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JUDICIAL REFORM IN CHINA OCTOBER2012 WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM MANAGING PARTNER Q&A Freshfields’ Robert Ashworth 管理合伙人问答 富而德Robert Ashworth PAGE 22 THE FUTURE OF VIES More rules to come? VIE模式前途未卜:更多管制 将出台? PAGE 12 POWER UP Energy in-house voices 能源法务大家谈 PAGE 34 亚洲法律杂志 - 中国版 CHINA INSIDE n SUNDRIES 04 05 08 64 n DEALS SPOTLIGHT n LAW FIRM LEAGUE TABLES n THE BIG STORY ALB 中国律师事务所二十强 ALB China TOP 20 Largest Law Firms

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Page 1: CLB Oct 2012

J u d i c i a l R e f o R m i n c h i n a 中 国 的 司 法 改 革

octobeR2012WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM

managing paRtneR Q&aFreshfields’ Robert Ashworth 管理合伙人问答

富而德Robert Ashworth

page 22

the futuRe of ViesMore rules to come?VIE模式前途未卜:更多管制将出台?

page 12

poweR upEnergy in-house voices能源法务大家谈

page 34

亚洲法律杂志 - 中国版 china

inside

n sundRies

04

05

08

64

n deals spotlight

n law fiRm league tables

n the big stoRY

A L B 中国 律 师 事 务 所二十 强

ALB China

Top 20 Largest Law Firms

Page 2: CLB Oct 2012

日期:2 0 1 2 年11月 2 7日( 星 期 二 )时 间:上 午 8 : 4 5 至 中 午1 2 : 4 5地 点:金 茂 北 京 威 斯 汀大 饭 店 中 国 北 京 东 三 环 北 路 7 号 朝 阳 区

中国 新民 事 诉 讼 法背景下的 商 事 诉 讼 管 理2012年8月31日,中国新民事诉讼法颁布实施,涉及诸多法律程序与制度的变革。在全球经济处于衰退和中国经济增速放缓的大背景下,公司商事争议将呈上升态势。本论坛拟邀请中国最高法院著名法官、大型央企总法律顾问、民诉法专家、商事诉讼律师,搭建一个权威性、前瞻性和持久性商事诉讼业务交流和分享经验的平台,该论坛将成为中国主流商事诉讼律师对话的纽带。

本论坛将围绕中国新民诉法实务展开互动交流。新民诉法实务重点在哪里?公司法务在新形势和新法规下,如何进行诉讼管理,化解法律风险,提升企业竞争力?执业商事诉讼律师与客户、法官的双向沟通有哪些专业实务秘籍?商事诉讼律师如何以积极的力量,以专业的态度和丰富的实践,引领中国商事诉讼律师与客户、法官沟通方式和工作方式的转变?以商事诉讼律师群体的成长与崛起,推进中国法律秩序与商业文明的建设进程。

FORUM2012

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW CIVIL PROCEDURE LAW

ALB 天同 中国新民事诉讼论坛

Proudly presented by

ASIA.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM

欢迎下列行业精英参会:银行与金融、能源、科技,媒体和电讯项目、房地产与建筑工程、医药等重点行业企业总法律顾问、法务管理者,国内一流商事诉讼律师及政府法律政策研究机构管理者。免费参会证数量有限,敬请于2012年11月20日或之前以电邮登记。如欲出席本论坛及登记免费席位,请与Tracy联络,電話+852 37623262或发送电邮至tracy. l [email protected]

演 讲 嘉 宾:

蒋勇律师,北京市天同律师事务所的首席合伙人,清华大学法学院硕士生导师,中国人民大学律师学院客座教授

倪伟律师,上海虹桥正瀚律师事务所主任、管理合伙人,上海市仲裁委员会仲裁员,中国人民大学律师学院兼职教授

陈耀权律师,北京市天同律师事务所业务主管合伙人

彭卿律师,北京天同律师事务所合伙人

张卫平,中国民诉法专家、清华大学法学院教授

更 多 演 讲 嘉 宾 包 括︰中 国 最 高 法 院 法 官、中 央 企 业 总 法律 顾 问 、民 诉 法 专 家 、中 国 商 事 诉讼 律 师 。

8:45 嘉宾签到

9:00 新民诉法重点和实务探讨 主讲人: 最高人民法院法官 张卫平 民诉法专家、清华大学法学院教授 蒋勇 中国商事诉讼大律师、北京天同律师 事务所首席合伙人

9:55 经济下行时期企业的投融资风险防范案例解读 主讲人: 倪伟 上海虹桥正瀚律师 事务所首席合伙人

10:25 茶歇

10: 40 中国商事诉讼律师俱乐部倡议发起仪式

10: 55 商事诉讼律师与客户、法官沟通艺术与实务技巧 主讲人: 陈耀权 北京天同律师事务所合伙人

11:20 公司法务如何选择最佳商事诉讼律师 主讲人: 於乐民 中国中化集团法律部总经理 彭卿 北京天同律师事务所合伙人

11:45 交流午宴

12:45 论坛结束

会 议 流 程 - 2 0 1 2 年11月2 7日,金 茂 北 京 威 斯 汀大 饭 店

Tiantong event artwork.indd 1 24/10/12 3:07 PM

Page 3: CLB Oct 2012

CoNTENTS 1

fading glory: Vies in china逝去的辉煌:VIE在中国

As the lifespan of the variable interest entity structure faces uncertainty in China, Zheng Yu reaches out to top capital markets practitioners to find out their perspectives.

没人知道协议控制结构(VIE)在中国还能存活多久。Zheng Yu联系了几位最优秀的资本市场律师,让我们听取他们的意见。

View from the top: Robert ashworth欲穷千里目:Robert Ashworth

ALB ’s Hong Kong Dealmaker of the Year, and last year’s Hong Kong Managing Partner of the Year, Robert Ashworth of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer sits down with Candice Mak to share his insights on the challenges and joys of managing the Magic Circle firm widely recognised as having the best corporate practice in Greater China.

FEATURES

CoVER SToRYALB china top 20 largest firms ALB 中国律师事务所20强ALB China shines the spotlight on China’s 20 largest firms. Cathy Chen talks to the top 10 for insights into market trajectories, their growth objectives, and why expansion must always be thoughtful and balanced.

ALB 中国版本期聚焦中国的20家最大的律所。Cathy Chen用第一手访谈为您呈现前十名的市场轨迹,成长目标,并解析为何律所扩张规模必须深思熟虑寻求平衡。

34

22

12

46

NEWS

SUNDRIES 64

WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

deals

bRiefs

league tables

appointments

index

sponsoRed updates

— international tax Azure Tax— shanghai Victory Legal Group— singapore Loo & Partners

sponsoRed pRofiles— Tahota Law Firm

— Zhonglun W&D Law Firm

— Shanghai Young-Ben Law Firm

— Joinway Law Firm

— Loo & Partners

— V&T Law Firm

04

05

08

10

63

60

61

61

07

07

11

19

20

42

《亚洲法律杂志》(ALB)今年“香港律师最佳项目促成奖”,去年“香港最佳管理合伙人大奖”,英国富而德律师事务所的Robert Ashworth收获了无数来自业内同行和客户的赞美,确认了他香港顶尖律师的地位。现在他与Candice Mak座谈分享他对管理这家“神奇魔法圈”律所所经历的挑战和喜悦的真知灼见。富而德被广泛公认为拥有大中华地区最好的公司业务。

power up: energy in-house roundtable一起加油:能源法务大家谈

ALB has invited six in-house counsels from major domestic and multinational energy companies to share their experiences, offer their insights on industry trends, discuss their risks and challenges, and speak of their requirements when hiring external lawyers. Liu Zhen reports

六位来自主要国内和国际能源企业的法务顾问,应ALB之邀在此分享他们的多年经验,以业内眼光观察行业趋势,探讨面临的风险与挑战,并公布他们在聘用外部合作律师时的选择标准。Liu Zhen报道。

27

45“PEOPLE NEEd tO BE trEAtEd LIkE PEOPLE. YOU CAN’t dEAL WIth EvErYBOdY BY E-MAIL Or EvEN thrOUGh tELEPhONE CALLS; YOU NEEd tO SPENd tIME fACE tO fACE ENCOUrAGING, GUIdING, ANd LIStENING.”rOBErt AShWOrth, frEShfIELdS BrUCkhAUS dErINGEr

日期:2 0 1 2 年11月 2 7日( 星 期 二 )时 间:上 午 8 : 4 5 至 中 午1 2 : 4 5地 点:金 茂 北 京 威 斯 汀大 饭 店 中 国 北 京 东 三 环 北 路 7 号 朝 阳 区

中国 新民 事 诉 讼 法背景下的 商 事 诉 讼 管 理2012年8月31日,中国新民事诉讼法颁布实施,涉及诸多法律程序与制度的变革。在全球经济处于衰退和中国经济增速放缓的大背景下,公司商事争议将呈上升态势。本论坛拟邀请中国最高法院著名法官、大型央企总法律顾问、民诉法专家、商事诉讼律师,搭建一个权威性、前瞻性和持久性商事诉讼业务交流和分享经验的平台,该论坛将成为中国主流商事诉讼律师对话的纽带。

本论坛将围绕中国新民诉法实务展开互动交流。新民诉法实务重点在哪里?公司法务在新形势和新法规下,如何进行诉讼管理,化解法律风险,提升企业竞争力?执业商事诉讼律师与客户、法官的双向沟通有哪些专业实务秘籍?商事诉讼律师如何以积极的力量,以专业的态度和丰富的实践,引领中国商事诉讼律师与客户、法官沟通方式和工作方式的转变?以商事诉讼律师群体的成长与崛起,推进中国法律秩序与商业文明的建设进程。

FORUM2012

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW CIVIL PROCEDURE LAW

ALB 天同 中国新民事诉讼论坛

Proudly presented by

ASIA.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM

欢迎下列行业精英参会:银行与金融、能源、科技,媒体和电讯项目、房地产与建筑工程、医药等重点行业企业总法律顾问、法务管理者,国内一流商事诉讼律师及政府法律政策研究机构管理者。免费参会证数量有限,敬请于2012年11月20日或之前以电邮登记。如欲出席本论坛及登记免费席位,请与Tracy联络,電話+852 37623262或发送电邮至tracy. l [email protected]

演 讲 嘉 宾:

蒋勇律师,北京市天同律师事务所的首席合伙人,清华大学法学院硕士生导师,中国人民大学律师学院客座教授

倪伟律师,上海虹桥正瀚律师事务所主任、管理合伙人,上海市仲裁委员会仲裁员,中国人民大学律师学院兼职教授

陈耀权律师,北京市天同律师事务所业务主管合伙人

彭卿律师,北京天同律师事务所合伙人

张卫平,中国民诉法专家、清华大学法学院教授

更 多 演 讲 嘉 宾 包 括︰中 国 最 高 法 院 法 官、中 央 企 业 总 法律 顾 问 、民 诉 法 专 家 、中 国 商 事 诉讼 律 师 。

8:45 嘉宾签到

9:00 新民诉法重点和实务探讨 主讲人: 最高人民法院法官 张卫平 民诉法专家、清华大学法学院教授 蒋勇 中国商事诉讼大律师、北京天同律师 事务所首席合伙人

9:55 经济下行时期企业的投融资风险防范案例解读 主讲人: 倪伟 上海虹桥正瀚律师 事务所首席合伙人

10:25 茶歇

10: 40 中国商事诉讼律师俱乐部倡议发起仪式

10: 55 商事诉讼律师与客户、法官沟通艺术与实务技巧 主讲人: 陈耀权 北京天同律师事务所合伙人

11:20 公司法务如何选择最佳商事诉讼律师 主讲人: 於乐民 中国中化集团法律部总经理 彭卿 北京天同律师事务所合伙人

11:45 交流午宴

12:45 论坛结束

会 议 流 程 - 2 0 1 2 年11月2 7日,金 茂 北 京 威 斯 汀大 饭 店

Tiantong event artwork.indd 1 24/10/12 3:07 PM

Page 4: CLB Oct 2012

2 ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012

MANAGING DIRECTORandrew [email protected]

NORTH ASIA REGIONAL EDITORcandice [email protected]

SOUTHEAST ASIA REGIONAL EDITORRanajit [email protected]

MIDDLE EAST REGIONAL EDITORshaheen [email protected]

JOURNALISTSseher [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

COPY EDITORVasundhara chatterjee

ASSOCIATE COPY EDITORsanchita ghosh

HEAD OF SALESmay [email protected]

DIRECTOR, EVENTSlucinda [email protected]

ACCOUNT MANAGERSJessie cheung (Senior Sales Director, North Asia)[email protected] Yvonne cheung (Senior Account Manager, China)[email protected] ng (Account Manager, North Asia)[email protected]

DESIGNERSJohn agraYvette chiu

TRAFFIC MANAGERSRozidah Jambari (Singapore) ivy tsang (Hong Kong)

asian legal business is available by subscription. Please call +852 3762 3269 (Hong Kong), +65 6775 5088 (Singapore) for details or visit www.legalbusinessonline.com

Copyright is reserved throughout. No part of this publication can be reproduced in whole or part without the express permission of the editor. Contributions are invited, but copies of work should be kept, as ALB can accept no responsibility for loss.

thomson ReuteRs10/F, Cityplaza 3, Taikoo Shing, Hong KongT (852) 3762 3269 | F (852) 2154 6425www.thomsonreuters.com

on the coVeR

01 That Thomson Reuters shall at no time pass into the hands of any one interest, group or faction;

02 That the integrity, independence and freedom from bias of Thomson Reuters shall at all times be fully preserved;

03 That Thomson Reuters shall supply unbiased and reliable news services to newspapers, news agencies, broadcasters and other media subscribers and to businesses governments, institutions, individuals and others with whom Thomson Reuters has or may have contracts;

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05 That no effort shall be spared to expand, develop and adapt the news and other services and products so as to maintain its leading position in the international news and information business.

Please contact Andrew Smart with any [email protected]

thOMSON rEUtErStrUSt PrINCIPLES

REUTERS/David Gray

Page 5: CLB Oct 2012

EDITORIAL 3WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

Our annual “Top 20 largest firms in China” feature once again hits the shelves, a showcase of the country’s most sizable operations. Dacheng, Yingke and King & Wood Mallesons stay steady in the top three positions, with over 6000 fee-earners employed by these firms alone. Though a turbulent global economy has stagnated law firm growth across Asia, Chinese firms have weathered the storm and many have achieved stable expansion. All the managing partners of China’s biggest legal operations told ALB that they understood size is not an indicator of quality or strength. Though growth is an objec-tive, their key foci are enhancing service quality, developing its law-yers and brand building. Much of the numbers increase is attributed to following clients offshore, into international markets. Please turn to page 46 to read more about the firms’ strategies and visions.

On a personal note, this ALB China issue will be my final for a few months as I head off to start my journey as a new mother. Next month, we will highlight China’s Top 15 women lawyers and each one featured is not only a star practitioner in her field, but also a wife or mother. Learning about their career paths upwards in a male-dom-inated industry is inspiring, and I know it will provide an insightful read for you. As always, if you have any comments or feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the editorial team. I will be back in the new year – have a wonderful winter!

gRowth of giants 巨人的成长

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

ALB_186x119.5mm_bleed5mm.pdf 1 2011-8-13 17:12:41

我们的年度中国律师事务所二十强本期再度登场,为大家展示全国最大的机构们怎样运作。大成、盈科和金杜仍然稳居前三,各自都有超过6000人的收费专业人员。虽然全球经济的动荡拖累了整个亚洲地区律所的增长,中国律所仍然经受了风暴并保持了稳定的扩张。这一批中国最大型律所的管理合伙人都告诉ALB,他们深知规模并不意味着质量或者实力。虽然增长是一个目标,但是他们的核心焦点落在强化服务质量,培养律师人才和打造律所品牌。他们的数量的增长很多是源于跟进海外客户,进入国际市场。更多关于这些律所的策略和规划,请翻到第46页。

在此也透露一点个人动向,本期的ALB中国版将是我暂时休假离开之前的最后一期,今后的几个月我将开始一段人生的新历程,成为一个母亲。正好下个月我们将为您介绍中国的十五位顶尖女性律师,她们中的每一位都不光是职场和专业领域的明星,更是贤妻或良母。她们在这个男性占据统治地位的行业中一路打拼的职业经历是励志的榜样,我相信也会给给各位读者带来思考和启发。

一如既往,如果您有任何评论或反馈,请即时与我们采编团队联络。我会在新年之后回归。预祝冬安!

candice maKnorth asia Regional editor,Asian Legal Businessthomson Reuters

Page 6: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012DEALS4

$295 million Joint venturelaunch of hisun-pfiZeR phaRmaceuticals• Creation of joint venture enables

both companies to reach more patients in branded generics arena.

• New Zhejiang-based company has an aggregate investment of $295 million and a registered capital of $250 million.

• Hisun holds 51 percent of the share; Pfizer holds 49 percent.

$7.6 billion M&Aalibaba buYs bacK half of Yahoo!’s staKe• Alibaba paid Yahoo about $6.3

billion in cash and $800 million in preferred shares in Alibaba Group, plus $550 million cash for IPR-related agreement in return for a half of Yahoo!’s 40 percent shares in Alibaba.

• The deal, which began in May, was completed on Sept.18.

• A total of 15 firms acted in this massive multijurisdictional deal.

n YouR month at a glance

firm Jurisdiction deal name Value($ mln) deal type

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton U.S./China 3 Sbio Inc’s privatisation 330 M&A

Walkers

Conyers Dill & Pearman

U.S./China/Hong Kong

Alibaba’s stake repurchase from Yahoo! 7,600 M&A

Fangda Partners

Fenwick & West

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

King & Wood Mallesons

Maples and Calder

Morrison & Foerster

Munger, Tolles & Olson

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison

Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Sullivan & Cromwell

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

Walkers

Weil, Gotshal & Manges

White & Case

Allen & Overy Hong Kong/U.S.

Alibaba’s financing by China Development Bank 1,000 Banking and

Finance

Deacons Hong Kong/China

Gemdale’s acquisition of Frasers Property from Fraser and Neave Ltd

213 M&A

Chiu & Partners

Hong Kong/China

KFM Kingdom Holdings’ Hong Kong listing 13 Equity

GFE Law Office

Conyers Dill & Pearman

Deacons

Jun He Law Offices

Slaughter and May

Hong Kong John Swire & Sons’ share sale in Swire Properties

629 (HK$4.88 billion) Equity

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Clifford Chance ChinaNexans’ acquisition of Shandong Yanggu Cable Group

202(euro 156 million) M&A

King & Wood Mallesons

China Pfizer-Hisun joint venture 295 M&AJun He Law Offices

Clifford Chance

Weil, Gotshal & Manges

U.S./China Yongye International’s privatisation N/A M&ACleary Gottlieb Steen &

Hamilton

Page 7: CLB Oct 2012

05BRIEFS10.2012

Fundamental, yet gradual: China’s judicial reformthe big stoRY

By liu Zhen

China has pleaded to make more changes to its judicial system in accordance to new situations and problems. In its latest white paper,

“Judicial Reform in China”, issued on Oct. 9, maintaining social fairness and justice, and protecting human rights were listed among the ultimate objectives.

The paper says the defects and rigid-ity in China's current judicial system, and its work mechanisms are becoming increasingly prominent, and they need to be improved gradually through reform.

As the judicial environment changes pro-foundly, in this new round of judicial reform, China is trying to pursue a “just, effective and authoritative socialist judicial system with Chinese characteristics”.

For instance, in jury system trials with Chinese characteristics, last year “people’s assessors” participated in 1.1 million cases’ hearing, 46.5 percent of the ordinary proce-dure cases in 2011.

According to the white paper, by the end of 2011, China had more than 18,200 law firms with 215,000 lawyers who together handled 2.3 million litigations and 625,000 non-litigation cases. There are also 3,600 le-gal assistance agencies and 73,000 commu-nity-level legal service personnel.

Strengthening its judicial organs’ capa-bility, optimising the structure of the judicial organs and allocation of their functions and power, standardising judicial acts, improv-ing judicial proceedings, and enhancing ju-dicial democracy and legal supervision were among the goals of the paper.

Officials confirmed that a key amend-ment to the controversial system of laojiao – or “re-education through labour” is “neces-sary”. The current correctional laojiao system allows authorities to lock a person up for as long as three years without a trial.

As of 2005, such punishment was en-forced upon offenders in a number of cases; 580,000, or over half of all were related to

drug abuse, the Legal Daily quoted the Minis-try of Justice as saying.

Review and research on the reform of laojiao have been conducted; although, a timetable is not yet unavailable, according to Jiang Wei, a senior official in charge of the Central Leading Group for judicial reform.

Other measures of human rights protec-tion are being taken to deter and prohibit extorting confessions by torture, to better protect the rights of criminal suspects and defendants, and to protect attorneys' rights to exercise their duties. Measures are also be-ing taken to strictly control and prudently ap-ply the death penalty, says the paper.

The paper says judicial reform is an impor-tant part of China's political system reform, and it remains a long and arduous task.

“Reforms will be a gradual process, not realised overnight. They will not be achieved by a simple case of reconstruction after de-struction, but by steady progress and im-provement,” said Jiang.

REUTERS/Jason Lee

深刻但渐进:中国的司法改革本月要闻

刘蓁

中国宣布将进一步改革司法体系,以 适应当今 遇 到的新 情况、新问题。在10月9日最新发表的《中国的司法改革》白皮

书中,维护社会公平正义以及保障人权被列入终极目标当中。

白皮书称,现行司法体制和工作机制中的不完善和不适应的问题日益凸显,需要在改革中逐步完善和发展。

随着司法环境的深刻变化,在本次新一轮司法改革中,中国正尝试寻求一个“公正高效权威的有中国特色的社会主义司法制度”。

例如,作为完善中国特色的人民陪审员制度的尝试,过去一年里“人民陪审员”总共参与了110多万件案件的审理,占一审普通程序案件的46.5%

据白皮书的统计,截至2011年年底,中国共有1.8万家律师事务所,21.5万律师,总共办理了231.5万多件诉讼案件和62.5万多件非诉讼案件。另外还有法律援助机构3600多家和约7.3万人的社区基层法律服务人员。

强化司法机关的的司法能力,优化司法职权结构和功能权力配置,标准化司法行为,改善司法程序,以及践行司法为民和增进法律监督也在白皮书的目标之列。

与此同时,官方确认,对长期饱受争议的劳教制度的修改是“必要”的。目前的劳教改造制度允许未经法庭审判的人被关押高达三年。

《法制日报》曾引用过一份司法部发布的数据,其中提到2005年,在以劳教处理的全部案件中,有58万件,超过半数是与滥用毒品有关。

中央司法体制改革领导小组办公室负责人姜伟说,关于对劳教制度进行改革的方案,相关部门已经开始调查研究,但是目前还没有一个时间表。

白皮书里还提到其他一些保障人权的措施,包括:防范和遏制刑讯逼供,更好的保护犯罪嫌疑人和被告人的权利,以及保护律师行使职责的权利等等。另外还正在采取措施以严格控制和慎重适用死刑。

白皮书说,司法改革是中国政治体制改革的重要组成部分,并且还将是一项长期而艰巨的任务。

“改革是一个渐进的过程,无法一夕之间完成。改革不是简单的推倒重来,而是要稳步的前进和改善。”姜伟说。

Page 8: CLB Oct 2012

BRIEFS6 ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012

ALB: how is your role different from lawyers in other industries?lYs: I think my industry moves a little faster than many industries because many snap decisions have to be made on pressing or risky issues and legal advice has to be given to management quickly. This is because many engineering, procurement and construction contractors of mega projects like gas and oil plants have to coordinate with the plant end-user/owner and a large number of other subcontractors, including my company, and they operate on short notices most of the time.

ALB: what are some of the major trends in your industry? and how have these affected your role?lYs: Energy has become the lifeblood of modern economic development, but the traditional sources of energy like oil and gas have become expensive and more scarce; and amid concerns of carbon emissions, we have now gone on to alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, thermal and hydro power. With this growing trend, there is a need to keep up to date with any new local and international rules and regulations, and how they affect the company and its businesses.

ALB: can you describe the structure of your legal team?lYs: My team is spread across

the ASEAN and Australia/New Zealand regional offices, with three other legal counsel supported by three contract managers and legal executives. As the group’s business is mainly international projects in these regions, a lot of cooperation is required within the team to coordinate the legal work, with me supervising and advising the respective heads of departments.

ALB: what are the most important qualities someone in your role must possess?lYs: An in-house lawyer needs to be able to oversee and manage the handling of many matters on various topics from different arms of the business. He or she must have the ability to shift gears between matters with minimum lag. When there is a conflict between achieving profits and legal obstacles in the conclusion of a contract, he or she needs to think firstly from the perspective of a business person and then as a lawyer to get around these obstacles with the minimum of risks.

ALB: how would you describe the strategy for the legal team?lYs: I strive to get the team to engage in collaborative problem solving, rather than to just provide legal advice or provide contract reviews in a vacuum. It is all too easy to tell the business what are the

legal risks or what are the do’s and don’ts. But it is not easy to cultivate soft skills to stand in the position of the business person, and then work with him on the best way forward.

ALB: what can in-house counsel do to make themselves an indispensable part of the organisation?lYs: An in-house counsel provides legal advice on a business context, and not from a practitioner’s context. As such, the in-house counsel needs to learn to cultivate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be comfortable in a variety of situations, from presenting tough issues at the negotiating table of the customer to the sudden late night call or e-mail from a colleague in another time zone seeking advice.

