Leading Associates

Dispute resolution: Litigation: foreign firms in China

Baker McKenzie

Able to advise on Chinese law through a joint operation office platform, Baker McKenzie FenXun‘s broad expertise ranges from banking litigation to family disputes, shareholder conflicts and property-related litigation. Notably active in cross-border mandates, the practice’s client base includes public and private corporations, SOEs, investment banks, financial institutions, charities, HNW individuals, and asset management and utility companies. On the FenXun Partners side, Yanfei Zeng in Shanghai specialises in litigation and arbitration; while Beijing-based Hailin Cui is experienced in both international and domestic commercial arbitration. Key figures in Hong Kong are Kwun Yee CheungCynthia Tang, Bryan NgGary SeibRoberta Chan and Ronald Sum.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kwun Yee Cheung


Autres avocats clés:

Yanfei Zeng; Hailin Cui; Kwun Yee Cheung; Cynthia Tang; Bryan Ng; Gary Seib; Roberta Chan; Ronald Sum


Principaux clients

Lead Success (Hong Kong)


Hawkins Development


Superfine Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Lead Success (Hong Kong), Hawkins Development and Superfine Group (4th to 6th Defendants) in their appeal against a share dispute-related judgment.
  • Acting for the controlling shareholder of a Hong Kong-listed company (believed to be a victim of a cross-border financial fraud) in its claims against the fraudsters for the return of shares that are worth over HKD300m.

Clifford Chance LLP

On behalf of financial institutions, financial investors and corporations, Clifford Chance LLP‘s Greater China team is particularly active in banking litigation. The firm additionally fields specialists in shareholder, boardroom, trust and commercial disputes, along with financial services, white-collar, competition, IP, technology, insolvency and employment-related litigation. It also has a robust defence-side regulatory practice. Experienced in PRC-related commercial litigation, mainland China managing partner Lei Shi is triple qualified in the PRC (non-practising), Hong Kong and New York. Ling Ho heads the litigation and dispute resolution practice in Hong Kong, where Donna Wacker is experienced in Asia-related commercial, financial services and insolvency litigation; Soo Khim Keoy is ‘a very experienced litigator’; and Michael Wang focuses on banking litigation and contentious regulatory matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ling Ho


Autres avocats clés:

Lei Shi; Donna Wacker; Soo Khim Keoy; Michael Wang; Jonathan David Wong; Thomas Walsh; Cameron Hassall


Les références

‘Great collaboration.’

‘Open minded and attentive ’

‘Good staffing and reasonable costs.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Representing liquidators in a winding-up matter involving cryptocurrency.
  • Defended a claim for reconstitution of a bank account by excluding wrongful debits.
  • Acting in respect of a potential abuse of substantial market power by a medical gas supplier in Hong Kong.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

With an enviable track record in high-stakes disputes, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP's expertise covers the gamut of general commercial and civil claims, along with international arbitration and government and internal investigations. In Shanghai, mainland China litigation practice head Tiana Zhang acts in major litigation concerning fraud, securities law, compliance, anti-corruption, trade secrets, antitrust, data privacy, and US trade control issues; and Yue Qiu routinely represents domestic and international clients from the manufacturing, real estate and chemicals industries in cross-border disputes. Over in Hong Kong, Paul Quinn is ‘one of the most technically-capable solicitors around’; Amy Ngan acts in commercial and insolvency-related disputes; and Fergus Saurin is a multi-jurisdictional litigation specialist. Former partner Kelly Naphtali departed the firm during 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Quinn; Amy Ngan; Fergus Saurin; Tiana Zhang


Autres avocats clés:

Yue Qiu


Les références

‘Kirkland has handled a large share of the most significant corporate insolvencies in Hong Kong and Asia in recent years. They are a prominent name in the insolvency field, and often represent auditors in defending audit negligence claims.’

Paul Quinn is one of the most technically-capable solicitors around. He never leaves any issue unresolved or any stone unturned. Yet, he is also affable and very easy to work with.

Amy Ngan is an extremely-technical and capable team player, who adds a good dose of common sense to the team’s approach to cases.

Principaux clients

Allied Weli Development


FTI Consulting


Board of the Sino-Forest Corporation Litigation Trust


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for an investment fund in winding-up proceedings against Suning International Group Co, which concerns a claim of over $280m (arising out of a loan extended by the investment fund).
  • Acting for an ad hoc committee of investors in pursuing recovery against the issuer of a keepwell deed.
  • Acting for an ad hoc committee of investors in claims against the issuer and guarantor of $350m bonds, following a default on the bonds.

