Dispute Resolution (PRC Firms): China

THE FIRM This full service firm is a popular choice for dispute resolution in Shanghai given its traditional strength in the field and its long-standing practice. The team offers a multifaceted service, advising mainly on commercial disputes, and handling both litigation and arbitration. With IP disputes as its core strength, it is particularly sought out by international clients for IP enforcement and litigation in China.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chen Naiwei is a widely respected IP litigator and leads the IP disputes practice. He has 30 years of experience in the field and highly specialised copyright expertise.

THE FIRM Despite a number of departures in the past year, this highly regarded firm continues to have a strong reputation in Beijing. The practice covers domestic and international litigation, arbitration and enforcement in China. Clients range from large state-owned companies to Fortune 500 entities and multinational corporations, including Aluminium Corporation of China, Agriculture Bank of China and Zhongjin Gold Corporation of China. In the past year the team achieved favourable results for a number of Ningbo-based companies in a series of letter of credit disputes valued at USD40 million.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Li Hongji heads the department and is rated for his highly specialised dispute resolution practice, particularly in commercial, shipping and cross-border contractual disputes. In the past year he assisted Henan Cereals, Oils & Foodstuffs Imp & Exp with the successful enforcement of a CNY23 million arbitral award. 

Jin Saibo has a particular niche in disputes related to letters of credit, as well as guarantees for construction and shipbuilding, actively providing expert advice to clients in the area.

Practice co-head Wang Jialu is a widely recognised and active arbitrator in Beijing. He represents clients in a broad range of cases, including real estate, IP, construction and projects disputes.

Ma Jie has strong English language ability and a solid international background. He regularly acts on litigation and arbitration with a cross-border aspect. Commentators are quick to praise his strength in international investment disputes, and his ability to handle arbitrations not only in China, but also in the UK, USA and Hong Kong.

THE FIRM Dacheng has an impressive track record in handling dispute resolution, representing clients in litigation, arbitration and enforcement proceedings. The team's client base includes many Chinese and international Fortune 500 companies. It has experience of handling a range of cases, from company law disputes to insurance claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Dao Rina is the key contact for this practice area.

THE FIRM This firm is making significant headway in the domestic litigation market in Beijing, and acts for high-profile clients such as Hewlett-Packard and GE. In the past year it has handled commercial, IP, shareholders and real estate disputes. Highlights include representing Guangdong Cable in a series of contractual disputes, and acting on behalf of China National Heavy Duty Truck in an arbitration involving a dispute over patents.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chen Changbin is the key contact.

THE FIRM This compact practice punches above its weight to forge a solid reputation in the Shanghai dispute resolution market. It has expertise in handling cross-border commercial disputes, including joint venture disputes and IP cases. Its impressive stable of clients includes such names as Sinopec, China Eastern Airline, United Great Oil and Insigma Technology. Highlights from the past year include representing China Minsheng Bank in a USD60 million trademark infringement case between Apple and Proview in both China and Hong Kong.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Charles Duan is widely respected as an international dispute resolution expert, and for providing a responsive and hands-on service. In the past year he played a leading role in a HKD1.8 billion M&A dispute in Hong Kong, acting on behalf of GST International Management against UTC.

Gary Gao is another well-regarded litigator on the team, who recently acted as Chinese counsel to ASSA ABLOY Asia in its CNY266 million joint venture dispute with Wangli Group.

THE FIRM This firm has a strong presence and broad coverage, particularly in the Shanghai dispute resolution scene. It is especially well regarded for international arbitration relating to IP, private equity and securities disputes, and also stands out for its expert knowledge of white-collar crime, foreign direct investment and shareholder disputes. Fangda's capabilities have been further strengthened in the past year with the launch of its Hong Kong office and the arrival of Peter Yuen. Key highlights include representing ConocoPhillips in a CNY1.5 billion environmental claim brought by the Chinese government, as a result of an oil spill in Bohai Bay. This is a headline case and by far the largest environmental claim in China.