ALB: what is the best advice you have ever received?lYs: The best advice I have received so far was “think, then think again before you act,” from my former supervisor when I was still in legal practice. When faced with pressing deadlines and mountains of work, a lawyer can easily make mistakes which will affect the overall matter he or she is handling. Thus, before one decides on a course of action, he or she needs to think again whether that course of action is the one to take, for better or worse.

gc inteRView

leK Yi siang

Position:Regional General Counsel

Company:Yokogawa Engineering Asia

Pte Ltd

‘Think, then think again before you act.’

REU

TER

S/H

ando

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Page 9: CLB Oct 2012

SponSored profile 7WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

泰和泰律师事务所

北京市中伦文德律师事务所

泰和泰律师事务所 地址: 成都市鼓楼南街117号世贸中心

A座25楼、27楼 邮编:610015 总机: 0086-028-86625656 邮件: [email protected] 网址: www.tahota-lawyer.com

杨静律师, 泰和泰律师事务所合伙人

姚正旺律师, 合伙人

泰和泰人力资源法律服务拓展与创新

中国修法加强劳务派遣的管理

泰和泰律师事务所深刻意识到人力资源法律事务对客户的重要性,因此高度重视该领域各项服务的拓展及服务模

式的创新。作为中国优秀的律师事务所,泰和泰处理了成千上万件劳动人事争议纠纷及案件,为近千家不同性质和类型的企事业单位提供了专业的、有针对性的人力资源管理法律服务,并参与了大量劳动和社会保障立法听证、政策论证等法律事务。在处理当前劳动法制环境下的各种人力资源争议纠纷、协助客户建立完善的人力资源管理制度、协助客户处理日常劳动关系等事务方面,拥有丰富的经验。

泰和泰在拓展与创新人力资源法律服务中,具有了以下独特性:

一、信息资源的整合优势泰和泰人力资源法律服务团队主要由劳动人事争议仲裁委员会专家委员、仲裁员、人力资源专家顾问、高等院校教授、高级人力资源管理师及企业高级法务律师组成,与地方性劳动人事争议仲裁机构、高等院校、各类性质的企、事业单位,均具有良好的信息沟通平台。泰和泰与各地劳动人事仲裁委员会仲裁实务、人力资源管理实践秉承“传承一致、与时俱进”的理念,为客户建立具有时代特色的人力资源管理法律体制,提供“理论前瞻、执行务实”的专业法律服务。

二、独立整合的地域优势泰和泰拥有六家品牌机构(北京、成都、重庆、深圳、大连、香港),是中西部唯一一家非地域化的律师事务所,系中国中部、西部最大的律师事务所。在此基础上,泰和泰人力资源法律服务拥有了跨区域的业务平台,为客户的跨区域业务拓展提供了“独立管理+整合制度”的跨区域法律服务方式。泰和泰与十几个

国家和地区以人力资源为主的国际大型律师事务所建立了战略协作联盟,形成了跨国企业人力资源在中国的制度建设、调解、仲裁、诉讼等一站式服务体系。目前,仅在成都一地就搭建了近20余人的人力资源专业律师团队,该服务模式正在向品牌机构及国外联盟所延伸。

三、周密独特的服务模式泰和泰以“方案量身化”为法律服务方案指定目标、以“服务贴身化”为法律服务方式提供目标,在为客户处置法律纠纷、制定法律风险控制体系的同时,从客户的单位性质、业务结构和历史文化出发,为客户量身打造适合客户要求的法律服务人员构成及法律服务方案。泰和泰的法律服务方式为项目管理制度,即主协调人+主办律师+协办律师+项目秘书的办案制度,专业化分工和团队协作,最大程度保障服务质量。

四、经典广泛的服务对象泰和泰成功服务了包括世界五百强企业在内的近千家企事业单位,类型涵盖外国企业、外资企业、国有企业、私营企业、集体企业、机关事业单位等,且成功处理了上万件人力资源纠纷及案例,优质的法律服务获得了广大客户一致好评。在航空业、传媒业、酒业、房地产建筑业、电子电器制造等各行各业,泰和泰拥有前瞻性的理论研究成果和丰富的精品业绩。泰和泰凭借与政府机构、法学研究机构和人力资源研究机构良好的交流与沟通,并与其建立了稳定的沟通或合作关系 ,这使泰和泰能够准确把握中国的最新立法、司法、执法动态,并能够深入理解客户在中国这一独特的市场环境中的不同需求,从而提供更为及时有效且前瞻性的法律服务,泰和泰在人力资源法律服务领域将再创辉煌。

十一届全国人大常委会第二十七次会议初次审议了《<劳动合同法修正案(草案)》(下称“《草案》”)并于

2012年7月6日向社会公开征集意见。《草案》共计四条,就有关劳务派遣的规定进行了修改,其主要内容如下:

一、《草案》第一条对《劳动合同法》第57条规定进行了修订,规定设立劳务派遣单位的注册资本不得少于人民币100万元,并且应向劳动行政部门办理行政许可。该规定在注册资本及管理制度方面进一步提高了行业准入门槛,但要求设立劳务派遣单位应当经过行政许可,从市场经济角度而言,该行政许可的设立不具备行政许可法关于行政许可设立的条件。

二、《草案》第二条在《劳动合同法》第63条的基础上增加了一款,《劳动合同法》第63条只是对“被派遣劳动者与用工单位劳动者同工同酬”做出了原则性的规定,《草案》第二条则进一步明确了被派遣劳动者与派遣单位签署的劳动合同以及派遣单位与用工单位签署的派遣协议有关向被派遣劳动者支付的劳动报酬应当符合前款规定,切实维护了被派遣劳动者

享有的“同工同酬”的权利。

三、《草案》第三条对《劳动合同法》第66条规定进行了修改,明确了“劳务派遣只能在临时性、辅助性或者替代性的工作岗位上实施”,并对“三性”岗位的具体含义作了进一步界定:临时性是指工作岗位存续时间不超过六个月;辅助性是指工作岗位为主营业务岗位提供服务;替代性是指职工因脱产学习、休假等原因在该工作岗位上无法工作的期间内,可以由被派遣劳动者替代工作。该规定在一定程度上可以杜绝某些企业在主营业务岗位和一般性岗位长期大量使用被派遣劳动者的现象,但《草案》关于“三性”的细化规定可操作性不强,在实践中可能严重走样,并对司法工作形成较大压力。

四、《草案》第四条对《劳动合同法》第92条规定进行了修改,增加了对未经许可擅自经营劳务派遣业务的单位的处罚力度;并进一步明确了对违反规定的劳务派遣单位、用工单位处罚措施,但《草案》规定修正案施行前经营劳务派遣业务的单位必须在依法办理行政许可和公司变更登记后方可继续经营劳务派遣业务,则违背了“法律不溯及既往”的原则。

地址:北京市朝阳区西坝河南 路1号金泰大厦19层

邮编: 100028 电话:+86-10-6440 2232 传真:+86-10-6440 2915 邮箱 : [email protected] 网址 : www.zhonglunwende.com

姚正旺律师,西南政法大学研究生毕业。中伦文德劳动人事专业委员会主任。主要业务领域涉及建设工程房地产、公司证券、金融能源、劳动人事、外商投资、诉讼仲裁及高等学校法律事务。工作语言为中文和英文。

Page 10: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012LEAGUE TABLES8

china announced m&a legal RanKings

china announced m&a legal RanKings

PAUL, WEISS

DEALS: 6 MARKET SHARE: 16.2

VALUE($mln)

(*tie) Based on Rank Value including Net Debt of announced M&A deals (excluding withdrawn M&A)

DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL

DEALS: 9 MARKET SHARE: 1.6

VALUE($mln)

(*tie) Based on Rank Value including Net Debt of announced M&A deals (excluding withdrawn M&A)

anY chinese inVolVement announced m&a actiVitY - QuaRteRlY tRend

RANK LEGAL ADVISER VALUE($ MLN)

DEALS MARKET SHARE

2 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 26,606.0 14 16.2

3 Sullivan & Cromwell 24,363.4 5 14.8

4 Davis Polk & Wardwell 20,625.6 5 12.5

5 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton 18,724.6 7 11.4

6 Stikeman Elliott 17,911.8 2 10.9

7* Burnet Duckworth & Palmer 17,665.6 1 10.7

7* Richard A Shaw Professional Corp 17,665.6 1 10.7

7* Blake Cassels & Graydon 17,665.6 1 10.7

7* Osler Hoskin & Harcourt 17,665.6 1 10.7

RANK LEGAL ADVISER VALUE($ MLN)

DEALS MARKET SHARE

2 Mayer Brown JSM 522.5 4 1.1

3 King and Wood 494.8 10 1.0

4 Mallesons Stephen Jaques 453.2 6 1.0

5 Fangda Partners 426.3 11 0.9

6 Shearman & Sterling 388.2 8 0.8

7 Allen & Overy 387.6 8 0.8

8 Paul, Weiss 368.6 4 0.8

9 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 345.1 5 0.7

10 O’Melveny & Myers 341.9 4 0.7

china announced m&a financial RanKings

hong Kong announced m&a legal RanKings

(*tie) Based on Rank Value including Net Debt of announced M&A deals (excluding withdrawn M&A)

LINKLATERS

DEALS: 10 MARKET SHARE: 11.5

VALUE($mln)

(*tie) Based on Rank Value including Net Debt of announced M&A deals (excluding withdrawn M&A)

GOLDMAN SACHS & CO

VALUE($mln)

DEALS: 14 MARKET SHARE: 19.5

RANK FINANCIAL ADVISER VALUE($ MLN)

DEALS MARKET SHARE

2 UBS 29,493.9 13 17.9

3 Citi 27,578.8 19 16.7

4 China International Capital Co 22,186.3 17 13.5

5 Credit Suisse 20,475.7 10 12.4

6 RBC Capital Markets 17,853.1 2 10.8

7 BMO Capital Markets 17,665.6 1 10.7

8 HSBC Holdings 11,845.9 10 7.2

9 JP Morgan 11,631.9 9 7.1

10 Deutsche Bank 11,055.6 9 6.7

RANK FINANCIAL ADVISER VALUE($ MLN)

DEALS MARKET SHARE

2 Clifford Chance 4,998.8 17 9.7

3 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 4,849.8 7 9.4

4 Allen & Overy 3,928.4 9 7.6

5 Sullivan & Cromwell 3,854.7 3 7.5

6 Baker & McKenzie 2,932.4 8 5.7

7 Jones Day 2,400.7 4 4.7

8 Skadden 1,791.7 4 3.5

9 Debevoise & Plimpton 1,718.8 1 3.3

10 Zhong Lun Law Firm 1,481.4 3 2.9

notes: League tables, quarterly trend, and deal list are based on the nation of either the target, acquiror, target ultimate parent, or acquiror ultimate parent at the time of the transaction. Announced M&A transactions excludes withdrawn deals. Deals with undisclosed dollar values are rank eligible but with no corresponding Rank Value. Non-US dollar denominated transactions are converted to the US dollar equivalent at the time of announcement of terms. Data accurate as of October 16, 2012

32,115.1 26,738.3

760.1 5,911.2

8.3 9.416.6

10.615.7 12.4

17.023.4 21.5 22.6 22.4

46.439.9

83.6

27.536.5

16.7

42.547.7

42.5 42.6 45.7 47.1

72.1

45.1 41.9

54.9

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

0102030405060708090

1Q 05 3Q 05 1Q 06 3Q 06 1Q 07 3Q 07 1Q 08 3Q 08 1Q 09 3Q 09 1Q 10 3Q 10 1Q 11 3Q 11

No. of TransactionsRa

nk V

alue

US$

Bill

ion

Rank Value US$ billion

No. of Deals

Page 11: CLB Oct 2012

BRIEFS 9WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

Uphill battle for Malaysia masterplanMalaysia’s sweeping Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which includes a badly needed mass transit system for Kuala Lumpur, is facing increasing scepticism that it cannot attract the level of private investment needed to meet its goals.

A key target is to have private investors fund 60 percent of the ETP. Two years after its creation, the programme is leaning heavily on state spending - through 2011, fully private companies accounted for less than 35 percent - even as the Southeast Asian nation posts impressive growth rates the government credits partly to its masterplan.

Critics contend that the ETP is a snazzy throwback to Malaysian mega-projects that failed to deliver, from a multimedia "super corridor", derailed by the 1997 and 1998 Asian financial crisis and dotcom bust, to "BioValley", a planned biotech hub that sank after its 2003 launch.

MALAYSIA’S ECONOMIC PROGRAMME AND INCOME

Sources: Malaysia Central Bank, Malaysia Statistics, Pemandu

Reuters graphic/Catherine Trevethan 15/08/12

Current account balance - bln ringgit

Gross National Income per capita - 000 ringgit

Select government-backed ETP projects - bln ringgit

0

7000

14000

21000

28000

35000

'11'10'09'08'07'06'05'04'03'02'01000

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Regasification plant

Balai cluster oil fields

Developing marginal oil/gas fields

Electricity infrastructure

Klang Valley mass rapid transit

Refinery & Petrochem Integrated Dev

Karambunai Integrated Resort City*

* Private sector project

CHINA · SHANGHAI中国·上海

2012.11.24—11.25

Page 12: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSOctOber 2012APPOINTMENTS10

LATERAL HIRESname leaVing going to pRactice location

www.cmlrecruitment.com.hkwww.cmlrecruitment.com.hk+852 2836 6382+852 2836 6382CareerAsiaCareerAsiaCmlAsiaCmlAsia

Discreet. Professional. Eff ecti ve.The Recruiters Partners speak to in Asia.Partners • Team Moves • Associates • In House

Asia ex-Japan Legal & Compliance Best Headhunti ng Executi ve: Rank 1Asia ex-Japan Legal & Compliance Best Conti ngency Firm: Rank 2 Asia ex-Japan Legal & Compliance Best Retained Firm: Rank 3

CML-HK_print-banner_ALB.indd 1 4/19/12 9:47:50 AM

Allen & Overy Morrison & Foerster Corporate Hong KongJeremy Hunt

Pang & Co Loeb & Loeb Finance and securities Hong KongBenny Pang

Cozen O’Connor Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Corporate BeijingWilliam L. Rosoff

Allen & Overy Ashurst Dispute resolution Hong KongAngus Ross

Salans Adamas M&A and Investment ShanghaiGermain Sinpraseuth

Baker & McKenzie LinklatersCorporate, Equity and Compliance

BeijingPui Hong Chik

Simmons & Simmons Dechert Corporate Hong Kong Lewis Ho

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

Morrison & Foerster Corporate BeijingThomas Yunlong Man

fiRm pRacticename fRom to

Nick Beckett CMS Cameron McKennaLife sciences and Pharmaceutical

London Beijing

Gautam Bhattacharyya

Reed SmithInternational

commercial litigation; Arbitration

London Singapore

Mark Hyde Clifford Chance Finance London Hong Kong

Nick Seddon EvershedsAerospace defence and

CorporateHong Kong Beijing

Lawrence Venick Loeb & Loeb Corporate Beijing Hong Kong

RELOCATIONS

www.cmlrecruitment.com.hkwww.cmlrecruitment.com.hk+852 2836 6382+852 2836 6382CareerAsiaCareerAsiaCmlAsiaCmlAsia

Discreet. Professional. Eff ecti ve.The Recruiters Partners speak to in Asia.Partners • Team Moves • Associates • In House

Asia ex-Japan Legal & Compliance Best Headhunti ng Executi ve: Rank 1Asia ex-Japan Legal & Compliance Best Conti ngency Firm: Rank 2 Asia ex-Japan Legal & Compliance Best Retained Firm: Rank 3

CML-HK_print-banner_ALB.indd 1 4/19/12 9:47:50 AM

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SHANGHAI YOUNG-BEN LAW FIRM

徐宇舟, 合伙人 Denning Xu, Partner 自2003年《企业国有产权转让管理暂行办法》

首次对国有产权转让做出“应当在依法设立的产权交易机构中公开进行”的规定以来,我国已经陆续颁布了多个政策法规用于规范国有企业通过产权交易平台的公开转让。2009年《中华人民共和国企业国有资产法》的颁布,更是再一次以国家法律的形式明确规定了“国有资产转让应当在依法设立的产权交易场所公开进行。”同时,各地政府以及产权交易机构也纷纷出台交易规则,细化国有产权进场交易的要求和流程。国有企业股权进场交易已属于法律强制性规定,并且已经形成了比较成熟的交易流程以及交易规范。

相比国有股权转让的规范化以及成熟度,国有物权的转让交易则存在不少问题。首先,国家的法律对于国有物权是否必须进场交易规定不明。《中华人民共和国企业国有资产法》第51条规定,“本法所称国有资产转让,是指依法将国家对企业的出资所形成的权益转移给其他单位或者个人的行为;按照国家规定无偿划转国有资产的除外”。可见,法律对于国有资产转让的界定还仅仅停留在股权层面,并不包括物权。因此,国有资产法对于国有资产转让必须进场交易的规定因此也仅仅限定于国有股权,而无法直接约束国有物权的交易。

由于国家法律的规定不明,导致了国企管理者对于国有物权进场交易始终有点暧昧。对于国企管理层来讲,选择不进场交易,似乎有违国有资产转让公开公平公正的原则;选择进场交易,则尚无强制性的规定,而且需要承担额外的交易费用和时间成本。所以,在国有物权的转让和交易中,私下转让、低估价值、规避税收、中饱私囊的现象依然存在,国有物权转让乱象从生。

作为全国性的产权交易平台,上海联合产权交易所于2012年4月5日首次颁布了《上海联合产权交易所物权交易办法(试行)》(以下简称“《交易办法》”)。《交易办法》第一次对于物权进场交易做出了明确的规定。原本律师事务所作为上海联合产权交易所的律师会员单位和法律专家组成员,参与了该《交易办法》的制定。通过《交易办法》的实施,依托上海联交所的专业优势和市场优势,上海联交所拟在上海建立起一个专业且规范的物权交易平台。

《交易办法》共58条,分别从受理申请、信息发布、资金结算、标的物交付、法律责任等方面对物权进场交易做出明确规定。以下几点是需要值得注意的地方:

1、《交易办法》采用了《中华人民共和国物权法》对于物权的定义和范畴,第一次明确将所有权、用益物权

和担保物权都列入可供交易的物权。因此,包括土地承包经营权、采矿权、建设用地使用权等原本存在争议的物权内容都可以进入物权交易平台进行市场化的交易。

2、进场交易的形式多样化。《交易办法》规定了包括拍卖、网络竞价和协议等多种交易方式。委托人可以根据实际情况选择适用不同的交易类型,最大程度保证交易的成功率。

3、进场交易代理制度。《交易办法》明确规定物权交易应通过经纪会员或拍卖会员进行,保证了物权交易的规范性和便捷性。

4、交易资金的统一结算。《交易办法》规定交易价款和交易服务费都应当进入联交所统一实行资金结算。受让方一旦发现标的物存在异议,可以要求联交所止付。这个规定更大程度保护了受让方的利益,也更好的发挥了联交所交易平台的监管作用。

笔者认为,依法建立和推进国有物权交易新平台,鼓励和支持国有企业物权进场交易公开转让,对保障国有资产保值增值,减少国资流失风险具有重大作用:

产权交易平台是一个公开的市场交易平台,通过合理的竞价规则,最大程度的体现拟转让国有物权的实际市场价值,有利于国有物权的价值衡量和市场化运作。

进入产权交易需要提供各类申请文件和批准程序,通过规范的交易流程,确保对于国有物权转让的监督管理,保证公开、公平、公正的市场原则。

进入产权交易平台,需要有包括律师事务所、审计评估事务所、产权经纪公司等专业的第三方机构的介入,对于国有物权在产权界定、资产评估、交易手续、合同签署、款项支付等各方面提供专业支持,避免法律风险。

当然,由于上位法未对国有物权进场交易做出强制性规定,因此《交易规则》对于国有物权进场交易也是遵循自愿的原则。笔者建议,从保护国有资产以及国企管理者的角度来讲,国有物权进场交易势在必行,且有利无弊。同时,笔者也呼吁立法机关能够从法律法规的层面出台更高级别的规定,对国有物权进场交易做出更加明确的规定,以在全国范围内建立和推进国有物权交易的广阔平台。

进场交易—国有物权交易的规范化平台

上海原本律师事务所Shanghai Young-Ben Law Firm

地址:中国上海市陕西北路 1438号财富时代广场 1405-1407室

A: Room 1405-1407, Fortune Times Plaza, No. 1438, North Shanxi Road, Shanghai, 200060, PRC.

邮编:200060 直线:+86-21-61484900 电邮:[email protected]

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** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

AS thE LIfESPAN Of thE vArIABLE INtErESt ENtItY StrUCtUrE fACES UNCErtAINtY IN ChINA, ZHENG YU rEAChES OUt tO tOP CAPItAL MArkEtS PrACtItIONErS tO fINd OUt thEIr PErSPECtIvES.

没人知道协议控制结构在中国还能存活多久。Zheng Yu联系了几位最优秀的资本市场律师,来听一下他们的意见。

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation**

The betrayal of your local management team, the transfer of core assets, the disappearance of your company chop, and the rob-bery of company hard disks – nothing can be worse for a foreign businessman than getting trapped with all of these. Earlier this

year, the drama of ChinaCast Education shocked investors with the most extreme variable interest entity (VIE) rupture, and brought back all the worries accumulated over the years.

The VIE structure is by nature a business model that has been em-bedded and is thriving in China’s regulatory grey area. However, since 2010, from GigaMedia and Buddha Steel to the most famous Alibaba case, scandals exposed the VIE, and has shown that after a decade of glorious development, the innate defects of this workaround solution had begun to loom large.

Now all eyes are on the government’s attitude toward this issue - with investor concerns flaring up, and a round of fierce attack from short sell-ers is raging against the existing VIEs. Once much loved, now shunned, the structure has been caught in an awkward and subtle situation

A HAVE-TO CHOICE According to the Provisions on Guiding Direction of Foreign Investment and Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance Catalogue, several politi-cally-sensitive industries, such as the Internet, education, and telecom-munications are banned from foreign investment in China to protect related companies’ full domestic ownerships. However, these industries are actually in dire need of foreign capital to support their rapid growth.

As an answer to the conundrum, the VIE structure - composed of a

当 地管理团队背叛了你,核心资产被转移,公司印章消失,公司硬 盘被抢走,对一个 外商

来说,没有比遭遇这些更糟糕的了。今年年初,发生在双 威教育的戏 剧性事件震惊了投资者。这是协议控制(VIE)破裂的一个极端例子,积聚了数年的担忧又再度袭来。

V I E结构从本质上讲,是 兴起和兴旺于中国监管灰色地带的一种业务模式。但 从2010年起,从和信超媒体和宝生钢铁,到最著名的阿里巴巴事件,一件件丑闻将VIE曝光在公众面前,显示在十年繁 荣 发 展之后,这一变通办法的先天性缺陷开始耸现。

现在,所有的眼睛都盯在了政 府对这件事情的态度上。投资者的担忧日益升温,卖空者正在对现有VIE发起一轮猛攻。从当初的备受追捧,到如今的人人避讳,VIE结构陷入了一个尴尬而微妙的境地。

不得已的选择 根据《指导外商投资方向规定》和《外商投

资产业指导目录》,中国禁止外资进入一些政治敏感行业(如,互联网、教育和电信),以确保相关公司全部由内资所有。但其实这些行业迫切需要外资来支持其快速发展。

FADINg gLoRY VIEs in China

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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逝去的辉煌:VIE在中国

REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

FADINg gLoRY VIEs in China

Chinese-owned company in China, a foreign-owned company in China and an offshore parent, bound through a series of contractual agree-ments - was first creatively introduced in 2000 for Sina’s Nasdaq IPO, the first overseas listing for Chinese Internet companies. The adoption of this structure was full of sinuation, yet the purpose was simple and direct - to hide the fact of foreign investment in those restricted areas from Chinese regulators.

So fundamentally, the VIE is a business structure that goes against Chinese laws. However, the Chinese government’s silence, which the market widely interpreted as a tacit approval, led to the structure’s decade of prosperity. This ended in 2011 when the Alibaba scandal broke out.

For now, the lawyers interviewed by ALB agree that the capital markets have become more cautious, but the VIE remains a have-to choice for foreign investment in restricted areas. “In China, the market usually gets slow for the first three months after any big changes, but several tentative deals would soon help it to recover. For the VIE, the market has already fully recovered at the end of last year,” says Hang Cai, partner at Grandall’s Shanghai office, who previously was an official at the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Information. “If an Internet company wants to get the dollar investment, currently there’s nothing

为解决这个难题,2000年新浪在其纳斯达克IPO(中国互联网公司首次在海外上市)中,首次创造性地采用了VIE结构。该结构由一个在中国的中资公司、一个在中国的外资公司和一个在境外的母公司组成,并通过一系列契约协议绑定在一起。采用这一结构的过程充满曲折,但目标是简单而直接的,那就是对中国的监管部门隐瞒外资进入限制行业的事实。

所以从根本上说,VIE是一个违反中国法律的业务结构。但中国政府的沉默被市场广泛解读为默许,并进而导致了该结构十年的兴盛,直至2011年阿里巴巴丑闻爆发。

受访的律师们一致认为,目前资本市场已变得更加谨慎,但VIE仍是外资进入限制行业的不得已的选择。“在中国,在发生任何巨大变动之后,市场通常会在头三个月里陷入低迷,但几个试探性的交易就能让它迅速复苏。对VIE

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better than VIE,” he adds. Judging from years of government experience, Hang does not expect

China to open up the IT industry in the foreseeable future, and believes it will remain restricted to overseas ownership as the guiding invest-ment catalogue and related telecommunication regulations are still in effect. So, as long as those major listing destinations in the U.S. and Hong Kong do not reject this structure, and the general background of the government’s strong support for those highly-valued domestic ownerships does not change, the VIE will continue to be the mainstream investment vehicle.