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP's international dispute resolution team provides onshore Chinese law capability through its its joint law venture (JLV) with PRC firm Westlink Partnership (Westlink). In addition to Asia, the practice is experienced in disputes involving Middle East and Africa. Working across the firm’s Shanghai and Singapore offices, commercial and investment disputes specialist Ik Wei Chong leads the firm’s dispute resolution practice in China. In Shanghai, Nicholas Lum's disputes expertise covers international trade, commodities, shipping and general commercial matters. Over at Westlink, Chinese court and arbitration specialist Canming Wang heads up the JLV's China litigation practice; and Victor Yang's litigation and arbitration caseload encompasses international trade, product liability, directors’ and officers’ issues, and passenger and cargo claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ik Wei Chong; Canming Wang


Autres avocats clés:

Nicholas Lum; Canming Wang; Victor Yang


DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s large team of ‘excellent strategists’ in mainland China covers a range of litigation specialisms, including commercial, banking, finance, employment, IP, construction, cyber fraud and shipping litigation, as well as insurance, shareholder and director disputes. The team also assists with regulatory investigations, private client disputes and judicial reviews; and it is regularly involved in international cases involving the UK, US, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Seychelles, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Heading up the firm’s international arbitration offering for China from Shanghai, Xiaoshan Chen is experienced in construction, joint venture, energy, shipping and shipbuilding disputes. Over in Hong Kong, Harris Chan is ‘a trusted dispute resolution lawyer’, while Kevin Chan is a highly-regarded commercial and cross-border disputes specialist.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kevin Chan; Xiaoshan Chen


Autres avocats clés:

Harris Chan


Les références

‘The DLA Piper team provides professional and efficient legal services for disputes.’

‘They are well versed in the relevant laws and court procedures involved in litigation. In addition, the DLA Piper team is located in multiple countries and can effectively assist with handling cross-border legal disputes.’

‘Great people.’

Principaux clients

BentallGreenOak


China Huarong International Holdings


Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu


Haitong International Securities Group


Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong)


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China


OCM APDO Gene Investments Pte


TFI Asset Management


Zhongliang Holdings Group Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted China Ping An Insurance Overseas (Holdings) with bond-related enforcement actions.
  • Acting for China Life in its recovery action for the enforcement of a HK$2bn bond that was issued by China Energy Reserve and Chemicals Group Overseas Company (and which has defaulted).
  • Representing Profound Success Investment, an SPV incorporated by BentallGreenOak, in relation to a potential restructuring of debts owed to it by a subsidiary of Fullsun International Holdings Group Co.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Experienced in a wide spectrum of contentious work, ‘litigation powerhouseHerbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is widely respected for its insurance, restructuring, insolvency and employment litigation credentials. Other key areas for the Hong Kong-based team are international arbitration, financial services regulatory, competition, and corporate crime and investigations. Clients additionally benefit from the firm’s ability to provide PRC legal advice for China-related disputes, through its joint operation with Kewei Law Firm in mainland China. Leading the Hong Kong commercial litigation practice, Gareth Thomas is a highly-rated litigator; commercial litigation expert Rachael Shek focuses on banking-related conflicts, corporate loan recovery work, and joint venture, shareholder and private wealth disputes; and commercial litigator Jojo Fan is ‘the perfect choice for large-scale commercial cases’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gareth Thomas


Autres avocats clés:

Rachael Shek; Jojo Fan


Les références

‘HSF probably has the best banking litigation team out there.’

‘HSF’s litigation team provides legal advice to Chinese clients on syndicated loans, cross-border financing, bankruptcy reorganisation and complex project financing.’

‘Highly professional and have a good attitude to service.’

Principaux clients

UBS


UBS Europe


Bank of China International


BOCI Securities


BNP Paribas


Bank Julius Baer & Co


SF Holdings Co


Deutsche Bank


ENM Holdings


MMG


Oasis Management Company


China Everbright Securities International Structured Finance Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended UBS, as co-sponsor of the IPO of China Metal Recycling (Holdings), against litigation in Hong Kong that was brought by the liquidators of the company for compensation of HK$5bn.
  • Defending two Chinese financial institutions in Hong Kong against mis-selling claims brought by their private bank client, who is a HNW mainland Chinese individual.
  • Defending BNPP in litigation proceedings commenced by its former private bank client Karen Lo (billionaire heiress), in relation to certain investment transactions made via her private banking account(s) held with BNPP.

