REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Beijing)
Dacheng Law Offices’ professional services have been recommended by numerous clients and peers. Wang Siyu, an in-house counsel at Beijing Shouhua Construction, praises Yang Furong, senior counsel at Dacheng, describing her as “not only a highly skilled legal adviser but also a trusted partner who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with us”.
“What sets her apart is her ability to use dispute resolution as a starting point for reflection, infusing day-to-day contract reviews, claims handling, and compliance checks with a forward-looking perspective,” says Wang. “This approach of tracing back from potential risks to strengthen preventive measures ensures legal services are both precise and predictive, building a solid legal shield for us.”
Hylands Law Firm’s Beijing headquarters has handled a series of complex domestic and cross-border cases, significantly enhancing clients’ litigation positions and securing maximum benefits for them. Sun Wenxue, a general manager of the legal and compliance department at China National Gold Group’s Hong Kong branch, is happy with the firm’s services.
“Their lawyers demonstrate high professional standards, solid legal expertise, and provide responsive and effective service, capable of tackling highly challenging issues,” says Sun. He also recommends Shen Qian, Hylands’ lead partner for international dispute resolution, noting that she “not only possesses legal expertise and international business experience but also a financial background, which greatly contributes to case strategy. Moreover, her humble attitude, approachability and strong dedication left a very positive impression on our in-house legal team.”
Kangda Law Firm’s Beijing office has successfully handled several major M&A and litigation cases, helping clients achieve desired outcomes while also contributing reference-setting precedents to judicial practice. Zhu Yingchao, an investment manager at Hezhan Energy Group, commends Kangda’s services, describing them as “professional, reliable and highly efficient”.
“They demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility throughout the process, communicate smoothly, respond to every matter promptly, and deliver with high efficiency.” He recommends Ding Miao, a senior partner at Kangda, noting that “as the project leader, he steered the team to complete the project roundly, promptly and professionally”.
Fangda Partners has been recommended by Joe Zhou, the compliance head of China International Capital Corporation. He recommends Michael Han, a partner at Fangda’s Beijing office, highlighting that the firm’s team is “experienced and performs strongly in negotiating complex transactions”.
“They provide professional and prudent advice, are well-versed in client needs, and contribute to efficient project progression,” says Zhou. “Leveraging a highly integrated internal collaboration mechanism, they comprehensively co-ordinate the firm’s specialised resources to help clients achieve business objectives, demonstrating particularly strong capabilities in cross-border transactions.”
Tahota Law Firm received recommendations from multiple clients across various industries. The legal director of a leading financial leasing company mentions that when the company faced an interest dispute, Tahota’s lawyers quickly formed a specialised team.
“They are not only highly proficient with precise control over case details, but also extremely responsible in their service attitude,” says the director. “They maintained efficient communication with us, provided timely updates on case progress, and enabled us to participate in the rights protection process with clarity and peace of mind, ultimately successfully safeguarding the company’s legitimate rights and interests.”
He particularly recommends Shen Zhijun, the founding partner of Tahota’s Beijing branch, whom his company has hired for years, praising his “exceptional communication skills and adaptability. Whether engaging with opposing counsel or communicating with judges, he handles himself with ease.”
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Central China)
Chainwin Law Firm
Dewell & Partners
Jintian Law Firm
Jinzhou Law Firm
Kingbird Law Firm
Tiandiren Law Firm
Xiangjun Luhe Law Firm
Zhongsan Law Firm
Tiandiren Law Firm, based in Hunan province’s capital, Changsha, provides legal services across multiple areas, including criminal defence, notes issuance and data compliance. Recently, the firm assisted Hunan Agricultural Group in reaching a strategic partnership with Cooperl, a leading French pork producer, successfully navigating the strict state-owned asset supervision, securities regulation and cross-border challenges involved in the transaction.
Additionally, Tiandiren made notable headway in Hunan’s data industry development. The firm assisted Hunan Caixin Investment in achieving the first data asset capitalisation by a state-owned enterprise in the province, as well as advising on the launch of the province’s first industry data alliance – the Hunan Transportation Industry Data Alliance.
East & Concord Partners’ Wuhan office, in Hubei province, provides dispute resolution and project-based legal advice to local financial, technology and industrial enterprises. The firm has been engaged by Baidu Netcom Science Technology to handle a series of local trademark infringement and unfair competition disputes. Many of these cases involved Baidu users setting third-party trademarks or trade names as search keywords when using the search engine’s marketing and promotional services.
According to Su Ye, from Baidu Netcom’s legal department, East & Concord Partners not only resolves disputes “through multiple channels including negotiation, settlement, mediation and litigation”, but also strives to maintain the normal operation of the company’s existing business model. She praises the organisational and co-ordination capabilities of Yang Bin, a director of the Wuhan office’s management committee.
Hui Ye Law Firm’s Changsha office in Hunan province was last year engaged by the Hunan Big Data Exchange – the only new-generation big data exchange in Central China – to assist in completing the listing of data products by Shandy Technology Development, pioneering such transactions on the platform. Hui Ye also provides high-value dispute resolution services for clients in the telecoms, electromechanical and energy sectors.
In the unfair competition (commercial disparagement) case of Xiaohuangren Technology v Haichenxian Cultural Communication and Ji Yutao, Hui Ye represented the defendants. The case involved issues of plagiarism determination regarding password lock interactive design (SVG works) and the constituent elements of commercial disparagement. The court ultimately ruled to dismiss the plaintiff’s claim, and the second-instance court subsequently rejected their appeal.
Zhong Lun Law Firm’s Wuhan office played a key role in numerous high-profile capital markets, cross-border investment, IP protection and commercial dispute resolution projects. For instance, the firm served as legal counsel to Zhongbei Investment Management, providing comprehensive legal services for its acquisition of China Polaris Automotive.
The firm was also jointly recommended by both creditors and debtors, and appointed by the Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court as interim administrator for Shizi Culture Technology in pre-reorganisation proceedings. Additionally, the Wuhan office provides specialised compliance services to companies in the cultural tourism, photovoltaic and pharmaceutical sectors.
Zhang Zhiwei from the legal department of Anheshengtai Real Estate Development expresses great satisfaction with the services of Zhong Lun’s Wuhan office. “Particularly for comprehensive and complex corporate governance matters, the service solutions align well with the company’s actual situation and deliver excellent results,” she says, giving special praise to partners Zhang Li and Li Yiyi.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Chengdu)
* Sichuan Junhe Law Firm is not affliated with JunHe, a law firm headquartered in Beijing.
Faxian Law Firm, acting as administrator, led the substantive consolidation and restructuring of Levdeo Automobile Group and 20 affiliated companies, involving more than RMB2.8 billion (USD389 million). The process integrated judicial and administrative resources in both Shandong and Sichuan provinces, establishing a benchmark for the restructuring of large cross-provincial manufacturing enterprises. The firm also assisted Chengdu Yunlai Investment Group in issuing China’s first offshore bond directly credit-enhanced by a credit enhancement institution.
Zhang Zhenglin, general manager at China Construction Fourth Engineering Bureau Fifth Building Engineering Company, says: “Faxian Law Firm demonstrates a deep understanding of the construction industry and its challenges. The team has strong expertise in managing dispute risks related to financial evaluation mechanisms, the update of construction cost norms, and other common issues faced by construction enterprises. They excel at turning complex technical disputes into well structured claims in court, effectively protecting our interests and giving us real peace of mind.”
Tahota Law Firm assisted Shanxi Construction Investment Group and Pakistan’s construction firm, Habib Rafiq, in signing the Ravi City project, one of the largest government-led urban development initiatives in the region. The firm co-ordinated domestic and international legal teams to complete due diligence, risk assessment and contract negotiations.
The firm also advised Chengdu Financial City Investment and Development Company on its public auction at the Beijing Equity Exchange to acquire the Chengdu CFC project and related creditors’ rights, a transaction valued at RMB4.32 billion. This deal provided an innovative solution to the longstanding difficulties of handling large unfinished projects.