“Order No.75 (Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration of Financing and Inbound Investment under-taken by domestic residents through Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles) does pose some registration challenges, but it does not affect the basic trend as companies would move to cities more tolerant with this ap-proval, like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou,” says Hang. “In fact, we are seeing more projects moving to Beijing for registration.”

Besides, Jeff Yao, a Shanghai-based partner at Jade & Fountain, notes that “everyone is now familiar with this structure, so it has grown into a mature plan with all the documents easy to prepare”. China now has many experienced intermediary agencies assisting companies to make the VIE preparations, including the whole process of establishing the offshore companies. The high market recognition and acceptability has already become a major boost to streamline the general operation.

According to Selena She, partner at Jade & Fountain, for private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) still seeking investment opportunities in the restricted industries, the structure itself is simply not an issue. “It is a question of to be or not to be,” she says. “In China, many legal problems don’t have a black-and-white answer. PE or VC that have zero tolerance [over the risks coming with the VIE] can’t survive.” She suggests that compared with the to be or not to be question, institutional investors now have more concerns over their exit strategy. “It makes more sense to discuss the choice between a joint venture and an offshore company, as apart from the traditional overseas exit, domestic listings have also emerged as a viable exit option.”

VIE REGULATIONS TIGHTENING UP? In September 2011, Reuters exclusively reported that lawyers at four different firms in China and Hong Kong said they had seen an internal report, dated Aug. 17, said to come from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), which asked China’s State Council to take action against VIEs. According to the report, specific measures included provid-ing more encouragement for Internet company’s domestic listing, and a requirement of obtaining dual approvals from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the CSRC for the Chinese-owned company before its offshore parent’s overseas listing.

Later, during MOFCOM’s routine press conference, the spokesperson stated that he had not heard of this report, but at the same time, he revealed that MOFCOM and related government bodies were studying how to regulate this investment activity. So far, one year has passed while no systematic VIE regulation has come out. “I don’t think the government would have any clear cut policy for the VIE. The existing VIEs’ economic impact is not small. Under the current economic situation, China won’t take that action [to ban VIEs],” says She of Jade & Fountain.

Hang at Grandall shares this view as he explains that the VIE has made a great contribution to China’s IT industry: “There are two large groups of VIE beneficiaries. First is the Chinese government. The VIE-supported IT industry has created a large amount of job opportunities, and has brought in lots of tax revenues. Second are those dollar-based funds. Though the rate of return has greatly dropped recently, during

来说,市场已经在去年年底就完全恢复了,”国浩上海代表处的合伙人蔡航说。蔡曾是上海市信息化委员会的官员。“如果一家互联网公司想得到美元投资,目前还没有比VIE更好的办法。” 他补充说。

根据多年的政府工作经验,蔡认为在可预见的未来中国不会开放其IT行业,并且鉴于投资指导目录和相关电信法规仍然有效,蔡认为IT业会继续限制外商投资。所以,只要美国和香港的主要上市地不拒绝这一结构,并且政府坚持高值内资化的大背景不变, VIE就将继续是一种主要的投资工具。

“国家外汇管理局75号文《关于境内居民通过境外特殊目的公司融资及返程投资外汇管理有关问题的通知》的确在登记方面设置了一些难题,但这不会影响到基本趋势,因为这些公司会转移到更易获得批准的城市去,比如北京、上海和广州,”蔡说。“实际上,我们看到很多项目都转去北京登记。”

此外九州丰泽常驻上海的合伙人姚晓洪也谈到:“现在所有人都很熟悉这个结构,它已经成为一个成熟的方案,所有的文件都很容易准备。”中国现在有许多有经验的中介代理人都可以协助公司筹备VIE,包括设立境外公司的整个过程。来自市场的高度认可和接纳已成为操作流程高效精简的主要动力。

据九州丰泽的合伙人佘铭讲,对仍在限制行业寻找投资机会的私募股权(PE)和风险投资(VC)来说,结构本身根本不是问题。“问题是做还是不做,”她说。“在中国,很多法律问题并没有非黑即白的答案。[对VIE附带的风险]零容忍度的PE或VC无法生存。”

她认为与做还是不做的问题相比,如今机构投资者更关心他们的退出策略。“还不如讨论如何在合资企业和离岸公司中二选一更有意义,因为现在除了传统的境外退出,国内上市也成为一种可行的退出方案。”

对VIE的监管收紧? 根据2011年9月路透社的独家报告,来自大陆和香港四家不同律所的

律师都称,他们曾见过一份由中国证券监督管理委员会(“证监会”)于8月17日发出的内部报告,报告中要求国务院对VIE采取措施。报告中提到的具体措施包括,对互联网公司在国内上市给予更多鼓励,并要求中资公司在其境外母公司海外上市之前必须取得商务部和证监会的双重批准。

之后,在商务部的例行新闻发布会上,发言人说他没听说过这份报告,但同时又透露商务部和相关政府部门正在研究如何规范这类投资行为。但至今已经过去一年,仍未有任何系统的VIE规范出台。“我不认为政府会针对VIE有何明确的政策。现有VIE的经济影响力不小。在目前的经济形势下,中国不会采取行动[禁止VIE],” 九州丰泽的佘铭说。

国浩的蔡航认为,VIE对中国的IT业做出了巨大贡献。他说:“VIE的受益者有两大类。第一类是中国政府,由VIE支持的IT业创造了大量就业机会,并带来了大量税收收入。第二类是美元基金,尽管最近收益率已经大跌,但在最初的几年里,VIE的投资收益率最高可达50倍以上。通常这些基金的所有者与政界关系密切,他们不会允许VIE死去。所以总的说来,政府没有动力来大规模打击VIE。”

但是,深度的利益关系也并不意味着政府会完全放开。很多人预计马上会出台更多针对具体行业的规范,而非普遍限制。

“中国不会在近期禁止VIE,但我觉得会加强对VIE的监管。VIE的问题是,一旦实际控制人违约,在中国的法律框架下将很难合法地强制执行,”九州丰泽北京代表处的合伙人舒林飞说。“所以一方面,上市的VIE应受到保护,另一方面,将有更多的限制出台[来规范市场]。”

舒建议不同行业可以有自己不同的VIE监管规范,如新闻出版署和国家版权局于2009年签发的第13号通知禁止外资直接或间接参与网络游戏运营业务。

并表要求难以实现 VIE结构所依托的概念,是通过法律协议而非股权占有来实现控制。

典型的协议包括贷款协议、股权质押协议、买入期权协议、技术支持协议和授权委托书。

但VIE的根基是不稳的,因为这些协议事实上违反了中国法律。理论

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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the first several years, the return on VIE investment could hit as high as above 50 times. The owner of these funds, usually with strong politi-cal connections, won’t allow VIEs to die. So generally, the government doesn’t have the incentive to massively crack down on VIEs.”

Meanwhile, the deep interest relationship does not simply translate into a complete openness on the government side. Instead of general controls, many expect more industry-focused regulations in the pipeline.

“China won’t ban VIEs in the near future, but I feel the VIE will receive more regulations. The problem for VIEs is that once the actual controller breaks the contract, legitimate enforcement would be difficult to conduct under the Chinese legal framework,” says Brad Shu, partner at Jade & Fountain’s Beijing office. “So, on one hand, the listed VIEs should be protected; on the other hand, there will be more restrictions coming out [to regulate the market].”

Shu suggests that different industries may have different VIE regulations. For example, Notice No.13 issued in 2009 from the General Administration for Press and Publication (GAPP) and the State Copyright Administration prohibits any direct and indirect foreign capital participa-tion in the online game business.

CONSOLIDATION REqUIRED, BUT DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE The concept that underpins a VIE structure is that the control is obtained through legal agreements rather than through share ownerships. Typical agreements include loan agreements, equity pledge agreements, call option agreements, technical support agreements, and the power of attorney.

However, the VIE foundation is shaky as these agreements are, as a

上,现有的VIE都是没有意义的,因为这些协议都无法强制执行,所以外国投资者实际上在押宝这些违法之处会被忽略。最近发生的所有VIE丑闻,要么是由中方的违约行为造成的(如双威教育),要么是由外方对可能出现违约行为的担忧而造成的(如新东方教育)。

这些违约行为显然给海外资本市场的证交所拉响了警报。香港联合交易所(“港交所”)已两次发布特别针对VIE的上市决策。“这些上市决策都是清晰而合理的。它告诉投资者VIE不是港交所拒绝任何上市申请的原因,但在审核过程中有几个要件需要特别注意,”金杜的合伙人赵晓红说。“很明显,列出这些要件就是为了收紧对整个结构的控制。”

国浩的蔡航注意到目前国外的证券交易所通常会要求中国VIE结构合并报表,其目的是为了消除当前结构中的一些主要风险。“一般说来,第一大风险是,中资公司和外资公司的法定代表人都是同一个人,”蔡说。“另一个风险是,在VIE结构下,一家互联网公司的无形资产不在投资者手里,而全部由中资公司所掌握。”

他继续解释道,对于第一个风险,法定代表人能轻易解除两家实体签订的协议,所以现在很多VIE结构都有两个独立的法定代表人。这样一来,当创始人和投资者发生争议时,该结构不会被轻易换掉。对于第二个风险,一个互

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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coming bacK to a-shaRes?

回归A股?

Under the Chinese legal context, the VIE structure will continue to live in the

shadows with policy risks hanging around. The lawyers interviewed all agree that get-ting back to the domestic A-share market would be the cleanest solution to kill all the doubts and attacks against VIEs, but the second listing is by no means easy. ALB asks three experienced professionals for their opinions over the challenges for the VIE’s prospects in the domestic stock market.

在中国的法律背景下,VIE结构将继续 生 存 在 阴 影 里 , 四 周 飘 荡 着 政 策 风险。受访的律师们都同意,也许回归国内A股市场是消灭所有针对VIE的疑虑和攻击的最干净的解决办法,但二次上市也绝不是件容易的事。以下针对VIE在国内上市可能面临的挑战,ALB请了三位有经验的专家来发表他们的意见。

蔡航,国浩律师事务所

首先,中资公司产出的收益极少,因为大多数利润都记在了离岸公司账上。而上市实体必须是持有牌照的国内公司,所以这家公司会需要一些时间来积累上市要求的收益额。

第二,所有权结构必须改回原来实际的结构。之前为了便于取得ICP牌照,中资公司的所有权结构被设计得比较简单,有时由一个自然人组成,有时再多加几个法定代表人或PE股东。此结构反映的不一定是上市实体真实的所有权情况。这种情况下,必须对其进行调整,以包含进境外美元投资者的权益。这通常会涉及美元基金的退出和人民币基金的加入。在此期间,股东会变更,之后董事会成员和高级管理人员也会跟着变更。而在高科技创业板上市,会要求在最近两年(中小企业为三年)内实际控制人、高级管理人员和董事会成员未发生变更。

所以最根本的挑战是,公司不得不耐心等上几年[才能满足 A 股上市条件]。

hang cai, Grandall Law Firm

The first issue is that the Chinese-owned company generates little revenue as most

of its profits are booked on the offshore company. The listing entity must be the domestic company which owns the licence while it would take this company some time to accumulate the required amount of revenue for the listing.

Second, the ownership structure must be reverted to the original, actual structure. Previously, for the convenience of obtain-ing the ICP licence, the Chinese-owned company’s ownership structure was made relatively easy, composed of a natural person or sometimes with a few more legal representatives or PE shareholders. The structure does not necessarily reflect the listing entity’s real ownership situation. Under such circumstances, the structure must be adjusted to include the offshore dollar investors’ interests. This usually involves an exit of the dollar fund, and the entry of a RMB fund. In this process, the shareholders will change, followed by the change of board members and senior executives. While listing on the ChiNext board requires no change of the actual controller, senior executives, and board members in two years, and for SMEs, that’s three years.

So the fundamental challenge is that the company has to patiently wait for several years (to qualify itself for an A-share list-ing).

matter of fact, in violation of Chinese law. Theoretically, existing VIEs are meaningless with all those unenforceable contracts, so foreign investors are actually making a bet that these violations will be ignored. Recent VIE scandals all took place either as a result of the default on the Chinese side, as the case with ChinaCast Education, or due to the overseas con-cerns over possible defaults as with the case of New Oriental Education.

Such defaults obviously alerted capital markets bourses overseas. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx) has already filed two listing decisions specifically for VIEs. “The listing decisions are clear and reasonable. It tells investors that VIEs won’t be the reason for the HKEx to reject any listing, but during the review process, there are several factors in need of special attention,” says Zhao Xiaohong, a partner of King & Wood Mallesons. “Apparently, these factors are purposefully listed to tighten up control over the whole structure.”

联网项目的价值在于它的域名、商标和其他相关版权。但根据中国的法规,取得互联网内容提供商(ICP)牌照的前提是域名和商标必须由中资公司所有。投资者会有不安全感,因为这些资产被禁止转移到中国境外。所以现在,律师会将域名和商标当作质押品,并由境外母公司作为质权人。一旦VIE破产,这种安排可有助于确保境外公司对这些主要知识产权的所有权。

不管怎样,很多人认为合并报表手段不现实也过于严苛,在现实中很难实施。

“在实务中,要使主要股东、投资人和证券交易所的意见完全一致很难。尤其对公司创始人来说,他们会觉得难以接受这样严格的控制。他们提出一个终极问题,那就是公司到底是他们的,还是投资者的。要改变他们的思维很难,”赵说。“就市场发展而言,VIE曾盛极一时,之后也将演变为新的形式。至于VIE的未来,我觉得合并报表很难起到真正的作用。”

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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赵晓红,金杜律师事务所

首先,我不认为证监会对红筹股的二次上市有任何偏见。大家都想在A股市场上市,证监会没有阻止任何人。证监会在做的只是控制IPO的步伐。监管机构在暂停两个月之后,刚刚恢复对IPO的审核。目前共有超过700家公司在排队等待审核。正常情况下,每年会有100家公司通过审核。大批量批准上市会严重损害这个脆弱的市场。所以从这一角度,证监会对每个申请者都是公平的。

但实际上并非每个VIE都适合转成A股。对于一个没有清晰利润模式的资金密集型公司,它能平稳度过等待期么?

此外,先不谈业务模式问题,修改会计和法律文件也将是一大挑战。所有的初始文件都需要检查。公司是否已通过国家安全审查?如何解决那些严重不符合安全审查要求的问题?公司还需征求商务部对其过往VIE经营活动的意见。这一意见对证监会的决定至关重要。VIE不可避免地会比普通结构的公司有更多问题。

Zhao xiaohong, King & Wood Mallesons

First of all, I don’t think the CSRC holds any bias toward the

Red chips’ second listing. Everyone wants to get the A-share listing, and the CSRC is not holding anyone back. But the CSRC is now controlling the pace of the IPO. The regulatory body has just resumed the IPO review after a two-month suspension. There are altogether over 700 companies lining up for review. Normally, over 100 companies could pass the review an-nually; massive listing approvals would seriously hurt this fragile market. So from this perspective, the CSRC is fair to every applicant.

But in fact, not every VIE is suitable for this switch to A-shares. If it is a capital-inten-sive company with no clear profit model, will it survive during the waiting period?

Plus, putting the issue of business model aside, revising the accounting and legal documents poses another big challenge. All the initial documents need to be exam-ined. Has the company passed the national security review? How can these major conflicts with the security review require-ments be solved? The company also has to ask for MOFCOM for its opinion over their previous VIE operations. The opinions would be critical for the CSRC’s decision. Inevitably, VIEs would have more problems than companies with normal structures.

姚晓洪,九州丰泽律师事务所

VIE结构的公司必定有境外投资者。一旦它们转入国内资本市场,该如何适当保护境外投资者的权益?这也是个问题。

我相信政府将颁布更多方便VIE回国上市和简化其上市手续的政策。但VIE面临的许多问题不是马上就能解决的。

Jeff Yao, Jade & Fountain

Companies with VIE structures must have overseas investors. Once they move to

the domestic capital markets, how can overseas interests be properly protected? This is also a problem.

I believe the government will release more policies to provide convenience, and minimise the listing complexities for VIEs to come back. But many of the problems facing VIEs are not something that can be immediately fixed.

Hang at Grandall observes that foreign stock exchanges now usually require Chinese VIE structures to be consolidated, with an aim to get rid of the major risks in the current structure. “Generally speaking, the first major risk lies with the fact that the legal representative for both the Chinese-owned company and the foreign-owned company is the same person,” says Hang. “Another risk is that, under the VIE structure, an Internet company’s intangible assets are not at the hand of the investors, but solely owned by the Chinese-owned company.”

He continues to explain that for the first risk, the legal representative could easily dismiss the agreement signed between the two entities, so now, many VIE structures would have two independent legal representa-tives. Thus, when disputes occur between the founder and the investors, the structure would not be easily replaced. As for the second risk, an Internet project’s value lies with its domain names, trademarks, and any

寻找替代方案 很多人认为目前VIE在资本市场上已处于淡

出阶段。“VIE还能存在五到十年,这期间会出现更多的违约,”赵说。“机构投资者对VIE的热情正在冷却,而现有的VIE会朝不同的方向演化。我认为IPO会越来越少,而上市公司收购VIE将成为另一个可行方案。市场普遍对VIE风险变得更为警觉。”

随着越来越多VIE丑闻的爆发,企业家、投资者和相关业内人士正在迫切寻找一个可替代方案。“我们至今还没能找到一个能替代VIE的更佳模式,” 国浩的蔡航说。“有客户向我们问起一个由一家美国律所提出的新模式,但很少有人

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Variable interest entity18

了解这个新模式,因为之前没有先例。”蔡提到的模式,就是凯威莱德亚洲区管理合

伙人李大诚提出的“跨法域控制公司”(MJCC)模式。“我们觉得市场已多多少少将VIE扼杀了。没人愿意碰它。四大不愿帮它合并报表。对冲基金和投资者一般也不愿投资VIE企业,”李说。“我认为MJCC也许是唯一能替代VIE的模式。”

按李的说法,MJCC结构可通过以下方式降低VIE结构所固有的风险:(i) 给国外投资者提供更多的法律保护;(ii) 使国外投资者与其中国本地业务伙伴的利益趋于一致;(iii) 提高公司内部的流动性;以及 (iv) 在出现MJCC合同违约时,能提供一种精密的方法来计算损失赔偿和强制执行判决。

李说其律所已开始为某些客户搭建MJCC结构,他预计大约三到四年后首个MJCC结构就可面世。

目前市场上对这种替代方案的反应是期待与疑虑并存。“资本市场欢迎这种创新。但这个事情的本质是,这些公司在进入中国的限制行业。想通过一些法律程序来将违禁的事情变得不违禁是不可能的。目前我仍然认为VIE问题应按个案处理,”九州丰泽的佘铭说。“我认为律师们现在能做的,就是理解中国、接受中国并继续游说。VIE结构背后的问题实际上也许要下一代人才能解决。毕竟中国还没完全准备好接受一个对外资放开的市场。”

other related copyrights. However, according to Chinese regulations, the Internet content provider (ICP) licence must be obtained with the prerequisite that the domain names and trademarks are owned by the Chinese company itself. Investors feel insecure while these assets are forbidden to move beyond the Chinese border. So now, lawyers would make the domain names and trademarks as pledges, and appoint the offshore parent as the pledge. Such arrangements could help to ensure the offshore company’s ownership of these key intellectual property rights if the VIE goes bankrupt.

Nevertheless, many consider the consolidation steps to be unrealistic and too tight to enforce in real cases.

“In reality, it’s hard to fully align the opinions from the major share-holders, investors, and the stock exchanges. Especially for company founders, they find it hard to accept such strict controls. They come with the ultimate question of whether the company is owned by them or by the investors. It’s hard to change their thinking,” Zhao says. “In terms of market development, the VIE has had its day, and it will evolve into something new. Speaking of the future of VIEs, I feel consolidation is indeed difficult to take real effect.”

SEEKING THE ALTERNATIVEMany believe that the VIE is now undergoing the phasing-out stage in the capital markets. “VIEs will exist for the following five to 10 years with more defaults coming along,” says Zhao. “Institutional investors’ enthusiasm for the VIE is cooling off while existing VIEs would experience different evolutions. I think the IPO cases would become less and less while listed company’s acquisition of the VIEs would emerge as another viable option. Generally, the market is becoming more alert to VIE risks.”

With the increasing outbreak of VIE scandals, entrepreneurs, investors and anyone in the related industries are earnestly seeking an alternative. “So far, we haven’t found a better model to replace the VIE,” Says Hang at Grandall. “We have customers asking about a new model proposed by a U.S. law firm, but few people are familiar with this as it has no case records yet.”

The model Hang mentions is the multijurisdictional captive company (MJCC) structure created by Rocky Lee, the Asia managing partner at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. “We think the market has already more or less killed VIEs. No one wants to touch it. The Big Four don’t want to consolidate it. Hedge funds and investors generally don’t want to invest in the VIE business,” says Lee. “I think the MJCC would be the only way to replace VIE.”

According to Lee, the MJCC structure would mitigate risks inherent in the VIE Structure by: (i) Offering greater legal protection to foreign investors; (ii) Aligning the interests of foreign investors and their local PRC business partners; (iii) Improving intra-company liquidity and; (iv) Affording a sophisticated method of calculating damages and enforcing judgments when MJCC contracts are breached.

Lee says the firm has started constructing MJCC structures for select clients, and he expects it will be three to four years before the first MJCC case can come out.

Currently in the market, anticipation and doubts are mixed for this alternative. “The capital market welcomes such innovations. The nature of the issue is that these companies are entering the restricted indus-tries in China, and it’s not possible to turn something prohibited into not prohibited simply through some legal procedures. Currently, I still think the VIE problems need to be taken case by case,” says She of Jade & Fountain. “I think what lawyers can do now is to understand China, accept China, and continue to lobby. Problems behind the VIE structure might actually take another generation to solve. After all, China has not fully prepared for a market without foreign capital controls.”

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

“ChINA WON’t BAN vIES IN thE NEAr fUtUrE, BUt I fEEL thE vIE WILL rECEIvE MOrE rEGULAtIONS. thE PrOBLEM fOr vIES IS thAt ONCE thE ACtUAL CONtrOLLEr BrEAkS thE CONtrACt, LEGItIMAtE

ENfOrCEMENt WOULd BE dIffICULt tO CONdUCt UNdEr thE ChINESE LEGAL frAMEWOrk.”bRad shu, Jade & Fountain

“中国不会在近期禁止VIE,但我觉得会加强对VIE的监管。VIE的问题是,一旦实际控制人违约,在中国的法律框架下将很难合法地强制执行。”

— 舒林飞,九州丰泽律师事务所

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JOINWAY LAW FIRM 中建中汇律师事务所

投资者应时刻关注酒店业投资风险INVESTORS SHOULD PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO INVESTMENT RISKS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

近年来,伴随着奥运会、世博会等世界级盛会的召开,几乎所有的世界顶尖酒店管理集团都加入了瓜分中国酒店业市场大蛋糕的行列。然而,进入中国市场真的是一笔稳赚不赔的生意吗?

In recent years, with the Olympics and World Expo being held, almost all top-tier hotel management groups have joined in the banquet to share the Chinese hospitality industry. Nevertheless, can they ensure to profit gains in the Chinese market?

最近的一则消息值得我们关注。世界某知名酒店管理集团对外公告称,即日起停止对上海某顶级酒店的管理。撤牌风波的背后是业主方与管理方长期的宿怨:业绩未达业主方预期、采购方面存在问题、人员出现大量流失等多重矛盾最终导致双方不欢而散。无独有偶,也是在今年,该酒店管理集团亦撤出了其在东莞管理的酒店。

A piece of recent news could draw our attention. A world-famous hotel management group announced to the public that from the date therefrom, it will no longer manage one top-level hotel in Shanghai, the reason resulting from the long-term conflicts between the owner and the operator: failure to pass the owner’s performance test, defects in procurement, a large number of staff turnover, etc. It happens that there is a similar case in Dongguan, where this group has withdrawn its team from another hotel this year.

事实上,正如中国地产业大热之后的洗牌一样,中国酒店业也面临着同样的状况。作为中国法律顾问,无论是代表业主方还是酒店管理集团,我们在谈判的过程中均时刻提醒各方关注交易的风险,尤其是在总收入、营运成本及营业毛利的范围、管理费的计算基础、业绩考核、人事任免、知识产权等重要条款上为客户制定可操作的解决方案,而非为了达成交易人为地忽略或轻视风险。

As a matter of fact, just like what the Chinese real estate industry has done before, the Chinese hospitality industry is under reshuffling after the big boom. As PRC legal counsel, whether acting for the owner or the operator, we have been reminding all relevant parties involved of the transaction risks, especially in the terms regarding definition of Gross Revenue, Gross Operating Expenses and Gross Operating Profit, the basis of calculation of management fee, performance test, appointment of personnel, and intellectual property. We have committed ourselves to formulating practicable solutions, other than implementing the transaction without noticing the risks.

以账户管理条款为例,管理方往往要求具有独立自主的支取权以方便管理。从业主方的角度考虑,充分授权带来至少两处隐患:一是管理方的道德风险滥支款项;二是业主方无法限制管理方的行为却须对所有管理行为的后果承担责任。因此,从限制管理方支取到约定越权管理的后果分配两方面对管理方进行限制可有效缓解这种矛盾。

To take the account management clause as an example: the operator always seeks full authorisation to the drawdown right of the account. From the owner’s perspective, full authorisation may result in at least two secret worries: (i) the operator may drawdown the fund without moral control; (ii) the owner shall be fully responsible for the entire operator’s behavior of management without restriction to operator. Therefore, this conflict could be effectively relieved by restricting the operator’s right of drawdown and redistributing the responsibilities if the operator exceeds its right over the account.