Norton Rose Fulbright

The ‘strong commercial litigation team’ at Norton Rose Fulbright is home to experts in disputes involving banking, contracts, trusts, estates, shareholders , construction, and defamation. Other key areas range from breach of confidence, trade secrets, data privacy and white-collar crime, to insurance, labour-related conflicts, cryptocurrency, fraud and insolvency. The Hong Kong-based group also fields sector experts in financial institutions, energy, infrastructure, natural resources, transport, technology, life sciences, and healthcare. Daniel Ng acts for financial institutions, corporations and HNW individuals in major disputes; Kevin Hong is an experienced commercial litigation and international arbitration practitioner; and Alfred Wu is ‘always able to come up with a sound solution’. Currently a senior consultant, former practice head Camille Jojo stepped down as partner in July 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Ng; Kevin Hong


Autres avocats clés:

Alfred Wu; Camille Jojo


Les références

‘Dedicated and accommodating in terms of service – they are always there when needed.’

‘NRF has a strong commercial litigation team that comprises various experienced partners.’

‘Highly experienced in handling both court litigation and arbitration.’

Principaux clients

Techtronic Industries Company


Kroll


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation


Deloitte


GFG Alliance


Eurasian Resources Group


Hip Hing Construction Company


Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees


Harbour Plaza Hotel Management


JSP International


LAE Technologies Hong Kong


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for a global hardware giant in successfully obtaining an urgent application against its former employee for misuse and misappropriation of the company’s confidential information and trade secrets.
  • Acting for a global natural resources group in an asset recovery matter against a Hong Kong company (pursuant to a cross-border cyber fraud scheme).
  • Acting for a Hong Kong construction company (as unsecured creditor) in connection with the potential collapse of a large airline in Hong Kong.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is routinely mandated for major China-related commercial litigation. In Beijing, Xiao Liu represents China-based companies and individuals in cross-border litigation, arbitration, and government enforcement actions; and Miao Xu focuses on commercial litigation, arbitration and internal investigations. Shanghai-based Haiyan Tang acts for China-based companies in cross-border litigation and arbitrations; and Qiqi Wei’s caseload covers litigation, international arbitration and defence-side white-collar matters. Over in Hong Kong, John Rhie heads the international arbitration practice in Asia; while Hong Kong and New York-based Carey Ramos focuses on cross-border disputes and media and technology matters. Notable growth for the team includes the raising of Beijing-based Yixuan Zhu, who is experienced in commercial and IP disputes, to partner in December 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Xiao Liu; John Rhie; Haiyan Tang; Yixuan Zhu; Carey Ramos


Autres avocats clés:

Qiqi Wei; Stella Zhang


Les références

‘QE is an experienced team. Clients appreciate the support they provide. In terms of execution, they are always very organised.’

‘Very professional team and very dedicated.’

‘Solid professional ability and thorough understanding of business objectives.’

Principaux clients

Didi Global


Shein Technology


Roadget Business


Ningde Amperex Technology


Landbridge Port Services (Hong Kong)


IEIT Systems


Zhejiang Lingdi Digital Technology Co


Transpire Bio


Adcentrx


Adcentrx


Multi-Choice Realty


BlueCity Holdings


Waterdrop


TAL Education


Pangang Group Company


Pangang Group Steel Vanadium & Titanium Company


Pangang Group Titanium Industry Company


Pangang Group International Economic & Trading Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Obtained a jury trial win for Ningde Amperex Technology in its lawsuit against Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co for infringement of three ATL patents for lithium ion battery technology.
  • Defending Shein Technology and Roadget Business PTE against various claims, including antitrust, copyright infringement, trade secrets and tortious interference, which were brought by Whaleco in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
  • Defended BlueCity Holdings against parallel shareholder class actions, which alleged that BlueCity’s IPO registration statements contained misrepresentations and misleading information.

