andrew Dale, Geoffrey Atkins and David Zhang are recognised in the white-collar crime sphere.

Details of all cases the firm advised on during the research period remain confidential.

Client feedback

RPC is renowned for its extensive experience in dispute resolution, especially in its insurance forte. With a team of market-leading partners, the firm handles a diverse range of high-value and complex disputes, including commercial, corporate, professional negligence, banking and finance, insurance, technology, cyber and crypto fraud, and regulatory matters.

Under the leadership of Charles Allen, the firm’s commercial disputes team – consisting of Jonathan Crompton, Jacky Darsono, and Yi-Shun Teoh – operates seamlessly across international jurisdictions and caters to clients from diverse industry sectors. They offer expert advice and representation on a multitude of contentious matters, including contractual disputes, tortious claims, corporate conflicts, trust disputes, breach of confidence cases, and internal investigations.

In commercial and transactions, the firm is defending BDO in a $1.95 billion audit negligence claim brought by the Sino-Forest Corporation Litigation Trust in Hong Kong. Led by partners Antony Sassi, Samuel Hung and Carmel Green, with of counsel Annabella Chu, the team is handling complex issues around loss, causation and limitation defenses. The case, which follows a settled securities class action in Canada, raises novel legal points that may set precedents in Hong Kong, particularly regarding the application of recent English landmark decisions on auditor's scope of duty and contributory negligence.

In a parallel significant audit matter, the firm is representing PricewaterhouseCoopers in proceedings brought by liquidators of Hsin Chong Group, a major Hong Kong construction company known for building Ocean Park and Kai Tak Airport. Partners Antony Sassi and Samuel Hung are leading a challenge to established precedents regarding auditors' disclosure obligations, particularly the landmark Kwong Wah decision of 2003. Following recent English case law developments in Carillion (2021), the team achieved a partial victory in December 2023, securing a limited scope order for working papers disclosure, while preparing to defend against potential claims involving HK$11 billion ($1.43 billion) in problematic investments.

Other notable clients include AASCFII Hyalroute (Sub), Abax Asian Structured Credit Fund II and Moore.

Client feedback

"They provide analysis from different angles, outlining the pros and cons to facilitate the decision-making process. Approachable and committed to the tasks assigned, they are supported by a strong team and ensure clear and effective communication." – Commercial and transactions

"They provide follow-up and support whenever I need to respond to other parties." – Government and regulatory

"Their communication is effective, supported by a detailed understanding of legal principles." – Insurance

"They offer swift responses, clearly presenting the pros and cons of a case along with viable solutions that are easy for a layperson to understand. They also closely monitor progress to ensure timely updates." – International arbitration

Jonathan Crompton

"Communication, reliability, and integrity are hallmarks of his approach."

Samuel Hung

"He provides down-to-earth, tailored advice after thoroughly understanding the scenario, ensuring his guidance is practical, relevant, and delivered with approachability and responsibility."

Yi Shun Teoh

"He is attentive to issues and consistently responsive."

Charles Allen

"He is clearly a very knowledgeable individual but also has the ability to connect on a human level, which creates a sense of comfort. His direct communication style was refreshing and allowed us to have frank discussions on the relative merits of different aspects of the case."

"He demonstrates excellent listening skills, maintains a friendly yet professional manner, and is always well-prepared for meetings."

Andrea Randall

"As someone familiar with Andrea’s work since September 2019, I can say that Andrea has built an outstanding reputation within the legal industry over the past several years. Her contributions to the employment law practice at RPC have been consistently praised for their quality, strategic insight, and client-focused approach."

Established in 2002, SD & Partners is headquartered in Shenzhen with offices in Beijing and Qianhai. The firm is active in the areas of civil and commercial disputes as well as international arbitration. Its specialty lies in disputes relating to construction and engineering, real estate and banking and finance. Key partners at the firm include Yongjing Wang, Wei Li and Xingming Kou. They are all adept in financial and corporate matters as well as construction and real estate disputes. In commercial disputes, Shenzhen partner Dianliang Zhou is representing a leading real estate company in an arbitration concerning a complex partnership agreement dispute. The case involves a multi-tiered investment structure designed for insurance company equity acquisition, encompassing multiple domestic and foreign entities.