除此之外,可能产生投资风险的原因有很多。对管理方来说,除在选址上须多加调研外,选择适当的管理模式也很重要,是选择自有物业、受托管理还是特许经营?不同的模式有其不同的适用范围;对于业主方来说,选择何种酒店管理集团以及酒店品牌则需要量力而行,否则,门不当户不对的“婚姻”注定是不幸的。

Beyond the aforesaid clause, investment risks may be caused by various reasons. To the operator, in addition to a more serious focus on the study of location, it is also important to choose a management model: self-owned, entrusted management or franchising? Each model suits a different situation. To the owner, it shall measure itself on type of the hotel management group and hotel brand, and mismatches are destined to be unfortunate.

我们认为,投资中国酒店业仍然有利可图,但市场的整体风险相较过去已经明显提高,获取高额利润已经不如探囊取物一般容易。在当前的投资环境下,投资者在关注市场利润点的同时,应加大对市场风险以及法律风险的关注。

We believe that the Chinese hospitality industry will stay profitable, but the overall risks have been dramatically increasing compared to the past, and procuring extra profits is not as easy as winking. Under current investment circumstances, the investors shall pay closer attention to the market risks and legal risks along with the profits.

Andy Sun, Partner 孙潇喆, 合伙人

Rex Tang, Senior Associate 唐翼飞, 律师

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VICTORY LEGAL GROUP 双胜律师事务所

(1) Q:近期陆续出现外商投资企业关闭在中国的工厂或者搬离前往其他地区的案例,这是否意味着中国的制造业已告别“黄金期”?请谈谈目前国内的外商投资环境,及外商在中国开展业务的主要途径及主要面临的法律问题?

A: 由于受全球经济大环境的影响,欧美主要国家的消费能力锐减,中国人工成本上升等多重原因,引发部分外国投资者,特别是制造业,关闭或者撤离在中国的投资。表面看来,中国制造业正面临改革开放以来高奏凯歌的情形面临严峻挑战,但其实这也正是经济改革,生产结构调整和优化升级所必经的“锤炼”。

我们注意到现在涉外投资的结构和之前截然不同,如今倡导清新、环保和节能的新型高科技行业、融入国际新理念的创新行业备受关注,虽然有大牌的体育品牌撤离中国市场,但也有不少国际大牌强势进军中国。这必然导致律师的执业领域和客户层的变化。我们事务所帮助欧洲投资人在中国境内设立外商独资企业时,对投资人的股权架构,品牌规划等提出意见与建议,特别是那些正在满怀壮志进入中国市场的国际大牌们,如何认识和了解中国的文化、社会以及基本法律框架是其必修课。例如,如何审慎调查市场,合理可行布局;如何在层层交错的法律制度体系下应对自如;如何在“世界工厂”里维护自身的知识产权,无数问题值得大家仔细揣摩。本事务所曾代理某意大利知名品牌鞋就其在中国市场的经营、销售提供长期法律服务,特别就其应对国内市场的知识产权案出谋划策。

(2) Q:中国目前劳动力市场中国劳动力成本增加,随处可见招工难的现象,制造业开始往东南亚迁移。同时也有一些大型劳动密集型的企业甚至出现员工骚乱现象,对这一现象,有什么看法?

A: “招工难”主要是指招技工难,劳动者的素质

和技能难以达到要求。主要原因是“新生代农民工的择业期望提高”和“物价上升过快,导致求职者生活成本增加,预期收益下降。针对这一现象企业可从以下几方面考量:、1.提供新福利。比如通过在企业内部配备图书阅览室、文娱设施以及提供专项技能培训等方式吸引劳动力;2.生产互补性的企业可采用“用工联盟”的方式;用工联盟方式是指根据淡季和旺季互相派遣闲置工人,盘活劳动力资源;3.企业可以加大与政府、劳动部门和大学、技术学校对接,拓宽劳动力来源渠道。依据以往经验,我们也建议投资人更多的了解中国相关法律如劳动合同法,个人所得税法等与劳动者相关的法律,法规。例如,我们在为海外客户提供合规法律服务时,特别将劳动法的合规作为重点课题。

(3) Q:目前中国政府在引进外资的同时,不断鼓励中国的企业走出去,您认为在目前经济仍处低迷时期,是否为中国企业走出去的好机会?

A:目前,各国经济低迷,企业活动减少,资源价格低廉。对中国企业而言,可谓“危中有机”。一方面可以大大降低中国企业在海外建厂、并购等成本;另一方面,对政府而言,中国企业“走出去”也是应对外需萎缩、出口疲软的途径之一。将企业活动转移到国外,直接面对国外市场,既可以避开贸易保护主义的壁垒,同时可以缓解国内产能过剩的问题。因此,政府方面也是非常鼓励中国企业“走出去”的。比如,今年《征求意见稿》(预计近期有望正式颁布实施)已明确下放境外投资审批限额的权限。但是对于重点敏感领域,政府依然持谨慎态度,例如新设定的国家核准限额为资源开发类为3亿美元以上、非资源开发类为1亿美元以上,提高了10倍。针对境外投资项目,本事务所通常是与境外律师一起合作,帮助中国境内投资人了解并当地法律。例如我们与奥地利律师事务所合作,就能源、科技等领域,向两国的投资者介绍相互合作投资的法律框架,且为中国资

境内外投资热点之法律视角

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VICTORY LEGAL GROUP 双胜律师事务所

本走出去提供必要的法律咨询和服务。

(4) Q:对中国企业走出去,中方投资者需要注意哪些方面,中国律师可以提供哪些法律服务?

A:中国企业“走出去”在总体上还是处于初级阶段,在很多方面还不成熟。中方投资人应特别注重对投资市场及法律环境的了解与分析。例如,中国与投资是否有双边互免重复征税或双边保护政策、投资项目的优惠政策、知识产权相关问题等等。尤其还要注意当地法律、政府和社会对于外国人的态度。律师,特别是具备多国执业资格或经验的律师,在中国企业境外投资方面开始发挥越来越重要的作用。凭借法律的嗅觉和思维,律师可在跨国投资中准确分析问题、统筹项目进展我们已经参与了多起在印尼、蒙古、俄罗斯等地的能源投资项目。本所在境外投资方面可提供诸如:项目前期咨询与策划、可行性分析;境内审批分析及办理;项目融资、贷款;项目交易结构的设计、谈判;企业投资内部风险防控等等;同时我们也积极的与境外的合作律师(如意大利、奥地利、新加坡、马来西亚、美国、香港等,我们均有长期合作的律师事务所)相互配合,帮助中国投资人更好的了解境外法律,法规,协助投资人在知己知彼的情况下,作出理性的境外投资 。

(5) Q: 中国投资者进行境外投资需要哪些部门核准?不同部门在实际审批过程中有哪些侧重点?

A: 中国投资者境外投资首先应通过国家发展与改革委员会或者省级发展与改革部门(以下称发改部门)核准,在取得核准文件后,再报商务部或省级商务部门批准。以上核准与批准的具体部门根据中方投资额度及投资项目确定。

从实际审批程序来看,发改部门是对境外投资项目的核准,而商务部门则是针对对外投资开办企

业的批准。境外投资项目核准是发改部门对境外投资行为从维护国家经济安全、符合产业政策、保障公共利益、资本项目管理等公共管理方面进行核准。而对外投资开办企业的核准是商务部门对境外企业合同、章程等进行核准。因此,两部门核准和批准的方向略有差异,这是我们在起草相关合同、协议的过程中需特别注意的。

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Managing partner Q&a22

《亚洲法律杂志》(ALB)今年“香港律

师最佳项目促成奖”,去年“香港最佳管理

合伙人大奖”,英国富而德律师事务所的

Robert Ashworth收获了无数来自业内同

行和客户的赞美,确认了他香港顶尖律师

的地位。现在他与Candice Mak坐下来,

分享他对管理这家“魔法圈”律所所经历的

挑战和喜悦的真知灼见。富而德被广泛认

为拥有大中华地区最好的公司业务。

富而德:欲穷千里目

View from the top:

ALB ’S hONG kONG dEALMAkEr Of thE YEAr, ANd LASt YEAr’S hONG kONG MANAGING PArtNEr Of thE YEAr, rOBErt AShWOrth Of frEShfIELdS BrUCkhAUS dErINGEr hAS rECEIvEd NUMErOUS PLAUdItS frOM PEErS ANd CLIENtS IN thE MArkEtPLACE, vALIdAtING hIS StAtUS AS ONE Of thE tOP LAWYErS IN hONG kONG. hE SItS dOWN WIth CANDICE MAK tO ShArE hIS INSIGhtS ON thE ChALLENGES ANd JOYS Of MANAGING thE MAGIC CIrCLE fIrM WIdELY rECOGNISEd AS hAvING thE BESt COrPOrAtE PrACtICE IN GrEAtEr ChINA.

Freshfields Asia Managing Partner RobeRt ashwoRth

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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Managing partner Q&a 23WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

ALB: What sets Freshfields apart from its peers across the region?Ra: There are a number of things I could mention. For example, our stellar track record and continued success in the capital markets, our leading position in the M&A league tables, and our high-quality antitrust, finance, dispute resolution, and IP and IT teams. But what I think is more important than the trappings of success, and what to my mind really sets us apart, is our ability to constantly innovate and go about solving things in new and more effective ways. So, for ex-ample, we are regularly talking to clients about doing transactions in high-growth markets, but doing them in a way that minimises risk; we are engaging with them in relation to crisis management, that is how to plan for and handle possible crisis situations, whether financial, operational or regulatory. And we are very focused on global inves-tigations, which is clearly a critical consideration for general counsels around the world, in particular when doing deals in Asia. We are the first firm to offer an online database of international bribery laws that clients can subscribe to and follow developments – we’ve christened this “bribery watch”. It’s this ability to innovate and continually show thought leadership, plus the collective drive of our lawyers to be at the front of the pack rather than following, that I think is a key differentia-tor for us across the region.

ALB: Can you describe your firm’s culture?Ra: For us, culture is really important. It’s what holds the firm to-gether across our international offices, and from one generation to the next. We see a direct correlation between the amount of time we spend developing people and the enduring strength of our culture. And that means ensuring people get really terrific training and work opportunities. We are an international firm, so we want to give people the chance to work internationally, wherever they are based. It’s some-thing we actively encourage. Being international and thinking across boundaries is part of our DNA.

In addition to the international dimension, we consider ourselves to be a thoroughly cooperative and collaborative organisation. One in which individuals focus on the contribution they can make rather than what they are entitled to.

ALB: How long have you been Asia managing partner?Ra: Let’s see, since the time I started turning grey - February 2011.

ALB: How would you define the firm’s short-term and long-term strategies that you’ve set during your tenure?Ra: The first thing I tried to do when taking on the role was to make sure that we offered exactly the right services to our clients across the region. This involved identifying practice areas we needed to invest in, and testing the existing areas we had to make sure they were suitable. So, for example, one of the things we’ve done in the past 18 months or so has been to increase our Asian ENI capability, and we’ve made some significant hires in Tokyo, Singapore, and most recently in China. Having a first rate energy, natural resources and infrastructure capability in Asia was an immediate short-term goal, and is one that we are now delivering on.

I also looked at our regional footprint to determine whether we were in the right geographic locations, and concluded that we needed more visibility in Southeast Asia. We had operated a Southeast Asia practice from Hong Kong since closing in Singapore in 2007, but we found that

A L B : 是什么让富而德区别于本地区的其他同行?R a : 很多方面都值得一提。比如,我们 在 资 本 市 场 方 面 的 出 色 业 绩 和 持 续成 功 , 在 并 购 排 行 榜 上 的 领 先 地 位 ,以 及 我 们 高 质 量 的 反 垄 断 、 金 融 、 争议 解 决 和 知 识 产 权 / I T 团 队 。 但 我 认为 , 比 沉 迷 于 成 功 更 重 要 的 , 也 是 我认 为 真 正 使 我 们 区 别 于 他 人 的 , 是 我们 不 断 创 新 及 用 更 有 效 的 新 方 法 解 决问 题 的 能 力 。 比 如 , 我 们 经 常 和 客 户谈 到 , 生 意 要 在 在 高 增 长 市 场 做 , 但一 定 要 尽 力 降 低 风 险 。 他 们 会 聘 请 我们 提 供 有 关 风 险 管 理 方 面 的 意 见 , 即如 何 规 划 和 处 理 可 能 出 现 的 危 机 , 无论 是 财 务 、 经 营 或 监 管 方 面 的 。 同 时我 们 非 常 重 视 全 球 调 查 , 这 显 然 是 全球 的 企 业 法 律 顾 问 都 非 常 关 注 的 一 个问 题 , 尤 其 是 在 亚 洲 做 生 意 时 。 我 们是 首 个 提 供 全 球 反 贿 赂 法 律 网 上 资 料库 的 律 所 , 客 户 可 以 订 阅 并 跟 进 相 关动态,我们把这个资料库命名为“反贿观察”。我认为,这种创新和在思想上持 续 领 先 的 能 力 , 以 及 我 们 的 律 师 不甘 人 后 的 集 体 进 取 精 神 , 才 是 我 们 在本地区能独树一帜的关键

A L B : 您能介绍一下富而德的企业文化么?R a : 对我们来说,文化真的很重要。是 文 化 将 我 们 全 球 各 个 代 表 处 凝 聚 在了 一 起 , 并 一 代 代 传 承 。 我 们 发 现 ,我 们 在 培 养 人 方 面 花 费 的 时 间 和 我 们文 化 的 持 久 影 响 力 是 直 接 相 关 的 。 这指 的 是 确 保 人 们 得 到 真 正 优 质 的 培 训和 工 作 机 会 。 我 们 是 一 家 国 际 律 所 ,所 以 我 们 希 望 能 给 人 们 全 球 工 作 的 机会 , 无 论 其 常 驻 何 处 。 这 是 我 们 所 积极 倡 导 的 。 国 际 化 和 打 破 常 规 的 思 维是 我 们 D N A 的 一 部 分 。 除 了 全 球 化 这一 方 面 , 我 们 自 认 是 一 家 充 分 合 作 互助 的 机 构 。 在 这 里 , 大 家 都 关 心 自 己能奉献什么,而不是有权得到什么。

ALB: 您任亚洲管理合伙人有多久了?R a :让我想想,从我开始有白头发的时候——2011年2月。

ALB: 可否介绍一下您在任期内为贵所制定的短期和长期策略?R a : 我上任后做的第一件事,就是确认 我 们 在 为 本 地 区 客 户 提 供 其 真 正 需要 的 服 务 。 这 包 括 发 现 我 们 需 要 投 入的 业 务 领 域 , 并 审 视 现 有 的 领 域 , 以确 保 其 符 合 客 户 需 求 。 比 如 , 在 过 去的 大 约 1 8 个 月 里 , 我 们 做 的 其 中 一 件事 , 就 是 壮 大 我 们 在 亚 洲 的 能 源 、 自然资源和基础设施建设(ENI)业务能

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Managing partner Q&a24

the growth of the ASEAN region made that approach increasingly challenging. We talked to clients, and they said “we prefer you to be on the ground in Singapore with an office. Most of your peer firms are there”, so we felt that was the appropriate thing to do. We reopened in Singapore in September, and we look forward to a long-term ten-ure in the Southeast Asia region. Those are some of the short-term priorities I’ve had.

Over the longer term, I’d like to make sure we are delivering on our firm-wide vision of being the leading international firm. The way we look at international needs a bit of explanation – for us, it doesn’t mean we want offices in 50 countries. It’s not geographic coverage that’s important to us. We want to be in those locations, principally major financial centres, where our key clients are located, and which are relevant to them. And being in those locations we expect to have a very strong domestic capability, but more importantly what we really want is to project internationally from those locations. So from Singapore we would cover South and Southeast Asia, but also we would expect our lawyers in Singapore to be familiar with developments in the UK, U.S. or China, that is to have an international awareness and an international perspective. Not to say every time: “That’s outside our comfort zone, and we’ll send it off to another office.” We want to be able to provide that level of international expertise that comes from having a very international perspective. That’s what we look for in individuals, and how we train our younger lawyers to think. That’s what ‘international’means for a firm like ours.

力 , 并 且 我 们 已 经 在 东 京 和 新 加 坡 ,以 及 最 近 在 中 国 , 招 募 了 几 个 重 量 级人 物 。 我 们 的 近 期 目 标 , 就 是 在 亚 洲拥有一流的ENI业务能力,我们正在实现这一目标。

我 还 研 究 了 我 们 在 本 地 区 的 覆 盖 情况 , 想 确 定 我 们 是 否 都 在 适 当 的 位 置设 了 点 , 结 论 是 我 们 需 要 加 强 我 们 在东南亚的存在。自从2007年关闭了新加 坡 代 表 处 , 我 们 的 东 南 亚 业 务 都 是通 过 香 港 代 表 处 办 理 的 , 但 我 们 发 现随 着 东 盟 地 区 的 发 展 , 这 一 办 法 变 得越 来 越 困 难 。 我 们 和 客 户 谈 过 , 他 们说“我们还是希望你们在新加坡本土有一 个 代 表 处 。 你 们 大 多 数 的 同 行 都 在那里有代表处”,所有我们认为确实应该 这 么 做 。 我 们 在 九 月 份 重 开 了 新 加坡 代 表 处 , 希 望 能 在 东 南 亚 地 区 有 长足 的 发 展 。 这 是 我 短 期 内 要 做 的 一 些事情。

就 长 期 而 言 , 我 希 望 能 确 保 实 现 我 们成 为 一 家 最 领 先 的 国 际 律 所 的 愿 景 。这 里 有 必 要 稍 微 解 释 一 下 我 们 是 如 何看 待 “ 国 际 ” 一 词 的 。 对 我 们 来 说 , 这

ALB: Your Vietnam presence has always been consistently strong.Ra: Yes, Vietnam has been a strong offering for us for close to 20 years. We think it will benefit further from our opening in Singapore, which is an important gateway to much of Southeast Asia. Many of the clients we service in Vietnam are actually headquartered in Singapore, so there’s a very close connection between the two.

ALB: How do you cultivate that rounded domestic-international perspective among your lawyers?Ra: In part, it’s through weaving softer skills and awareness training

并 不 意 味 着 我 们 要 在 全 球 5 0 个 国 家 设立 代 表 处 。 对 我 们 来 说 , 重 要 的 不 是地 理 上 的 覆 盖 。 我 们 希 望 到 我 们 的 主要 客 户 所 在 的 地 方 , 或 与 他 们 有 重 要关 联 的 地 方 去 , 主 要 是 一 些 大 的 金 融中 心 。 在 这 些 地 方 设 点 , 我 们 当 然 希望 能 有 极 强 的 当 地 业 务 能 力 , 但 更 重要 的 , 也 是 我 们 真 正 想 要 的 , 是 从 这些 地 方 辐 射 全 球 。 所 以 从 新 加 坡 , 我们 可 以 覆 盖 南 亚 和 东 南 亚 , 但 同 时 我

“thE fIrSt thING I trIEd tO dO WhEN tAkING ON thE rOLE WAS tO MAkE SUrE WE OffErEd ExACtLY thE rIGht SErvICES tO OUr CLIENtS ACrOSS thE rEGION. thIS INvOLvEd IdENtIfYING PrACtICE ArEAS WE NEEdEd tO INvESt IN, ANd tEStING thE ExIStING ArEAS WE hAd tO MAkE SUrE thEY WErE SUItABLE.”

“我上任后做的第一件事,就是确认我们在为本地区客户提供其真正需要的服务。这包括发现我们需要投入的业务领域,并审视现有的领域,以确保其符合客户需求。”

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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Managing partner Q&a 25WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

alongside legal techniques. We run three sets of training programmes for associates at different stages of their careers, and all of those are done with an international dimension. Teaching in-depth cross border M&A or global investigations techniques are examples. But we also focus a lot on softer skills, where associates are taught how to interact on an international transaction, to manage projects across various time zones, and clients that are centred in multiple jurisdictions, as well as to deal with potential crises simultaneously across jurisdictions. Those are the types of softer skills we focus on, which ultimately do give people more of an international perspective.

ALB: Will you be investing more into your banking and finance practice?Ra: Yes, banking is a hugely important area for us, and we will con-tinue to support the development of this practice in every way we can. In addition, debt capital markets, project finance, restructuring, and securitisation are important areas within our finance practice. We certainly don’t wish to grow a volume banking business, but we do want to make sure we’re focusing on the right things, and have the right people doing them. Dispute resolution is another area we are growing rapidly. We’ve had two leading partners relocate to Asia in the last few months, Lucy Reed who co-heads arbitration and Geoff Nicholas, who is co-head of our international investigations practice. With their arrival we expect to capitalise on our leading international dispute resolution and investigations reputations. All of that is a prior-

们 也 希 望 我 们 在 新 加 坡 的 律 师 能 了 解英 国 、 美 国 或 中 国 的 动 态 , 也 就 是 拥有 全 球 性 意 识 和 全 球 性 视 角 。 不 要 每次都说:“这个我们不熟悉,我们会把它转给其他代表处”。国际化的专业意见 来 自 于 非 常 国 际 化 的 视 角 , 我 们 希望 能 提 供 这 种 水 平 的 服 务 。 这 才 是 我们 在 人 们 身 上 寻 找 的 , 也 是 我 们 培 养年轻律师去思考的方式。这才是“国际化”一词对于像我们这样的所而言的含义。ALB: 你们在越南的业务一直都很好。R a : 是的,近20年来我们在越南的业务 量 一 直 都 很 大 。 我 们 认 为 , 我 们 新加 坡 代 表 处 的 重 开 , 将 使 越 南 进 一 步受 益 , 因 为 新 加 坡 是 通 往 东 南 亚 大 部分 国 家 或 地 区 的 重 要 门 户 。 我 们 服 务的 很 多 越 南 客 户 , 其 总 部 实 际 上 都 在新 加 坡 , 所 以 这 两 个 国 家 之 间 的 联 系非常紧密。

ALB: 您是如何在您的律师中培养那种全面的本地国际视角的?R a : 部分是通过在培训法律技能的同时 , 穿 插 一 些 软 技 巧 和 意 识 的 培 训 。

REUTERS/Bobby Yip

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Managing partner Q&a26

ity, and is happening quickly. In addition to the areas just mentioned, IP and IT, regulatory and antitrust are extremely important underpin-nings to our Asia platform, and we will continue to invest in those too.

ALB: A number of U.S. firms have launched Hong Kong practices in the past 18 months. How is Freshfields managing its perch at the top in light of increased competition?Ra: Competition is something we welcome. It may wobble the perch a bit, but it encourages us to find new and better ways of strengthen-ing our grip. Of course we did have some departures last year, as did many other firms around Hong Kong. We have the top capital markets practice, so in some ways it wasn’t surprising that people targeted us to help them get launched. Looking back, it seems we have seeded quite a few of the HK practices of the U.S. firms. Having taken steps to strengthen the platform we’ve had very little turnover of staff in the last year, and more to the point, given the depth of our partner bench we didn’t lose any clients throughout that period. To cap it all, we had our best year in ECM in 2011, where we did eight of 10 deals that raised more than a billion dollars. No other firm acted on more than two. So 2011 was a very strong year for us, despite a bit of local turbulence.

ALB: It was a tough time for rival firms to launch a Hong Kong practice last year, wasn’t it?Ra: Yes, I agree. It was certainly a very challenging time to set up a Hong Kong IPO practice last year, and 2012 has been a tough year for everybody. That said, we’ve been in the market longer, we’ve got great bench strength, and a strong pipeline of deals, so unlike some firms we were able to continue with quite a lot of work, rather than look for fresh business. We are also well hedged, with a broad spread of practices that have helped us weather the downturn more effectively. In difficult markets our high quality IP and IT, antitrust and regulatory practices make us really compelling with clients, and position us to

我 们 为 处 于 职 业 生 涯 不 同 阶 段 的 律 师提 供 了 三 套 培 训 项 目 , 所 有 这 些 培 训项 目 都 有 关 于 国 际 化 业 务 的 内 容 。 深度 的 全 球 跨 境 并 购 和 全 球 调 查 技 巧 的课 程 就 是 这 方 面 的 例 子 。 我 们 也 会 很注 意 软 技 巧 。 我 们 会 教 律 师 如 何 在 国际 交 易 中 与 人 打 交 道 , 如 何 管 理 跨 多个 时 区 的 项 目 和 处 在 不 同 法 律 辖 区 的客 户 , 以 及 如 何 处 理 多 个 辖 区 的 同 时存 在 的 多 个 潜 在 危 机 。 这 就 是 我 们 所关 注 的 那 种 软 技 巧 , 它 的 确 能 给 人 更多的国际性视角。

A L B : 您是否会增加对银行和金融业务的投入?R a : 是的,银行业是我们极其重要的一 个 业 务 领 域 , 我 们 将 尽 一 切 办 法 继续 支 持 这 一 业 务 的 发 展 。 此 外 , 债 权资 本 市 场 、 项 目 融 资 、 重 组 和 证 券 化都 是 我 们 金 融 业 务 的 重 要 部 分 。 当 然我 们 并 不 是 指 望 发 展 出 一 个 庞 大 的 银行 业 务 , 我 们 真 正 想 要 的 是 确 保 我 们集 中 精 力 在 了 正 确 的 事 情 上 , 并 且 交给 了 正 确 的 人 来 做 。 。 争 议 解 决 是 我们 另 一 个 增 长 迅 速 的 领 域 。 在 过 去 的几 个 月 里 , 我 们 有 两 位 优 秀 的 合 伙 人调 到 了 亚 洲 — — 仲 裁 业 务 联 合 负 责 人Lucy Reed和全球调查业务联合负责人Geoff Nicholas。有了他们的加入 , 我 们 希 望 能 充 分 利 用 我 们 在 全 球争 议 解 决 和 调 查 方 面 的 卓 著 声 誉 。 这些 工 作 都 很 重 要 , 并 都 进 展 得 很 快 。除上面已经提到的领域外,知识产权/I T 、 监 管 和 反 垄 断 都 是 我 们 亚 洲 平 台极 其 重 要 的 支 柱 , 我 们 也 会 继 续 对 这些业务进行投入。

A L B : 在过去的18个月里有多家美国律所在香港开业。在日益激烈的竞争中,富而德将如何守住其领先地位?R a : 我们欢迎竞争。它也许会稍许撼 动 我 们 的 地 位 , 但 也 激 励 了 我 们去 寻 找 新 的 更 好 的 办 法 来 加 固 我 们 的优 势 。 当 然 , 与 香 港 许 多 其 他 的 律 所一 样 , 我 们 去 年 也 有 些 人 离 开 。 我 们有 一 流 的 资 本 市 场 业 务 , 所 以 从 某 些方 面 来 说 , 别 人 从 我 们 这 里 挖 人 去帮 他 们 启 动 业 务 也 不 奇 怪 。 回 顾 一下 , 好 像 从 我 们 这 里 出 去 的 人 催 生 了好 几 家 美 国 所 的 香 港 业 务 。 我 们 已 采取 措 施 加 固 我 们 的 平 台 , 所 以 去 年 我们 员 工 的 离 职 率 很 低 。 更 关 键 的 是 ,由 于 我 们 合 伙 人 队 伍 的 深 厚 实 力 , 那段 时 间 我 们 并 未 失 去 任 何 客 户 。 总 的说 来 , 2 0 1 1 年 是 我 们 股 权 资 本 市 场( E C M ) 最 好 的 一 年 。 这 一 年 共 有1 0 件 融 资 额 超 过 1 0 亿 美 元 的 交 易 ,我 们 经 办 了 其 中 八 件 。 其 它 所 没 有 超

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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win the best work that’s available.