In addition, Tahota advised Tibet Jintai Industrial and Trading on a RMB4 billion equity transaction involving a salt lake lithium mine, ranked among the top 10 in China. Against the backdrop of the national energy strategy and the new energy policy, this deal achieved the integration of high-quality resources.
Dacheng Law Offices advised Xiaomi in trademark infringement and unfair competition disputes, securing a landmark precedent that extended unfair competition protection to voice commands for the first time. The case also established cross-class protection for a well-known trademark and resulted in a compensation award.
The firm served as legal counsel to the investor in the substantive consolidation and restructuring of more than 40 Sichuan Hongda Group companies across multiple industries. Through a “restructuring via reverse asset sale” model, the transaction addressed both the change of control of a listed company and complex debt repayment issues, with a total value of RMB 3.41 billion.
Dacheng also oversaw the restructuring of Chengdu Zhongqiang Industrial’s “Xinghui Plaza” project, which involved RMB14.7 billion in liabilities and affected more than 800 homeowners. Within five months, long-delayed residential construction fully resumed. By June 2025, the main structure was largely complete, and supporting commercial facilities had entered the investment and leasing phase.
Grandall Law Firm advised Sichuan Commercial Investment Group on its acquisition of Chengdu Hongqi Chain, which operates more than 3,600 outlets. The deal, worth more than RMB1.3 billion, was a rare and complex listed‑company acquisition, involving both state‑owned asset oversight and antitrust review.
The firm also advised Chengdu Jiaozi Financial Holding Group as a strategic investor in the debt restructuring of more than RMB50 billion of Sichuan Trust. This matter marked the largest and most complex financial institution risk disposal project in Sichuan in recent years.
He Jing, the head of risk control and compliance at Deyang Development Holding Group, says: “Grandall offers a breadth and depth of expertise across practice areas, responds swiftly and with high quality, and provides clients with objective, accurate and comprehensive analysis of major issues, playing a clear role in supporting the steady and healthy development of enterprises.”
Zhong Lun Law Firm assisted investors in completing a strategic investment of nearly RMB5 billion in Yongxiang Company. The firm also successfully supported Shenzhen Kaifa Technology (Chengdu) in resisting fraudulent demand under a counter-guaranteed performance bond from overseas owners, and advised Shudao Investment Group on equity acquisition filings and merger control review proceedings.
Tan Lige, head of the legal department at Sichuan Liquor Group, says: “Zhong Lun possesses strong capabilities across multiple practice areas, with particularly notable expertise in compliance, intellectual property and bulk commodity trade.” He also recommends associate Deng Ying, noting that he has “extensive practical experience, demonstrates excellent analytical skills in complex cases, and is able to identify key legal risks with precision”.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Chongqing)
Baijus Law Firm advised Shenyang Jinhai Kangda Environmental Protection Water Company in a concession dispute, the first case of its kind heard in Shenyang, against an administrative authority. The firm secured a complete victory: The contract was successfully terminated and damages of more than RMB100 million (USD14.2 million) were awarded. The firm also advised Chongqing Yicui Construction Engineering on its bankruptcy reorganisation, streamlining nearly RMB100 million of debts and assets, co-ordinating claims among creditors, investors and employees. The reorganisation plan was approved by the court.
In addition, Baijus led business negotiations, asset restructuring and equity M&A in the reorganisation of Chongqing Gas Group Corporation and Chongqing Kenen Natural Gas Company. The team obtained tax exemptions, ensured regulatory compliance, and facilitated the transfer of energy quotas and assets. This transaction represented the largest energy sector restructuring in Chongqing in the past five years.
Jingsheng Law Firm advised Chongqing Key Project Development Company in a contract dispute retrial against Chongqing Dike Investment Company, where the Supreme People’s Court overturned the earlier ruling and upheld the company’s claims, recovering losses of more than RMB50 million.
The firm also advised on the integration of industrial resources for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Fuling district, involving assets of about RMB23 billion, and supported the establishment of a district-level state-owned asset restructuring platform.
In another mandate, the firm assisted Chongqing Rail Transit Group with the city’s first data asset registration, securing the inaugural certificate from the Western China Data Exchange, marking a breakthrough in the assetisation of data by Chongqing SOEs. In addition, the firm handled the substantive consolidated bankruptcy reorganisation of 14 enterprises, including Chongqing Dongyin Holding Group, with debts exceeding RMB35 billion, the first major case in Chongqing jointly undertaken by local administrators.
K&H Law Firm provided full‑process legal services to Zonsen Group in connection with a RMB4.6 billion acquisition project. It also acted for tech company Tencent in its infringement action against short-video platform Kuaishou, securing the court’s application of punitive damages and promoting exploration of damages calculation algorithms. K&H also achieved registration and protection of AI-generated product names in Chongqing’s first case of its kind, expanding the boundaries of intellectual property.
Liang Jincheng, the chairman of Chongqing Hongyu Communication Development, recognises the firm’s services and professionalism, noting that the team “ensures compliance while optimising business models, has repeatedly facilitated the timely completion of projects under tight deadlines, responds with agility, and is able to conduct multidimensional legal analysis and proactive communication to deliver systematic solutions”.
DeHeng Law Offices advised China Chuancai Securities on the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative commodity accounts receivable special plan. The deal was the first commodity trade asset securitisation project in China to be issued by a non-port enterprise, with a power generation group serving as the core debtor, and is focused on financing the coal energy supply chain.
The firm also assisted Chongqing Xingnong Financing Guarantee Group in registering data assets at the Western China Data Exchange, obtaining the first data asset registration certificate issued to a financial institution in Chongqing and advancing the assetisation of data by state-owned enterprises.
DeHeng also advised Renown electric company in a series of trademark infringement and unfair competition cases. The court imposed punitive damages in light of repeated infringements and clarified the rules on applying the damages base. The case was later selected by the Chongqing Bar Association as one of the city’s top 10 intellectual property cases of 2024.
Duan & Duan Law Firm represented Xiamen Hualongbao Trading in an international goods sales dispute. In the absence of local precedents on cross-border e-contracts and digital evidence, the team designed a digital evidence authentication scheme and secured key facts through supplementary agreements, winning the case within six months. The firm also advised China Datang Corporation, a state-owned power generation group, on establishing a joint venture, navigating complex institutional design issues and ongoing co-ordination with a state-owned shareholder in Uzbekistan.
By balancing both parties’ interests, Duan & Duan delivered effective articles of association and compliance solutions, setting a model for direct outbound investment by Chinese enterprises.
In addition, the firm assisted KPC Pharmaceuticals in implementing compliance measures for its Uzbekistan project. Tackling regulatory hurdles ranging from controlled raw material permits to cross-border drug exports and foreign employment management, the firm developed a robust contractual compliance and risk management framework, ensuring consistency with Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical regulations and international control standards.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Fujian)
Fidelity Law Firm
Maxim Law Firm
Tenet & Partners
Tenet & Partners, headquartered in Xiamen with branches in Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Longyan, has recently intensified efforts to build its foreign-related practice. Its services now span key areas including international trade, cross-border dispute resolution, cross-border investment and M&A, as well as maritime matters.
Last year, Tenet & Partners established a special service centre in Bangkok to support Chinese companies expanding into the Thai market. Beyond business development, the firm has also advanced its public-interest work, launching Xiamen’s first legislative consultation expert studio in the same year.
AnJie & Broad’s Xiamen office advises a wide range of local companies on cross-border dispute resolution, maritime, commercial crime and criminal defence matters. The branch has represented multiple shipowners and cargo interests in major general average disputes, wreck claims and tanker sale contract disputes. It also assisted Longxing Shipping in the USD6 million sale of a Liberia-flagged oil and chemical tanker to a Singapore-based buyer.
The Xiamen office of Dacheng Law Offices provides dispute resolution services to financial institutions, tech companies and other clients in the region. Its work spans equity disputes, shareholder status affirmation, disclosure-related claims, and a range of construction and engineering disputes.
