After a wide-ranging market survey and independent editorial assessment, China Business Law Journal unveils this year’s Visionaries in China’s legal market. Claire Zhao reports
While 2024 was marked by a slow rebound in the economy, the global community continues to grapple with pervasive uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions have introduced fresh obstacles, compelling businesses to recalibrate their strategies around digitalisation and sustainable practices. Enterprises navigating the intricate legal landscape are increasingly seeking legal support for compliance and risk management, driving a surge in the need for comprehensive legal advice.
This dynamic setting has underscored the legal profession’s pivotal role in providing essential support. More than masters of legal affairs, lawyers are combining their expertise with keen business acumen, devising tailored and innovative solutions that empower enterprises to steer through complexities and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
In recognition of the contributions of distinguished lawyers, we continue our A-List awards this year, featuring three categories of: The Visionaries; The Growth Drivers; and Rising Stars.
The Visionaries honours seasoned legal luminaries who have distinguished themselves both within and beyond their firms. In key management positions of founders, managing partners or heads of practice areas, they excel in their profession and develop sharp industry insight to steer their firms’ strategic growth.
Committed to the betterment of the legal ecosystem, not only do these trailblazers spearhead business innovation with a panoramic vision. They also actively engage on the broader social stage, lending their expertise to industry associations and public institutions. Their transformative impact extends to legislative consultation and charitable initiatives – hallmarks of their industry eminence and steadfast social responsibility.
This article focuses on The Visionaries, while the other two categories will be released in the near future. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest announcements.
We would like to extend our genuine appreciation to all who participated in our market survey, as well as warmest congratulations to all winners.
Refining the touchstone
These chosen distinguished lawyers have long been entrenched in the legal realm, demonstrating profound expertise and superior capabilities. It is their unwavering pursuit of excellence that has earned them wide acclaim and strong client confidence.
Wang Yan, managing partner and IP litigation leader of Han Kun Law Offices, has been engaged in nearly all disputes involving Samsung Electronics in the past decade. The company’s principal in-house counsel, Daniel Shim, holds Wang in the highest regard, saying: “Wang is one of the most trusted counsel for Chinese IP disputes at Samsung Electronics. His experience and expertise in high-stakes litigation, including cross-border disputes in multiple countries, is unparalleled.”
Zhu Yongjin, Apple’s APAC litigation lawyer, observes: “Wang is not only an outstanding advocate in courtrooms, fiercely defending clients’ interests, but also a knowledgeable attorney who understands the trend of the IP, antitrust and business laws in China.”
Olive Wren, the holding company of American D2C bedding and sleepwear brand SIJO, initially failed to negotiate terms with investors in early fundraising rounds, even with the support of US-based lawyers.
Nonetheless, Liu Zhen, partner and head of China practice at Gunderson Dettmer, managed to secure crucial terms in the latest funding round, as well as terms previously unattainable. SIJO’s co-founder and CEO, Jacob Xi, recalls: “In our negotiations with investors, we were deeply impressed by Liu’s technical mastery, as well as her exceptional experience and knowledge. We feel incredibly fortunate to have her as our attorney.”
SIJO focuses on improved sleep performance through innovative textile technologies and eco-friendly fabrics. Utilising a China-based supply chain, the company secured tens of millions of dollars in series A and A+ funding early in 2021.
Incisive business awareness is instrumental in helping clients achieve their business goals. In this regard, Benita Yu, a senior partner in the Hong Kong office of Slaughter and May, receives endorsement from CICC’s senior legal counsel, Esther Fung, who says: “Benita is strong in solving the complicated issues for Chinese clients. She is the most professional lawyer I have ever worked with.”
Li Huacheng, chief risk officer for Becoming, a brand under Becoming Info, core affiliate of the Country Garden Group, lavishes praise on Wang Lixin, managing partner of King & Wood Mallesons’ Guangzhou office. Highlighting Wang’s rare ability to “seamlessly blend legal expertise and business intelligence”, Li says: “He can clearly and accurately discern market dynamics and business trends, delivering legal strategies and commercial advice that are both compliant and forward-looking.”