Founded in 2010, Shanghai-based JianLingChengDa focuses on construction and real estate law, with a strong emphasis on specialization and high-quality service. The firm is recognized for its expertise in handling significant and complex disputes in construction and real estate, often representing cases before the Supreme Court, provincial high courts, and domestic arbitration institutions. A key figure in the firm is Jigao Zhou, who has specialized in construction, real estate, PPP projects, investment and financing, infrastructure, and international projects for over 19 years. In a significant construction dispute, Shanghai partners Jigao Zhou and Min Wang secured a landmark victory in project payments, successfully piercing the corporate veil to hold the controlling shareholder jointly liable.

Client feedback

"The legal team has demonstrated excellence in both professionalism and service attitude. They have a deep understanding of construction laws and regulations, quickly identifying potential risks and providing preventive advice. Particularly commendable is their response speed – whether for routine consultations or emergencies, they consistently provide timely and professional opinions. Their attention to detail and practical solutions instil great confidence in us." – Construction

Min Wang

“Wang Min has demonstrated excellence in project management and team coordination. She is highly responsible and adept at handling complex construction law issues. Not only does she possess solid professional knowledge, but she can also explain technical matters to clients in a clear and easily understandable way. Particularly commendable is her service awareness – she always responds promptly to client needs and provides practical solutions. Her professionalism and expertise have left a lasting impression on us.”

Lingjun Wang and Xin Wang

“Lawyer Wang reviews project materials very carefully, and his courtroom strategies and arguments are thoroughly thought out, which often leads to successful outcomes. The team of lawyers he leads is also diligent and responsible, growing quickly – for example, Lawyer Wang Xin. The team as a whole has developed rapidly, and this year, they secured victories in several major disputes on our behalf."

Led by former prosecutors from the Department of Justice and attorneys with expertise in Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement, Shearman & Sterling's Asia litigation and investigations practice provides invaluable counsel to clients on a wide range of matters including anticorruption compliance reviews, investigations and enforcement actions. The firm’s expertise includes Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance, internal investigations, governmental enforcement actions, data protection, complex cross-border commercial litigations, and economic sanctions.

Dual US- and PRC-qualified attorney Jieni Ji is a key member of the firm’s China team. She specialises in compliance, corporate investigations, and cross-border litigations, assisting Fortune 500 companies in establishing compliance programmes and conducting investigations across Asia's major jurisdictions.

Details of all cases the firm advised on during the research period remain confidential.

Client feedback

Shihui Partners’ dispute resolution team is active in commercial and transactions. It often represents clients in commercial dispute resolution cases in courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court and local high courts. It also advises clients on dispute matters related to equity investments and commercial transactions. Key partners of the practice include Mingze Jiang, Jiayu Zhang, Yulong Lai, Jiaying Wang and Mingjiang Weng.

In a landmark financial dispute, Shanghai partner Mingze Jiang successfully defended JD Group in a Rmb30 billion ($4.2 billion) series of claims brought by Gopher Asset Management and Noah Holdings. The case centred on allegations of fraudulent factoring arrangements involving counterfeit seals and fabricated trade documents, where third parties had illegally exploited JD's platform credentials and office premises. The Shanghai Financial Court's groundbreaking decision exonerated JD from all liability claims, establishing crucial precedent for platform operators' scope of responsibility in supply chain financing. The case, spanning over six years and involving criminal and civil proceedings, has been recognised as a pivotal ruling that clarifies the boundaries of e-commerce platforms' obligations in preventing financial fraud.

Shihui Partners also provided advisory services to DHL logistics, Maoyan Group and Qiming Venture Partners in resolving disputes over the past 12 months.

In 2024, the firm strengthened its capabilities in dispute resolution and related practices through several notable hires and promotions. In February, Yuan Zhang joined as counsel from Liu Shen & Associates, specializing in intellectual property protection within the life sciences industry. In March, Jane Zhang was hired as a partner from Longfor Group, bringing expertise in dispute resolution alongside her experience in real estate and asset management. In April, Melinda Meng joined as counsel from Zhong Lun Law Firm, focusing on dispute resolution, health and life sciences, and regulatory compliance. In May, Huikai Wang was hired as a partner from King & Wood Mallesons, specializing in civil and commercial dispute resolution, including criminal and administrative cases, as well as non-performing asset disposal and bankruptcy reorganization.