Lin Xiancheng, a deputy general manager at Xiamen Xu Network, an online games operator, praises Dacheng for its “high level of professionalism in case handling, efficient communication and responsiveness to client needs. [Dacheng] also proactively provided risk-prevention advice on nominee shareholding after the case concluded, going beyond the basic scope of services,” he says.
The Fuzhou office of Grandall Law Firm assisted Fuqing Venture Capital Group in setting up a subsidiary in Indonesia, and helped multiple companies mitigate debt and dispute risks. Notably, the firm: structured a trust plan that enabled Holitech Technology to complete bankruptcy reorganisation within 39 days, averting delisting; acted for Bank of China’s Minhou branch in enforcing RMB680 million (USD95.6 million) of financial claims against Zhenro Group; and represented China Nuclear Industry Huaxing Construction in several hundred million renminbi of construction disputes, facilitating the successful recovery of state-owned assets.
Tahota Law Firm’s Fuzhou office continued to expand its Taiwan-related legal services in the past year, providing consultancy to the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau affairs offices of the Fujian provincial government and to Mintaihang, notable for being the first wholly Taiwan-funded enterprise in mainland China.
The work of Zhou Sujia, a partner at the office, left a strong impression on Wang Haiying, the head of the legal department of Fuyao Group. “In handling multiple complex commercial litigation and arbitration matters, Zhou demonstrated excellent strategic planning and courtroom advocacy,” says Wang. “He is adept at distilling key evidence from complex fact patterns and pinpointing the breakthrough issues in a case.”
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Guangzhou)
Lianyue Law Firm counsels the Guangdong provincial government in reviewing and amending draft local legislation. The firm is also acting on the Amethystum financial fraud case – the first fraud case on the Star market – advancing criminal, civil and administrative proceedings in parallel, and has achieved key interim outcomes. Through effective defence, a senior executive was granted a non-prosecution decision.
Mona Qiu, the head of corporate, legal and commercial affairs at Li & Fung, particularly recommends Liu Tao, Lianyue’ director and chief founding partner, noting his “sharp intuition and control” over major complex cases. “Liu Tao quickly aligns with clients’ objectives,” she says. “This deep trust stems from his client-first approach and comprehensive expertise, honed through years of hands-on practice.”
Goldsun Law Firm provides legal services to domestic and international corporations and financial institutions, specialising in capital markets, bankruptcy and restructuring, dispute resolution and other areas. The firm facilitated the issuance of RMB1 billion (USD140 million) in bonds for Jiangmen Hi-Tech Industrial Park on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and assisted Huizhou Dongguan-Conghua Highway Investment Company in completing its restructuring.
Wang Jing, a securities affairs representative of Pourin Special Welding Technology, particularly commends the firm for its professionalism, efficiency and foresight throughout the entire service cycle. “Be it navigating critical phases of a listing or safeguarding day-to-day operations, Goldsun is a dependable professional force you can trust.”
Zhuoxin Law Firm offers substantial expertise in cross-border legal matters, particularly in international transactions, dispute resolution, and labour and employment. The firm provides specialised legal support to prominent corporate clients, including telecoms company China Unicom, brewer Carlsberg, and Swire Coca-Cola, the bottling partner of the global brand.
Zhang Yanying, an operations manager at HSBC Software Development, praises the firm’s senior partner Peng Zhi, noting: “He demonstrates profound understanding of labour regulations, compliance policies and industry practices, while skilfully identifying critical risks in workforce management and labour disputes. He provides clients with innovative yet practical solutions and advice.”
Dacheng Law Offices counselled GAC Mitsubishi, an automotive joint venture, on a debt restructuring exceeding RMB8 billion, avoiding bankruptcy and liquidation. To address the complex debt structure, the firm developed a dual approach of out-of-court negotiations and business exchange that resolved the majority of the substantial liabilities, pioneering a market-oriented and legally compliant restructuring model. The restructuring facilitated an industrial model transformation through revitalising GAC Mitsubishi’s core assets and aligning with the broader trend of developing new quality productive forces.
Longan Law Firm demonstrates notable expertise in intellectual property and data compliance, having secured the appointment as special legal counsel for data property registration services at the Guangzhou Data Exchange in 2025. Several of its represented cases were selected for the “2024 Typical Intellectual Property Cases” by the Guangdong IP Protection Association and the “2024 Outstanding Lingnan Intellectual Property Litigation Cases”.
A data analysis lead from a renowned university innovation centre speaks highly of the firm’s “exceptional professional depth and business acumen” in the financial insurance sector, particularly praising its “precise application of insurance law provisions” and “ability to develop creative alternative solutions in negotiation deadlocks”.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Haikou)
Grandall Law Firm’s Haikou office serves as the bankruptcy administrator in a major bankruptcy reorganisation case where it efficiently co-ordinates multiple stakeholders including creditors, company employees and the management team. The firm ensures the company’s normal operations continue, guides investors and the debtor in drafting pre-reorganisation plans, and ultimately facilitates the revitalisation of assets and the company’s rebirth.
This case was selected as exemplary by the local bankruptcy court. Jiang Dan, the managing partner, and Zhuan Lei, a partner of the Haikou office, also participated in the research, drafting and enactment of the Hainan Free Trade Port Commercial Mediation Regulations.
Tahota Law Firm’s Haikou branch is engaged by Hainan Bank to conduct a specialised assessment of the bankruptcy reorganisation risks related to a series of financing projects involving the Evergrande Group. The scale of lending within the Evergrande system is substantial and widely spread across numerous related enterprises, coupled with intricate ownership structures, resulting in an extremely heavy workload for the assessment.
The firm’s team conducts in-depth analyses of the specific characteristics of each loan project and develops tailor-made strategies, effectively safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Hainan Bank.
Kangda Law Firm’s Haikou office serves a diverse range of clients across sectors including construction, water conservancy and hydropower, geology and mining, biomedicine, information technology, cultural tourism and real estate, as well as government agencies, with a particularly strong presence in the Hainan and southwest China markets.
Last year, the firm represented Douyin Vision, a subsidiary of China’s TikTok, in a landmark copyright infringement and unfair competition case against companies based in Shenzhen and Hainan. Through strategic legal arguments and a swift application for interim measures, Kangda successfully obtained a court order, issued without a hearing, requiring the defendants to immediately halt their infringing activities. This case marks the first behaviour preservation ruling in China related to micro-dramas, a video trend featuring ultra-short, serialised stories designed for quick consumption, which has become extremely popular and expanded globally.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Hangzhou)
Brighteous Law Firm
Capital Equity Legal Group
Jun An Century Law Firm
L&H Law Firm
T&C Law Firm
L&H Law Firm leverages its strengths to establish a strong local presence, delivering outstanding results across various legal domains including finance, capital markets, M&A, bankruptcy restructuring and project development.
In the substantive consolidation bankruptcy restructuring case of Zengzhou Heavy Industry and six other affiliated companies, the firm overcame jurisdictional challenges by accurately identifying the characteristics and advantages of assets across different regions and sectors, effectively maximising the restructuring value of each enterprise. Against the backdrop of China’s current lack of clear initiation rules and extensive judicial practice for the “consolidated bankruptcy” of individuals and enterprises, the firm also protected entrepreneurs who provided personal guarantees for bankrupt enterprises, enabling them to continue contributing to society and creating value.
T&C Law Firm achieved remarkable accomplishments in both non-contentious matters and dispute resolution, drawing significant market attention. In non-contentious matters, as the long-term legal counsel for manufacturing and chemical giant Zhejiang Rongsheng, the firm provided ongoing support for the company’s successful signing of a co-operation framework agreement with Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, regarding the mutual acquisition of subsidiaries and the joint development of expansion projects. Additionally, the firm assisted companies, including Sanhua Intelligent Controls, Zhongce Rubber Group and Fuling Technology, in their successful listings on the Hong Kong stock market or the A-share market.
