The Legal 500 > Asia Pacific > China > Projects and energy: PRC firms

JunHe LLP is a standout firm for projects in the PRC and outbound work. Domestically, the group advises local governments, project companies and their sponsors and investors, at all stages of energy and infrastructure project; outbound work includes assisting PRC contractors and financial institutions with investments globally. It is also able to leverage outstanding firm-wide capabilities in corporate transactions, banking and financing, real estate, environmental protection, labour and litigation. The department, which is led by Jianan Yuan, includes trained engineer Elvis Zhou, who specialises in the contentious and non-contentious aspects of construction projects. PPP expert Yuan Cheng is another name to note with broad sectoral expertise. Yu Qin specialises in energy, infrastructure and industrial projects in- and outside China.

Zhong Lun Law Firm has an impressive client roster, comprising governmental authorities, NGOs, SOEs and social investors, which the team advises on both contentious and non-contentious aspects of the spectrum of energy, infrastructure and natural resource projects, as well as issues pertaining to environmental law. Jihong Wang is a key member of the team, with experience in projects in China and abroad, particularly involving PPP structures, including concessions, and greenfield investment and financing. Jiong Zhang is also recommended for knowledge of project tendering, engineering management, reject settlement risk control and dispute resolution.

Fangda Partners, which enters the rankings for the first time, advises global and domestic clients in a variety projects in China and abroad. The group, which often plays a lead role in on- and offshore transactions, has particular expertise in build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects, the establishment, acquisition and construction of energy projects and the constructing of manufacturing plants. In addition, the group benefits from the firm's wider expertise in dispute resolution, regularly handling project-related litigation and arbitration. Yingying Wang, who leads the team, and Nuo Ji are the names to note.

Global Law Office provides a full-service to domestic and foreign project owners, developers, investors, lessors, lessees, lenders and borrowers. The group is particularly focused on the resource extraction industry, but it has experience in a variety of domestic infrastructure projects, including urban transport and development, the construction of aviation facilities. Department head Kevin Wang specialises in project construction and energy, and is ably supported by corporate lawyer Miller Wang.

Guantao Law Firm has a strong SOE client-base, which it advises on a broad range of projects, most notably in the energy sector, but also including natural resource extraction and transport. The group handles projects across China, and is also active in One Belt One Road initiative projects in a number of jurisdictions globally. Wei Jiang leads the project group; Ling Xu leads the energy group; while Guoqiang Chen is the head of the environmental law department, which is often called upon by the wider projects team.

Jincheng Tongda & Neal has developed a solid project and energy practice, which encompasses matters in China and abroad. The group is supported by the firm's M&A, capital markets, finance and dispute resolution departments, enabling it to offer clients, often SOEs, a full-service. Of particular note, Annie Wu advised China Energy Investment Corporation on its proposed shale gas investment in the US; a highly unusual transaction in the context of the trade war. The department is led by Xiaodong Zheng, who brings substantial experience in energy and natural resource-related capital market and M&A transactions.

Grandall Law Firm is noted for handling a wide variety of domestic and outbound PPP projects for Chinese SOEs, across sectors including energy, manufacturing, petrochemicals and water treatment. The group is co-led by Weidong Wang and Binghong Lv, both of whom have expertise that includes M&A, restructuring and project finance.

Jingtian & Gongcheng is heavily involved in the energy and natural resources sector, advising on projects in China, but with a strength in projects abroad, with experience in central and south Asia, North America and Africa. The group handles the spectrum of corporate, securities and M&A matters as well as services for clients involved in government concessions. Corporate generalist Xiang Gao leads the department.