Client feedback

"Detail-oriented, very practical advice, responsive, and rich in experience.”

“Shihui Partners is a dynamic and emerging comprehensive law firm, with partners across various practice areas who possess outstanding credentials and service capabilities. Particularly in the field of investment, the firm has extensive experience in handling investment projects and dispute resolution cases. Additionally, it is a high-tech-driven company, and their exploration and achievements in building intelligent law firms are truly impressive."

Youning Guo

"Mr. Guo has a solid legal foundation and possesses a strong business mindset. He approaches problems with a clear and logical thought process, and his writing and oral communication skills are both excellent. He is particularly adept at handling equity investments and commercial contract disputes, offering profound insights into the legal issues and the business essence involved in such disputes. He also provides practical and effective advice by integrating the company’s actual situation with its commercial demands. Mr. Guo is very familiar with arbitration procedures and has extensive experience in handling arbitration cases. Whenever we encounter issues, we often consult him and quickly receive valuable feedback."

Sidley Austin regularly represents clients in cross-border disputes and regulatory and enforcement actions. With a growing international arbitration practice, the firm is frequently called upon to advise on complex arbitration matters, both in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. The firm is adept in handling major multijurisdictional investigations and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters across the region, particularly sought after by clients in the energy, PE funds, fintech and financial services sectors. Yuet Ming Tham is recognised for her white-collar crime work while Desmond Ang is highly regarded for his expertise in insolvency and international arbitration. In commercial and transactions, the firm is defending Kingboard Holdings, a Hong Kong-listed printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer, in a High Court action concerning breaches of a cross-border distribution agreement.

Client feedback

Desmond Ang

"Desmond is an outstanding professional in international arbitration. His approachable demeanour and deep expertise make him highly effective in navigating complex disputes. He consistently demonstrates excellent legal acumen and strategic thinking, always prioritizing his clients' best interests. His dedication and care for clients set him apart in the field."

Samantha Chan

"Samantha Chan has demonstrated a strong grasp of our case and provides thoughtful, practical advice. She is responsive, diligent, and communicates effectively in both English and Chinese. Her insights are always helpful."

Stephanie Chan

"Stephanie and her team have delivered favourable outcomes for our litigation case. They provide strategic advice that balances legal and commercial considerations, with attention to detail and a strong understanding of our case’s complexities."

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has established a distinguished international arbitration and white-collar crime practice across Asia, renowned for handling complex cross-border disputes involving multiple legal systems. The firm's attorneys, qualified in diverse jurisdictions and often bilingual, specialise in sophisticated international arbitration and compliance matters. Rory McAlpine, head of the Asia Pacific litigation group, leads the international arbitration practice, managing multijurisdictional disputes through litigation, mediation, and arbitration for corporate and financial clients. Joining him, Friven Yeoh brings significant expertise in high-stakes business disputes, while Steve Kwok leads white-collar crime investigations with a focus on US regulatory enforcement. The team's unique composition, including Mandarin-speaking partners with deep cross-border investigation experience, enables nuanced representation of Chinese companies in complex international legal landscapes.

Client feedback

"It was a pleasure working with the team. There was good communication and clear guidance to ensure the legal pleadings aligned with the facts, evidence, opinions shared by the various experts, and the end client’s willingness and ability to put certain documents on record (given confidentiality). The team was excellent to work with, effectively reacting to arguments from opposing counsel." – International arbitration

Friven Yeoh

"Friven was excellent with the client and managed the execution of a complex engagement involving several law firms, team members, and experts across different time zones exceptionally well. His team did not hesitate to ask questions and ensured they understood and aligned with our suggested approach for damages. He was willing to engage with the details to craft an effective cross-examination of the opposing expert, which proved invaluable in the concessions and admissions we were able to extract during the hearing."