In dispute resolution, the law firm represented a client as an upstream supplier joined as the third defendant in a cross-border letter of credit fraud case in Singapore involving USD20 million. T&C Law Firm developed core defence strategies and collaborated deeply with local law firms, participating fully in the four-year trial process, which included 28 court hearing days. Ultimately, the local court adopted the firm’s legal arguments, resulting in a complete victory for the client.
Grandall Law Firm’s Hangzhou office continues to deepen and expand its traditional expertise in real estate and construction law, handling a series of major cases, including the non-litigation and litigation restructuring cases for Hangzhou Finance Investment Group, the Hangzhou Fuyang Xigu Industrial Park project, and the pre-liquidation bankruptcy case of Suichang Fuxing Real Estate. The team is gradually increasing the proportion of non-real estate clients to adapt to new industry dynamics.
Li Caifeng of Sino-Ocean Group expresses satisfaction with the firm’s services, noting that throughout the co-operation, the service team demonstrates professionalism, dedication and responsibility, providing forward-looking and strategic advice at critical junctures. She particularly recommends Su Xiaowei, a partner and co-head of the real estate and construction practice from the firm, praising her deep expertise in real estate and construction law, solid legal foundation, extensive service experience, and strong industry foresight.
Jingtian & Gongcheng’s Hangzhou office capitalised on its distinctive advantages in the past year in areas including M&A, IPOs and capital market services. The office successfully handled projects including: the acquisition of Chuanyi Automation by China National Machinery Industry Corporation; Mao Geping Cosmetics’ Hong Kong listing; and Alibaba’s issuance of USD5 billion in convertible preferred bonds, earning recognition from both the market and clients.
Feng Liqiong, a legal director of BOE, one of the world’s leading display makers, speaks highly of the firm’s lead partner, Xiang Zhenhua, and his team, praising their ability to accurately interpret legal provisions, provide valuable legal advice, and facilitate the smooth implementation of projects. She also commends their responsiveness, timely service, and practical problem-solving approach from the client’s perspective.
Zhong Lun Law Firm’s Hangzhou office demonstrated notable capabilities in international legal services. The firm provided legal support for the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) general contracting project of the Laos Interconnected Clean Energy Base Photovoltaic Project undertaken by China Energy Engineering Group Yunnan Electric Power Design Institute. This included contributing to legal environment research reports, developing legal compliance risk mitigation plans, drafting and reviewing general contracts and key subcontracts, offering legal consultations, organising legal compliance training, and assisting in negotiations.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Hefei)
Antaida Law Firm
Chengyi Law Firm
Tianhe Law Firm
Antaida Law Firm serves as long-term legal adviser to the People’s Government of Anhui province, as well as to more than 300 provincial departments, municipal authorities, state-owned enterprises and institutions.
The firm also advised Anhui Railway Development Fund on its issuance of up to RMB1 billion (USD137.5 million) in perpetual corporate bonds to qualified professional investors, conducting a comprehensive review of the issuer’s eligibility, the intended use of proceeds, and the qualifications of intermediaries, before issuing a legal opinion to ensure the offering’s legality and compliance.
In addition, Antaida handled a housing sale contract dispute and an administrative expropriation and compensation dispute, both selected in 2024 as “Exemplary Cases in Legal Practice” in Anhui province and incorporated into the case library used by Anhui University Law School.
Chengyi Law Firm advised Anhui State-owned Capital Operation Holdings Group on issuing one of China’s first and Anhui’s inaugural sci‑tech innovation bonds, with an offering size of RMB500 million, in 2025. The bond terms featured, for the first time, sustainability-linked indicators, tying performance targets to the growth of green leasing operations.
From 2024 to 2025, the firm continued to serve as standing legal counsel to multiple listed companies, including industry leaders Tongling Nonferrous Metals, Zhongding Sealing Parts and Hualan Biological Engineering.
Chengyi also contributed to local legislation, participating in the drafting and deliberations of measures such as the Hefei Intellectual Property Protection and Promotion Regulations, strengthening corporate compliance and enhancing the regional business environment.
Tianhe Law Firm advised Anhui Longzhijian Investment in an administrative compensation case against the Hefei Municipal Administration for Market Regulation, with claims totalling RMB1.4 billion, the largest case faced by the Hefei market regulator to date. The verdict has since been included among the Supreme People’s Court’s guiding cases.
The firm also acted for Huangshan Kaitou Lingdun Venture Capital in its acquisition of Tianjin Ruixin Technology, marking the first time a Huangshan state-owned enterprise secured control of a listed company through direct equity transfer.
In parallel, Tianhe partners contributed to the drafting of the Hefei Corporate Data Compliance Guidelines (Trial), the first such framework in Anhui province, providing a policy basis for corporate data compliance and the development of a market-oriented data economy.
AllBright Law Offices secured a retrial victory for Anhui Zhongxin Financial Leasing against Noah (Shanghai) Financial Leasing, after the Supreme People’s Court overturned the original ruling. The judgment established that civil proceedings in parallel civil-criminal disputes need not be suspended pending criminal outcomes, the first investor recovery case in China to break from the “criminal first” rule and succeed on that basis.
AllBright also defended Lujiazui International Trust in a suit brought by Hefei Midea Refrigerator over alleged infringement, the first case in Anhui to test tort liability claims against a financial intermediary. The courts at both first instance and appeal found Lujiazui International Trust not liable, helping to set clearer boundaries on the duty of care owed by financial intermediaries.
The firm co-ordinated onshore and offshore counsel for a multinational company in defending more than USD1.3 billion in cross-border arbitration and litigation filed in Hong Kong and Singapore by Shanghai Huaxin Group (Hong Kong), securing the client’s interests.
Grandall Law Firm advised Anhui Transportation Holding Group on the registration and issuance of RMB20 billion in shelf-registered corporate bonds, the first time a provincial state-owned enterprise in Anhui has used the shelf model, filling a gap in the local market.
The firm also advised Anhui Salt Industry Investment Holding Group on its restructuring into an eco-environment industry group, the first state-owned enterprise reform in the province, completed with a central state-owned enterprise as strategic investor, notable for its complexity and innovation.
In addition, Grandall advised Shenzhen Sunwin Intelligent in several major disputes worth more than RMB400 million, covering equity repurchase and IDC (internet data centre) construction contract cases that spanned regions and involved issues in both corporate governance and infrastructure development.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Hong Kong)
Deacons has participated in several high-profile transactions, such as acting as the legal counsel to DBS Asia Capital, which was the financial adviser in the merger of Guotai Junan and Haitong Securities. The firm also advised Invesco, one of the world’s four largest ETF (exchange-traded fund) providers, in the cross-listing of Invesco QQQ Trust on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
During the listing process, Deacons provided advice on various aspects including the US trust structure, shareholder rights, financial reporting standards, and dissemination of information. In the past year, Deacons also strengthened its litigation,, and banking and finance practices by hiring three partners: Gillian Lam, Michael Sinn and Crystal Li.
YYC Legal participated in multiple investment and M&A transactions. Notably, the firm assisted Li Ning and HongShan Capital in establishing a joint venture with a total share capital of HKD200 million (USD25.6 million). This joint venture is an important step in Li Ning’s overseas expansion, and YYC played a pivotal role in structuring the investment terms to protect Li Ning’s interests. The firm also acted as legal counsel to Hony Capital, assisting in the sale of multiple assets valued at USD38 million.
Eric Chow & Co, in association with Commerce & Finance, frequently participated in Hong Kong IPO projects, acting as legal counsel to issuers and underwriters. This included advising the sole sponsor, Huatai Financial Holdings, for Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings’ HKD2.3 billion IPO. The firm’s Hong Kong branch, along with the PRC team, jointly acted as Bayzed Health Group’s Hong Kong legal counsel for its debut. Beryl Sit, the legal head of CITIC CLSA’s global investment banking business, recommends managing partner Eric Chow and partner Priscilla Lee, who specialises in corporate finance.