ALB: What are the key challenges of managing the firm Asia-wide, especially since you are still a full-time practitioner?Ra: Ask any Asian managing partner who has a role like mine, and the key challenges are likely to be geography, people, and time. Asia is a large and immensely diverse place. Making sure that you understand the nuances and the differences between how people think and work in China, Japan, or Singapore, is extremely important. People need to be treated like people. You can’t deal with everybody by e-mail or even through telephone calls, you need to spend time face to face encouraging, guiding, and listening. The challenge is about getting the balance right, you could quite easily be on an airplane 300 days a year, but that’s not going to benefit anyone apart from the airlines. I’m passionate about my role as a practitioner, so I dedicate much of the working week to client work, and some of the travel obviously gets done in the evening. It’s a challenge, and it never feels completely in sync, but I think that continuous need to pull the two things together into a balance is quite healthy.

I’m very lucky, of course, to have the support of an incredibly talented team of younger partners, and I tend to work on the more complex transactions, where I can hopefully provide additional value through the benefit of my long experience in the market.

ALB: Do you ever feel pulled too much in one direction or the other?Ra: I try to avoid that if possible. It’s a question of anticipating the issues, and getting on top of the situation as quickly as possible. There are often client issues or individual partner or office demands competing for your time and you have to be sensitive and work out where your priorities are. Yes, it’s challenging. Am I getting it right? I have no idea. I hope I am, but it’s a dynamic that changes every day.

ALB: How do you ensure you uphold best practices across offices?Ra: We try to instill best practices through good communication, and by endorsing good behaviour when you see it. At the same time, when you occasionally see behaviour that falls below best practice, you need to ensure that it is remedied very promptly. All of our partners are re-ally good communicators and good role models for younger lawyers.

过 两 件 的 。 所 以 尽 管 有 些 本 地 的 小 震荡 , 2 0 1 1 年 仍 是 我 们 非 常 强 劲 的 一年。

ALB: 对于那些去年在香港开张的对手律所来说,当时面临的形势很艰难,对么?R a : 是的,我同意。去年要在香港开辟 I P O 业 务 的 确 非 常 困 难 , 而 2 0 1 2年 对 所 有 人 都 是 艰 难 的 一 年 。 即 使 这样 , 我 们 在 市 场 上 的 时 间 更 久 , 我 们有 很 强 的 专 业 团 队 , 有 很 多 的 业 务 来源 , 所 以 和 有 些 律 所 不 同 , 我 们 当 时仍 有 很 多 工 作 可 做 , 而 不 需 要 到 处 寻找 新 业 务 。 我 们 不 同 的 业 务 之 间 也 能很 好 地 互 补 。 我 们 的 业 务 领 域 广 泛 ,这 使 我 们 能 更 好 地 承 受 市 场 的 低 迷 。在 严 峻 的 市 场 情 况 下 , 我 们 高 质 量 的知识产权/IT、反垄断和监管业务都对客 户 极 富 吸 引 力 , 使 我 们 总 能 赢 得 市场上出现的最好的工作。

ALB: 管理整个亚洲区业务的主要挑战有哪些,尤其是在您仍全职执业的情况下?R a : 如果你问任何一个和我同样职位的 亚 洲 管 理 合 伙 人 , 回 答 大 概 都 会 是地 理 、 人 员 和 时 间 。 亚 洲 是 一 个 幅 员辽 阔 , 而 不 同 地 区 之 间 差 别 又 非 常 大的 地 方 。 确 保 你 理 解 中 国 人 、 日 本 人或 新 加 坡 人 在 思 维 方 式 和 工 作 方 式 上的 微 妙 或 显 著 差 异 , 这 非 常 重 要 。 人就 需 要 被 当 作 人 来 对 待 。 你 不 能 用 电子 邮 件 甚 或 是 电 话 来 和 每 个 人 沟 通 ,你 需 要 花 时 间 面 对 面 地 鼓 励 、 引 导 和倾 听 对 方 。 难 的 是 在 这 之 间 找 到 平衡。你可以很容易地一年300天呆在飞机 上 , 但 除 了 航 空 公 司 , 这 不 会 让 任何 人 得 到 益 处 。 我 对 律 师 的 身 份 充 满激 情 , 所 以 我 一 周 大 部 分 工 作 时 间 都在 为 客 户 工 作 , 以 至 于 有 时 要 利 用 晚

“PEOPLE NEEd tO BE trEAtEd LIkE PEOPLE. YOU CAN’t dEAL WIth EvErYBOdY BY E-MAIL Or EvEN thrOUGh tELEPhONE CALLS; YOU NEEd tO SPENd tIME fACE tO fACE ENCOUrAGING, GUIdING, ANd LIStENING.”

“人就需要被当作人来对待。你不能只用电子邮件甚或是电话来和每个人沟通,你需要花时间面对面地鼓励、引导和倾听对方。”

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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上 时 间 出 差 。 这 对 我 是 个 挑 战 , 而 且从 来 也 没 完 全 找 到 一 致 的 步 调 , 不 过我 觉 得 这 种 一 直 在 不 平 衡 中 寻 找 平 衡的生活也挺健康的。

当 然 , 我 很 幸 运 能 有 一 群 极 具 才 干 的年 轻 合 伙 人 协 助 我 , 而 我 一 般 只 负 责那 些 比 较 复 杂 的 交 易 , 希 望 能 利 用 自己 在 业 内 的 长 期 经 验 来 提 供 附 加 价值。

ALB: 您是否曾有过焦头烂额的感觉?R a : 我会尽可能避免出现这种情况。你 需 要 预 见 可 能 出 现 的 情 况 , 并 尽 快掌 控 局 面 。 经 常 会 出 现 客 户 问 题 或 某个 合 伙 人 或 办 公 室 事 务 争 抢 你 时 间的 情 况 , 你 必 须 敏 锐 地 判 断 出 事 情 的轻 重 缓 急 。 是 的 , 这 很 有 挑 战 性 。 我处 理 得 对 么 ? 我 不 知 道 ,希 望 是 吧 , 但 这 个 是 动 态的,每天都在变。

A L B : 您如何 确保 所有代 表处 均 践 行 最 高 标 准 的 业 务操作?R a : 我们会努力通过良性沟 通 和 即 时 表 彰 良 好 行 为来 灌 输 怎 样 达 到 最 好 的 标准 。 同 时 , 当 偶 尔 看 到 不符 合 标 准 的 行 为 时 , 要 确保 尽 快 修 正 。 我 们 所 有 的合 伙 人 都 有 很 好 的 沟 通 能力 , 都 是 年 轻 律 师 的 好 榜样。

A L B : 各亚洲代 表 处之间如何进行全球性沟通?R a : 我们有很多形式的沟通 。 比 如 , 我 们 在 中 国 的每 一 个 代 表 处 都 有 他 们 自己 的 员 工 会 议 。 这 些 会 议基 本 都 在 同 一 时 间 召 开 ,以 确 保 我 们 在 交 流 同 一 类信 息 。 这 都 是 处 理 事 情 和解 决 问 题 的 公 开 和 非 正 式机会。

我 们 的 各 个 业 务 组 和 行 业组 也 会 定 期 召 开 会 议 , 以确 保 我 们 在 自 己 的 团 队 里有 效 分 享 知 识 和 工 作 。 还有 很 多 分 支 小 组 专 门 针 对业 务 中 的 不 同 领 域 进 行 讨论 , 比 如 风 险 、 社 区 事 务和公益项目,或培训。

当 然 我 不 会 主 持 所 有 的 亚洲 会 议 。 我 们 有 当 地 业 务

ALB: How do international communications work among the Asian offices?Ra: We have many forms of communication. For example, each of our China offices has its own town hall meeting. These are done roughly at the same time to ensure that we’re communicating the same sort of information. They are open, informal opportunities for questions and issues to be dealt with.

We also convene regular meetings of practice and sector groups, to ensure we share knowhow and work effectively in our teams. And there are numerous subgroups focusing on different areas of the business, whether it’s risk, our community and pro bono programmes, or training.

I certainly don’t chair all the Asia meetings. We have local practice group leaders that run their practice groups, and at the office level we have an office managing partner who runs meetings with partners of that office, and then communicates back to me. But the overall arc of how the firm is operating in Asia is something that partners expect me to be focusing on and communicating to them.

ALB: You have been with Freshfields for 27 years now. What makes you continue to believe in the firm? Ra: Is it really that long? I often say to our new recruits - and it’s true - that I’ve never had a dull or unexciting day at the firm. And I think that’s driven by the quality of the work and the team, and by the quality of interactions you have with lawyers and clients on a daily basis. I am always dealing with people that are intellectually first rate, constantly keeping you on your toes, and who are constantly thinking about how

“NOthING IS MOrE SAtISfYING thAN SEEING YOUNG MEN ANd WOMEN YOU’vE SUPPOrtEd ANd GUIdEd, dEvELOP INtO OUtStANdING INdIvIdUALS ANd LAWYErS. ANd tO SEE thEM EMBrACEd BY thE fIrM, ANd MAdE PArtNEr IS A vErY EMOtIONAL ANd INSPIrING MOMENt fOr EvErYBOdY.”

“没有什么比看到你曾支持和引导过的年轻人成长为出色的个体和律师更让人满足的了。看到他们融入律所并晋升合伙人,对每个人来说,都是一个非常令人激动和振奋的时刻。”

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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组 的 负 责 人 主 持 该 业 务 组 的 会 议 。 在代 表 处 一 级 , 代 表 处 的 管 理 合 伙 人 会与 该 代 表 处 的 合 伙 人 开 会 , 然 后 向 我汇 报 。 但 有 关 本 所 在 亚 洲 的 整 体 运 作策 略 , 这 些 合 伙 人 会 希 望 由 我 来 考 虑并传达给他们。

A L B :您已经在富而德工作27年了,是什么让您一直信赖富而德?R a : 真有那么久了么?我经常对新招聘 来 的 人 说 , 我 在 所 里 从 来 没 有 度 过哪 怕 一 个 枯 燥 无 趣 的 日 子 , 真 的 。 我想 这 种 充 沛 的 干 劲 来 自 于 高 质 量 的 工作 和 团 队 , 以 及 你 每 天 与 律 师 和 客 户们 的 高 质 量 交 流 。 我 总 是 与 智 商 一 流的 人 打 交 道 , 他 们 能 让 你 时 刻 保 持 敏锐 , 总 是 在 想 我 们 如 何 才 能 提 高 。 这给 我 的 头 脑 带 来 强 烈 的 刺 激 感 和 满 足

we can improve. I find that intellectually very stimulating and fulfilling. It’s the adrenaline rush which comes from innovation that’s quite hard to replicate in too many other professional services firms.

ALB: What was Freshfields like when you first arrived in Hong Kong?Ra: Our Hong Kong office opened in 1985. When I arrived in 1994, we had a broad finance practice with around 20 lawyers, and occupied one floor in the Exchange Square. It was around then that we really started to build out our capital markets and public and private M&A capabilities, which have been so successful for us. We are now over 100 lawyers, and have expanded to three and a half floors in the same building. Throughout, we have of course been very focused on China, and that is sure to continue going forward.

ALB: Has the small nature of the Hong Kong legal market contrib-uted to your success and enjoyment of practising?Ra: Yes, it has certainly helped increase the enjoyment. The fact that you are more likely than not to make friends with clients and competitors from other firms on a regular basis outside of the work

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Managing partner Q&a30

感 。 这 是 种 由 创 新 带 来 的 肾 上 腺 素 激增 的 感 觉 , 这 种 感 觉 在 很 多 其 他 的 专业服务机构里都很难找到。

ALB: 您刚来香港时富而德是怎样的?R a : 我们的香港代表处设立于1985年。在我1994年来到这里时,我们有一 个 很 大 的 金 融 业 务 组 , 有 大 约 2 0 个律 师 , 占 了 交 易 广 场 一 整 个 楼 层 。 大约 是 从 那 个 时 候 , 我 们 才 真 正 开 始 建立 起 我 们 的 资 本 市 场 以 及 上 市 企 业 和私 营 企 业 的 并 购 业 务 , 这 些 业 务 至 今都非常成功。现在我们有超过100名律师 , 在 同 一 幢 大 楼 里 扩 张 到 了 三 个 半楼 面 。 当 然 , 我 们 自 始 至 终 都 非 常 关注中国,并肯定会一直关注下去。

ALB: 香港的法律市场很小,这在一定程度上造成了您的成功和对工作的享受么?R a : 是的,这的确令我更享受工作的乐 趣 。 在 工 作 之 外 , 更 有 可 能 的 是 你常 常 和 客 户 及 其 他 律 所 的 竞 争 对 手 成为 朋 友 , 这 会 让 你 庆 幸 你 生 活 在 这 个圈 子 里 面 。 我 们 白 天 都 要 工 作 , 但 在

工 作 之 外 , 我 们 还 有 自 己 的 生 活 , 还要 承 担 对 他 人 的 责 任 。 在 我 工 作 过 的其 他 国 家 , 一 个 人 的 职 业 生 活 和 社 交生 活 重 叠 的 机 会 要 小 得 多 。 这 是 香 港的 一 个 特 色 , 也 是 我 很 享 受 这 里 的 一个原因。

ALB: 在您的职业生涯中,您作为一个律师最自豪的时刻是什么? R a : 这种时刻有工作上的,也有和人 有 关 的 。 在 人 这 一 方 面 , 没 有 什么 比 看 到 你 曾 支 持 和 引 导 过 的 年 轻 人成 长 为 出 色 的 个 体 和 律 师 更 让 人 满 足的 了 。 看 到 他 们 融 入 律 所 并 晋 升 合 伙

environment makes you appreciate that you are living in a community. We’ve all got day jobs, but there’s a life to lead and responsibilities to others outside of work as well. In other countries I’ve worked in, there’s much less overlap between one’s professional life and social life. That’s a unique part of Hong Kong, and one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed it so much.

ALB: What was your proudest moment as a lawyer over the span of your career?Ra: There are professional moments, and there are people-related moments. On the people side, nothing is more satisfying than seeing young men and women you’ve supported and guided, develop into outstanding individuals and lawyers. And to see them embraced by the firm and made partner is a very emotional and inspiring moment for everybody.

On the work front, I’ve been challenged over the years to devise new methods for doing M&A transactions on the public markets. Most recently, we used an alternative form of consideration, a loan note instrument, as part of the consideration package to try to close a valuation gap. Particular ideas may have a genesis in another market, but they need to be identified, adapted, tested, and shaped for the domestic market here in Hong Kong. This is something that I’ve tried

to do over the years. It’s pleasing to see that some of those techniques have not only been successful, but have also been implemented and adopted by other people for their deals.

ALB: What ingredients are vital for Freshfields’ success in the com-ing years?Ra: As a firm, we need to anticipate changing market conditions and changing client demands. And that means lawyers need to have skills to flex from one practice area to another, so they can always find ap-propriate work to do. It’s about having a mindset that says: “I’m able to take on a broad range of things”, rather than saying “well I’m only comfortable in that one area”. Being international really helps with that. No one gets pigeonholed that way. Having a sharing culture also helps through the lean times. We are very much a supportive and

“BEING A GOOd MANAGING PArtNEr IS PArtLY ABOUt ShOWING LEAdErShIP, BUt ALSO PArtLY ABOUt tUrNING thE MIrrOr, LIStENING tO thE fEEdBACk, ANd AdJUStING AS YOU GO fOrWArd.”

“作为一个好的管理合伙人,一方面是起到领导作用,另一方面是要将镜子反转过来,倾听别人的反馈,并在行进中不断调整。”

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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Managing partner Q&a 31WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

cooperative firm, and this encourages people to be entrepreneurial and flexible. Possessing the ability to adapt, continually innovating and being creative, all of those things will help ensure that we are successful in the years ahead.

ALB: In five years’ time, what do you predict the legal market land-scape will look like in Asia?Ra: It’s a very dynamic market. I think we will see lots of change in the next five years. We are sure to see more PRC firms with offices in Hong Kong, and we’ll see some of the existing firms broadening out their practices to include other areas, particularly regulatory and investigations work.

In the longer term, we’re likely to see a bifurcation in the legal market between the global champions and the smaller, domestic-focused firms. It’s hard and expensive to run big international practices, and make them profitable. Some will succeed and some won’t, and they might shrink back and become more domestic. So over time, you might see the legal profession moving the way the consultancy world has gone. Perhaps not as few as four or five large firms, as there will likely be more than that, but I think there will be a very clear delineation

人 , 对 每 个 人 来 说 , 都 是 一 个 非 常 令人激动和振奋的时刻。

在 工 作 方 面 , 这 些 年 我 一 直 在 努 力 构思 在 公 共 市 场 进 行 并 购 交 易 的 新 方法 。 最 近 , 作 为 整 个 对 价 的 一 部 分 ,我 们 采 用 了 贷 款 证 工 具 这 种 新 型 的 对价 , 来 补 齐 估 值 的 缺 口 。 有 些 主 意 可能 来 源 于 另 一 个 市 场 , 你 需 要 发 现 、修 改 、 测 试 和 调 整 它 们 , 使 之 适 用 于香 港 本 地 的 市 场 。 这 是 我 这 些 年 来 一直 努 力 在 做 的 事 情 。 很 高 兴 看 到 一 些这 样 的 技 巧 不 但 成 功 了 , 而 且 还 被 其他人用在了他们的交易里。

A L B : 哪些因素 对富而德未 来的成功至关重要?R a : 作为一家律所,我们需要预见到 市 场 情 况 和 客 户 需 求 都 是 不 断 变 化的 。 这 意 味 着 律 师 们 需 要 具 备 从 一 个业 务 领 域 转 换 到 另 一 个 业 务 领 域 的 技能 , 这 样 他 们 才 会 总 能 找 到 合 适 的 工作做。要有一种心态,那就是“我能做很 多 种 工 作 ” , 而 不 是 “ 噢 , 我 只 熟 悉那一个领域的工作”。作为国际化律所的 确 会 对 这 种 情 况 有 所 帮 助 。 人 不 应该 被 这 样 框 定 。 拥 有 一 个 注 重 分 享 的文 化 , 也 有 助 于 我 们 度 过 业 务 淡 季 。我 们 是 一 个 非 常 互 助 协 作 的 律 所 , 这会 鼓 励 人 们 既 锐 意 进 取 又 灵 活 变 通 。拥 有 适 应 能 力 , 持 续 创 新 , 富 有 创 造力 , 所 有 这 些 都 有 助 于 确 保 我 们 未 来的成功。

ALB: 您预见亚洲的法律市场在未来五年里会呈现怎样的景象?R a : 这是一个极具活力的市场。我想今 后 五 年 里 会 发 生 很 多 变 化 。 我 们 肯定 会 看 到 更 多 的 大 陆 律 所 在 香 港 开 办代 表 处 , 而 一 些 现 有 律 所 也 会 扩 大 其业 务 范 围 , 增 加 其 他 领 域 的 工 作 , 尤其是监管和调查方面的工作。

长 期 而 言 , 法 律 市 场 可 能 会 分 化 为 全球 性 大 型 律 所 和 专 注 于 当 地 业 务 的 较小 型 律 所 。 经 营 一 家 跨 国 大 型 律 所 并使 其 盈 利 是 极 有 难 度 而 且 开 支 巨 大的 。 有 些 能 成 功 , 有 些 则 不 能 , 这 些不 能 成 功 的 律 所 会 缩 减 规 模 , 变 成 更本 地 化 的 所 。 所 以 长 此 下 去 , 法 律 业可 能 会 走 咨 询 业 曾 走 过 的 老 路 。 当 然不 至 于 只 剩 下 四 五 家 大 型 律 所 , 也 许比 这 个 多 些 , 但 我 觉 得 在 本 地 律 所和 全 球 性 律 所 之 间 会 有 非 常 清 晰 的 分界。

ALB: 您如何看待有些律所试图复制那种中外律所合作的模式?R a : 我不确定以后会出现很多这种模

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Managing partner Q&a32

between a domestic practice and an international one.

ALB: What about players trying to replicate the PRC-international firm model?Ra: I’m not sure we’re going to see a lot more of that model unless the regulations restricting true partnerships with PRC firms are relaxed. There is sure to be a strengthening of alliances and relationships with PRC firms. We have a set of relationship firms that we are particularly close to in countries where we don’t have offices or can’t practise lo-cal law, and we invest a lot of time in developing those relationships, and ensuring they benefit both parties. We are actively working with those firms to find a way of delivering a more efficient and seamless service to clients. The firm that gets that right will have gone quite a long way to achieving that international-domestic model without the same investment in offices or capital, and without a formal alliance or merger.

ALB: If you could offer some advice to other managing partners of growing firms (domestic or international) in Asia, what would that be?Ra: Don’t get too carried away by success, and don’t be too disap-pointed by failure. You will end up having both of them, probably in equal measure over the course of your tenure. Put people at the centre of everything you do, and find a way of maximising your relevance to them, whether in the way you solve problems or the way in which you’re available to assist in an hour of need. And be clear about the strategy. Decide what it is you want to do, communicate it, gather feedback, adjust as necessary, and be intuitive. Being a good managing partner is partly about showing leadership, but also partly about turning the mirror, listening to the feedback, and adjusting as you go forward. Most importantly of all, be human and enjoy what you do.

式,除非政府放宽那些限制与大陆律所结成真正意义上的合伙的法规。与大 陆 律 所 的 联 合和 合 作 肯 定 会 加

强 。 在 我 们 未 设 代 表 处 或 无 法 从 事 当地 法 律 业 务 的 那 些 国 家 , 我 们 都 有 一批 关 系 密 切 的 合 作 律 所 。 我 们 会 投 入很 多 时 间 来 发 展 我 们 的 合 作 关 系 , 确保 双 方 都 能 从 中 获 益 。 我 们 积 极 地 与这 些 律 所 一 起 寻 找 一 种 能 为 客 户 提 供更 协 调 高 效 的 服 务 的 方 法 。 但 即 使 找到 这 样 的 方 法 , 也 要 走 很 长 的 路 , 才能 实 现 那 种 无 需 同 样 多 办 公 室 或 资 金投 入 , 也 非 真 正 意 义 上 的 联 合 或 合 并的国际—本土律所联盟模式。

A L B : 如 果请 您 给其他 成长中律所(本土或国际)的管理合伙 人提 些 意 见,您会说什么?R a : 不要被成功所迷惑,也不要为失败 而 沮 丧 。 这 两 者 你 最 终 都 会 拥 有 ,也 许 在 你 任 职 期 间 这 两 者 你 会 收 获 同样 多 。 把 人 放 在 你 做 的 每 件 事 的 中心 , 想 办 法 让 自 己 对 别 人 有 用 , 或 者通 过 解 决 问 题 , 或 者 通 过 在 急 需 时 帮忙 。 对 战 略 性 的 东 西 要 很 清 楚 。 明 白你 想 做 什 么 , 传 达 这 种 意 思 , 收 集 反馈 意 见 , 做 必 要 的 调 整 , 要 相 信 自 己的 直 觉 。 作 为 一 名 好 的 管 理 合 伙 人 ,一 方 面 是 起 到 领 导 作 用 , 另 一 方 面 是要 将 镜 子 反 转 过 来 , 倾 听 别 人 的 反馈,并在行进中不断调整。

最 重 要 的 是 , 有 人 情 味 并 享 受 自 己 所做的事情。

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012EnErgy roundtablE34

ALB hAS INvItEd SIx IN-hOUSE COUNSELS frOM MAJOr dOMEStIC ANd MULtINAtIONAL ENErGY COMPANIES tO ShArE thEIr ExPErIENCES, OffEr thEIr INSIGhtS Of INdUStrY trENdS, dISCUSS thEIr rISkS ANd ChALLENGES, ANd SPEAk Of thEIr rEqUIrEMENtS WhEN hIrING ExtErNAL LAWYErS. LIU ZHEN rEPOrtS

能 源 法 务大 家 谈

六位来自主要国内和国际能源企业的法务顾问,应ALB之邀在此分享他们的多年经验,以业内眼光观察行业趋势,探讨面临的风险与挑战,并公布他们在聘用外部合作律师时的选择标准。Liu Zhen报道。

EnErgy in-housE roundtablE

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Regardless of the overall economic climate, the energy sec-tor in China always plays a very fundamental role in the economy. Foreign corporations still see opportunities of growth in the China market for its consumption potential;

and the state-owned Chinese companies are busy “going out”, sweep-ing up assets abroad. Clean energy is a common concern, and the general legal environment is also changing as laws are increasingly becoming completed.