Jones Day

Jones Day's litigators have significant experience in cross-border litigation and arbitration. Peter Wang leads the China antitrust and litigation practices from Hong Kong, where Samuel Ngo is an ‘excellent lawyer’; and cross-border litigation expert Po-Chien Chen divides his time between Shanghai and Taipei. Both working across Hong Kong and Beijing, Haifeng Huang is Greater China IP head, while Qiang Xue is an antitrust specialist. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Shanghai-based Lillian He leads the firm’s China global disputes team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter  Wang; Lillian He; Haifeng Huang; Qiang Xue; Po-Chien Chen


Autres avocats clés:

Samuel Ngo; Liya He; Wilson Sung; Daniel Shum


Les références

‘The team is very experienced in all stages of civil litigation and the various options available to clients to achieve their goals.’

‘They are good at strategic planning, especially for complex cases.’

‘Highly effective and innovative team – works very hard in clients’ interests.’

Principaux clients

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co


Moody’s Corporation


Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP’s China litigation practice is experienced in disputes involving contracts, shareholders, joint ventures, M&A, and banking and securities. The team also comprises experts in professional liability, and fraud and misrepresentation-related cases. Known for his representation of Chinese companies and individuals in cross-border litigation (particularly those in the US), Beijing-based Hui Xu heads the firm’s China litigation and investigations practice. Focused on commercial litigation and arbitration, Dominic Geiser chairs the Asia  litigation and trial department from Hong Kong .

Responsables de la pratique:

Dominic Geiser


Autres avocats clés:

Hui Xu


Principaux clients

Hong Kong Airlines


Sinovac Biotech


Shenzhen Ace Battery Co


AO Smith Corporation


Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co


China Life Insurance (Overseas) Company


China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding


Morrison & Foerster

Experienced in high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional disputes, Morrison & Foerster‘s Hong Kong-based litigation practice acts across a range of sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, energy, chemicals, construction, manufacturing, telecoms, private equity, and real estate. Timothy Blakely assists with contentious matters involving US and Hong Kong law, along with representing international clients in business-critical litigation in the PRC; and Chen Zhu focuses on commercial and securities litigation, as well as investigations and defending white-collar matters. Gary Zeng is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Timothy Blakely


Autres avocats clés:

Chen Zhu; Gary Zeng


Les références

‘The team has a deep understanding of the Chinese legal market and is able to understand clients’ needs and achieve their goals.’

‘A professional legal team spanning regions and cultures.’

‘Timothy Blakely is recommended for his in-depth understanding of contentious matters and very targeted solutions.’

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regularly acts for TMT, financial services and healthcare clients. The Hong Kong-based group is also well known for representing US-listed Chinese issuers in US courts. ‘Excellent at managing large teams’, commercial disputes expert Rory McAlpine heads the Asia-Pacific litigation group; while Steve Kwok regularly defends Chinese companies in the US courts against federal securities class actions and lawsuits that allege breach of fiduciary duties. The practice further includes ‘star of the future’, James Tennison.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rory McAlpine


Autres avocats clés:

Steve Kwok; James Tennison; Siyu Zhang


Les références

‘One of the most capable teams in terms of being able to manage large-scale complex multi-jurisdictional litigation.’

‘Rory McAlpine is excellent at managing large teams of 20-plus lawyers spread across multiple jurisdictions.’

James Tennison is a star of the future – always on top of everything, incredibly diligent, and keen to add value even in areas where clients would not expect him to.

Principaux clients

Grand View Private Trust Company


Transglobe Private Trust Company


Vantura Private Trust Company


Universal Link Private Trust Company


Ocean View Private Trust Company


RLX Technology


Hua Yang Investment (HK)


Winson International Investments


17 Education & Technology


Jianpu Technology


58.com


9F


COFCO


Missfresh


Gaotu Techedu


Baidu


iQiyi


KE Holdings


MINISO Group Holding


Grab Holdings


New Oriental Education & Technology Group


Futu Holdings


Hesai Group


NIO


Yatsen Holding


Dada Nexus


VNET Group


DiDi Global


Dorsey & Whitney

Dorsey & Whitney LLP's mainland China litigation practice focuses on cross-border, commercial dispute proceedings, including US-related civil, commercial, administrative and criminal matters, as well as IP disputes and US securities litigation. Heading up the China dispute resolution practice from Beijing, Ray Liu is a specialist in high-stakes disputes, US litigation, international arbitration, and cross-border government and criminal investigations. Providing key support, Justin Wang is experienced in commercial litigation and arbitration.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ray Liu


Autres avocats clés:

Justin Wang


Les références

Clients are very pleased with the service provided by the Dorsey team. They are very professional lawyers – responsive, proactive, and they provide invaluable strategic advice.’