Headquartered in Hangzhou, T&C Law Firm is the largest and among the leading law firms in Zhejiang province. With about 400 attorneys and specialists, the firm’s practice spans all fields of law across a variety of industries. Dispute resolution is the firm’s core practice and it is active in domestic disputes, international arbitration and foreign-related commercial litigation. Linyong Fu is a key partner at the firm who is rooted in international arbitration and litigation with rich experience in cross-border investment, compliance, administrative investigation and litigation. In a high-stakes financial dispute, Hangzhou partner Li Sun secured a landmark victory for BOCOM International Trust in a trust loan case against Bright Oceans Corporation and its guarantors.

Client feedback

"In the foreign-related disputes faced by the company, T&C Law Firm can always provide concrete and feasible solutions." – Commercial and transactions

"They perform exceptionally well in commercial dispute resolution." – Construction

Ming Chen

"Chen really understands our business needs when it comes to litigation."

Linyong (Leon) Fu

"We have cooperated with T&C Law Firm for many years and are familiar with the team led by partner Linyong Fu. We primarily worked together on cross-border disputes, including litigation and arbitration. Fu's team specialises in dispute resolution, and he himself is a well-known arbitrator and arbitration lawyer in our field."

Founded in May 2000, Tahota Law Firm set up its office in Beijing in 2003 and has become one of the fastest-growing law firms in the region. The firm has more than 40 partners and about 100 practising lawyers and consultants, some of which serve as arbitrators in various local and professional arbitration institutions and have rich experience in handling litigation and arbitration matters.

Key names in the commercial and transactions space include lead partner Shoutai Cheng, senior partners Jianming Gan, Jun Liu and Lv Zhang.

In commercial disputes, the firm represented a subsidiary of a leading chemicals enterprise in China under the direct supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) in a series of contract disputes with an affiliated company of an energy company in Henan Province. This case is worth more than Rmb1 billion ($145 million). In another case, the firm represented a wholly-owned real estate development company under China South City Holdings in a dispute with a subsidiary of Metro Holdings Group concerning damages to the interests of the company and shareholders.

Xuping Xiang, Jiaqing Zhang and Lei Zhang have joined firm as senior partners in the past 12 months. The firm has also made 11 promotions during the same period.

The rest of the clients the firm has advised on during the research period remain confidential.

Tian Yuan Law Firm regularly acts on a wide range of commercial and financial disputes representing major listed companies and state-owned enterprises. The firm is commended for its experience in handling disputes relating to corporate, commercial, IP and employment matters. The firm is also active in both domestic and international arbitration work. Lihua Wang, who focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration, leads the firm’s dispute resolution team. Other notable partners include Zhuo Chen for commercial disputes and Yan Sun for intellectual property. In a landmark regulatory intervention, the firm's team led by Beijing partner Xiaodong Zhu managed substantial disputes for a major Chinese insurance group under regulatory takeover.

Client feedback

"Really great work; excellent solution proposal." – Competition/antitrust

Wei Huang

"As one of the top-tier antitrust lawyers in China, he brings a wealth of experience in handling antitrust investigation cases."

"Very responsive and always provides advice on how to move forward, based on his knowledge and insights into the current situation."

Jing Zhang

"Expert in dispute response and controversy resolution, particularly in the fields of construction engineering, commercial leasing, and manufacturing."

Committed to building the most trusted and specialized dispute resolution law firm, TianTong Law Firm houses a deep bench of practitioners with considerable expertise in civil and commercial dispute matters. The firm has a strong winning track record before the Supreme Court with more than 30 cases being selected by core publications as guidelines for civil and commercial trials. The firm is also strengthening its insolvency and international arbitration capabilities. Founding partner Yaoquan Chen is a key figure who focuses on commercial and transactional disputes. Partner Zhe Zhuang is another key name to note. In a groundbreaking interbank bond dispute before the Shanghai Financial Court, Beijing partner Mian You is defending a major state-owned bank against a misrepresentation claim brought by institutional investors.

Under the leadership of James Jiang, a renowned figure in China's compliance and investigation field, Topcom China Law Offices has carved out a distinctive niche specializing exclusively in government and regulatory matters. The firm is highly sought after for its unparalleled expertise in key areas including compliance governance, import and export trade compliance, anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures, government investigations and litigation, white-collar and commercial crimes, as well as cross-border data transfer. As the managing partner based in Shanghai, Jiang directs his practice towards government affairs and compliance, corporate affairs, and litigation. He has adeptly represented clients in prominent regulatory compliance matters and government investigations.

