Han Kun Law Offices > Beijing, China > Firm Profile

Han Kun Law Offices > The Legal 500 Rankings

China > Antitrust and competition: PRC firms Tier 1

Han Kun Law Offices’ full-service antitrust practice handles a mix of merger filings, antitrust investigations, antitrust litigations, and competition compliance. It has a strong list of international and domestic clients. Recently, the firm has been advising JD.com on several antitrust filings, including its acquisition of shares of BJTC, a subsidiary of BPHL; and its acquisition of BJ Digital. The practice is led by Chen Ma, who is a specialist in merger notification and cartel investigations. Chen is supported by Yan Wang, Angus Xie, and Da Shi.

China > Capital markets: PRC firms Tier 1

Han Kun Law Offices is well recognised for its experience in handling overseas capital markets transactions for both Chinese issuers and international underwriters, including advising Tencent Music Entertainment Group on its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Dafei Chen, who is based in Beijing and Hong Kong, has a wealth of experience in representing large technology, telecoms and financial services clients; Jason Wang and Bing Xue, whose areas of expertise include electronic technology, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, are key contacts in Shenzhen; and Tao Li is a name to note in Hong Kong. Other prominent team members include Charles Li, who has a strong track record in domestic and international capital markets matters, and associate Haoxiang Wang.

China > Corporate and M&A: PRC firms Tier 1

Han Kun Law Offices has extensive experience in conducting complex M&A mandates. The firm has an incredible client base, including Chinese internet platforms, international automotive manufacturers, and life science companies. David Tang has notable experience of advising Fortune 500 Global and other multinational corporations on their investments and acquisitions and is also experienced in corporate compliance and data protection, particularly relating to cybersecurity and personal information protection. Paula Liu acts for multinationals and local companies in their strategic acquisitions and other corporate transactions. Gloria Xu is another key name to note, who recently advised Baidu in its $3.6bn acquisition of YY’s PRC operations. Chaoying (Charles) Li, Aaron Zhou, and Zaiguang Lu are also highly recommended.

China > Data protection: PRC firms Tier 1

The data and cybersecurity protection practice at Han Kun Law Offices is known for its cross border expertise and deep knowledge of the TMT sector. The team is sought out by international tech companies and other multinationals to advise on a range of issues from data compliance to IPO-related cybersecurity reviews, and cross-border data transfer. The practice has  expanded into data algorithm compliance for new areas such as AIGC, data ownership disputes and assists on other AI related issues. Yan Wang heads up the IP and litigation department, Kevin Duan  is an expert in tech-related data protection issues and cross-border data compliance, and David Tang assists both domestic and international clients on corporate compliance and data protection. Min Zhu handles data compliance analysis and data incident crisis, while Michelle Gon represents clients in compliance and regulatory matters including data security. The five aforementioned lawyers all co-lead the practice from Beijing and Shanghai. Kemeng Cai is also noted.

China > Fintech: PRC firms Tier 1

Han Kun Law Offices‘ far-reaching practice offers expertise in the establishment of fintech and blockchain products, in addition to coverage of data protection and compliance matters. The unit is also well-placed to advise on capital markets work such as initial public offerings and investment in quasi-financial institutions. Jun Zhu is a key contact at the firm, with a portfolio of work which includes advising on the design of third-party payments products. Wei Quan has a proven track record of advising on matters relating to consumer finance and supply chain finance, while Tiecheng Yang has a strong focus on financial regulations. Domestic and cross-border asset management transactional mandates are firmly in the wheelhouse of Kanxi Liao.

China > Investment funds: PRC firms Tier 1

Comprising approximately 50 dedicated fund specialists across Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, Han Kun Law Offices is frequently mandated (as primary fund counsel) on large numbers of RMB and offshore USD fund formations. The team also advises major domestic and international institutional investors on regulatory, compliance and tax matters; and is increasingly active in relation to secondary transactions and cross-border funds. Practice head Lu Ran advises on the formation, management and operation of funds; fund formation and asset management specialist Lin Zhou ‘solves problems in a timely, efficient and professional manner‘; and Vincent Song acts for venture capital and private equity funds, as well as entrepreneurs, on their investment and financing projects. Other key practitioners are Pei Zhao, who advises fund sponsors in China (and throughout Asia) on fund formations; Li Yang who is an adviser to fund sponsors, fund managers and institutional investors on fundraising and private investment fund-related investments.