Haiwen & Partners performed outstandingly in dispute resolution, capital markets and fund projects. Wang Yan, a general manager at the risk management department at China Minsheng Investment Asset Management, was satisfied with the services provided by Haiwen’s Hong Kong office, saying: “Since working with Haiwen Hong Kong, I have witnessed their efficiency and professionalism, which brought peace of mind. Whether it is routine contract review, legal consultation or urgent matters, they always respond immediately and provide practical solutions, rather than just legal provisions.” Wang recommends partner Edward Liu as he was able to respond to clients’ emergencies by quickly co-ordinating teams from multiple locations to work overnight, adjust plans, and ensure projects proceed on schedule.
Han Kun Law Offices’ clients include leading companies such as Tencent, Baidu and JD.com. In the past year, the firm assisted aluminium producer China Hongqiao Group in issuing USD330 million in senior notes due in 2028, acting as US legal counsel to the lead managers and initial purchasers, including China CITIC Bank International, Crédit Agricole CIB, UBS and 13 other investment banks. Han Kun’s Hong Kong office also provided English and Hong Kong law advice for Ganzhou Development Investment Holding Group’s issuance of USD300 million in sustainable bonds.
JunHe’s Hong Kong-based lawyers hold qualifications in multiple jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the UK, US, Australia and mainland China, and the branch has been active in developing its capital markets, cross-border M&A and fund formation business. The firm participated in the world’s largest so-called lightning placement in the automotive industry to date, providing PRC legal advice to the placement agents in BYD’s HKD43.5 billion H-share placement, led by partners Yu Yongqiang and Shi Yun.
The firm also participated in the RMB60 billion (USD8.4 billion) acquisition of Wanda Commercial Management by a consortium including PAG and CITIC Capital, one of the largest private equity M&A project in history.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Nanjing)
C&T Partners
G&D Law Firm
Fadedongheng Law Firm
Dacheng Law Offices’ Nanjing office has deep roots in the local market, with clients including the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, Nanjing Customs, Southeast University, Jiangsu High-Speed Railway, Suning Holding, South Korea’s LG Group, and the Jiangsu branch of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, covering government departments, universities, companies, foreign enterprises, financial institutions and many other categories. The office delivers excellent performance across multiple specialised fields including finance, dispute resolution, corporate and M&A restructuring, compliance, and risk control.
Grandall Law Firm’s Nanjing office represented AAC Optics in responding to a lawsuit filed by Sunny Optical and initiating a counterclaim. The mutual patent infringement lawsuits between the two parties accumulated to more than 30 cases, involving amounts reaching hundreds of millions of renminbi.
During the trial of one case where AAC Optics sued Sunny Optical at the Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court, the firm’s lawyers assisted the court in executing evidence preservation against specific products of Sunny Optical. Ultimately, the court lawfully imposed a fine of RMB1 million (USD140,000) on Sunny Optical. This series of cases was selected in April 2024 as a “typical case of evidence preservation in civil intellectual property litigation” by the Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court.
Wu Jiansong, from the Risk Management Department of China Merchants Nanjing Tanker Corporation, acknowledges the professional capability, dedication and service quality of the firm’s lawyers. He particularly recommends partner Li Malin, praising his long-term experience in maritime and shipping legal services, high professional standards, and the provision of highly professional guidance.
Jincheng Tongda & Neal’s Nanjing office demonstrated standout professional expertise in intellectual property legal services. This included assisting the Dunhuang Academy in: completing the world’s first “on-chain” project for digital cultural heritage and a series of intellectual property and compliance legal services such as pro bono on-site support; completing annual intellectual property advisory services for the Suzhou Opera Museum; and representing a client in a novel unfair competition infringement case involving “misappropriation and pre-emptive registration of electronic map place names”, which received support from the court.
Chen Yu, a general manager at the Jiangsu Branch of Hualong Securities, expresses great satisfaction with the firm, commending the team for not only providing rigorous legal analysis but also integrating commercial thinking to offer strategically valuable advice and precise risk warnings. He notes their particularly outstanding ability to respond swiftly to urgent matters. “We have benefitted from the Jincheng Tongda & Neal’s team’s rigorous legal analysis, complemented by their commercial mindset, which provides strategically valuable advice and precise risk warnings for our company.”
Jingtian & Gongcheng’s Nanjing office achieved outstanding results in capital market services, including assisting Nanjing Shenghang Shipping with a change of control, Nanjing Pharmaceutical with a public offering of convertible bonds, and AIM Vaccine with completing a H-share secondary offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, garnering attention from the market and clients.
Wang Guan, a general manager of the strategy and securities affairs department of Nanjing Pharmaceutical, says the firm provides comprehensive and professional support to the company, with services covering daily legal matters such as securities issuance, equity incentive plans and employee stock ownership, corporate governance, and information disclosure.
He specifically nominates Wang Feng, a partner from the firm, praising his mastery of laws and regulations in the securities field, acute commercial insight, precise legal judgment, and his demonstration of exceptional leadership and efficient execution in projects.
Zhong Lun Law Firm’s Nanjing office gained market attention in 2024 for its work in capital markets services, contract disputes, and other practice areas. In a property insurance contract dispute case that involved a lengthy evidence chain, complex legal domains and expertise from other industries, the firm’s lawyers integrated a vast amount of scattered evidence to form a complete chain that broke the evidence chain constructed by the opposing company, which was based on falsified materials. The related claims were supported by the second-instance court, leading to the overturning of the first-instance judgment.
In an ecological environment damage compensation lawsuit, the firm’s lawyers successfully reversed the court’s determination regarding the nature of a key action and the amount of damages, making it a typical case, the first of its kind in China, concerning ecological environment damage compensation litigation for mines in the construction industry.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Ningbo)
DOS Law Firm
Harnest & Garner
Hightac PRC Lawyers
DOS Law Firm serves a diverse client base including financial institutions, multinational corporations, large state-owned enterprises, well-known private companies and government agencies. Among its clients are the Ningbo Branch of China Development Bank, Chevron (China), Shanghai Baoye Group, Wuxi Little Swan, and the Ningbo Municipal Development and Reform Commission.
A legal manager from a Zhejiang-based energy company expresses great satisfaction with the firm’s services, noting that DOS “provides practical advice tailored to business realities, not just generic legal theories; in litigation, they pay close attention to case details and communicate risks in advance.”
The manager recommends Xu Wei, the director of the DOS executive committee, and Qiu Ye, a senior partner, describing them as “highly responsive and offering advice that is closely aligned with business needs”.
Harnest & Garner is widely recognised in the local legal industry and has been recommended by multiple peer law firms. With more than 300 practising lawyers, the firm operates both domestically and internationally.
In addition to its offices in Shanghai, Hangzhou and other Chinese cities, Harnest & Garner expanded to Hanoi in the past year, becoming the first law firm from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region to establish a branch in Vietnam, actively supporting the local legal needs of Zhejiang enterprises going global.
The firm also maintains offices in Singapore and Japan. Its practice areas include capital markets, M&A, bankruptcy restructuring, intellectual property, dispute resolution, and wealth planning, enabling it to deliver comprehensive legal services.
Hightac Lawyers earns praise from Fu Jiaxi, a deputy general manager of the investment department at Zhejiang Cinda Real Estate. “Hightac not only has extensive experience in traditional legal fields, but also stands out in capital-intensive sectors such as M&A, restructuring, investment and financing, as well as real estate and construction – making them an ideal match for our business needs,” he says.
Fu recommends Chen Shi, a deputy director and senior partner at Hightac, noting that his “deep expertise and outstanding track record in real estate” have earned long-term trust. He adds that Chen and his team are “highly regarded for their pragmatic and thorough approach. They accurately analyse legal issues and deliver optimal solutions aligned with commercial objectives, always maximising client interests.”