Vivien Chan & Co, backed by more than 30 years of experience, has established a robust reputation in general disputes and intellectual property matters. Senior partner Vivien Chan leads the practice, while partner Owen Tse serves as a primary contact for arbitration and construction cases. In the realm of IP disputes, Anna Mae Koo is a highly regarded practitioner. Partners Owen Tse and Ken Hung have successfully enforced domain name rights for a leading global educational testing organization, securing multiple domain name transfers through strategic arbitration proceedings. The ongoing matter demonstrates effective strategies for combating cybersquatting in China's education sector, where the team's approach has proven particularly effective in removing infringing websites that attempt to capitalize on the client's established reputation.

Wang Jing & GH Law Firm is a boutique law firm based in the Greater Bay Area. The firm offers professional legal services across various areas, including commercial litigation, real estate, digital economy, and family wealth protection. Recognised for its high-quality reputation, the firm has received numerous accolades and maintains strong expertise in commercial dispute resolution, handling complex and high-end cases with proficiency.

Shan Huang, Jianhui Hui, Xiaolei Wang, Yingzi Cai and Jiaxin Wan are among the key partners of the firm.

In a significant commercial dispute, the firm played a crucial role in assisting one of China's top ten real estate companies, as well as a globally recognised Fortune 500 company, in successfully obtaining the lifting of preservation measures on the execution case proceeds. This case marked a pioneering milestone in Guangzhou, as the district court lifted the original preservation measures through the concept of “preserving unrealized claims” without requiring counter guarantees or replacement collateral, thereby maximising the interests of private enterprises.

All client information remains confidential.

Client feedback

“Professional, patient, creative and hardworking.” – Construction

Highly reputed for trademark disputes, Wanhuida Intellectual Property is one of the strongest firms in IP disputes. The team boasts nearly 100 lawyers specialized in IP litigation and enforcement with an emphasis on anti-counterfeiting work. Led by IP specialist Gang Bai, the team is active in sectors including consumer goods, e-commerce, luxury goods, machinery and pharmaceuticals as well as travel and leisure. Hui Huang is another key contact. The firm achieved a landmark victory in Chinese IP law by securing first-of-its-kind protection for AI voice activation commands under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law. Led by Hui Huang and Han Zhang, the team's innovative legal strategy resulted in an award for client Xiaomi and established crucial precedent for the technology sector.

Client feedback

"We find in Wanhuida Intellectual Property an effective combination of high-quality standards at a reasonable cost, perfectly aligned with our client's needs. They offer tailor-made services and provide quick and efficient support. Certainly, among the best in their jurisdiction. We are happy to endorse this long and profitable cooperation. Additionally, everyone on the team is a top professional and a pleasure to work with." – Intellectual property

Bin Li

"She is the perfect combination of a professional and an entrepreneur, with a clear understanding of international clients due to her natural entrepreneurial mindset. To top it off, she is also a remarkable woman."

Yuming Wang

"Responsible for work certification, with extensive litigation experience and rich legal knowledge."

Watson & Band, one of China’s oldest intellectual property service providers, offers agency and consulting services concerning trademarks, patents and copyrights, as well as enforcement and litigation services and commercial IP-related legal services. Its industry specialty lies in the fields of chemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, telecommunications, metallic materials and semiconductors.

Managing partner Jean Yang is based in the firm’s office in Shanghai. She specialises in trademark and copyright applications and litigation concerning anti-counterfeiting. Liming Zhang, Jianguo Huang, Cathy Wu, Joe Liu and Xiaobo He are other key partners.

In one IP dispute, the firm advised circular materials technology company Umicore in a patent invalidation case involving a ternary cathode material used in lithium-ion batteries. Another case sees the firm acting for Chengdu IXING Biotechnology in a graphical user interface (GUI) design patent infringement lawsuit.

China Post Technology, Hangzhou Deep Vision Technology, KEFUKAI Process Equipment (Shanghai) and TDK China are some of the firm’s clients.