无 论 总体 经 济 形 势如 何,能 源行业在中国经 济中始终 扮演支柱 地位。跨国公司仍然 从

中国有增无减的庞大能耗中看到宝贵商机,而中国国企则忙于“走出去”,大举收购海外资产。清洁能源是眼下的一大课题;而随着中国法制的不断完善,法律工作的整体环境也在悄然变化。

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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EnErgy roundtablE 35WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

thE voicEs声音

tina chan, Chief Corporate Counsel, Greater China, Chevron Downstream Law Function (Chevron)

A Hong Kong-based veteran counsel in the energy sector, altogether she possesses more than two decades of in-house experi-ence related to China.

li ling, Chief Legal Officer and a member of the Executive Committee of the State Grid International Development (SGID)

SGID is an overseas investment focused subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, the largest utility in the world.

hong Yuwen, Chief Legal Director of China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF)

CNAF is the largest state-owned aviation fuel supplier which integrates the purchase, transportation, storage, quality manage-ment, sales and into-plane service of avia-tion fuel in China.

Yu lemin, General Manager of the Legal Department, Sinochem Group (Sinochem)

Yu’s team of over 75 members are in charge of China’s no.5 “Top Transnational Enterprises” whose energy business includes exploration and production of oil and gas, oil trading, oil refining, storage and logistics, and distribution and retail.

Zhang fei, Deputy General Counsel, China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd (CRP)

Zhang’s legal department engages in the all the investment, development, operation and management of power plants of the Hong Kong-listed CRP, a flagship subsidiary of central-owned state-owned enterprise (SOE) China Resources (Holdings).

tong liping, Chief Legal Officer of Shanghai Electric and director of the legal department of Shanghai Electric.

She has dedicated her 19-year-long career to the company, one of the largest diversi-fied energy equipment manufacturing groups in China.

TINA ChAN, 雪佛龙下游法律业务大中华区总顾问。(以下简称“雪佛龙”)

Tina Chan是常驻香港的能源行业资深顾问,她一共有20多年和中国事务相关的的法务经验。

张 斐,华润电 力副 总法 律 顾 问。( “ 华润电力”)

在香港上市的华润电力是中国央企华润集团主营电站业务的旗舰级子公司,张斐所在的法律部参与了华润电力的各项投资,开发,经营和管理。

洪育文,中国航空油料集团公司总法律顾问(“中航油”)

中国航空油料集团公司是中国最大的航空油料供应国有企业,在中国从事航油的采购,运输,储存,质量管理,销售和加油服务。

童丽萍,上海电气集团总法律顾问,法务部部长。(“上海电气”)

她至今为止19年的整个职业生涯,都服务于这家中国最大的电站设备制造商之一。

於乐民,中化集团公司法律部总经理(“中化”)

於乐民率领的团队担负着中国“第五大跨国企业”中化的法律服务,其能源相关业务包括油气开采,石油交易,石油炼化,储存运输,分销零售等整个产业链。

李岭,国家电网国际发 展有限公司总法律顾问(“SGID”)

国家电网国际发展有限公司是国家电网的下属子公司,承担着这家全球最大的电网企业的海外投资和国际业务。

zf:

tc:

hy:

tl:

yl:

ll:

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012EnErgy roundtablE36

THE TEAM Zf: Currently we have recruited 12 in-house counsels all together in our legal department, and we also strategically positioned some counsels in our key subsidiaries around our major operation areas. These lawyers are all competent, graduated from top-tier law schools and have at least more than five years PQE.

hY: There used to be only seven workers including me last year in the whole legal department of CNAF. But the full-time headcount has now reached 38, plus some more contract dealers.

tl: At the moment, my team has over 80 full-time legal professionals, which is relatively quite a large team for a “non-central SOE”.

ll: We, the in-house legal team, have been an independent depart-ment since the establishment of SGID. We now have 10 employees.

tc: Chevron doesn’t have a large legal team in the region, only two lawyers in Hong Kong including myself. But we, at the same time, are in charge of the legal affairs in mainland China. Neither of us has a licence to practise in the PRC, thus we would commission local firms to handle the China-related affairs for us when necessary.

THE ROLE OF IN-HOUSE hY: Our job is no different from any other well-established in-house legal department, which includes various meetings, negotiations and talks, drafting documents, communications, and appearing before the court. The main affairs a legal department takes care of are: Major operational decision making; contract; internal regulations; and litiga-tion. We fully participate in all these areas.

tl: The strategy of my team is to develop a functional line into an organic structure and mechanism, which is fully integrated into the overall operational and management system of the company as an indispensable part, a lookout for risks, and a gatekeeper of conduct.

ll: Apart from day-to-day legal affairs management, my team mainly works on supporting the business development of the company. We provide support to outbound investments and mergers and acquisi-tions, and we also advise on strategic decisions that are in the process of being made. In addition, we also collect and compile relevant knowl-edge and experiences concerning cross border business to educate our employees on the legal aspects.

tc: Our value-adding point is that we know the business of the company well; we know what we are doing in China, and what kind of legal services we want. Selecting proper law firms is only a small part of our job. We also connect with the lawyers, telling them how we want the deal to be done, how the team should be organised, and helping them decide how the deal should be structured. This is where we play a leading role.

THE qUALITY OF IN-HOUSE LAWYERS Zf: Personally, I believe four qualities are essential as far as a qualified in-house lawyer is concerned:

Professional competence. In a specific practice area like M&A, and in our specific sector – energy, we all have to constantly keep an eye on

团队Zf: 我们总部和下属企业共有数十名专业律师,大多从国内外知名法学院校毕业,有在国内外大企业和知名律所的工作履历,对能源行业有较丰富的实践经验。

hY: 整个中航油的法律部门,去年我们只有连同我在内只有7位法律工作者,现在已经增长到了38位。如果算上兼职的合同管理员,可能还会更多一些。

tl: 我们这条线现在有80多人,基本都是专职专业人员。从国企来说,尤其是我们这样的“地方国企”,算是规模比较大的。

ll: 我们法律事务部从SGID成立时就是独立的的部门,目前有10个成员。

tc: 我们这里的团队不是很大,只有两个律师在香港,但是我们也同时负责处理中国大陆的法律的事务。因为我们两个都没有中国的律师执照,所以我们一般有中国事务需要的话,会找中国当地的律师事务所替我们去处理。

法务的角色hY: 我们的工作内容跟其他的成熟的法律部门没有什么两样。主要是各种各样的会议,谈判,协商,文件的起草,修改,各种沟通,出庭等等。法律部门最主要的几个事务是这样的:重大经营决策;合同;公司的规章制度;诉讼。在这些工作领域中,法律部门都要有一个全面的参与。

tl: 我对我们部门的思路,最重要的是要建立一个总的法律体系和架构。这个架构要融入公司的整体管控体系里面去,作为一个职能的条线,发挥专业把关的作用,以及法律风险防范和管控,成为整个集团的管理不可缺少的一部分。

ll: 除了日常法律事务管理,我们的工作主要是支持公司的业务发展,对海外 绿地投资、兼并收购等业务的项目执行提供全过程支持,并对公司的业务发展战略提供决策支持。另外,对涉及到海外业务的知识和经验加以整理和积累,在公司内部进行法律知识的宣传和教育。

tc: 最体现我们价值的地方是什么呢?我们对公司内部的生意有比较多认识,我们知道我们到底在中国要做一些什么的生意,我们需要一些什么的法律服务,所以挑选合适的中国律师只是其中的一部分,在整个过程当中,我们要跟他们联系,告诉他们我们想怎么做这个交易,这个团队应该是怎么样的,而且我们帮助他们决定应该怎么去设计一个交易的结

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the latest regulations and practices, and be fully aware that where we can retain the best lawyers and firms in the particular practice area once we need support from the outside counsels.

Business acumen and broad knowledge exposure. It is quite plain that without fundamental knowledge about your employer’s business strategy, business model and information on its rivals, or if you are unable to decipher a financial statement, it will be very difficult for you to provide practical legal advice to the executives and other associates.

Communication skills. The clients of an in-house counsel are narrowed down to the internal associates only, and it is a fine art to know how to brief the boss in an effective way. It requires time and practice to

sharpen these skills.Pursuit of excellence. Comparatively, in-house counsels are under less pressure than private practice lawyers, so we can easily lose the motivation to strive for excellence and enhancing our professional capabilities unless we keep pushing ourselves to stretch further, and have the audacity to walk out of the comfort zone sometimes.

hY: An ideal counsel must possess four things: First, professional skills; second, integrity; third, worldly wisdom, or a businessman mindset besides a legal perspective; and four, the love for the law

构,这是我们发挥作用最大的地方。

法务的自我修养Zf: 我觉得in-house counsel基本的素质有四:

一是专业能力,作为公司法务人员,在细分专业领域如并购,和细分行业领域如能源行业,一定要熟悉相关领域的法律法规和最新的行业实践,同时也要了解该领域国内外最好的律所和律师,这样有疑难问题出现时在自身团队专业能力不足以解答时可以第一时间寻求外部律师的支持;

二是熟悉财务和管理,作为公司法务人员,如果对公司的战略、商业模式、主要竞争对手不了解,读不懂公司最基本的财务报表,不是一个合格的员工,更不是一个合格的公司法务人员,更难以为管理层以及其他业务部门量身定做切实可行的法律方案和提供法律咨询。

三是沟通能力要强。公司法务人员主要的客户实际是内部客户,包括公司管理层和其他业务部门,如何能用简练的语言在有限的时间内

A security guard stands in front of windmills used to generate energy in Shanghai. REUTERS/Aly Song

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and loyalty to the company.

tc: I think first, an in-house lawyer has to have analytical, logical and strategic thinking, and clear ideas. Second, one should have a commercial acumen, not just as a lawyer, but to think from a com-mercial perspective. Then, an in-house has to know the business of the company well.

For instance, in the energy sector, we sell a number of products, like aviation fuel and lubricants, and we operate petrol stations, etc. And the business models vary from products to products. External law-yers know little of this, so we need to make it clear to them what they should be aware of, or how to draft the contract each time. We need also to review and revise their drafts. Since we cannot 100 percent rely on external lawyers accurately finishing work for us, we have to carefully supervise.

In addition, to our colleagues from the business units, who are on the frontline of making money, we are the backup from behind. So we need to have the emotional quotient and abilities that are strong enough to influence them. Sometimes, their assumedly feasible acts would violate some certain regulations like that of tax. We’d have to tell them they cannot do it, but in a better way like providing alterna-tives, which is really important.

Communication also matters and relates to the ability of influence. We have to effectively communicate with them to help them understand the nature of the problem. Teamwork is important for us to complete a task together. Last but not least, it is necessary to give the staff op-portunities for self-development, and offer them coaching and the chance to diversify their skills.

ll: Looking at the overall functioning of in-house teams in Chinese companies, it is a good start that many have the attention of executives. In fact, this attention is growing. But we in-house counsel must work on how to influence the decision making, how to present ourselves and add value to the company operations, and how to enhance the interaction between the legal team and other departments. More down-to-earth practices and a better founded culture of the “rule of law” are needed.

JOB EVOLUTION IN RECENT YEARS Yl: In the past 10 years, having learned a lesson the hard way, we have undergone a sharp learning curve as the conglomerate branched out into diverse business units and cross border transactions have become more commonplace. The 1990s were a difficult and chaotic period for Chinese SOEs. That was a time when China went through a transfor-mation from a central-planning economy to a market economy. Many SOEs, Sinochem in particular, suffered heavy losses during that period due to mismanagement and lack of risk and credit control.

Zf: My observation is that SOEs, in particular those SOEs directly controlled by the central government, are gradually paying more and more attention to in-house jobs. Thus, the in-house lawyer’s function-ality is strengthened in corporate China. Hopefully in the foreseeable future, the in-house lawyers can be more proactive, and their career development can be more diversified and promising. However, the gap between corporate China and the MNCs is still large enough that

向管理层解释清楚一个法律问题,如何能用通俗易懂的语言向其他部门同事解答清楚一个他们工作实践中遇到的或大或小的法律问题,这种深入浅出、“极高明而道中庸”的能力其实需要很强的综合能力和有意识的锻炼。

四是公司法务人员要有追求卓越的心态,相对而言,公司法务人员不像外部律师那样工作压力和强度大,如不有意识的提高对自己工作效率效果的要求,公司法务人员很容易懈怠和专业能力退化。

hY: 一个理想的法务有四个方面,一个是专业精通,第二个是品德端正,第三个是世事洞明,法律人员要有一个生意人的思维,不能光从法律上考虑,第四是对法律事业的热爱和对公司的忠诚。

tc: 我觉得首先作为律师第一个最重要的是有一个分析性,逻辑性,战略性的思考,思路要很清楚。第二要有商业敏感性,不单单作为律师,还要能够从一个商业的角度去看问题。然后对自己的公司的生意要深入的理解。因为我

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it will take time and strenuous efforts to fix it.

tc: I have been working in the field of China-related legal affairs for more than 20 years. I joined Chevron 12 years ago after years of experience in other energy companies. Basically, I have been an in-house counsel for the energy sector throughout my career, and it has been over two decades since my first involvement in Chinese laws and regulations.

Over the years, I think the major change is that the Chinese legal sys-tem has become more affluent and complete, in comparison to the old times when there weren’t many laws and regulations. What I’ve been witnessing is a great change, a progress of evolution. Another change is that the Chinese lawyers have become much more competent.

In the beginning there weren’t many lawyers at all, and great lawyers were rare - those who spoke fluent English and completed their work to perfection. I found that lawyers are getting better and better, as we’ve been using Chinese firms all the way. I also found during my in-house career, especially over the past five years, that the Chinese are getting more precise and sticking to the law. For example, the recently issued Anti-Monopoly Law is what was absent before. As a result, we are paying particular attention to those antitrust China-related issues. We are extremely careful with whether there are any

们能源行业,卖的不是单种产品,譬如我们卖航油,润滑油,又做加油站,由于产品的不同,有可能十几二十种不同的生意方式。外部的律师不了解我们的生意,所以我们每一次要清楚的告诉他们,我这个合同要注意什么什么,你给我起草的时候要怎么怎么样,他们起草完了我们自己也要修改,因为不能百分之一百依靠外部的律师能够给我们做得很精确,我们都需要小心监管。

还有对于我们自己公司的做生意赚钱的部门,前线的同事们,我们是在后面给他们提供支援,所以我们要有比较好的EQ,有能力去影响他们。有时候他们觉得我这样做这样可以,可是这样做从税务上,法律上是违反了规定,他们可能不知道,那我们就要告诉他们,你不应该这样做。可能比较好的方式是给他们其他选择。还有沟通,也跟影响能力有关系。你要跟他们沟通得比较好。让他们理解这个到底是什么样的问题。然后团队合作也很重要,大家要作为一个团队去处理这些事情。最后,要给手下的同事们发展机会,给他们指导,还有给他们机会去做不同的东西。

ll: 总体看中国企业中法律队伍的作用,现在许多企业都重视依法治企,增加法律专业人员,这是个好的开头。但是对与法律顾问在行使职能的时候,怎样影响企业决策,怎样在业务中体现出法律顾问的功能和价值,怎样促进法律和业务团队的互动,还需要渗透到实践中,需要进一步培育整体的法律文化。

工作的演变Yl: 过去的10年间,随着集团进入多样化经营的发展,跨境交易也越来越普遍,我们也经历了一个非常曲折的学习曲线,学到了艰难的一课。中国国企的1990年代非常困难和混乱。当时中国正经历从计划经济转型到设厂经济的转型。许多国企,特别是中化,因为当时的管理不善和缺乏风险和信用管控,而遭受到了严重的损失。

Zf: 我个人观察到的公司法务最主要的变化是国有企业尤其是中央企业越来越重视公司法务工作,这可以从国务院国资委一系列的文件中得到证实,这会提升公司法务在国有企业中的地位和发言权,从而也会导致工作量和工作形式的变化,公司法务会更加主动积极,职业生涯发展的通道也会更加宽广,但和世界500强企业的差距我觉得仍然很大。

tc: 我参与中国相关的法律事务,已经二十多年了。我正式加入雪佛龙有十二年,但此前也在别的能源企业,所以一直是在本行业从事法务。如果从我一开始接触中国的法规算起,已经二十几年了。

Workmen hang from the power lines for a new railway line under construction on the outskirts of Beijing. REUTERS/David Gray

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relevant provisions in a specific area. In general, the law is getting stricter, and we are getting more cautious.

THE COMPANY PLAN tc: In the past, we didn’t have a really large-scale business in China. But now, as far as I know, there is a full marketing plan to promote one of our various products in China. And there are also some solid plans for our upstream development in China – upstream in the petrol industry referring to exploration and exploiting, etc. Besides, some foreign-based branches of Chevron International, like our Australian company, have large procurements in China. Therefore, they are sending over inspectors to guarantee quality assurance. In a word, the China-related business, both the inbound investments and the pro-curements, would have plenty of opportunities to develop and expand.

tl: In the near future, I think Shanghai Electric will continue to focus on overseas expansion. Either we will purchase assets overseas or establish cross border partnerships with international corporations. The methods vary, but the tendency is getting stronger and stronger. This will occupy most of our attention.

ENERGY INDUSTRY AND RISK CONTROL Zf: The central government has recently promulgated a series of laws and regulations on clean energy. We also observe that the change in the international carbon emissions market will surely have great impact on the industry and its business model. The change of policies and business models will have various impacts on our practice. I think the in-house legal team should not only manage the legal affairs on a daily basis, but it also needs to do research and keep track of the development of relevant state policies and legislations. Of course, the research is not purely for academic interest, but mainly for paving a

过去这些年间,我想最主要的变化是开始的时候没有太多法规,而现在中国的法规变得比较多而且比较完善。所以我是见证了中国的法律的一个很大变化,一个进化的过程。另外一个是中国的律师比以前也能干得多。

开始的时候中国都没有多少律师,但现在有很多很好的律师。而且有一些英语的特别好,很能干。因为我们需要用很多的中国律师事务所为我们提供服务,这个过程中我发现他们越来越能干。我觉得在过去5年当中,在我在作为法务的过程当中发现现在在中国做这些法律事务,也变得比较严谨,比较多规范了。譬如以前在中国没有《反垄断法》,现在也有了。总之中国的法律越来越严谨,我们也特别要越来越小心处理。

公司计划tc: 我们以前在中国没有发展得那么多,但现在我知道我们有一个产品已经有一套完整的计划,要在中国市场有推广的大动作。另外,我们的上游,就是勘探开发的方面,在中国也有也有很多计划。除此之外,我们雪佛龙系统外国的公司,例如我们在澳大利亚的分公司,他们在中国来进行大量的采购,所以他们也会派一些人到中国,确保他们采购的东西质量保证能够做得比较好。所以在中国的这一块,无论在当地投资,或是从外面进来采购,应该都有比较多的发展和拓展。

tl: 近两年我觉得我们公司还是合资并购,国

An employee fills a vehicle at a gas station in Hefei. REUTERS/Jianan Yu

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clear road map to ongoing business operations.

tc: In terms of the present economic condition, what I can say is that it might have some impact on our business, but is not likely to affect our development plans. I think the two most influential laws to us are the Labour Law, a new law issued only a few years ago, but already deeply affecting us, and the Anti-Monopoly Law. As our company focuses highly on compliance, we are paying particular attention to these two laws. An instance of the obvious effect of the Labour Law is the occurrences of labour disputes we’ve encountered with employees. There have been only a couple of them though, which deserve special high vigilance.

hY: Since the financial crisis, the economy has gone up and down. The trend has yet to be clear, and perhaps there will be some worse times to some extent. The indicators of Chinese companies dropped from same time last year. Inevitably we have been affected in the follow-ing ways: First, legal disputes increase in the unstable economy with problems once covered by growth emerging in the downturn. Second, companies and departments have become more aware of legal risks in such harsh time. Third, we hope we can come out as winners and survivors of a tough environment.

tl: Currently, the state policies of tightening investment have slowed down many projects. It has more or less some impact on us. But, as one of the fundamental industries, our energy equipment manufactur-ing would perform relatively better than many other industries since there isn’t as much of a bubble here as in some sectors. When the bubbles burst they are the ones that get hurt, not us. Furthermore, the energy industry will always be needed to a certain extent as it is a basic demand of all sectors. I think for a significant period of time, this would remain the case. Anyway, we will strategically seek new growth points, such as overseas investment and projects. But the traditional business will remain our advantage in the market and our core competitiveness.

ll: We are not going out for the sake of going out. We examine each M&A and investment opportunity calmly and cautiously. With open minds, we also do thorough research and investigation. To evaluate and make choices on opportunities and timings is so important that the professional advice of legal practitioners is indispensible. The first role we play here is carrying out the due diligence investigation. We also provide comprehensive information and analysis to the decision makers after thorough research on the investment environment, and the laws and policies of the target’s country. Secondly, in order to pro-actively promote the projects, we utilise our expertise and experiences in law to prepare the documents and organise the negotiations. With our increasing experiences in overseas M&As, we can improve the in-ternational reputation and image of Chinese companies by successfully supporting the operation and execution of our investment projects.

THE CHALLENGES tc: As for our current challenges, the first one is the shortage of resources due to the accumulation of work and explosion in number of laws and regulations as a result of our growing business in China. There are still only two of us, which means a heavier load and more hard work. The second challenge is the difficulty and time consumption in finding a law firm that meets our standards in the smaller cities,

际合作会比较重要。不管是我们去海外收购,还是和国际公司建立跨国合作,方式多样,但是国际化的趋势是越来越明显。这个工作会占用我们相当的精力。

能源行业与风险管控Zf: 国家关于清洁能源的一系列法律法规,以及国际上碳减排市场发生的种种变化,必然会对能源行业的生意模式产生重大影响,要求企业要主动转型,以因应国际国内的政策调整和行业变化。我觉得法务部门除了要做好日常法律事务处理,还需要对国家的相关政策法规做好前瞻性研究和跟踪工作。

tc: 关于当前的经济形势,只能说对我们的生意影响可能会有,不过可能不会影响到我们发展的计划。我觉得有两个法规特别对我们有影响,第一就是《劳动法》。这个是一个新的法律,出台只有几年,但是它影响很深。还有另外一个就是《反垄断法》。因为我们公司对合规特别注意,所以这些我们要特别的留意。譬如在《劳动法》这方面就发现影响比较明显,发生过一些跟员工有劳动争议的事件。不过也不是很多,一两个而已,但是我们需要特别注意。

hY: 金融危机以来,经济反反复复,到现在为止 还没有明朗化,甚至可能 有一定的恶化。我们无可避免会受到一些影响。对法律工作来说,可能有三点。第一是在经济的波动时期,很容易带来法律纠纷的增加。在经济上升时期很多问题被掩盖掉,但是在经济大起大落时就会浮现。第二个是各个公司各个部门的法律风险意识在提高。他们会意识到这是非常时期,会意识到法律风险。第三个是我们希望在恶劣环境中我们希望我们是最终的胜出者。

tl: 目前投资的紧缩和整体大环境的增长放缓,会对我们企业或多或少会有影响的,但是受大环境影响比较大的是那种泡沫比较多的,我们这种装备制造也属于基础工业本身没有太多泡沫,跟其他产业比起来应该还会好一些。并且,能源工业始终是一个基本需求。我觉得在相当的一个时间里面还会保持这样的需求。另外从战略上我们需要开发新的业务增长点,例如海外投资和业务。但是作为基础行业,我们的传统业务还是我们的优势和核心竞争力。

ll: 我们不是仅仅为了国际化而国际化,我们需要理性而审慎的看待各种并购和投资的机遇。在有一个开放的头脑的同时,充分进行调查研究。对机会的判断和时机的选择是非常重要的,而其中法律人员的专业判断不可或缺。我们法律人员的作用,一方面是尽职调查

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1. what’s your perspective on the trend of energy business?Although the economic development is slowing down, energy shortage remains a problem difficult to solve for China – the second largest global economy. Due to technical and environmental restrictions, China needs to attract investment of international energy conglomerates such as Chevron and ConocoPhillips. Meanwhile, with the guidance of the government, Chinese enterprises have invested overseas in energy projects and more are expected to come in the future. The active trans-border investment will result in the increase of legal needs. Therefore, I think that the energy practice will continue to be hot in the next few years.

2. what are the newly issued or revised laws and regulations related to environment, resources and energy?The first significant revision is that of the Civil Procedural Law. The revised Law, effective as of Jan 1, 2013, incorporates articles on environmental public interest litigation. Under Article 55 of the revised Law, agencies and organizations stipulated by laws and regulations may file suits against acts that damage public interest such as environmental pollution.

The second is the revision of the Environmental Protection Law, which has been in force for 23 years. Currently, the revision draft of the law has come out, in which it includes a system to control the total volume of major pollutants, and further clarifies and improves the rules on enterprises’ responsibility to prevent pollution. In addition, many professionals and experts, including individuals from my firm, have called out for further improvement of the draft, such as clarifying the environmental public interest litigation system and the environmental tax rules, and improving the compensation system for environmental pollution, the approval system for environmental impact assessment and the system of simultaneous design, construction and use. These systems and rules can further strengthen the environmental responsibility of enterprises, and regulate their pollution discharge acts.