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (North China)
Hua Ju Law Firm
Jihua Law Firm
Join & High Law Office
Ruo Hui Law Firm
Sanhe Shidai Law Firm
Winners Law Firm
Xing Tong Law Firm
Zhong Lv Law Firm
Join & High Law Office stands as one of Tianjin’s prominent full-service law practices, earning broad recognition from municipal authorities and corporate clients for its comprehensive legal services. The firm serves as a perennial legal consultant to the Tianjin Fire and Rescue Corps, playing an instrumental role in the legislative process of the Tianjin Public Fire Facility Management Regulations. It also provides specialised advisory services to clients, including the Tianjin International Petroleum and Gas Exchange Centre, the Tianjin Precious Metals Exchange, and the Finance Bureau of Tianjin Binhai Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone.
Ruo Hui Law Firm, headquartered in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, specialises in banking and finance, corporate compliance and capital markets. In the past year, the firm has provided full-spectrum legal support for the private placement of the Bank of Inner Mongolia, and the issuance of special bonds by several rural commercial banks and credit co-operatives. It also advised the Inner Mongolia Rural Credit Co-operative on preliminary legal work for its consolidation and risk resolution reform. Additionally, Ruo Hui has innovated its service model by integrating legal and technological expertise, independently developing an intelligent compliance risk monitoring system. This system enables a shift from post-event remediation to proactive and ongoing risk prevention.
Anli Partners’ Tianjin office specialises in financial securities, M&A reorganisation and investment financing, operating with a development model that integrates capital market services with traditional legal practice. The firm excels in designing tailored equity structures and growth strategies aligned with clients’ strategic objectives.
Anli also represented Datong Investment Group in a second-instance lawsuit concerning an equity valuation adjustment mechanism (earn-out) dispute. Fu Guosheng, the company’s legal manager, endorses the firm’s partner, Ji Xuefeng, noting that “her professional expertise and resource integration capabilities were instrumental in advancing the case”.
Dacheng Law Offices offers comprehensive legal services to clients throughout Hebei province and northern China, with key expertise spanning finance, real estate and dispute resolution. The firm is dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions that combine local experience with international standards.
A legal director at a local Hebei property development company describes the firm as their preferred choice for significant legal matters, particularly commending partner Liu Tianyi for his “exceptional command of legal frameworks and profound understanding of practical implementation”.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Northeast China)
Guance Law Firm
Heilongjiang Dadi Law Firm
Heng Xin Law Office
Wang, Wu, Yang & Ma Law Firm
Zeazone Law Firm
Heng Xin Law Office, based in Dalian, Liaoning province, has stood out in bankruptcy and reorganisation, serving as the liquidation administrator for Jinshi Golf Club and Xincheng United Heavy Industry (Dalian), and as the reorganisation administrator for Dalian Post and Telecommunications Communication Construction. In addition, the firm provides local clients with services in bond issuance, dispute resolution and cross-border rights protection.
Wang Wu Yang & Ma Law Firm is headquartered in Shenyang, Liaoning province, with branches in Anshan, Dalian and the Dalian Free Trade Zone. Beyond delivering comprehensive services to local hub enterprises, government agencies and financial institutions, the firm has also advanced the social impact of legal work in the past year. Examples include entering a legal counsel agreement with the Fuxin Municipal Environmental and Ecology Bureau and spearheading a special event, Innovative Applications of AI in Visualised Evidence Examination in Criminal Cases.
The Shenyang office of DeHeng Law Offices represented Shengjing Bank in lawsuits against Yinghe Industrial, Zhongyuan Rongtong Investment, Wanji Industrial Development and others, seeking repayment of about RMB560 million (USD78.7 million) in principal and interest on prior loans plus related costs, and won the cases. The branch also served as administrator in the bankruptcy liquidation of Hunter Douglas Architectural Products (Shenyang) and as part of the liquidation committee in the compulsory liquidation of Shenyang Chemical Industry Group.
A team led by senior partner Huang Xiaoxing in Shenyang has served Liaoning Energy Investment (Group) for many years, covering areas from joint venture formation to employment disputes. “Huang is our most trusted partner in the legal field,” says Wu Dong, a deputy director of the company’s legal department. “Whether for routine consultations or urgent, unexpected matters, she responds swiftly and provides expert advice at the earliest opportunity.”SGLA Law Firm’s Dalian office has supported several major projects in the past year, including the construction of China’s first offshore airport, Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport, and the Taipingwan Port bulk grain silo project. In disputes, the firm handled a trust loan case for CITIC Trust involving RMB800 million in principal and nearly RMB600 million in interest and penalties – one of the largest trust loan disputes in northeast China in recent years – which ultimately received full support.
Li Qiang, a legal manager at Taipingwan Port, praises SGLA for “comprehensive, efficient and professional legal services”. He highlights partner Huang Zhe’s team for its “thorough grasp of laws and regulations on construction projects, work safety and government approvals, and for delivering precise advice on the unique risks in demolition works, effectively preventing potential legal exposure”
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Shandong)
Wincon Law Firm not only continued to expand its scale in the past year, attracting nearly 100 legal professionals to join, but also significantly enhanced its social influence. The firm’s lawyers actively participate in political advisory and local legislative work, and have established Shandong’s first policy research centre within a law firm.
Leveraging its extensive experience in energy project legal services, the firm has made notable strides in the new energy sector. It provided comprehensive legal services throughout the entire process for projects such as Qingdao City Construction Investment New Energy’s 10MW project in Honggang district, Daqing, and the Juye Dinghao 30MW poverty alleviation photovoltaic power station.
AllBright Law Offices’ Qingdao branch earned strong trust in the local market for dispute resolution, with services covering areas including investment and financing, real estate, mortgage loans and debt confirmation.
In representing Longxin Construction Group in a right of exclusion dispute with Taihe Shunjia Real Estate over a certain land plot, the firm developed a bankruptcy plan that innovatively adopted a “relocation arrangement”, saving a significant amount of transition costs for the client, accelerating the land preparation cycle, and overall revitalising the bankruptcy estate. The court affirmed the firm’s approach after the final trial.
DHH Law Firm’s Qingdao office has achieved fruitful results in non-contentious matters, completing a series of complex major international projects. These include: the acquisition of a Canadian chip design company by a US-listed company; Qingdao Caitong Asset Management’s investment in RinuaGene Biotechnology; and a series of patent invalidation maintenance cases for global food company Danone Group.
The law firm participated in a project where a domestic listed enterprise signed an advanced mechanical equipment procurement contract with an Italian manufacturer. The project involved multiple procedures and legal relationships, encompassing Swiss, Italian, German and Chinese law, Swedish arbitration, and ICC arbitration rules. While adeptly handling the legal issues, the lawyers also helped the client achieve its commercial objectives and rapidly complete the production line construction.
King & Wood Mallesons’ Qingdao branch has demonstrated consistent strengths in the M&A field, completing a series of major transactions. These include: the acquisition of Autohome by Haier Group’s Kataichi for a total consideration of about USD1.8 billion; and Shanghai RAAS’s acquisition of Nanyue Biological for a base consideration of RMB4.2 billion (USD590 million).
Liu Long, a legal director of Kataichi Ecological Technology, speaks highly of the firm’s outstanding performance in corporate mergers and restructuring. He says that King & Wood Mallesons demonstrates exceptional strategic insight and practical experience in complex transactions, particularly in key areas such as deal structure design, compliance review, and transaction execution, consistently providing efficient, pragmatic and forward-looking solutions.
Zhong Lun Law Firm’s Qingdao branch has deep expertise and extensive practical experience in maritime, commercial and trade logistics law, cultivated over many years. In 2024, the firm successfully handled several major complex maritime and commercial cases, providing clients with a range of constructive dispute resolution plans.
In representing the client, Anhui Import & Export, in a lawsuit against Triman Shipping concerning a contract dispute over the carriage of goods by sea, the handling lawyers conducted a meticulous analysis and case study. The court fully supported Anhui Import & Export’s claims, recovering losses exceeding RMB8.8 million.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Shanghai)
Boss & Young Attorneys at Law provides comprehensive legal services to clients across industries, with urban renewal in the Yangtze River Delta particularly active of late. The firm was engaged by Shanghai Lingang Eastern Airlines Maintenance Services to deliver end-to-end legal services for its international aircraft maintenance services platform project.