Withers’ family and matrimonial practice positions itself as a formidable player in the market with the largest dedicated team in Hong Kong. The team includes specialist accredited Hong Kong lawyers, trained collaborative lawyers and English family law specialists. It has profound experience acting for high-net-worth individuals with international trusts and complex corporate assets. The firm also expanded its general litigation and international arbitration practice by hiring experienced partners and teams. Its newly established team covers a wide range of disputes across the construction, commodities, energy, financial services, healthcare and technology industries.

Jocelyn Tsao, managing director of the Hong Kong office, leads the divorce and family team, specialising in high-profile and complex matrimonial cases, including those involving digital assets, trusts, and cross-jurisdictional issues. Joseph Chu, a partner in the litigation and arbitration team, focuses on commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, fraud recovery, and cross-border litigation, with expertise in addressing challenges in the digital economy. Partners Michael Chik and Sherlin Tung are key names of the firm’s international arbitration practice.

The firm's private client disputes team has demonstrated its expertise throughout the year, handling sensitive and complex matters for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and prominent business families across Asia. The practice continues to advise on multifaceted disputes involving family-owned enterprises, trust structures, and corporate governance issues spanning multiple jurisdictions. Led by experienced partners, the team has successfully managed matters requiring careful navigation of both personal and commercial considerations, while working alongside international counsel to achieve optimal outcomes for clients in confidential proceedings across Hong Kong and other major financial centres.

WongPartnership has the largest presence in China among Singapore law firms, with an office in Shanghai supporting its China practice. The firm works closely with its regional offices to provide cross-jurisdictional legal support. The firm also represents China-based entities in high-profile dispute resolution matters and actively advises Chinese clients in international arbitration and trade disputes. In a high-stakes investment arbitration under the PRC-Laos BIT, the firm's international arbitration team is representing a Hong Kong investor in a more than $58 million dispute against the Laotian government. The case centers on the alleged unlawful revocation of investment licenses and expropriation of a cement plant investment, raising novel legal questions about the application of pre-1997 PRC investment treaties to Hong Kong investors.

Client feedback

"We consider WongPartnership's legal services to be exceptional. Their expertise and professionalism were instrumental in delivering comprehensive solutions to our legal needs. They demonstrated in-depth legal knowledge, which helped us achieve our clients’ goals, so we would highly recommend WongPartnership for legal counsel." – International arbitration

Xiaoming (Charles) Tian

"He is both a Chinese lawyer and an overseas lawyer, which allows him to fully understand the needs of our company while being highly familiar with international practices. He is a professional in international arbitration and dispute resolution, young but experienced in this field, and has successfully assisted our company in handling a series of cases. I would recommend him as our legal advisor."

Swee Yen Koh and Xiaoming (Charles) Tian

"We referred the work to WongPartnership because we believed that having Singaporean counsel with expertise in cross-examination would be highly beneficial for this case, given the complexity of the witnesses involved. We wanted to ensure that the hearing was handled by experienced professionals who could effectively manage the testimony and provide strategic support in the courtroom. Swee Yen and Charles' skills in this area made them an ideal team for this matter, and the outcome of the hearing confirmed the value of their contribution. Both our client and we were very satisfied with the results."

Yingke Law Firm is renowned for its expertise in construction engineering and real estate disputes. The firm's construction and engineering department boasts extensive experience in resolving construction contract disputes and handling PPP projects, offering refined legal solutions.

The firm’s key partners have extensive expertise across various legal fields. Attorney Jiaxue Yang has been recognized for his contributions to legal education and policy consultation, receiving the State Council Special Government Allowance. Attorney Yongjun Yan specializes in construction, real estate, and infrastructure law, focusing on project development, investment, financing, and government legal affairs. Attorney Bin (Robert) Hu focuses on risk control and dispute resolution for steel structure engineering, providing legal advisory services to construction enterprises and listed companies. Attorney Gang Zhang specializes in construction and real estate law, handling litigation, arbitration, and legal advisory work for state-owned and private entities. Other key contacts include Zhiqiang Wang, Ren (Jenny) Guo, Guiqiang Feng, Yiming Li, and Yile Huang.

