Today, China is not only the second largest destination for FDI in the world but almost six years after joining the WTO, is also a major global economic force. China transactions are no longer restricted to the original centers of Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Legal matters involving Chinese parties and interests are just as likely to arise in Chongqing, Wuhanor Qingdaoor even Chicago, Singapore or Dusseldorf.
At the same time, foreign investment into China has become more complex and sophisticated, and has also extended geographically across China. Many foreign companies have established nationwide operations and require support for legal problems that arise across all regions of China.
The Sino-Global Legal Alliance– a new model for a changing market
In order to address these new market dynamics Lovells has formed the Sino-Global Legal Alliance (SGLA), a ground-breaking new alliance with leading Chinese law firms across all key regions of China. The SGLA combines the resources and capabilities of a leading international law firm with the full-service Chinese law capability and government relations connections of leading Chinese law firms. Together the SGLA provides more than 1000 international and Chinese lawyers in more than 10 cities across China.
The local Chinese member firms in the SGLA were identified through a comprehensive market survey and due diligence process conducted by Lovells. Each of the local law firms selected to join the SGLA is a clear leader in its region.
Lovells itself has consistently been recognised as one of the leading international law firms in China. It opened its Hong Kong office 25 years ago, and 15 years ago was one of the first group of five foreign law firms to receive a license to open a formal office in Beijing. When foreign law firms were permitted to open additional offices following China’s entry into the WTO, Lovells opened in Shanghai. Lovells now has 100 international lawyers in its three China offices.
More than a referral network
The SGLA is designed to be more than a simple referral network. Closer integration of the SGLA member firms is to be achieved by the organisation of alliance-wide practice groups, covering corporate, intellectual property, dispute resolution, infrastructure and financial services.
Clients will benefit from the combination of this close practice area coordination with the national and – through Lovells – international networks of the SGLA. Because member firms in the SGLA are independent law firms and cooperation is non-exclusive, the process of delivery of legal services by the SGLA member firms is entirely client-driven. Clients can work directly with Lovells, with one of the local member firms or with any combination thereof.
The combination of international and domestic legal services capability offered by the SGLA is unique in China. Foreign law firms in China are permitted to provide advice on international law and practice in the context of the Chinese legal environment (including the structuring, management and documentation of cross-border and domestic transactions in accordance with international standards), but only Chinese law firms are permitted to advice on the interpretation and application of novel questions of Chinese law or go to court.
For further information about the SGLA please call +8610 8518 0567, visit: www.sinogloballaw.com or e-mail enquiry@sinogloballaw.com