Sources say: "Fangda's partners can bring local expertise as well as international standards. I prefer going to them directly rather than going through an international firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ji Xiang has been involved in many high-profile cases, and is particularly noted for his expertise in shipping and maritime arbitration, as well as his experience in representing Japanese clients. He was a lead partner in the ConocoPhillips matter.

Helen Shi enjoys a fine reputation for her dispute resolution practice and impresses clients with her international background. She is best known for her international arbitration expertise.

Shanghai-based Daniel Huang is an experienced dispute resolution partner with particular expertise in commercial and IP cases.

Senior partner Ji Nuo is best known for construction and real estate-related domestic litigation. He was another lead partner on the ConocoPhillips matter.

Senior partner Kang Ming is a very active arbitration expert, best known in relation to international IP and commercial disputes.

Benjamin Miao has a solid overseas education and professional background. Clients appreciate his international arbitration and litigation work in the M&A and commercial arena. One client summed up: "Benjamin is very respectful. He is a walking dictionary, very knowledgeable in providing legal advice, and understands the importance of maintaining the relationship with clients."

THE FIRM The dispute resolution practice at Global Law Office offers high-quality PRC expertise to foreign clients, and particular strength in international shipping and maritime arbitration. It is also increasingly specialising in such areas as international trade, foreign investment and joint ventures. Highlights from the past year include representing major wind power equipment manufacturer Huarui Wind Power in litigation both in China and overseas.

Sources say: "From a professional perspective, I think they are strong for both litigation and arbitration."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Xing Xiusong has an impressive client base and is well respected for his international trade expertise. Clients enthuse that "he is very experienced and careful with preparation, and can give advice from both a legal and a commercial perspective."

Gao Yifeng has 30 years of experience and is a strong player for maritime disputes.

Kou Liyun specialises in international trade matters. He wins high acclaim from market sources, who state: "He is very organised, energetic and clear-cut."

THE FIRM Based in Beijing, the partners at Guantao are greatly respected for the collective depth of their dispute resolution practice. The team's broad clientele ranges from China Construction Bank and Petro China to SDIC Asset Management. Highlights of late include advising Beijing Huadu on its CNY610 million contract dispute with Beijing China Water Investment Management Center.

Sources say: "They are serious towards their work and meet our needs really well. Whenever we need them, they will be very efficient - this is the most important character of successful lawyers and I really appreciate it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Yang Guang is the key contact for dispute resolution.

THE FIRM Despite the loss of some of its dispute resolution lawyers to Jun He, Haiwen's practice maintains its reputation for providing a well-rounded disputes resolution service. The team handles both litigation and arbitration, and is best known for its prowess in handling international arbitration cases. It assists clients with disputes related to FDI, IP, construction and cross-border M&A. It has a stellar client roster including IBM, Deutsche Bank, COFCO and FedEx.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tao Jie heads both the dispute resolution and antitrust departments. He divides his practice into these two areas and has a depth of expertise in international commercial arbitrations.

THE FIRM Dispute resolution is a core practice area for this broad-based firm. The group is especially active in commercial and financial disputes, thanks to its excellent securities practice. It also represents both domestic and foreign clients in disputes involving IP and real estate. The team houses a solid group of litigators and arbitrators who are able to represent clients at all court levels and in domestic and international arbitration.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Peng Xuejun has tackled many significant cases over the years. He is instructed on investment and contractual disputes and IP protection, and is particularly noted for his international arbitration work.

Dong Chungang is based in Beijing, and is singled out for his deep knowledge in IP, FDI, restructuring and insolvency cases. He is also known for his international arbitration work, and in the past year represented Allianz Insurance, Motorola Electronics and CITIC Investment Holdings in connection with their commercial disputes, both in China and overseas.

Shenzhen-based Xu Sanqiao focuses his practice on FDI and M&A-related cross-border disputes.