The firm represented Chengdu Yexin Asset Management Co and individual claimants in a land compensation dispute against the Haikou Municipal Government. The case centred on the methodology for calculating Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for expropriated land spanning 140,000 square meters. Partner Jiaxue Yang led the matter before the Hainan Provincial High People's Court, which, after two public hearings, established that compensation calculations should use contemporary FAR values rather than historical metrics. The case, which involved land transfers spanning nearly two decades, required extensive historical document review and analysis of Supreme People's Court precedents. The Court's decision provides guidance on compensation standards where land value has appreciated between acquisition and expropriation.

Key clients include Hangxiao Steel Structure Co, Linzhou Hongqiqu Economic and Technological Development Zone Huitong Holdings Co and Xingtai Hongyao Real Estate Development Co.

Client feedback

“Diligence, timely service, and professionalism.”

“Professional work in preparing all litigation documents.”

Wei Wang

“She is very professional and rigorous, with significant expertise in trademark protection.”

Jiang Yun

“The team led by Jiang Yun is highly recommended.”

“Diligence, hard work, timely service, and extensive knowledge and experience.”

Yongwen Law Firm specialises in dispute resolution, offering comprehensive legal services in areas such as real estate and construction, corporate governance, equity investment, banking and finance, culture and media, and financial leasing. The firm’s team is adept in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and other methods of dispute resolution, tailoring solutions to the specific characteristics of each case. Founding partner Xiaosong Li has extensive experience in dispute resolution. His practice includes representing clients in commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly in the areas of corporate governance, real estate, and infrastructure. The firm advised on a contract dispute between a major Chinese energy company and an Energy Research Institute concerning a Build-Transfer (BT) project.

Chinese dispute powerhouse Zhong Lun Law Firm dominates the litigation space with its solid experience in handling a wide range of domestic and overseas litigation and arbitration matters. The firm’s litigation bench is stocked top-to-bottom with talent ranging from senior statesmen to up-and-comers, all of whom elicit praise from peers and appreciation from clients. Its practitioners have expertise spanning a range of industries including banking and financial services, energy, real estate and manufacturing. Prominently active in significant cross-border dispute cases, the firm is also known to have appeared in the largest number of cases before the Supreme People’s Court of China. It also provides a top-tier international arbitration service seated across the globe.

Prominent figures include commercial disputes star Lijun Cao, insolvency lawyer Shengfeng Xu, regulatory expert Gary Gao, international arbitration specialist Huawei Sun, employment focused Carol Zhu and construction lawyer Yueping Zhou. Other notable lawyers include Changyu Fu, Baosheng Zhang and Wei Bao.

The firm represented China Energy Engineering Group Yunnan Electric Power Design Institute in a complex asset recovery matter involving the Menghai Photovoltaic Power Station. Partner Li Hao and senior associate Wei Wang secured full recovery of principal payments and penalties from Xishuangbanna Hengding New Energy Development. The case required navigation of specialised energy sector issues including electricity tariffs and operating rights, while managing competing creditor claims and potential bankruptcy proceedings. The team obtained a debt in rem ruling and successfully executed the transfer of power station ownership, achieving full recovery despite multiple creditor interventions.

Building on its infrastructure dispute resolution capabilities, the firm also achieved a landmark outcome in representing a major private sewage treatment company in a complex administrative agreement dispute with the Xiu Ning County Government regarding price adjustment rights under a 30-year BOT franchise agreement. Partner Zhiqiang Wei successfully navigated multiple rounds of litigation before the Huangshan Intermediate People's Court and Anhui Higher People's Court, establishing that local governments must respond to contractually mandated price adjustment applications. The case clarified administrative authorities' obligations under franchise agreements following the Supreme People's Court's 2019 Provisions on Administrative Agreement Cases. The matter resolved fundamental questions about government performance obligations in administrative agreements and the intersection between contractual rights and administrative authority.

Further demonstrating the firm's regulatory expertise, the firm represented Dongxing Securities Company in a significant CSRC investigation regarding its role in an alleged fraudulent STAR Market IPO. Partners Baosheng Zhang, Wei Zhou, and Ruixuan Li applied China's administrative enforcement commitment system, creating a notable instance of commitment system acceptance by the CSRC under the 2022 Measures. The team's approach combined securities representative litigation defence with regulatory investigation response, establishing new parameters for intermediary liability and regulatory compliance in China's securities market supervision framework.