The third is the drafting of the Atomic Energy Law, which began 27 years ago. Currently, the first draft has been finished and submitted to the relevant government departments for comments. Our firm had the honor to be included among the drafting committee and participated actively. As a basic law in the nuclear energy area, this law will play a significant role in the regulation of nuclear-related legal relations and in the development of China’s nuclear energy business in the future.

Additionally, the Air Pollution Prevention Law and Beijing Municipal Rules on Air Pollution Prevention are also under revision, in which, as the legal advisor of Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, my firm provided professional comments and suggestions from a practical perspective.

3. what impact will these revised laws and regulations have on your clients?All of the above-mentioned laws and regulations directly affect the behavior of the enterprises in the resource and energy sector in their daily operation, M&A, financing and other activities, as follows:

1) The revised regulations will adopt stricter requirements to achieve the relevant administrative approvals before construction of a project begins, including stricter requirements for approval in relation to an enterprises’ total discharge of pollutants, and emphasis on the requirement that the environmental assessment must be complete before any constructing of the project.

2) The revised regulations also set higher restrictions in the course of operating the project, including the simultaneous design, construction and use of environmental facilities,

the suspending of approval, as well as the regulating of the pollution discharge and environmental monitoring.

3) Under the revised regulations, the enterprises will have to pay much higher price for noncompliance than before, especially after the establishment of environmental public litigation system, at which time the enterprises will have to pay much more for their part in causing pollution that affects the public welfare, which, previously, no one could claim.

Therefore, we may say that the revised regulations set a higher requirement on the compliance of enterprises. The enterprises must perform a systematic review and analysis of the relevant laws and regulations, and sufficiently understand and estimate the liabilities and risks under the new regulations, so as to avoid the heavy penalties that may be incurred for violating the relevant rules. It is even more so for the foreign enterprises investing in China. The legal system in China is comparatively complicated. In addition to laws, there are a great many administrative regulations and departmental regulations. It is therefore difficult for the foreign investor to assess the impact and interconnection among such a diverse set of regulations, not to mention keeping up with the numerous revisions and amendments to the regulations. So, it is essential to have experienced legal guidance and support.

4. for the next two years, what are the expectations and development plans for your law firm and your team as to energy practice?Currently, our practice group for environment, resources and energy continues to expand and grow, forming an experienced, international team consisting of both Chinese and foreign attorneys to satisfy the needs of domestic and foreign clients in their resources and energy business within and across borders. In the future, we will continue to focus our attention on and involve ourselves in cutting-edge practice in the energy area. We will also actively participate in the legislative process, so as to maintain and expand our expertise in this area. We look forward to providing the highest quality professional service to energy clients at home and abroad.

5. what’s your suggestions to the outgoing chinese energy clients? With more and more energy and resources enterprises investing abroad, there have been many enterprises paying a price for not handling their investment optimally. With respect to Chinese enterprises, we suggest that two considerations be made before investing abroad. The first relates to their overseas China investment. Since a series of regulations and policies are issued by the Chinese national and local departments overseeing development, business, and foreign exchange, the investment money cannot successfully go abroad unless those rules are sufficiently figured out. Also, there are a great many policies relating to financing and providing guarantees that support the enterprises’ efforts to expand globally, therefore the enterprises had better do their homework to take advantage of such policies. Second, enterprises must also focus on how to ensure the monies invested successfully reach the destination. The enterprises must first perform due diligence on the investment environment of the destination country, making sure to understand clearly the laws and policies related to energy and resources investment, investment entities, taxes, foreign exchange, environmental protection, employment, working hours, and corporate law matters; otherwise, they may suffer investment losses. Moreover, the reliance on the professional support provided by intermediaries such as law firms and accounting firms is also quite important. In conclusion, the initial steps a Chinese enterprise needs to take for their first attempt at outgoing investment is to standardize their operation and integrate with international practice for trans-border investment.

NEW CHALLENGES LIE AHEAD FOR ENERGY ENTERPRISES

Wang Jihong is in charge of the v&t Law firm’s practice related to environment, resources, energy, urban infrastructure, real estate and engineering. She is recognized as one of the National Excellent Lawyers in China and serves as the vice director of the Environment & resource Law Committee. for years, Ms Wang has assisted domestic and foreign investors in a great many arbitrations and litigations related to bidding, M&A, investing and financing in resources, energy and environment areas. due to her expertise in environmental and energy matters, Ms Wang is often invited to draft, revise or deliberate the relevant laws and regulations. Currently, she is an active member of the drafting committee for the Atomic Energy Law, and serves as its principal legal advisor.

王霁虹,全国优秀律师,负责万商天勤事务所的环境、资源、能源、城市基础设施、房地产及工程业务,同时担任中华全国律师协会环境与资源法专业委员会副主任。多年来协助境内外投资者设计、处理了大量资源、能源、基础设施等领域的招投标、并购、投融资等诉讼、非诉讼法律事务。作为业内法律专家,多次受邀参与相关法律法规的起草、修订和论证工作,目前作为起草组成员,正在参与《原子能法》的起草工作。

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V&T LAW FIRM 万商天勤律师事务所

1、您如何看能源业务的未来发展趋势?尽管经济发展速度放缓,但能源问题始终是中国这全球第二大经济体尚待解决的难题,因此,我本人认为未来能源业务还将持续成为律师的业务热点之一。由于技术、环保等瓶颈的限制,中国需要吸引诸如雪佛龙、康菲等一流的国际能源企业前来中国投资;与此同时,中国实力的强大和政府的引导,已经和将继续有越来越多的中国企业到境外投资。这种跨境投资的活跃,决定着相关法律服务的市场需求。由此,我认为,在未来的几年,能源领域的法律业务仍将是热点。

2、最近有哪些新颁布或新修定的与环境、资源、能源相关的法律法规?首先是令人瞩目的《民事诉讼法》的修改。2013年1月1日开始实施的修订后的《民事诉讼法》中增加了环境公益诉讼制度的相关条款:“第五十五条对污染环境、侵害众多消费者合法权益等损害社会公共利益的行为,法律规定的机关和有关组织可以向人民法院提起诉讼。”在经过业内人士多年的呼吁和努力后,终于增加到了新修订的《民事诉讼法》中。

其次是已实施了23年、正在征求意见中的《环境保护法》的修改。目前《环境保护法》征求意见稿已经发布,在该征求意见稿中,已经将重点污染物总量控制制度正式写入,并进一步明确和完善了企业污染防治责任制度。此外,本所等众多业界人士都在呼吁对于征求意见稿进行进一步完善,如明确环境公益诉讼制度、环境税制度,完善环境污染损害赔偿制度、环境影响评价审批制度及三同时制度等等。这些制度均会进一步加强企业环境责任,规范企业的排污行为。

再次是历经27年,目前尚在起草中的《原子能法》。目前《原子能法》的初稿已经完成并已征求各部委意见。本所有幸作为起草组成员全程参与到该法的立法过程。该法作为核能领域的基本法,将对中国未来核能领域法律关系的调整和中国核能事业的发挥重大作用。

此外,《大气污染防治法》和《北京市大气污染防治条例》也均在制定、修改的过程中,本所作为北京市环保局的法律顾问也从实践的角度对该两部法律的制定和修改提供了专业意见和建议。

3、这些新颁法律法规对您的客户会带来什么样的影响?上述法律法规均对资源、能源类企业的日常经营、运行、以及并购、融资等一系列行为产生直接影响,具体表现为:1)新法规对于项目建设前的相关行政审批的要求将会更加严格,包括重点污染物排污企业需先行取得排污总量审

批,强调建设项目的环评必须先行办理等等。2)新法规对于企业在项目运作过程中的合规性也提出了更高的要求,包括,企业环保设施的三同时及暂停审批的落实、规范排污行为、规范环境监测等等。3)在新法规下,企业违规/侵权的代价将大大增加,尤其是环境公益诉讼制度开启之后,对于以往无人主张的环境污染损害的公共利益部分,企业将付出极高的代价。

由此,新法规对于企业的合规性要求更高,企业需对相关法律规定有一个系统的了解和评估,充分的消化吸收及评估新法规项下的义务及风险,以避免因违反相关规定需承担的巨大代价。而对于来中国投资的外国企业更是如此,中国的法律体系较为复杂,同一领域不仅有法律、还会有大量的行政法规、部门规章甚至是规范性文件,这些文件之间的关系以及新法出台后相关文件规定的有效性判定等,对于投资者而言理解起来有一定难度,相关的法律等专业支持必不可少。

4、对接下来的两年,你的律所和团队对能源业务有什么样的期许和发展计划? 目前,本所的环境、资源、能源专业服务团队不断壮大,日益成熟,已形成了由中外律师组成的经验丰富国际专业服务团队,能够充分满足中外客户的国内及跨境资源、能源业务的需求。未来我们将继续关注、提早涉足能源领域的前卫业务,并积极参与相关立法,保持和不断扩大本所在能源法领域的优势,更好的为国内外能源企业提供专业、优质的法律服务。

5、对于那些对外投资的中国能源客户,您有什么建议? 随着走出国门进行投资的资源、能源企业越来越多,诸多企业也付出了不少代价,交了很多学费。对于这些走出国门的企业,我们的建议就是在投资之前先搞清楚两件事:一是投资款如何投出去的问题,对于企业对外投资,中国的发展部门、商务部门、外汇部门等均有一系列法律规范和政策规定,若不搞清楚,你的投资款是出不去的;同时,中国也有诸多支持企业走出去的融资、担保等鼓励性政策,想要走出去的企业应先做好这些功课,充分利用好这些有利政策。二是如何把钱投到目标国。为此,要先行对拟投资国家的投资环境做好尽职调查,先行了解清楚该国关于外国人投资资源、能源类项目的法律、政策、投资主体、税收、外汇、环保、雇佣、劳动时间、公司法等方面的规定,否则,可能会投资失利,遭受巨额投资损失。还有一点非常重要,就是要充分依靠律师、会计师事务所等咨询机构的专业支持。有的企业因为不知道、不了解,有的企业为了省钱,往往忽略或不愿在该方面花钱,而未能事前发现或及时防控面临的风险而最终导致因小失大,损失惨重。因此,尽快实现跨境投资中的规范化、国际化,是那些初次向境外投资的中国企业需要学会的第一课。

能源企业面临新挑战

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unlike those in first tier cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

tl: The biggest challenges were the ones we encountered while “going abroad”. As a large SOE, we have been increasingly targeting overseas development. Our in-house team has also advised on, and directly taken part in our overseas moves like cross border M&As, infrastructure projects, overseas asset management, and even the opening and running of branches in a foreign country.

ll: Nurturing talent and recruitment. Although we have a good start, there is still much to improve.

ExTERNAL COUNSEL Zf: In picking domestic and international law firms, we consider mainly their professional expertises and reputation. We also try to strike a delicate balance between cost and the quality of service. In addition, we tend to retain the firms and lawyers who can fully understand our concerns and business.

tc: We have gone through a change in terms of cooperating with external lawyers. In the past, I mean some 20 years ago, we would only turn to international firms who might have proper knowledge on PRC law. Nowadays, we sometimes engage Chinese firms with direct communications and contacts.

Most importantly, the firm we pick is determined by the professional capability, which is the fundamental factor. Some firms have unique expertises in certain areas, like trademarks or branding. There are such boutique firms practising in these niche markets in China. Normally, the firms we choose are those who have their own specialties and distinctive strengths, the most professional ones.

We continue to work with international firms, too. And under most circumstances, it depends on the object at hand that needs to be dealt with. For instance, where there is a small litigation or dispute, a local firm is a probable advocate for us, as the object is not that large. However, in the cases of huge merger and acquisition, where some special regulations or multinational corporations are involved, we might consider an international firm that has a branch in China.

hY: We consider first, professional skills, second, the enthusiasm in service, and third, a long-term partnership that we could develop together. We don’t want a law firm to bring its service to an end at the closure of the case. We hope they look from the company’s point of view to pick a path for the company’s best and offer us the most additional value. It would be mutually beneficial if they help to correct our shortcomings and improve our abilities.

tl: When choosing external counsel, cooperativeness and adaptability are important. We consider how much we understand mutually and match culturally. Price is an issue, but I never take it as one of the key criteria. Actually, I do not agree that we should pick a cheap one. What I value are which person the firm sends to us, whether he or she fits our project, how good he or she is professionally, how dedicated he or she is, and whether he or she values our business. For the different sizes and difficulty of deals, we need different levels of lawyers. We should not waste a senior partner’s time on a minor case, nor risk our important business in the hand of a first-year associate. Therefore, we need our contacts to be clear enough about our business. Also, there

和研究,通过对当地投资环境,法律法规和政策的研究,帮助决策部门提供全面的信息和分析,以协助决策。另一方面,我们也利用我们的法律知识和经验,组织法律文件的准备和相关谈判,积极主动的推动项目的完成。通过不断积累起来海外并购法律方面的经验,在国家鼓励走出去的大背景下,通过提高投资和项目执行水平,进一步提高中国企业在国际社会中的声誉和地位。

挑战tc: 现在而言,我们面临的挑战,我觉得首先是中国的业务越来越大,越来越多事务,法规也越来越多。但是人手很紧张,我们还是只有两个律师,所以工作比较辛苦,这是第一个挑战。第二个挑战就是在中国一线的城市,大城市,比如来讲北京、上海这些可以有很多律师事务所让我们去选择。但是如果在一些比较小的城市里面,想找一家我们比较满意的律师事务所,有时候是有一些困难,也花多一些时间。

tl: 最主要的是 “走出去”的过程中面临的挑战。我们作为大型国企,海外发展力度越来越大。海外并购,海外工程,海外资产的管理,包括海外开设公司等,都是我们法律部门要关心的问题,我们也直接参与。

ll: 第一挑战是人才的培养和引进。现在国企越来越重视法律队伍建设,我们也从全国范围内招聘人才。我们的起步很好,但是还有很大的努力空间。

外聘律师Zf: 国内外合作律所的选择主要是看在相关领域的专业能力以及一定的知名度,其次考虑成本。此外,我们喜欢聘用那些注重长期战略合作、急客户之所急、专业能力和敬业精神并重的律所和律师。

tc: 我们与律师的的合作也有个过程。二十几年前,我们会找一些对中国的法律比较有认识的外国律师事务所。现在有时候我们会直接找中国的律师事务所沟通、接触。

而最主要的,我们用哪家律师事务所,最看重的是专业的能力,这是最重要的。而且有一些律师事务所,他们专长在某一个方面,譬如商标,品牌;也有一些特定的律师事务所,在中国专门做这些业务。所以一般来讲我们选律师事务所都是选在某一个方面比较有特殊的专长和特别的能力的律师事务所,比较专业的那些。

我们同样也继续跟国际的事务所合作。多数时候,是看我们要处理的东西。譬如来讲,如果某一个地方有一个很小的诉讼或争议的话,我们可能会选一家当地的律师事务所去处理,因为牵涉的标的也不很高。而如果我们有一些并购牵涉到有特殊的规定,有时候还牵涉在国外的一些其

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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is a certain amount of competition among them.

ll: We wish there were stronger lawyers specialising in cross border transactions. We need lawyers who have mastered the relevant laws and knowledge, are experienced in overseas deals, are proficient in the needed foreign language, are skilful in international negotiations and communications, and most importantly, are familiar with the style and needs of SOEs. At the moment, we rarely see external lawyers meeting this high bar. We need to work together with external lawyers to develop their expertise and grow this market.

Yl: Sinochem strives to establish a transparent, fair and efficient mechanism where a mismatch or juicy contract can be prevented. As the Chinese saying goes, “you don’t need to use an ox-knife to kill a chicken”. We don’t necessarily have to use a mega international firm for every single deal. Rather, we select the counsels according to the size of the deal and also which jurisdictions they operate in, especially when we have to conduct a multijurisdictional transaction.

Experience certainly counts. The lowest bidders are not always the best. And the Haigui, or Chinese overseas returnees with substantial multinational firm experiences, they provide better quality work than the home grown firms, yet their services are priced lower than foreign ones. We increasingly invite them to bid for our work and even let them handle our relatively small outbound deals valued less than $200m.Consultants such as investment banks can be a dangerous crutch. Some inexperienced SOEs misplace their trust on their advisers and fail to realise that these advisers don’t carry any fiduciary duty to protect their interests. And their financial advisers, in particular, are more often than not driven by the common incentive scheme of suc-cess fee to get a deal done. Eventually you have to rely on your own in-house deal team and your own judgement.

他的公司,可能我们就考虑选在中国有分所跨国律师事务所。

hY: 第一个是专业精通,第二个热情服务,第三个和我们长期合作,共同成长。我们希望律所不是给我们处理完一件事就算一件事,我们希望他们从公司的角度考虑,对公司最有利的路径,希望他们为我们提供更多的附加价值。比如通过服务,改进我们的不足,提高我们的能力,双方相得益彰。

tl: 在选择合作律师的时候,律师和企业的合作性,匹配性非常重要,要能够互相理解,文化相融。性价比要比较好,但是我也不太赞成挑太便宜的律师。不会以服务费为标准。我考虑的因素是律所派什么人来做,他是不是合适做这个项目,他的专业能力,他是不是够投入,他是不是把我们的事情看得非常重要等等。不同的规模,大小,难易程度的项目,也是要配备不同层次的律师。我们也没必要杀鸡用牛刀,但我们也不可能让小律师去做我们的大事情。对此我们会对我们的联系人有要求,他们也要非常清楚我们。这里面也还存在一定的竞争。

ll: 希望从事跨国交易的律师能更多更强,因为我们需要律师既有海外并购的经验和相关法律知识、技能,国际谈判能力和中英文沟通技巧,还必须了解国企的特点和需求,这样的人才很难得,需要我们和外部的律师共同努力,促进法律市场的繁荣和人才的成长。

Yl: 中化正努力建立一个透明、公正和高效的选择机制,以防止出现能力不匹配或者酬劳过高的情况。正如中国古话说,割鸡焉用牛刀。我们不一定每一桩小生意都要用上国际大律所。相反,我们是根据每一笔交易的大小,所处的司法辖区来选择相应的法律顾问,尤其是在必须要进行跨法域交易的情况下。

经验当然很重要。报价最低的并不总是最好的。另外,有相当的国际律所经验的海归律师的律所,通常能比本土律所提供更优质的服务,同时也比外国律所定价便宜。我们越来越多的邀请他们参与我们案子的投标,甚至直接委托他们办理一些小于2亿美元的小规模的对外业务。

依靠投行咨询师等人则有可能是比较危险的。一些没有经验的国企错误的信任了这些顾问,并没意识到这些人并没有义务保护企业的利益。而这些顾问,特别是金融顾问,常常只受奖励方案的驱动,一心促成交易从而赚取佣金。最后你只能依靠公司内部的交易团队以及自己的判断。

A pump jack is seen surrounded by steam during sunset at a PetroChina’s oil field in Karamay. REUTERS/Stringer Shanghai

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by CLS Communication** ** 此文中文翻译由CLS Communication提供 **

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** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

ALB ChINA ShINES thE SPOtLIGht ON ChINA’S 20 LArGESt fIrMS. CATHY CHEN tALkS tO thE tOP 10 fOr INSIGhtS INtO MArkEt trAJECtOrIES, thEIr GrOWth OBJECtIvES ANd WhY ExPANSION MUSt ALWAYS BE thOUGhtfUL ANd BALANCEd.

ALB 中国律师事务所二十强

ALB中国版本期聚焦中国的20家最大的律所。Cathy Chen用第一手访谈为您呈现前十名的的市场轨迹,成长目标,并解析为何律所扩张规模必须深思熟虑寻求平衡

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation**

ALB China

Top 20 Largest Law Firms

REUTERS/David Gray

Page 49: CLB Oct 2012

Top 20 largesT law firms 47WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

M E T H O D O L O G Y

An online survey was sent to all eligible domestic firms, where participants were asked to submit details about the number of their offices, partners, and associates. It is worth noting that in this year’s survey, we introduced a new parameter: Fee-earner headcount - which speaks to a firm’s size in a broader sense in terms of headcount. Law firms submitted their data by Aug. 1, 2012. Following a review of the data from the completed online questionnaire,

interviews were conducted with the firms to further explore the story behind the data.

alb china top 20 laRgest law fiRms

RanK fiRm namemanaging paRtneR

head office

numbeR of offices

numbeR of paRtneRs

numbeR of associates

fee-eaRned headcount

1 Dacheng Law Offices LLP Wang Zhongde Beijing 39 749 1428 2676

2 Beijing Yingke Law Firm Multiple Beijing 18 567 1053 1820

3 King & Wood Mallesons Wang Ling Beijing 21 380 1420 1800

4 Grandall Law Firm Lv Hongbing Shanghai 14 215 580 1112

5 DeHeng Law Offices Wang Li Beijing 22 187 763 1106

6 Zhong Yin Law Firm Li Ju Beijing 21 117 584 960

7 AllBright Law Offices Wu Mingde Shanghai 9 184 671 940

8 Zhong Lun Law Firm Zhang Xuebing Beijing 7 203 560 747

9 Jun He Law Offices Wei Xiao Beijing 7 149 299 482

10 Guanghe Law Firm (GH Law Firm) Multiple Shenzhen 5 112 348 455

11 ZhongLun W&D Law Firm Chen Wen Beijing 10 98 320 418

12 Guangdong Sun Law Firm Zhifeng Shenzhen 7 35 234 350

13 Zhongcheng Renhe Law Firm Wang Guangren Jinan 8 78 275 307

14 Jingtian & Gongcheng Multiple Beijing 4 85 96 279

15 Deheng Law Firm Multiple Beijing 7 37 181 277

16 Jincheng Tongda & Neal Max Tian Beijing 6 99 217 271

17 Guantao Law Firm Cui Liguo Beijing 10 65 140 268

18 Grandway Law Offices Multiple Beijing 7 46 214 260

19 Hylands Law Firm Hong Liu Beijing 5 43 150 235

20 Global Law Office Jinrong Liu Beijing 3 60 200 200

Page 50: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Top 20 largesT law firms48

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

A L B 中国 律 师 事 务 所二十 强

排名 事务所名称 管理合伙人 总部 办公室 合伙人 律师 收费专业人员总数

1 大成律师事务所 王忠德 北京 39 749 1428 2676

2 北京盈科律师事务所 多人 北京 18 567 1053 1820

3 金杜律师事务所 王玲 北京 21 380 1420 1800

4 国浩律师事务所 吕红兵 上海 14 215 580 1112

5 德恒律师事务所 王丽 北京 22 187 763 1106

6 中银律师事务所 李炬 北京 21 117 584 960

7 锦天城律师事务所 吴明德 上海 9 184 671 940

8 中伦律师事务所 张学兵 北京 7 203 560 747

9 君合律师事务所 肖微 北京 7 149 299 482

10 广和律师事务所 多人 深圳 5 112 348 455

11 中伦文德律师事务所 陈文 北京 10 98 320 418

12 广东国晖律师事务所 孙智峰 深圳 7 35 234 350

13 众成仁和律师事务所 王广仁 济南 8 78 275 307

14 竞天公诚律师事务所 多人 北京 4 85 96 279

15 德衡律师集团 多人 北京 7 37 181 277

16 金诚同达律师事务所 田予 北京 6 99 217 271

17 观韬律师事务所 崔利国 北京 10 65 140 268

18 国枫凯文律师事务所 多人 北京 7 46 214 260

19 浩天信和律师事务所 刘鸿 北京 5 43 150 235

20 环球律师事务所 刘劲容 北京 3 60 200 200

排 名 方 法

本刊向所有符合要求的国内律师事务所发送在线调查问卷,向受访律所征集其办公室、合伙人及律师数量方面的详细信息。值得一提的是,在今年的调查中,我们引入了一项新的参数:收费专业人员总数— —用于在更广泛的意义上衡量律所的规模。受访律所提交数据的截止日期为2012年8月1日。对在线调查问卷数据审核

完成后,本刊还对各律所进行了采访,以进一步发掘数据背后的故事。

Page 51: CLB Oct 2012

Top 20 largesT law firms 49WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

LEGAL MARKET LANDSCAPE IN 2012 It was another year of growth in size for Chinese law firms, though this time it has been more stable compared to previous years. The under-standing that being large does not necessarily equate to strength is clearly shared by the Chinese firms. While these firms take similar or different approaches to expansion, they are focusing more on the quality of people and services, and brand building. The firms are strategically forging their core competences, and deploying their pres-ences across China and around the world. A pulse of consolidation of management and resources on the legal market can be strongly felt. Although firms are approaching consolidations, and various methods they find suitable to their own needs, they may foretell a new landscape that has yet to take shape in the years to come. In this context, King & Wood’s merger with Mallesons Stephen Jaques may demonstrate the momentum - inspiring and spurring more firms into action - and even point to the future.

Among the top 10 firms on the ALB China Top 20 Largest Law Firms list (the List), Dacheng, Yingke, and King & Wood Mallesons land in the top three spots, exactly as they were in 2011. They surely

have grown, though interestingly enough, King & Wood’s merger with Mallesons did not alter its position in the ranking. Jun He and GH Law Firm rose up in the rankings to no.9 and no. 10 this year, up from their spots in 12th place and 11th place last year, respectively. The other five biggest players (Grandall, DeHeng, Zhongyin, AllBright, and Zhong Lun) were also among the Top 10 in 2011, with their rankings varying minimally this year.

With it comes to the next 10 players, it is quite a different picture. We see five new entrants: Beijing Grandway Law Offices, Jingtian & Gongcheng, Zhongcheng Renhe Law Firm, Guangdong Sun Law Firm, and Global Law Office, which reveals local firms’ quiet, but evident growth. While Zhonglun W&D, DHH, Jincheng Tongda & Neal, Guantao and Hylands retained their footing in the top 20 (with amended place-ments), it is worth noting that Tahota, Tianyuan, United Zhongwen, and Longan did not participate this year. These spots may be a more volatile battlefield that the firms will jostle for in the coming years.