They are particularly good at quickly understanding complex legal issues and developing customised plans to achieve clients’ goals.’

‘Clients value their meticulousness, willingness to collaborate, and ability to communicate effectively on legal matters.’

Principaux clients

China Huarong International Holdings


China Huarong Asset Management Co


China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding


Bank of China


China Construction Bank


TikTok Pte


ByteDance


PICC Property & Casualty Company


Ingevity Corporation


CITIC Agri Fund Management Co


Longping Agriculture Science Co


Nongfu Spring Co


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented TikTok (and its parent company ByteDance) in a significant trade mark infringement case.
  • Representing an overseas investment vehicle and the subsidiary of China Huarong Asset Management Co in a commercial dispute in the High Court of Hong Kong, which concerns a note purchase agreement.
  • Acted for PICC Property & Casualty Company (as well as a number of its insureds) in major civil actions, product liability litigation and coverage disputes.

HFW

HFW acts in a range of cross-border and domestic contentious matters. Recent mandates include litigation for banks, shipowners, insolvency practitioners, conglomerates, private clients, and oil and pharmaceutical companies. In Hong Kong, Noel Campbell‘s commercial litigation practice covers financial disputes, insolvency, company law issues, trusts, and fraud and asset recovery; and Karen Cheung‘s caseload ranges from cross-border corporate and commercial litigation, to white-collar crime, shareholder disputes and judicial reviews.

Responsables de la pratique:

Noel Campbell


Autres avocats clés:

George Lamplough; Edward Beeley


Principaux clients

Deloitte


Grant Thornton


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Grant Thornton, as liquidator of a BVI company, in its efforts to intervene in Hong Kong proceedings to recover over $50m that were misappropriated from the company and transferred to the control of a Hong Kong Trust.

Linklaters

Linklaters represents financial institutions in global banking litigation and insolvency disputes. Recent mandates also include shareholder disputes, contentious trusts and investment fund-related conflicts. A large proportion of the firm’s matters involve multi-jurisdictional disputes across the Asia-Pacific region, while clients additionally benefit from the firm's PRC joint operation with Zhao Sheng Law Firm. Hong Kong-based Andrew Chung acts for financial institutions and other global organisations in business-critical disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Chung


Autres avocats clés:

Denise Fung; Justin Tang


Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP‘s s’ dispute resolution practice in China regularly represents major corporations in high-stakes litigation. The team’s expertise ranges from national security, export controls and sanctions, to data privacy, securities enforcement and regulatory litigation. Working across the Hong Kong and Shanghai offices, international litigation expert Shaun Wu chairs the litigation department in Greater China; and the caseload of Shanghai-based Phoebe Yan includes white-collar crime and internal investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Shaun Wu


Autres avocats clés:

Phoebe Yan; John Tso; Sarah Zhu


Principaux clients

Aetos Capital Real Estate


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a NASDAQ-listed biopharmaceutical company in district court litigation against certain China-based defendants, who are accused of misappropriating trade secrets and breach of contract (based on theft of proprietary information).
  • Assisting a Chinese technology platform with the global litigation assessment, identification and mitigation of legal risks, in relation to various cross-border commercial dispute resolution matters in the US, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood is well known for corporate, finance, insolvency, restructuring and trust-related disputes, along with shareholder conflicts, professional negligence, employment matters, fraud claims, and international disputes. Clients further benefit from the firm’s association with Guangzhou-based Wei Tu Law Firm. In Hong Kong, Ian Childs is an expert in civil litigation, fraud, asset recovery, and regulatory and criminal litigation; while Ivan Ng specialises in shareholder, contractual and letters of credit disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian Childs


Autres avocats clés:

Ivan Ng; Jamie Stranger; Paul Ho; Andrew Rigden Green; Dorothy Siron; Alexander Tang; Evangeline Quek; Emily Li; Elizabeth Sloane


Les références

‘Collaboration and delivery. Flexible and knowledgeable.’

‘Achieves great results for clients.’

‘Very effective and experienced in cross-border matters.’

Principaux clients

Purple Surgical UK


Cotecna Inspection


PwC


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)


O-Bank Co (Hong Kong Branch)


Deloittes


Futu Securities International (Hong Kong)


Formia