In a groundbreaking achievement for securities regulation, the same team led by partners Baosheng Zhang, Wei Zhou, and Ruixuan Li represented China Securities Co in the landmark Amethystum Storage case, securing the first-ever commitment case under China's securities administrative law following the implementation of the new Securities Law. This matter, recognised among the ‘Top Ten Typical Cases of Investor Protection in 2023’ by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, established pioneering precedents for administrative settlements in securities enforcement. The team's innovative approach, combining advance compensation mechanisms with the commitment system, effectively protected investor interests while mitigating administrative penalty risks for intermediary institutions, marking a significant milestone in China's evolving securities regulatory framework.

The firm’s recent client roster includes Avic Trust Co, Hangzhou Yuzhan Industrial Co, National Energy Shaanxi Hydropower Co and Shanghai Electric Power Engineering Co.

The firm recently experienced several notable changes within its team. Yueping (Cindy) Zhou, a partner, departed the firm. In June 2024, Haijun Zhang joined as a partner, bringing expertise in litigation and arbitration, construction and project development, and debt restructuring and non-performing assets. In March 2024, Xiongxin Xie and Wen Dai were promoted to senior counsel, both specialising in litigation and arbitration, as well as construction and project development. Xiongxin also focuses on debt restructuring and non-performing assets.

Client feedback

"Very professional, well-prepared, and thoughtful in developing strategies and positioning in the client's best interest." – Commercial and transactions

"Specialised in commercial arbitration." – Commercial and transactions

"The team excels in in-depth analysis and is very skilled in strategy." – International arbitration

Wen Dai

"Wen Dai has a very strong ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters."

"A leading lawyer, highly professional, performed exceptionally well during arbitration proceedings, with the ability to converse in both English and Chinese."

Lichun Gao

"Provides professional opinions on difficult problems in the field of construction engineering, is clear throughout the case-handling process, and is serious and responsible in his work."

Xiuling Lin

"Xiuling Lin has sharp commercial sense. She can provide a comprehensive view of transactions based on limited information, which is essential in handling complicated commercial litigation. She helps us uncover the facts behind account books and skilfully applies her legal knowledge to develop the best strategy for a case."

Xiangwen Liu

"The primary lawyer I have worked with is Xiangwen Liu. Since 2019, Liu has led his legal team to provide legal services for establishing and improving our compliance management system. It is now the fifth year of our collaboration."

Established in 2001, Zhong Wen Law Firm is a large law firm providing comprehensive legal services with offices in 18 cities worldwide. Its dispute resolution department has developed expertise in several core areas, including commercial disputes, intellectual property disputes, and labour and employment disputes. A key partner at the firm is Yong Fang, who focuses on criminal defence, criminal compliance, and cases involving the intersection of criminal, civil, and administrative law. Yong Fang has been practicing law full-time since 2002 and has substantial experience handling complex and challenging criminal cases.The firm advised Shanghai Dowell Trading Co on a Rmb10 billion ($1.4 billion) administrative enforcement matter concerning the company's social e-commerce operations.

Zhong Yin Law Firm’s dispute resolution practice focuses on litigation, arbitration, and related areas, supported by a team of senior lawyers from top law schools in China and abroad. Many of these lawyers bring extensive experience with courts at all levels and prominent arbitration commissions, offering deep expertise in China’s legal system and judicial processes. The firm has handled complex and high-profile commercial disputes for domestic and international companies, as well as financial institutions. Partner Yu Wang is a key contact. The firm advised the former Chairman of a Beijing-based carbon asset management company in a complex shareholder dispute that led to the judicial dissolution of a profitable state-owned enterprise.

Zhonglun W&D Law Firm is a leading provider of legal services in the construction and real estate sectors, offering expertise in areas such as land development, project financing, real estate acquisitions, construction, and property management. The firm has served a diverse range of clients, including real estate developers, state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and government agencies. The firm’s construction and real estate practice is led by experienced partners, including Yuqin Xia and Wen Chen. The firm represented a leading technology company in a construction contract dispute against a major state-owned construction enterprise regarding the Phase II development of a cloud computing centre in Baoding. The dispute centred on project settlement and construction quality issues at the data centre facility.