THE FIRM Jun He's nationally recognised dispute resolution practice has a particularly robust reputation in Shanghai and Beijing. Its core strength in representing multinationals gives the team a keen edge in cross-border disputes, handling high-profile mandates from foreign investors including Microsoft, Oracle, Siemens and Mercedes-Benz. Over the past year it has seen an increased number of instructions relating to IP protection and anti-competition issues. Highlights include representing Nantong Fuhao Alcohol Industry in a dispute over a joint venture contract with Heineken-APB.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Liu Honghuan's practice covers both domestic and international litigation, and she regularly acts on cases with an IP aspect. Clients include Siemens and other leading foreign investors.

Fei Ning is a very reputable and well-established arbitrator and litigator in the market. International dispute resolution is his strong point, while sources particularly praise his court presence.

Liu Ge heads the practice and brings more than ten years of experience with a major US litigation firm to the team. He deals with a broad range of cross-border disputes and is singled out for his international arbitration work. He has been actively engaged in a number of high-profile cases, with highlights including representing Microsoft in arbitration of a contractual dispute. 

Shanghai-based Wang Zhao has a robust track record in dispute resolution of corporate and M&A matters.

THE FIRM This well-established litigation firm is based in Beijing. It is particularly active in the domestic litigation market and is especially known for its strength in white-collar criminal defence.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The key contact for dispute resolution is Gao Zicheng.

THE FIRM This firm's market-leading practice is actively engaged in IP litigation, white-collar crime defence, and international trade matters. Other key strengths include maritime disputes, as well as domestic restructuring and insolvency disputes. The group is especially recommended for its impressive language capabilities, cross-border ability, deep understanding of foreign clients' needs and highly specialised services, making it a top choice for assistance on complex disputes both in China and overseas. Highlights from the past year include representing Apple in a high-profile appeal to the Higher People's Court of Guangdong against Proview Technology regarding the iPad trade mark in China, obtaining a favourable result. The team also represented industry behemoth Wahaha in a landmark case.

Sources say: "Obviously a very competent firm; one of the leaders in this space."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The firm's dispute resolution practice in Shanghai is led by Denning Jin. He has a first-class reputation in this field, and is best known for his expertise in patent litigation, commercial litigation and international arbitration. He is also a CIETAC arbitrator.

Liu Yuwu is prized for his experience of having worked at CIETAC. He is best known for his skilled handling of arbitration cases, covering joint venture and contractual cases, IP and construction disputes. He is also an experienced mediator and arbitrator.

The highly rated Ariel Ye is based in Beijing and heads the firm's cross-border dispute resolution practice. She is best known for representing Chinese companies in outbound disputes and is especially skilled in arbitration proceedings. She has experience of representing clients in many international arbitration centres.

Zhang Shouzhi is another senior member of the team and is recognised as a leading arbitrator by market sources. He is especially rated for representing Chinese companies in overseas arbitrations, and has particular strength in IP disputes.

Guan Feng's dispute resolution practice is built on a core of expertise in cross-border finance, insurance, product liability and competition law disputes.

THE FIRM Leveraging its traditional strength in banking and finance, this dispute resolution practice offers a robust service to financial institutions in domestic litigation and international arbitration. It is also experienced in handling a range of other commercial disputes, including complex contractual claims. In 2011, the firm represented Hua An Fund Management in its USD96.4 million professional liability and contractual claim against Lehman Brothers International in Shanghai, obtaining a favourable settlement for the client.

Sources say: "In the financial services area, Llinks takes a big market share in the PRC." "A leading player that understands our products well and helped us greatly in our litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The key contact for dispute resolution at this firm is David Yu. 

THE FIRM This firm has traditional strength in transactional work but is also building up its expertise in contentious matters, actively engaging in numerous high-profile cases. The team continues to see an increasing inflow of M&A and FDI disputes, and is also active in cross-border IP litigation. It is a popular choice for many multinational corporations for litigation and arbitration in the PRC, including Johnson & Johnson, Walmart China and Ericsson (China). Past work highlights include successfully defending the latter in a CNY5 million patent litigation.