AnJie Broad’s partner, Gao Ping, a specialist in high-stakes commercial disputes resolution, receives praised from Liu Yadan, a legal and audit manager at Beijing Infrastructure Investment, who marvels at Gao’s tactical manoeuvring. “Gao Ping demonstrates a panoramic mastery while meticulously addressing every detail,” Liu says. “She always offers clients practical and tailored solutions, rendering her our prime choice for commercial disputes.”
Many times, a lawyer’s professional commitment and magnetic personality are the “boost” clients need to overcome business obstacles. Michael Liu, a senior partner at Dacheng Law Offices in Shanghai, is applauded for successfully representing Beibian Technology in a utility model patent invalidation case.
Beibian’s executive director, Shi Yaojie, comments: “In our first interaction, I was greatly impressed by Liu’s solid professional acumen and polished communication manner. Given the remarkable success yielded, we look forward to further enhancing our future co-operation.”
Dr Jiang Hao, executive director of CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, is likewise inspired by the enthusiasm of Liang Shuang, executive partner of Grandall Law Firm in Tianjin. “Liang Shuang approaches the high-pressure market environment with a positive and energetic mindset, pouring her heart and soul into work,” says Dr Jiang. “She balances adherence to principles with flexibility, and her dedication and strong sense of responsibility define her professional journey.”
Pushing the boundary
In an ever-changing business world, outstanding lawyers excel at perceiving industry currents, daring to break conventions and leading the sector forward.
Jason Young, investment managing director of CoreConnect, commends Rossana Chu, partner of YYC Legal in Hong Kong, saying: “As a corporate finance lawyer, Rossana does not fall into the trap of following precedent cases or the standard way of doing things. She is clever and open-minded, and her advice is timely, relevant and reliable.”
Lu Jun, general manager of International Container Lease, also values a lawyer’s ability to “innovatively approach and resolve issues”. He speaks highly of Wintell & Co’s senior partner, Li Hailong: “Li demonstrates exceptional insight in managing disputes, usually detecting the opposing party’s flaws in seemingly ordinary aspects, thus turning the tide and devising optimal legal strategies for clients.”
This futuristic approach is further reflected in agility to foster novel solutions responsive to the burgeoning needs of the times.
Gary Zheng, CEO of hotel network service provider LinkBroad, is particularly impressed by David Lin, a senior partner at DOCVIT Law Firm in Beijing, who possesses “expert-level knowledge” in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data and chips. Zheng credits legal precedents established in Lin’s representations as “having considerably propelled China’s legal advancement in these fields”.
Angell Xi, a partner at Jingtian & Gongcheng in Shanghai, is a leading expert in Chinese art law and a pioneer in addressing the use of NFTs and AI in the art, fashion and luxury sectors. Elle Hu, legal director of Prada China, lauds her “forward-looking mindset and swift adaptability”, saying: “Angell exhibits a nuanced grasp of aligning our brand’s artistic aspirations and business goals. She promptly analysed pertinent legal risks and devised mitigation measures, enabling our bold pursuit of innovation free from legal impediments.”
Trailblazing leaders also proactively expand their professional horizons and flexibly integrate the strengths of resources across diverse domains to bridge existing gaps.
Dr Yin Liusong, executive president and CSO of Sunho (China) Biopharmaceutical, lauds the interdisciplinary profile of Geng Ke, managing partner of O’Melveny’s Beijing office. Geng led the team advising on Hong Kong and US law for this year’s IPO and listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange of Sunho, a clinical-stage biopharma committed to the discovery, development and commercialisation of biologics for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Geng also holds a PhD in biochemistry from New York University and, as such, Dr Yin considers him a rare asset in the legal market: “Geng’s extensive experience in the medical and biotechnology sectors makes him our top choice for overseas legal counsel.”