In addition, Boss & Young served as an administrator in the pre-reorganisation and subsequent reorganisation of Kaijing Financial Leasing (Shanghai). This matter marked the first case in Shanghai of a financial leasing company transitioning from pre-reorganisation to reorganisation, as well as the first pre-reorganisation case of a financial leasing company nationwide.
In the past year, Joint-Win Partners further broadened its diversified service offerings by launching specialised departments for distressed asset disposal, data compliance, and family and private wealth. Last year, the Credit Reference Centre of the People’s Bank of China conducted its first batch of local legal services procurement in Shanghai, with Joint-Win selected as the sole firm on the roster to advise credit reporting agencies on operational compliance.
In the acquisition of 100% equity in Renolit Citiking New Materials by Citiking (Shanghai) New Materials Technology, Joint-Win represented the buyer, leveraging a veto right to prevent the foreign controlling shareholder from shutting down the target company, and successfully completing the deal.
Peng Cheng, the director of the legal and regulatory department at the Shanghai branch of the China Development Bank, praises the firm’s senior partner and chair of the business development committee, Jeffrey Guan, as “highly proficient, with deep insight and perspective on the financial industry, and delivering professional solutions that are efficient and pragmatic”.
Llinks Law Offices, as the PRC counsel, advised on CATL’s HKD35.7 billion (USD4.5 billion) Hong Kong IPO, which not only marked the largest new listing on the HKEX in the past four years, but also ranked first globally by proceeds in the first half of 2025. The firm also stood out in healthcare, providing legal support for United Imaging Intelligence’s series A financing, and representing Escugen in a strategic partnership with Sovran to co-develop multiple novel antibodies and antibody-drug conjugate candidates.
Early in the year, Llinks advised CDH Investments on its high-value investment in Zelos Tech, a matter involving complex offshore structuring and transaction negotiations. “Llinks is a long-trusted partner of CDH,” says investment director Tang Mingyuan. “The team swiftly mapped out a clear structural plan and, drawing on the legal nuances of different jurisdictions, helped us avert potential risks.”
Jingtian & Gongcheng’s Shanghai office acted as PRC counsel to the joint sponsors and underwriters on Hengrui Pharma’s Hong Kong listing, achieving a dual A+H listing and marking the largest Hong Kong IPO in the healthcare sector in the past five years.
The firm also served as PRC counsel for Mirxes’ Hong Kong listing, which raised about HKD1.09 billion – the largest chapter 18A listing to date in the medical device sector.
The Shanghai office of King & Wood Mallesons represented Royal Golden Eagle in its HKD26.1 billion acquisition and privatisation of Vinda International, setting a record for the largest equity transaction in China’s paper products industry. The firm also assisted Ant Digital Technologies and Longshine Group in completing, in Hong Kong, China’s first RWA (real-world asset) tokenisation deal backed by new energy tangible assets.
The firm also acted for Syngenta Group (Hong Kong) on a USD4.5 billion sustainability-linked syndicated term loan arranged with a consortium of banks across multiple jurisdictions.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Shenzhen)
China Commercial Law Firm demonstrates strong capabilities in capital markets, bankruptcy and restructuring, and dispute resolution. The firm acted as special legal counsel to Renhe Environment in the significant asset restructuring project, where Junxin Environmental Protection acquired a 63% stake for RMB2.21 billion (USD309.3 million). This transaction became the first M&A project approved by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange following the introduction of the new National Nine Articles.
The firm also advised Jiangxi Copper on its public issuance of RMB5 billion in exchangeable bonds, and represented major cases, including the RMB28 billion bankruptcy liquidation of Guangdong Zhen Rong Energy and a bankruptcy liquidation worth more than RMB8 billion of Huizhou Golf Course Company.
Sundial Law Firm offers substantial expertise in both domestic securities and international legal practice, delivering comprehensive services for cross-border listings, refinancing and securities offerings. In the past year, the firm has facilitated multiple technology companies in their listings in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen, including XJ Electrics, Laplace, UUGreenPower and Sidea. Among these, UUGreenPower raised a total of RMB940.8 million.
Lin Lin, the executive general manager of Huicheng Vacuum Technology, commends Sundial’s responsiveness, resource integration capabilities and international expertise, noting that the firm “leverages sector-specific legal teams in areas such as TMT, finance and real estate to deliver deep industry insight”.
Guanghe Law Firm has a strong focus on the local market, aligning its services with Shenzhen’s “20+8” strategic emerging industrial clusters and future industry development plan. It has established a dual-driven legal service matrix combining vertical industries and specialised practice areas. The firm has set up full-chain legal service centres covering 20 emerging industries, including semiconductors and integrated circuits, smart connected vehicles and biomedicine, with 50 specialised committees comprising industry lawyers and technical experts established concurrently. Guanghe also participates in developing the public legal service system, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility.
AllBright Law Offices’ Shenzhen branch has facilitated the Hong Kong listings of both Dobot and Fortier Tech. Dobot, hailed as the “first collaborative robotics listing”, became the third company to list under chapter 18C rules. Fortier Tech’s IPO raised HKD2.32 billion (USD295.7 million), representing the largest semiconductor listing on the HKEX in the past decade.
The firm also guided the manufacturer, Ferrotec, through a complex restructuring involving share issuance and convertible bonds for asset acquisition and fundraising. Lyu Fengmei, Ferrotec’s deputy general manager, commends AllBright’s partner, Zhou Zheng, for his commercial approach, noting his “exceptional ability to grasp transactional essentials while navigating legal compliance and business efficiency”.
Jingtian & Gongcheng demonstrates notable expertise across capital markets, dispute resolution, private equity and venture capital, as well as investment fund establishment. The firm advised Goodme, one of China’s freshly made tea beverage brands, on its initial public offering on the HKEX, raising HKD1.81 billion, and assisted China Merchants Capital in establishing two RMB5 billion provincial mother funds in Liaoning and Gansu.
Barry He, managing director at CMB International Capital, recommends Zhou Yuan, an equity partner at the firm, noting: “His meticulous case analysis, rigorous legal reasoning, acute risk awareness and precise understanding of judicial practice exemplify the depth of expertise expected from top legal counsel … The team’s minute-level response times and hour-level feedback efficiency further demonstrate their exceptional commitment and mastery of the dispute resolution process.”
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Suzhou)
HE & Partners
New Talent Law Firm
Y&T Lawyers
HE & Partners, a long-established local brand in Suzhou, has deep roots in the regional market and has achieved remarkable results across specialised practice areas, including corporate governance, civil and commercial dispute resolution, bankruptcy and restructuring, criminal law, investment and M&A, and intellectual property. Key clients include Suzhou Rail Transit Group and Suzhou Wujiang Agricultural Development Group.
AllBright Law Offices’ Suzhou branch delivered outstanding performance in wealth management services in the past year. In one case involving a foreign national inheriting estate assets in China through probate based on a will, the firm’s lawyers provided comprehensive assistance, guiding the client through requirements from multiple domestic and international entities, ultimately enabling the client to successfully inherit the estate.
In the past year, AllBright independently completed a quasi-REIT (real estate investment trust) plan with a value of RMB1.28 billion (USD179 million). Compared to traditional asset securitisation projects based on commercial property mortgage loans, quasi-REIT projects are more complex. However, they offer enterprises advantages such as expanding issuance scale and achieving off-balance-sheet treatment, giving them broad market prospects. The successful completion of this project demonstrates the firm’s capability in serving this niche practice area.
Commerce & Finance Law Offices’ Suzhou office was involved in the infamous Suzhou “contaminated land” case, which attracted significant market and public attention due to the substantial amount involved in that case, and its implications for public welfare. The two main parties involved are both major state-owned enterprises, and the value under dispute reached RMB10.04 billion, the largest claim amount in a civil case since 1949. It was tried at first instance by the Jiangsu Provincial High People’s Court.
