Leveraging several branches of expertise in the finance, funds and corporate spheres, Allen & Overy LLP‘s ten-partner team is well placed to provide financial sponsors, banks and corporate entities with advice regarding the real estate sector, with key areas of strength extending to the commercial, retail and logistics markets. The team is co-led by Wayne Lee and Matthew Bisley, who showcase combined expertise in private equity-related offerings in the real estate sector and the handling of finance work for local and international clients in the banking industry. Lee is further capable when it comes to deal life cycles, dissecting and managing issues from the structuring and financing of a platform to the surfacing of relevant downstream investment activity. Jean Ye is another notable figure, qualified in China and the US, and drawing from her 17 years of experience to build strong relations with high-profile private equity sponsors and sovereign wealth funds. Changes to the team include the addition of Hong Kong-based counsel David Ye from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and counsel Richard Ou from Shearman & Sterling LLP in May and October of 2021, respectively. All named lawyers are based in Shanghai unless otherwise stated.

With ‘in depth knowledge‘, the six-partner team at Baker McKenzie FenXun benefits from an international network that catalyses both multi-jurisdictional and local work relevant to the Greater China real estate sector, acting for developers and investors in relation to a variety of market-specific needs. Based in Hong Kong, Rico Chan, who has around 30 years of experience dealing with China and Hong Kong markets in connection with real estate transactions in a PRC and cross-border context, leads the team alongside Edmond Chan, regarded for his advice to financial investors and real estate developers acting within the scope of the Hong Kong immovables market. Among recent highlights, Rico Chan acted for Hysan Development Company on a joint venture with IWG for the development of a flexible workspace embodying a hybrid work model. In Shanghai, Alexander Gong heads the team, acting as a key figure with regard to development projects, leasing and private equity work for a range of local and foreign clients. Shiu Man Wan departed the practice in January 2022.

Distinguishable for advising contractors and SOEs in relation to outbound construction mandates, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP leverages it global network, with an established presence in mainland China and Hong Kong. With the ability to provide ‘first rate directions‘, the firm is also active in both contentious and non-contentious matters, with a further emphasis on inbound China mandates relevant to international actors in the space. Dividing their time between Shanghai and Beijing, Hew Kian Heong and Michelle Li co-head the team. Heong’s 30 year practice covers non-contentious and contentious work as he acts for Chinese SOEs in transactions as well as arbitration and litigation, while Li adds 15 years of experience to the team’s offering, advising local and foreign clients with ties to the energy and petrochemical sectors.

Noted for its international network, Paul Hastings LLP acts for a range of developers, banks and end-users involved in real estate transactions, focusing on investment mandates in an inbound and outbound context. Its relationship with sovereign wealth funds is another key strength for the group, catalysing work with respect to a variety of cross-border transactions and investments in the space.

With a presence in Hong Kong and mainland China, Pinsent Masons stands out for its international construction reputation, with a practice that extends into the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Europe, advising major contractors in relation to large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Sam Boyling, who divides his time between Beijing and Singapore, leads the practice alongside Dean Lewis, working out of the Hong Kong office. Boyling has particular expertise advising Chinese SOE contractors with respects to energy and infrastructure projects in several continents, while Lewis specialises in infrastructure projects in the Asia Pacific region primarily. Other notable members include Beijing-based Mark Hu, recommended for high-profile outbound infrastructure, power and renewable energy projects, and Shanghai-based senior associate Rachel Turner, a key player in the team’s contentious offering with regard to construction and engineering law.

With considerable international reach, CMS acts for both local and international clients in the acquisition, development and procurement of real estate assets, handling leases and service contracts on a regular basis. In Shanghai, Ulrike Glueck heads the firm’s real estate offering, with a focus on corporate elements of real estate transactions.