Adam Li, a partner heading JunHe’s new Seattle office, utilises his extensive experience in both Chinese and American legal frameworks to provide unique perspectives on cross-border transactions. His expertise ensures comprehensive legal support for Chinese enterprises entering the US market and multinational corporations operating in China. Dr Li Yijiang, CEO of CBM Lifemotion, commends him as “a rare legal professional who transforms differences in languages, cultures and laws into genuine insights”.
Alan Chiu, managing partner of IP specialist ELLALAN, represented Mentholatum (China) Pharmaceutical in a trademark infringement and unfair competition litigation, which involved multiple complicated technical legal issues in conjunction with proceedings overseas. Mentholatum marketing director Christine Lam appreciates Alan’s international exposure and regards him as “invaluable in providing great legal service on both the local and global front”.
Moulding the future
Beyond their professional pursuits, The Visionaries are dedicated to public interest, providing counsel on proposed legislation, engaging in public welfare and academic endeavours, and contributing to the sustainable development of a rule-of-law society through diverse initiatives.
Renowned dispute resolution lawyer Sun Li, a managing partner at T&C Law Firm, regularly imparts intricate legal knowledge via professional seminars and lectures. Gan Yuting, a senior trust manager at China Credit Trust, commends her for “actively advancing legalisation of the financial sector and elevating the industry’s legal acumen and risk management standards”.
Annie Liu, Greater China lead legal counsel of SAS Software, similarly commends Shu Yujing, partner at K&L Gates’ Beijing office: “Yujing has the strength to help international clients explore market entry in China, which has also helped with the development of the regulations for the subject industry.”
Huang Fulong, executive director of Guantao Law Firm’s Shenzhen office, heads the foreign-related affairs of Shenzhen Lawyers Association. He has convened a range of legal events benefiting lawyers and enterprises in the Greater Bay Area. Chen Xiaoya, head of legal department at TCL Technology Group Corporation, affirms Huang’s instrumental role in “promoting mutual understanding and collaboration within the legal community of the Greater Bay Area”.
Undertaking public service roles may likewise complement a lawyer’s core duties. Xing Guoguang, a partner at Be Wu & Associates, is also an arbitrator on various arbitration committees. Wang Wenyu, CEO of Houze Investment, says: “He has offered us a range of preventative recommendations and concrete measures from a professional angle, effectively averting several commercial disputes.”
As director and founding partner of Starrise Law Firm in Beijing, Wang Jun has transformed her experiences into white papers, blue papers and professional articles, providing a wealth of material for legal research. She has also been instrumental in organising and participating in a number of public legal forums, seminars and salons, and is also a public welfare ambassador for combating telecoms fraud.
Xie Pengcheng, chair professor of Shandong University’s Law School, lauds her academic achievements as “extraordinary” and commends her for “exemplifying the responsibilities and commitment of a legal professional in real actions”.
Liang Qiang, director and chief partner of Zhong Ce Law Firm, directed a donation of RMB2 million (USD276,000) to China University of Political Science and Law, bolstering its educational initiatives and establishing the Zhong Ce Scholarship and Bursary.
Wang Jiajing, a legal counsel at Beijing Zhongguancun Dongsheng Science Park, salutes his “embodiment of not merely a strong moral compass and solid case-handling skills, but also a spirit of dedication”.
METHODOLOGY
To identify the most esteemed lawyers in the market, we invited corporate counsel and executives from Chinese and global businesses, partners from Chinese and international law firms, and legal experts across diverse industries to nominate their lawyers of choice.
All lawyers engaged in private practice and China-related business were eligible to be nominated. In the principle of neutrality, as always, lawyers were not allowed to nominate themselves or colleagues practising at the same firm.
The market response was overwhelming, with thousands of nominations received. We subsequently notified eligible nominees, inviting them to submit details of major transactions they led and other notable achievements in the past 12 months.
The final selection is based on market nominations, candidate submissions and independent editorial research. Notably, the entire evaluation process is free of charge, from nomination to final selection.