Sources say: "Efficient, fast in responding and good on follow-up."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Wang Yadong has a wealth of experience in the dispute resolution area, handling a range of commercial disputes. He combines a technology background with honed courtroom skills from his previous experience as a judge. Recent highlights include representing Beijing Qihoo Technology and Qizhi Software in high-profile anti-competition litigation with Tencent (Shenzhen) Technology.

Qin Wen's dispute resolution practice centres on representing international clients in sophisticated cross-border disputes. He wins high acclaim from market sources, one of whom said: "I like the way he carefully analyses the various risks of different approaches." Qin's highlights from the past year include acting for DTZ, a leading property consultant company, in a number of disputes over service fee payments with local property owners and developers in China.

THE FIRM Tian Yuan houses a solid team of litigators and arbitrators, and advises clients on both domestic and cross-border disputes. Areas of expertise include contract disputes, and real estate, banking and IP matters. Market sources are quick to recognise its strength in domestic litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Wang Lihua is the key contact for the dispute resolution practice at the firm.

THE FIRM This highly specialised litigation boutique has a particular niche in the appeals and retrials of commercial cases before the Supreme Court and the High Court in Beijing. Its robust track record and formidable experience make it a top choice for high-end Chinese financial institutions and large state-owned enterprises including Bank of China, China Great Wall Asset Management and China Life Insurance Group. It advises on the full spectrum of commercial disputes and is often instructed in financial, corporate and commercial, construction and real estate cases.

Sources say: "They have strong litigation skills, they grasp the point in question and provide good solutions." "They are very hard-working, responsive and proactive to all their clients, no matter how large or small."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former Supreme Court judge and founding partner Jiang Yong spearheads the team's drive into the litigation space, and is praised by clients as "a sophisticated and detail-oriented lawyer who has a strong grasp of the big picture and strategy." He focuses on banking litigation and sources say he is "one of the few lawyers who really understands how Chinese courts operate in practice and how judges interpret the law."

Chen Yaoquan is a younger but nevertheless highly regarded litigator with a strong track record, and is described as being "down to earth, hands-on in his practice and progressing quickly." Sources also note his broad knowledge and his ability to "view things from a different angle." One client particularly noted his "outstanding courtroom skills and strong presentation in front of judges."

Peng Qing is another strong player in the team, actively representing leading banks before the Supreme Court and obtaining consistently excellent results.

THE FIRM This team is regularly instructed by leading Chinese banks, large public listed companies and real estate developers on commercial litigation at the highest courts. It has particular strength in real estate, investment and contract-related disputes, and recently represented the government of China in a high-profile CNY1 billion claim against Tianjin Tiankai Equity Investment Fund on its illegal absorption of public deposits.

Sources say: "A highly specialised team which is responsible, professional and responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team head Yang Xiang is the key contact for dispute resolution.

THE FIRM This firm is rapidly expanding its dispute resolution practice and is noted as a strong market force in both Beijing and Shanghai. It has key expertise in real estate-related disputes, and in IP, employment, commercial, investment and finance-related matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Zhang Decai is a widely recognised player in the dispute resolution practice area. He advises on both arbitration and litigation, and covers a broad range of issues. Peers describe him as "a hard-working and capable lawyer who is highly respected in the market."

With over a decade of experience at CIETAC in Beijing, Cao Lijun is a highly reputable arbitrator with extensive experience in international commercial arbitrations. He is qualified in both the PRC and New York, and is a popular choice for multinational corporations, private equity entities and large state-owned enterprises for complex arbitration in China and overseas.

Shanghai-based litigator Bao Wei advises clients on international trade, shareholder and investment disputes. In addition to contentious matters, he also handles real estate and capital markets transactions.

Wilson Huo, another notable arbitrator in the team, with particular expertise in international arbitration, also serves as an arbitrator for a number of overseas arbitration associations. He also has an active non-contentious practice, handling a mix of FDI and M&A transactions.

Yang Wantao is qualified to practise in both China and the USA and is renowned for his cross-border dispute resolution practice. He also has expertise in M&A, banking, real estate, restructuring and insolvency-related arbitration and litigation.