China > Private equity: PRC firms Tier 1

Han Kun Law Offices is a leading PRC firm for China-related private equity transactions, boasting an impressive client roster of major funds, including Warburg Pincus, Sequoia, Hillhouse and Permira. Charles Li is a leading figure in Beijing, handling a variety of cross-border transactions in different industries such as telecoms, energy, consumer goods and technology; as is Yijun Chao, who has a great reputation for representing high-tech start-ups in their private equity and venture financings. David Li brings a solid reputation for representing well-known foreign and domestic PE funds in their fund formations and investments, while Sheng Li’s practice covers transactions in the education, infrastructure and high-end manufacturing sectors. In Shanghai, Kelvin Gao is heavily involved in structuring and establishing onshore and offshore China-focused PE funds for sponsors and investors; Cheng Chen is active across a broad range of industries from e-commerce and retail to semiconductors and bio-technology.

China > TMT: PRC firms Tier 1

Han Kun Law Offices has a strong reputation for TMT in China, expertly representing numerous tech and telecom giants in venture capital, private equity, M&As, and IPO ventures. The group’s advice extends to global IT corporations, covering spheres from general corporate matters to intricate IP and litigation challenges. Yijun Chao, the firm’s co-founder, is an authority on high-tech start-ups and has rich experience guiding multinationals and PRC equity funds through their investments into China. Chaoying (Charles) Li  represents domestic and international companies on cross-border transactions across diverse TMT sectors. Wei (David) Li brings proficiency in private placements and represents major foreign and domestic VC&PE funds. Kelvin Gao’s versatility covers deal structuring to closing for various cross-border projects in internet, software, and entertainment sectors. Zaiguang Lu has been instrumental in facilitating IPOs in the US and HK markets and navigates intricate investments and financing transactions, and Sheng Li’s advisory acumen encompasses sectors as varied as blockchain to high-end manufacturing, with clients including private equity companies, major firms, and start-ups.

China > Banking and finance: PRC firms Tier 2

Han Kun Law Offices' sizeable banking and finance team acts for a strong client base of banks, investment companies and insurance companies, in addition to an impressive roster of airlines including Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. The practice is headed by Shu Wang, who has extensive experience in advising Chinese and international banks on market access for new products and compliance issues affecting foreign banks' daily operations in China, Yin Ge and Rong Fang. Financial regulatory specialist Tiecheng Yang is another name to note.

China > Dispute resolution: Litigation: PRC firms Tier 2

‘A leading law firm in China‘, Han Kun Law Offices‘ sizeable commercial dispute resolution practice has a strong reputation in the market for company, corporate, equity and securities disputes, along with litigation over private equity and financial management conflicts. Other key areas of expertise range from disputes involving service contracts, finance, real estate and construction, to unfair competition, bankruptcies and administrative litigation, including cross-border cases. The group is jointly led by corporate control dispute specialist Eric Liu; Yang You, who focuses on asset management-related litigation; Vincent Sun, a commercial disputes expert who joined the practice following the firm’s merger with Shanghai Young-Ben Law Firm (where he was founding partner); ‘outstanding dispute resolution lawyer‘ Yaxing Zhang, who acts in disputes over investments, financings, loans, guarantees, and domestic and international trade; and Qiunan Sun, who represents large group companies, financial institutions, and central and state-owned enterprises. Other active litigators are Xianglin Chen and Feng Ye.

China > Intellectual property: PRC firms

Han Kun Law Offices‘ sizeable contentious and non-contentious IP practice is consistently sought out by leading tech industry players to act in challenging IP matters before China’s Supreme People’s Court, IP courts and tribunals, and the China National Intellectual Property Administration. The firm’s full-service IP team covers prosecutions, litigation, and enforcement strategies, in relation to patents, trade marks and industrial designs. The group also regularly works alongside international law firms on global IP-related antitrust actions, cross-border data protection matters, and transactional IP work. Contentious IP law specialist Yan Wang chairs the firm’s IP and litigation departments; Lili Wu‘s experience spans a range of technology sectors; and Rui Luo routinely represents multinational clients in high-stakes IP-related disputes. The group also features IP litigator Haining Song; Jian Zhang, who is experienced in patent invalidation, licensing, and IP infringement and administrative litigation; and patent law expert Tao Zhang.

China > Life sciences and healthcare: PRC firms Tier 2

Han Kun Law Offices has extensive capability in this space with branches of the team in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou and Wuhan. The firm is known for representing major multinational pharmaceutical and medical device companies, assisting with M&A deals and financing matters as well as licensing deals, data protection and intellectual property disputes. The team is led by Yinshi Cao, a venture capital and private equity fund investments specialist with a focus on the life sciences space. Aaron Gu is a standout name in the team, with experience advising on regulatory compliance matters in the areas of biologics and chemical drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. Corporate and commercial lawyer Min Zhu and life sciences M&A specialist Aaron Zhou are also key.

