Bird & Bird brings a sector-focused approach to TMT, advising on a range of issues from IP to regulatory advice to data protection and fintech. The team has been increasing its capacity to advise on AI-related issues, including AI-related data protection and regulatory matters. It also has expertise in autonomous driving issues such as regulations and commercial developments. James Gong leads the team from Beijing and specialises in TMT, cybersecurity and data protection matters. He is supported on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters by the firm's Hong Kong TMT practice.

 

With a 'strong bench strength of lawyers', Hogan Lovells International LLP excels in advising on TMT matters related to mainland China and Hong Kong. The practice, headed by Hong Kong-based Mark Parsons, is well-equipped to advise on a wide array of matters including regulatory issues, transactions, commercial contracts and compliance programmes. Sherry Gong assists the team from Beijing and focuses on data privacy, cybersecurity and third-party payment licenses. From the corporate team in Shanghai, Don Williams often advises TMT clients on complex deals, financing and investments. Based in Hong Kong, Tommy Liu works alongside Parsons on TMT transactions and contractual arrangements and is qualified to practice PRC law in the Greater Bay Area.

The technology transaction group at Morrison Foerster advises international tech companies on entering the Chinese market and acts as counsel towards start-ups and investors. The team is well-versed in assisting in highly regulated matters such as data, cybersecurity, telecoms, and internet and also supports clients in life sciences and financial services sectors with TMT issues. The team is co-led by Gordon Milner, who splits his time between Hong Kong and Singapore, and Chuan Sun who resides in both Beijing and Shanghai. Sun is an expert in TMT matters and advises a range of clients from multinationals to start-ups on TMT transactions and regulatory matters. Paul McKenzie handles both inbound and outbound transactions and is based in Beijing and Singapore.

Baker McKenzie FenXun leverages its joint operation with FenXun Partners to assist domestic and multinational TMT clients with IT, e-commerce, fintech and data privacy matters. The team advises on regulatory issues, M&As, technology licensing, outsourcing and a slew of other TMT and corporate matters. Zhenyu Ruan leads the TMT practice from Shanghai, advising on major deals such as joint ventures and technology licensing transactions as well as assisting with data privacy and regulatory issues.

CMS is known for its global expertise in the TMT sector and has strong on-the-ground presence in mainland China. The Shanghai team is spearheaded by Ulrike Glueck, who brings expertise in both TMT and corporate matters and is especially adept at advising German companies on regulatory issues and transactions in mainland China. Following the departure of previous practice head Nick Beckett who retired in April 2024, Jonathan Chu has taken over as practice leader of the Beijing TMT team while continuing to direct the Hong Kong TMT group. Falk Lichtenstein is a key member of the Beijing team and supports international clients in the automotive, technology and manufacturing sectors with corporate TMT issues. Panpan Tang sits in Shanghai and is noted for her expertise in data matters.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP leverages its joint operation with Kewei Law Firm to support international and domestic clients with cross-border transactions in the TMT space. The Shanghai-based team led by Nanda Lau often works closely with the firm's TMT partners in Hong Kong and at its joint operation, enabling it to advise on issues that span across Asia. The team stands out for its expertise M&A transactions, commercial arrangements and data privacy issues, which are all handled by Lau. The group largely advises TMT clients including biotechnology, AI and internet companies.

The TMT practice at Linklaters is noted for its skills in digital infrastructure investments, which are handled by its corporate and antitrust teams. The group is also renowned for its expertise in data protection, cybersecurity and digital transformations. Shanghai-based practice head Alex Roberts was promoted to partner in 2023 and advises on the full gamut of TMT matters, from data privacy to fintech and TMT transactions. The firm works closely with its practices in Hong Kong and globally as well as with its joint operation Zhao Sheng Law Firm.

Simmons & Simmons is well-known for its expertise in the TMT sector and advises on data protection, cybersecurity, IP and digital media. It also benefits from its global network and strong corporate capacities, enabling the team to advise on various TMT transactions. The Shenzhen-based group is led by data protection specialist Jingyuan Shi, who assists a range of technology corporations, financial institutions, asset managers, and life science companies on TMT matters.  She is assisted by Jenny Liu, who assists with cross-border M&A transactions and data protection issues. Michelle Ma left the practice in June 2024.

Clifford Chance LLP's tech group specialises in assisting TMT clients with acquisitions, financing and investments in the sector. The team is co-led by Kelly Gregory in Shanghai and Stella Cramer from Singapore. Gregory is well-versed in advising domestic clients on TMT corporate transactions and cross-border M&A. Beijing-based Terence Foo is the go-to for multinational clients seeking assistance with inbound investments and advice on technology regulations. Lei Shi handles IP disputes from Beijing and Shanghai, while Beijing-based Yufei Liao advises on corporate and commercial TMT matters.

The TMT group at Latham & Watkins LLP is comprised of technology transactions, fintech, sports, media, and corporate practices. The team advises domestic and international tech enterprises, semiconductor companies, investors, and health providers. The group is led from London by Andrew Moyle and supported by Anthony Liu in Hong Kong, who focuses on data and technology transactions. Kieran Donovan left the practice in September 2023.

Mayer Brown focuses on fintech, cybersecurity and data protection and is well-versed in PRC, Hong Kong and EU data regulations. The team is also active in handling transactions in the telecoms and media sectors. The group is based in Hong Kong and led by Gabriela Kennedy, who is experienced in data privacy matters.

TMT matters at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP are handled by partners in IP, corporate, and M&A practices across mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States. The team advises on TMT transactions, IPOs and M&A involving technology and financial institutions. Team head Maurice Hoo sits in Hong Kong and leads on private equity transactions, while co-leader Shaobin Zhu splits his time between Shenzhen and Silicon Valley, focusing on assisting domestic clients in IP and TMT issues. Co-head Ning Zhang handles cross-border transactions from Hong Kong and Beijing.

Paul Hastings LLP's TMT practice advises domestic and international clients on transactions within the TMT sector. The team regularly collaborates with overseas TMT teams, especially in the United States, on complex global transactions and investments. David Wang leads the team from Beijing and Shanghai and is well-versed in a range of corporate matters including M&As, private equity and joint ventures, often advising TMT companies. Co-head Meka Meng also advises on a slew of corporate transactions from Beijing.

The Beijing-based TMT practice at Reed Smith LLP is led by data compliance and cybersecurity expert Barbara Li, who advises a slew of TMT clients on cross-border data matters and regulatory issues. In particular, the team has been advising telecoms clients on complex regulatory issues including drafting transactional contracts and documents. It also assists clients with digital transformation matters and AI-related issues. Amy Yin works alongside Li on data protection matters, while Sarah Xiong assists with regulatory and data privacy issues.