A&O Shearman is the result of a May 2024 merger between legacy firms Allen & Overy LLP and Shearman & Sterling. In addition to energy projects, the arbitration practice’s sector expertise ranges from construction, TMT, insurance, IP and property, to banking, finance, metals, mining and automotive. It also has notable expertise in investment treaty cases. The practice additionally provides PRC dispute resolution capabilities through its joint operation with Lang Yue Law Firm (Lang Yue), which covers representation in international arbitration-related enforcement proceedings. In Shanghai, Jane Jiang (at Lang Yue since August 2024) acts for financial institutions and SOEs in their disputes. Over in Hong Kong, Melody Chan assists with international arbitrations; while Edward Taylor is experienced in disputes involving energy, infrastructure, joint ventures, M&A, private equity, TMT, and real estate.

Able to conduct arbitration proceedings in both English and Chinese, Clifford Chance LLP‘s mainland China team comprises US, Hong Kong, PRC (non-practising), and England and Wales-qualified arbitration lawyers. In a recent 12-month period, the group acted alongside the firm’s offices in Paris, Singapore, Perth, Sydney, London, New York, and Washington DC in global disputes. Based in Beijing and Shanghai, the arbitration track record of Lei Shi (recently appointed as managing partner of the Mainland China offices) includes joint venture, share transfer, banking, real estate, international commodity trading, IP, mining, and general contract disputes (under the HKIAC, ICC, CIETAC, SIAC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, SCC and ICDR rules). Arbitration specialist Feifei Yu divides her time between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Operating from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s arbitration practice routinely acts alongside specialist arbitration lawyers from the firm’s PRC joint operation partner Kewei Law Firm (Kewei). The practice assists throughout the lifecycle of China-related disputes, including pre-action advice, obtaining interim measures, defending set-aside applications, and enforcing awards in the Hong Kong and PRC courts. The team regularly acts in joint venture disputes containing PRC features; and it is increasingly involved in set-aside cases, private equity disputes and put option-related conflicts. On the mainland, Weina Ye from Keiwei specialises in international arbitration and cross-border commercial dispute resolution. Simon Chapman KC heads the Greater China Arbitration practice from Hong Kong.

Known for its sector expertise in insurance, infrastructure, transportation, marine, aviation, trade and commodities, Clyde & Co LLP‘s mainland China team is experienced in key arbitral centres such as LCIA, ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, SCC and CIETAC. Based in Shanghai and Singapore, Ik Wei Chong heads the dispute resolution practice in China; while Shanghai-based domestic and international arbitration practitioner Nicholas Lum spearheads the China offices’ cross-border dispute resolution offering.

Pinsent Masons is particularly well known for energy and infrastructure sector arbitrations. In Shanghai, Rachel Turner specialises in construction and engineering law-related international arbitration; while in Beijing, Kevin Zhou acts for Chinese SOE and international contractors in major disputes. The practice is co-led by construction project specialist Sam Boyling, who divides his time between Singapore and Beijing; and Hong Kong-based Alvin Ho, who ‘always fights for clients’ interests’.