China > Real estate and construction: PRC firms Tier 2

Han Kun Law Offices makes its mark in the real estate sector with its skills in advising investors on launching real estate funds, and aiding them on related investments and financing. Clientele range from domestic and foreign real estate funds and investment banks to real estate and warehouse enterprises, transactional companies, and public entities. Dispute resolution, property management and operation, leases, and securitisation of real estate are all handled by the firm. Stephen (Shiwen) Dong is well-versed in all real estate related acquisitions, project finance, M&A, and offshore securities offerings. Rong Fang is a key name in real estate financing, PPPs, and real estate funds. Zhen (Cody) Chen handles domestic real estate transactions, while Yan Zhang is a skilled litigator for construction projects. Xiao Li is also noted for his work with state-owned enterprises and private real estate companies.

China > Regulatory/compliance: PRC firms Tier 2

Representing multinationals and foreign-invested enterprises in their regulatory compliance issues and investigations is the main focus of the compliance team at Han Kun Law Offices. Other key matters include transactional due diligence, counterparty FCPA due diligence, anti-corruption legal compliance, and conducting state secrets screenings. Clients primarily come from the healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor and manufacturing industries. Chen Ma and Weiheng Jia co-lead the practice from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively. Ma is an expert in competition and regulatory compliance, and is especially sought after for merger filings and cartel investigations. Jia joined the firm from Shanghai Qin Li Law Firm in October 2022, and is experienced in cross-border matters related to regulatory compliance and labour and employment. Michelle Gon focuses on complex regulatory matters such as anti-corruption, anti-monopoly, and anti-fraud. David Tang handles corporate and data compliance matters, while Zhaojun (Sophie) Shi works on anti-bribery and employee misconduct.

China > Dispute resolution: Arbitration: PRC firms Tier 3

Fielding a team that ‘really digs into the facts of cases‘, Han Kun Law Offices has longstanding experience in arbitration in significant cross-border and domestic disputes. The firm also houses several arbitrators, who handle CIETAC cases, as well as matters before the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre and Singapore International Arbitration Centre. Commercial arbitration specialists Denning Jin, Vincent Sun and Xianglin Chen co-lead the practice, which further showcases Yaxing Zhang, an expert in disputes over domestic and international trade, investments and financing, and Chunyao Lin and associate Bing San, who focus on commercial dispute resolution.

China > Labour and employment: PRC firms Tier 3

Han Kun Law Offices‘ employment practice is led by ‘outstanding practitioner’ Will Huang, who is recommended for advice on terminations, non-competition matters, commercial trade secrets protection, wage incentive plans and mass lay-offs. Recruitment specialist Xiu Pei and litigator Lifeng Lu are also key. The firm is notable for its specialism in investigations work, covering investigations pertaining to harassment, anti-corruption and regulatory compliance.

China > Private wealth: PRC firms Tier 3

The private wealth expertise of Han Kun Law Offices covers both contentious and non-contentious issues, with a special focus on estate planning, matrimonial and inheritance disputes, philanthropy, and immigration. At the helm of the practice is Han (Antonio) Chen, whose reach spans private banks, trustee companies, asset management firms, and investment advisors, offering them valuable insights into family trusts, family offices, and comprehensive wealth planning. Jing Shen focuses on tax advisory related to family wealth planning, while Dongni Jiang’s expertise offers expertise in individual income tax planning related to stock incentives, family trust designs, and private wealth management.

China > Projects and energy: PRC firms

Hong Kong > PRC firms in Hong Kong

Dedicated to capital markets, as well as other M&A-related transactions, the team at Han Kun Law Offices provides advice to a wide range of clients, including issuers and underwriters to selling shareholders, in a variety of multi-jurisdictional deals. Benefitting from its solid expertise in both PRC and Hong Kong law, the firm attracts instructions from Chinese companies looking to list in Hong Kong, and is also a popular destination for domestic corporates listing abroad, given its cross-border capabilities. IPOs, convertible bonds issues, and other equity-linked deals feature heavily in the team’s workload, which is also populated by an array of ECM mandates. Triple qualified in Hong Kong, the US, and the PRC, Tao Li is able to effectively bridge the cultural gap between Chinese sponsors and international investors, and is a very popular choice on a range of high-profile public and private equity securities offerings, as well as M&A and takeover transactions. ECM specialist Ethle Tang frequently advises on transactional and regulatory matters. Although the firm’s primary expertise lies in transactional work, Adrian Yip adds litigation capabilities and is skilled at representing clients in shareholder disputes as well as internal investigations.