After being engaged by Sugang Group, the firm’s lawyers, upon reviewing evidence and meticulously analysing the relevant laws, successfully advanced the key argument that “following the enactment of the Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Law in 2019, the standards for soil pollution investigation and remediation have undergone significant changes”. The team also successfully persuaded the government to take the lead in the land remediation efforts, laying a solid foundation for pursuing a favourable outcome in subsequent proceedings.
Grandall Law Firm’s Suzhou office has enhanced its professional capability and market influence in data compliance services by deeply exploring niche markets. Engaged by Suzhou Big Data Exchange Service, the firm conducted a compliance assessment and provided a legal opinion on a “cross-border trade full-link management data platform”. Partner Huang Jianxin led a team that overcame challenges, including undefined data ownership for logistics data products and incomplete transaction rules, along with significant technical complexity, successfully facilitating the project’s implementation and securing follow-up instructions from the client.
King & Wood Mallesons’ Suzhou office, since its establishment in 2008, has continually enhanced its capabilities and strengthened its presence in the local market, with practices covering debt restructuring, capital markets, cross-border investment and dispute resolution. The firm places emphasis on serving technology and innovation enterprises, including areas such as sources of technological innovation, integration of industry and finance, alignment with international rules, digital transformation, and intellectual property protection. Several of the firm’s lawyers have been elected as council members or heads of specialised committees within the Suzhou Lawyers Association.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Wuxi)
Shenque Law Firm
Yingheng Law Firm
Yunya Law Firm
Shenque Law Firm, led by founder Que Qiang, recently expanded its staff to more than 100, demonstrating strength in both government and commercial legal services. The firm advises municipal authorities, including the Xishan District Government, the Huishan District Committee and the Binhu District Government, and its client base also includes large-scale Chinese companies such as Guolian Group and C&D Group. Lawyers from Shenque specialise in bankruptcy and liquidation, financial insurance, labour disputes, real estate and intellectual property.
Yingheng Law Firm, founded by the director, Cheng Debing, focuses on intellectual property and tax planning, and is one of the few firms in Wuxi that can provide both legal and patent agent services. In the past year, the firm stood out in urban construction and regional development. It was shortlisted for the Liangxi District People’s Government legal advisory panel for housing expropriation projects, and it was also chosen to be part of the legal services panel of Wuxi Urban Construction Development Group.
In addition, the firm’s science and technology committee director, Tian Qiang, and associate Yang Yilei jointly handled the first patent infringement dispute resolved by Wuxi High-tech Zone Administration for Market Regulation through administrative adjudication, demonstrating their expertise in intellectual property.
Yunya Law Firm specialises in the field of offshore, labour, corporate M&A and compliance, with clients from more than 10 countries including the US, UK and Germany. In the past year, the firm assisted Hong Kong-based Schlenk in transferring its equity in its Taizhou city subsidiary, which helped the company successfully repay two foreign debts. Yunya also represented Yili Technology in settling a sales contract dispute with a rubber products manufacturer in Qinghe county, after which the latter repaid Yili Technology RMB1.4 million (USD196,420).
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Xi’an)
Forever Law Firm
Help Reaching Law Firm
Jiaxuan Law Firm
Jin Di Law Firm
Yong Jia Xin Law Firm
Help Reaching Law Firm’s clients are concentrated in the finance, construction, real estate and technology sectors, including Chang’an Trust and Gemdale. A bank’s in-house counsel in charge of risk management praises senior partner Li Yang for his negotiation skills and adaptability, saying: “Help Reaching’s team demonstrated professionalism and rich practical experience when representing our banks in complex commercial disputes. From case analysis and evidence sorting to court response, every step was rigorous, meticulous and well-organised.”
Yong Jia Xin Law Firm focuses on corporate and commercial, finance, construction and dispute resolution. Its services are recognised by peers including Sun Ting, an administration director at Duan & Duan Law Firm, and Yan Siyu, a senior partner at Jia Yuan Law Offices. In the past year, the firm added more than 1,100 new clients, including China XD Electric and Shaanxi Fast Auto Drive Group, the signing of which accounting for about 43% of the total number.
AllBright Law Offices’ clients include Bank of East Asia and Lanshi Group. In the past year, the firm represented Sinochem, Asia’s largest paste resin maker, in successfully responding to investigations by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and securing the lowest individual national duty rate of USD248 per tonne of paste resin. Xi’an-based senior partner Geng Hui assisted Chang’an Huitong in completing multiple bond issuances totalling more than RMB2 billion (USD281 million).
DeHeng Law Offices, which specialises in construction and real estate, has been advising on large and medium-sized infrastructure and land development projects in China and abroad. The firm represented Wantai Construction Group in a construction contract dispute and successfully recovered RMB21 million through multiple rounds of negotiation, settling disputes without litigation. Its client base also includes Yanchang Petroleum, China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group and Shaanxi Transportation Holding Group.
Duan & Duan Law Firm has been a perennial legal counsel to ITL Group in Xi’an. The company’s executive office director, Liu Yao, says: “The firm demonstrated excellence in advising on offshore-related matters. When handling projects involving international cargo contract disputes, cross-border trade settlement and co-operation with Belt and Road countries, the team showed they are well-versed in international conventions, foreign-related laws, and other countries’ legal systems.” Liu recommends the firm’s head of Xi’an office, Wang Ali, who specialises in real estate finance and international trade.
Jincheng Tongda & Neal is recommended by Song Xiaomin, a secretary to the board of Shaanxi Huada Science Technology. “The firm’s team always puts client needs in first place, backing our major decisions and daily operations with comprehensive and high-quality legal services, supported by their professionalism and rigorous work style,” she says. Song recommends partner Wang Jiaxin, who focuses on corporate compliance, M&A and capital markets, for her diligence and meticulous work.
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Overall Law Firms (Yunnan)
Lancang Mekong Law Firm
Lingyun Law Firm
Zhongji Law Firm
Lingyun Law Firm has expanded to 19 offices, covering Yunnan province and reaching Beijing, with a team of more than 530 lawyers across 23 practice areas. In the past year, the firm has drawn attention for its work in criminal defence as well as complex commercial disputes involving sales, construction and loan contracts.
Zhongji Law Firm counts more than 300 practising lawyers. It has set up offices in the US and Germany, along with branches throughout Yunnan province, creating a cross‑border and province‑wide service network. The firm acts as regular counsel to a number of local governments and public institutions in the province, advising on administrative matters and institutional development.
In the past year, its work has included cases and transactions involving debt resolution, corporate governance, asset restructuring, contract performance and project development, covering the financial, industrial and infrastructure sectors.
Dacheng Law Offices’ Kunming branch assisted Datang Yunnan Power Generation Company in its first entry into the interbank market, advising on the issuance of a three-year RMB500 million (USD68.9 million) green medium-term note carrying dual labels for rural revitalisation and technology innovation. Both the issuer and the bond received AAA ratings.
The firm also took part in the “CICC-Yunnan Communications Investment and Construction Group-Chuda Expressway Toll Revenue ABS” project, which securitised future toll income to channel funds back into infrastructure construction. The work involved complex issues such as defining underlying assets, transferring rights, risk isolation and credit enhancement.
In addition, the firm advised Yunnan Jiaotou Group Yunling Construction in a dispute over a construction contract. By strengthening the evidentiary record on appeal, the firm succeeded in overturning an adverse first-instance ruling. Upon further review by the Supreme People’s Court, the appellate outcome was upheld, securing the client’s rights and interests.
SGLA Law Firm’s Kunming office has provided longstanding legal services to the Kunming municipal government and its related agencies. A notable matter handled by the office was the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract dispute for the Chaishitan Reservoir Irrigation District Project.
As one of the 172 major water conservancy projects designated by the State Council and a key people’s livelihood project in Yunnan, the scheme involved contracts that spanned design, procurement and construction, giving rise to complex legal issues. The EPC contract carried a bid value of RMB620 million. Representing the project owner, SGLA advised on contractual conflicts with large state-owned enterprises and helped keep the project on track under a clear legal framework.