2012年法律市场环境中国的律师事务所在2012年继续规模扩张

之路,不过与前几年相比步伐已更趋稳健。规模大并不一定等同于实力强,国内律所对此显然已有共识。这些律所扩张的方式各有千秋,但着眼点都在于人员和服务质量以及品牌建设,从战略上建立其核心竞争力,将触角伸向中国乃至世界各地,令我们强烈地感受到法律市场在管理和资源方面日趋整合的脚步。尽管各家律所尚在摸索适合自身需要的整合道路和方法,但可以预见法律市场必将在未来数年气象一新。作为业内先行者,金杜与万盛两家律师事务所合并正激励并带动更多的律所付诸行动,着眼于未来发展。

在《ALB中国律师事务所二十强》榜单前十位中,大成、盈科和金杜仍占据前三名,位次与2011年保持不变。三家律所规模都有所

扩大,但有趣的是,与万盛合并后,金杜的排名并未改变。君合和广和的排名分别从去年的第十二和第十一位升至今年的第九和第十位。其他五强(国浩、德恒、中银、锦天城和中伦)去年也位列前十,今年的排名变化不大。

不过,二十强中后十位变化较大,其中五家(国枫凯文、竞天公诚、众成仁和、广东国晖、环球)今年首次现身榜单,显示出区域性律所韬光养晦,厚积薄发的发展之路。中伦文德、德衡、金诚同达、观韬和浩天信和继续跻身二十强(位次略有变化),但值得注意的是,泰和泰、天元、中闻和隆安没有参加今年的排名。市场瞬息万变,未来几年律所之间的竞争将更为激烈。

Page 52: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Top 20 largesT law firms50

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

RANKINGS

Managing partner: Wang ZhongdeHead office: BeijingNumber of offices: 39 Number of partners: 749Number of associates: 1428Fee-earner headcount: 2676

The firm remains in the top spot on the largest firm list for the fourth straight year, with its fee-earner headcount of 2676 - 856 more than that of Yingke over the same period of time. Its partners and associates increased by 150 from 2011, although no new offices launched as of Aug. 1, 2012. Dacheng’s growth is aimed at achieving market penetration and building up services networks, and now the firm’s focus is on fortifying its culture and upgrading its branding. Wang Zhongde, the managing partner of Dacheng admits, “A firm’s large size does not mean it is strong.”

Dacheng’s core competence does not lie in its size, but its quality of services for clients. According to Wang, forging its core competence is a systematic and comprehensive project, which shall involve a firm’s posi-tioning, strategy, and talent pool. Dacheng stresses motivating its people, and exploring their potential through its internal mechanism. Wang highly values building a firm’s branding and reputation, with the understanding that large size does not necessarily bring about good reputation. Wang also told ALB that Dacheng has gradually improved its network platform by consolidating its management and resources. Dacheng is committed to becoming a strong firm. “The legal market in China is still not saturated; there is a lot of potential to explore,” says Wang.

排行榜

管理合伙人:王忠德总部:北京办公室:39合伙人:749律师:1428收费专业人员总数:2676

大成连续四年占据领头羊的位置,收费专业人员总数达2676人,比第二位的盈科同期多出856人。合伙人及律师也比2011年增加150人,不过截至今年2012年8月1日尚未新设分所。大成的发展着眼于实现市场渗透和建设服务网络,目前该所的工作重点是巩固律所文化、提升品牌价值。大成管理合伙人王忠德坦承:“一家律所规模大并不意味着它的实力强”。

大成的核心竞争力不在于其规模,而在于客户服务的品质。据王忠德介绍,打造核心竞争力是一项系统性、全方位的工程,涉及到律所的定位、战略和人才储备。大成强调通过内部机制激励员工并发掘其潜力。王忠德认为,规模大并不一定能带来良好的声誉,必须高度重视建立律所的品牌和信誉。王忠德还告诉本刊,大成已通过管理层和资源整合,逐步改善其网络化服务平台,致力于成为一家实力强大的律所。王忠德表示:“中国的法律服务市场还没有饱和,仍有很大的潜力”。

R A N K

1第一名

dacheng law offices | 大成律师事务所

Managing partner: MultipleHead office: BeijingNumber of offices: 18Number of partners: 567Number of associates: 1053Fee-earner headcount: 1820

The firm takes the second place on the List, same as in 2011. Yingke has increased in partner number more than it has decreased in associates, with the total number of partners and associates exceeding that of last year by a slight margin of 37. Its fee-earner headcount reaches 1820.

According to Yingke’s global network managing partner, Mei Xiangrong, the firm is expanding in response to the demand for comprehensive and one-stop services from the marketplace. It aims to meet the needs of the clients, as well as to ensure that quality is consistent. Yingke emphasises its people and service quality, which can be better achieved due to its Beijing headquarter’s direct investment and management of its branches. Yingke has its research institute to track and assess the lawyers’ services, and professional committees to train its lawyers in different practice areas.

The firm’s strength lies in its all-round services, business resources, and platforms provided to the clients. With Chinese companies going global, Yingke follows their clients’ footprints, and sets up its offices in those hot destinations for outbound investment. Currently, as a domestic firm, Yingke has the largest number of offices abroad.

管理合伙人:多人总部:北京办公室:18合伙人:567律师:1053收费专业人员总数:1820

盈科在榜单上继续保持去年第二名的位置。盈科的律师人数有所减少,但合伙人数量增加较多,两者合计比去年小增37人。收费专业人员总数达1820人。

据盈科管理合伙人梅向荣介绍,该所规模正不断扩大,以满足市场对全方位、一站式服务的需求。盈科的目标是满足客户需求,同时确保高品质服务。该所通过北京总部直接投资并管理各家分所,从而更好地控制其人员和服务质量。所内设有专门的研究部门跟踪并评估律师的服务,还成立了专业委员会对律师进行各业务领域的培训。

该所优势在于为客户提供全方位服务、业务资源和平台。随着越来越多的中国企业走出去,盈科也跟随着这些客户的足迹,在对外投资的热点地区设立了分所。目前,该所是拥有海外分所最多的国内律所。

R A N K

2第二名

beijing Yingke law firm | 北京盈科律师事务所

Page 53: CLB Oct 2012
Page 54: CLB Oct 2012

TV

AUDIO CODECS • PCM, MP3, DTS • AAC, AMC, AMR-NB

• WM Audio, RealAudio

MEDIA CONTAINERS • HDV • MXF (including D-10/IMX) • MPEG-2 PS, MPEG-2 TS • GXF, LXF, QuickTime • WMV, ASF, AVI, VOB • 3GPP, 3G2

• WMA, WAV, Broadcast WAV

SYSTEMS • Leitch VR, Nexio • Grass Valley Profile, K2 • Omneon Spectrum • Quantel sQ • Avid Editing Systems • Apple Final Cut Pro • Adobe Premiere Pro • Grass Valley Edius

YOUR CONTENT ON THE ALL-NEW ALB TV

Quickly and easily engage with the legal community in a compelling and direct way. Reach new and existing clients with differentiated insights and analysis, unlike ever before. By joining the ALB TV network, you can distribute your own video content directly to the desktops of private practice attorneys and corporate counsel.

If you don’t yet have your own video capabilities, our multimedia solutions can help you create webcasts, webinars and online video presentations to increase the reach, engagement and measurability of your communications programs across marketing, business development, and public relations.

RAISE YOUR PROFILEIncrease the visibility of your organization or an individual, through your own programming.

DEMONSTRATE YOUR EXPERTISEDistinguish your organization’s capabilities through multimedia programming.

OPTIMIZE REACHLeverage our tagging functionality to ensure your programs are found by the right people at the most relevant time.

PROMOTE YOUR BRANDBrand your video content with a descriptive overlay.

ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCESupplement your video with additional elements such as PDFs, firm profiles, partner bios, podcasts and hyperlinks back to your website.

Technical Requirements - ALB TV supports the following import formats:

ALB TV promo HP.indd 18 23/7/12 11:34 AM

Page 55: CLB Oct 2012

Top 20 largesT law firms 53WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

国枫凯文

为实现强强联合、优势互补,北京市凯文律师事务所与北京市国枫律师事务所合并,经北京市司法局批准于2012年3月16日重组为北京国枫凯文律师事务所。国枫凯文是一家具有高度专业化并提供综合性法律服务的合伙制律师事务所。其总部设在北京,并在上海、深圳、广州、重庆、成都、西安设有分所。国枫凯文的宗旨是:以全新的现代法律服务意识,调动整体资源优势,竭诚为客户提供优质、专业、高效的法律服务。

北京 上海 深圳 广州 重庆 成都 西安

CHINA’S LARGEST FIRMS20

Managing partner: Wang Ling Head office: BeijingNumber of offices: 21Number of partners: 380Number of associates: 1420Fee-earner headcount: 1800

With 21 offices, and 1800 partners and associates on a global basis, King & Wood Mallesons wins third place on the List. Compared with its 16 offices, and 990 partners and associates in 2011, the firm has grown substantially in size - largely attributed to its combination with Mallesons Stephen Jaques earlier this March. The merger did not alter its placement in third, but attracted much attention from the legal business world, with the long-term impact of the merged firm set to unfold over time.

The combination was surely not intended just for scale, as Wang Ling, China managing partner of the firm put it in an earlier interview with ALB. She said it “reflects the developments in this (legal) market and our clients’ ambitions”. As business goes global, client-led and focused firms will follow where clients have their business operations, thus services covering different jurisdictions (here China, Australia, Hong Kong, and UK) is a close call, with quality and consistency to be managed across the different offices and jurisdictions. The combination of two leading firms will also largely broaden and reinforce their services and capacities. Wang expects the Asian legal market to become more competitive, perhaps with more consolidation in the next five years, and that “there will be an evolution in the way firms approach their structures, headcount, and their footprints,” says Stuart Fuller, the global managing partner of the firm.

管理合伙人:王玲总部:北京办公室:21合伙人:380律师:1420收费专业人员总数:1800

金杜在全球拥有21个办公室、1800名合伙人及律师,位列排行榜第三名。与2011年的16个办公室、990名合伙人及律师相比,金杜的增长幅度很大——主要归功于今年三月初成功合并了万盛国际。此次合并虽未改变金杜第三名的位置,但在法律服务界备受关注,合并后新所在业内的长期影响会随着时间的推移而显现。

金杜中国区管理合伙人王玲此前在接受本刊采访时表示,合并的目的并不仅仅是为了扩大规模,而是响应“(法律)市场发展的要求和客户需求”。随着业务逐渐全球化、定制化和专精化,各家律所纷纷进军客户开展业务的地区,跨法域(金杜已在中国内地、澳大利亚、香港和英国设有分所)提供法律服务并保证各分所及各司法管辖区的服务质量和一致性才是律所的生存之道。两家业内领先的律所合并也会极大地扩展和增强其业务范围和能力。王玲预计,未来五年亚洲的法律服务市场竞争必将日益加剧,整合速度也将加快。金杜全球管理合伙人Stuart Fuller律师表示:“律所在结构、人员、覆盖范围等方面的发展,都会发生全新的变化”。

R A N K

3第三名

King & wood mallesons | 金杜律师事务所

TV

AUDIO CODECS • PCM, MP3, DTS • AAC, AMC, AMR-NB

• WM Audio, RealAudio

MEDIA CONTAINERS • HDV • MXF (including D-10/IMX) • MPEG-2 PS, MPEG-2 TS • GXF, LXF, QuickTime • WMV, ASF, AVI, VOB • 3GPP, 3G2

• WMA, WAV, Broadcast WAV

SYSTEMS • Leitch VR, Nexio • Grass Valley Profile, K2 • Omneon Spectrum • Quantel sQ • Avid Editing Systems • Apple Final Cut Pro • Adobe Premiere Pro • Grass Valley Edius

YOUR CONTENT ON THE ALL-NEW ALB TV

Quickly and easily engage with the legal community in a compelling and direct way. Reach new and existing clients with differentiated insights and analysis, unlike ever before. By joining the ALB TV network, you can distribute your own video content directly to the desktops of private practice attorneys and corporate counsel.

If you don’t yet have your own video capabilities, our multimedia solutions can help you create webcasts, webinars and online video presentations to increase the reach, engagement and measurability of your communications programs across marketing, business development, and public relations.

RAISE YOUR PROFILEIncrease the visibility of your organization or an individual, through your own programming.

DEMONSTRATE YOUR EXPERTISEDistinguish your organization’s capabilities through multimedia programming.

OPTIMIZE REACHLeverage our tagging functionality to ensure your programs are found by the right people at the most relevant time.

PROMOTE YOUR BRANDBrand your video content with a descriptive overlay.

ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCESupplement your video with additional elements such as PDFs, firm profiles, partner bios, podcasts and hyperlinks back to your website.

Technical Requirements - ALB TV supports the following import formats:

ALB TV promo HP.indd 18 23/7/12 11:34 AM

Page 56: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Top 20 largesT law firms54

With two new offices (Nanjing and Xi’an) lined up, Grandall has extended its services to more clients in broader geographic areas - especially to those areas Chinese policies direct investments to and where economic activities are dynamic. Meanwhile, the firm brought 83 associates and partners together on board, with fee-earners totaling 1112, earning Grandall the fourth spot.

However, as executive partner of Grandall, Weidong Wang explains, “Grandall never expands so fast, rather it pursues growth with guaranteed quality as well as ensured reputation”. At the entry level, Grandall will hire high quality lawyers and law school graduates with a good command of English, as well as those with foreign education backgrounds. Meanwhile, it will promote its own associates and rainmaker partners who can run high end deals.

The firm’s core competence lies in the areas of securities and capital markets, electricity, energy and resources, aviation, corporate, and IP. According to Wang, the Chinese legal services’ going global is a step-by-step process. Law firms, while following their clients where they invest, have to abide by the binding rules and regulations in the jurisdictions, and perform their services with partnership with the local firms. Currently, Grandall has an office in Hong Kong, and a representative office in Paris. It has also built up partnerships with foreign law firms. Grandall will unre-mittingly upgrade its services, reinforce its quality control and professional training, and enhance its communication with clients – all combining to render value-added services to its clients, adds Wang.

随着南京和西安的两家新分所开业,国浩已将业务范围扩展到更多地区的更多客户——尤其是在国内政策鼓励投资的领域和经济活动活跃的地区。同时,该所年内新聘83名律师及合伙人,收费专业人员总数达1112人,在排行榜中位列第四。

不过,国浩执行合伙人王卫东坦言:“国浩的扩张速度并不快,我们追求的是在成长的同时,确保服务质量和信誉”。在招聘新人时,国浩首选熟练掌握英语的优秀律师和法学院毕业生以及具有国外教育背景的人士。与此同时,国浩还将精心培养旗下律师和招揽业务的合伙人处理高端业务。

该所在证券和资本市场、电力、能源和资源、航空、公司及知识产权领域实力强劲。据王卫东介绍,国内法律服务业“走出去”是一步一步摸索的过程,客户去哪里投资,律所就跟到哪里,但必须遵守当地相关的法律法规,并在提供服务的过程中与当地律所开展合作。目前,国浩在香港设立了分所,并在巴黎设有代表处,还与多家国外律所建立了合作伙伴关系。王卫东表示,国浩将坚持不懈地提升服务水平,优化质量控制和专业培训,并加强与客户的沟通,从而为客户提供增值服务。

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4第四名

grandall law firm | 国浩律师事务所

With three new offices opening up this year, DeHeng has a total of 950 partners and associates, an increase of 152 from 2011, while the number of fee-earners reached 1106. It launched its new offices in response to the needs of the market and clients. As Dai Qingong, global partner and deputy director of the firm told ALB: “DeHeng is growing in a steady and healthy way, well planned, with its standardised process to hire and train people.” He emphasises that “it is people, their expertise and quality services that underlie our core competence”. The firm is always a platform for quality people with a teamwork spirit who want to work together and grow, with a culture of inclusiveness and diversity.

DeHeng’s core services are in finance and securities, restructuring, M&A, IP, infrastructure and real estate, and inbound and outbound investments. They target influential clients and high end deals. Even in an economic downturn, the firm can manage to mitigate risks by seeking synergy among its different resources. The legal market is becoming more and more competitive, and DeHeng has been striving to fortify its strength and enhance its competitiveness. “DeHeng is well positioned to serve its clients with stronger expertise, and build collaboration with peer firms with openness,” says Dai.

为满足市场和客户需求,德恒今年新开三家分所。合伙人及律师共950人,比2011年增加了152人,收费专业人员总数达1106人。德恒全球合伙人兼副主任戴钦公对本刊表示:“德恒正以稳健的方式有条不紊地发展,运用标准化的流程聘用和培养人才”。他还强调:“人才、专业知识和优质服务是打造我们核心竞争力的基石”。该所坚持为愿意共同工作和成长、具备团队合作精神的优秀人才打造良好的平台,建立了包容、多元的律所文化。

德恒的核心业务包括金融和证券、企业重组、并购、知识产权、基础设施和房地产、境内外投资等,侧重有影响力的客户和高端交易。即使面对经济不景气的情况,该所也能协同不同资源来降低风险。法律服务市场竞争日趋激烈,德恒也一直在努力巩固自身实力,增强竞争力。戴钦公表示:“德恒已充分准备利用强大的专业知识为客户提供服务,并以开放的态度与同行建立合作关系”。

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5第五名

deheng law offices | 德恒律师事务所

Managing partner: Lv HongbingHead office: Shanghai Number of offices: 14

Number of partners: 215Number of associates: 580Fee-earner headcount: 1112

管理合伙人:吕红兵总部:上海办公室:14

合伙人:215律师:580收费专业人员总数:1112

Managing partner: Wang LiHead office: Beijing Number of offices: 22

Number of partners: 187Number of associates: 763Fee-earner headcount: 1106

管理合伙人:王丽总部:北京办公室:22

合伙人:187律师:763收费专业人员总数:1106

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

Page 57: CLB Oct 2012

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Top 20 largesT law firms56

With three new offices lined up this year, Zhong Yin has increased its partners to 117 from 68 in 2011. Its associate count increased to 584 from 526. Its 960 fee-earners put the firm in 6th spot, two places up on the list from last year. Zhong Yin considers mainly whether business at a new location can generate good revenue to sustain a new office before deciding to launch new branches in certain areas. Also, the location of every branch office is reasonably chosen in order to avoid unnecessary competition in the country-wide legal service market. As Li Ju, chairman of the firm’s manag-ing committee states: “Zhong Yin has pursued scaled development in the past decades, now it is taking a much more steady and sound approach for growth. It is putting more weight on enhancing the quality of its legal services and human resources, especially lawyers with partnership, which defines the strength of the firm, and represents the future of the firm.” The firm’s core competence lies in the professional proficiency of its partners and core professionals. Aiming at a client-led culture, the firm is strength-ening training and managing its partners and core professionals, while partners manage their respective teams accordingly. Zhong Yin’s services quality is managed by its professional sub-committee and monitoring sub-committee under the management committee.

Zhong Yin is growing in scale while at the same time fortifying its profes-sionalisation and specialisation. Its core practice areas are in banking, finance, securities, corporate legal risk management, arbitration, and other commercial law practice. Zhong Yin is expected to strengthen its core services, develop new service products, improve its management, promote its branding and explore new trends for firms’ growth. “The legal market in China is enormous, and lawyers will play more important roles in our social and economic life,” expects Li.

中银年内新设三家分所,合伙人及律师分别从去年的68人和526人增至117人和584人。收费专业人员总数达960人,在排行榜中位列第六,比去年上升两位。 中银在决定设立分所时,首要考虑的因素是在当地开展业务能否实现收支平衡;此外,分所的选址也要尽可能避免在国内法律服务市场导致不必要的竞争。中银管理委员会主席李炬指出:“过去几十年,中银实现了规模化发展,现在的成长脚步更趋稳健,更加注重提高法律服务和人力资源质量,尤其是我们的合伙人律师,代表了中银的实力、中银的未来”。中银的核心竞争力在于其合伙人及主要律师的专业能力。该所以建立客户导向的律所文化为目标,加强了对合伙人及主要律师的培训和管理,并由合伙人负责各自团队的管理。中银还在管理委员会下专门设立了专业委员会分会和监察委员会分会,负责监管服务质量。

中银在规模扩张的同时,坚持职业化和专业化的发展方向。该所的核心业务领域包括银行、金融、证券、公司法律风险管理、仲裁及其他商业法律业务。中银将进一步增强核心业务实力,开发新的服务产品,改进管理模式,提升品牌价值,探索律所新的发展道路。李炬预计:“国内法律服务市场规模巨大,律师必将在我们的社会和经济生活中发挥越来越重要的作用”。

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6第六名

Zhong Yin law firm | 中伦律师事务所

With the launch of three offices this year, the firm increased by 291 partners and associates from last year. Its fee-earner headcount topping out at 940, AllBright moves up two places this year to clinch seventh spot. “AllBright’s focus is not on scale but strength,” states Victor Wang, a senior partner of the firm. AllBright is taking a prudent approach to growth. The firm has hired partners and associates externally with clear and consistent criteria based upon its development strategy. According to Wang, it will continue to strengthen its core services in M&A, capital markets, IP and complex litigations, and it will closely follow the biopharmaceutical, TMT, and automotive industries. While based in the Yangtze River Delta and open to the whole country, the firm is striving to maintain its leading position in the legal industry. “AllBright’s core competence lies in its quality people, client base, and leading services in our core practice areas,” adds Wang.

锦天城今年新开三家分所,合伙人及律师比去年增加了291人,收费专业人员总数达到创纪录的940人,排名提升两位至第七名。锦天城高级合伙人王正超表示:“锦天城关注的不是规模,而是实力”。锦天城采取了较为审慎的发展方式,根据其发展战略,运用明确、一致的选聘标准招聘合伙人及律师。 据王正超介绍,锦天城将继续巩固在并购、资本市场、知识产权及复杂诉讼领域的优势,并密切关注生物医药、数字新媒体和汽车行业。该所立足长三角,辐射全国,全力保持在法律行业的领先地位。王正超还补充道:“锦天城的核心竞争力就在于我们的优秀人才、客户基础以及核心业务领域的优势”。

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7第七名

allbright law offices | 锦天城律师事务所

Managing partner: Li Ju Head office: Beijing Number of offices: 21

Number of partners: 117Number of associates: 584Fee-earner headcount: 960

管理合伙人:李炬总部:北京办公室:21

合伙人:117律师:584收费专业人员总数:960

Managing partner: Wu MingdeHead office: Shanghai Number of offices: 9

Number of partners: 184Number of associates: 671Fee-earner headcount: 940

管理合伙人:吴明德总部:上海办公室:9

合伙人:184律师:671收费专业人员总数:940

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

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Top 20 largesT law firms 57WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

With a fee-earner headcount of 747, and an increase of 142 partners and associates from 621 in 2011 to 763 this year, Zhong Lun moves up from 12th place to eighth this year. According to Liu Yulin, partner of Zhong Lun, the firm never targets achieving the largest size.

In its pursuit of stable and sound growth, Zhong Lun prioritises the quality of its practice teams. Its talent strategy enables hiring excellent lawyers, while its systematic training also guarantees improving lawyers’ quality. Zhong Lun has a proper ratio of its partners and lawyers. In the coming years, it will promote its associates; while at the same time bring in some influential partners through lateral hiring. Given the current macroeco-nomic environment, Zhong Lun has no plan for scaled development, yet it may bring on board some key lateral partners to strengthen the firm’s comprehensive competitiveness when the timing is right. To build its core competence, Zhong Lun employs three key strategies: Partners are experts in their practice areas, programmes will train practice skills, and strengthening the quality and efficiency of its services. Zhong Lun’s practices in real estate, capital markets and securitisation, corporate and M&A, private equity, finance and banking, anti-monopoly and unfair competition, international trade and employment are all recognised in the market. Currently Zhong Lun has offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London. The task it is facing head on is to further create an efficient collaboration between home offices and overseas ones, so as to render one stop services to clients.

中伦的合伙人及律师从去年的621人增至今年的763人,净增142人,收费专业人员总数达747人,排名从第十二位跃升至第八位。中伦合伙人刘育琳表示,该所并未设定发展成为业内规模最大的律所这一目标。

中伦着眼于提高业务团队的质量,实现稳健发展。中伦的人才战略是聘请优秀律师,辅以内部系统的培训,提高律师的素质;同时,还确定了合伙人及律师之间的适当比例。未来几年,在晋升本所律师的同时,中伦还将通过横向聘用的方式邀请一批有影响力的合伙人加盟。鉴于目前的宏观经济环境,中伦没有大规模扩张的计划,但可能会在时机成熟的情况下,以横向聘用方式引进一批知名合伙人,增强公司的综合竞争力。 中伦在建立自身核心竞争力的过程中采用了三大主要战略:合伙人须在其业务领域成为专家;通过项目培养执业技能;提升服务质量和效率。中伦在房地产、资本市场和证券化、公司和并购、私募股权、金融和银行、反垄断与反不正当竞争、国际贸易及劳动领域的实力备受市场好评。

目前,中伦在香港、东京和伦敦设有分所。该所当前面临的主要任务是进一步推动境内与海外分所之间的高效协作,为客户提供一站式服务。

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Zhong lun law firm | 中伦律师事务所

Managing partner: Zhang XuebingHead office: Beijing Number of offices: 7Number of partners: 203Number of associates: 560Fee-earner headcount: 747

管理合伙人:张学兵总部:北京办公室:7合伙人:203律师:560收费专业人员总数:747

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

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ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012Top 20 largesT law firms58

With its partner count at 149, associate count at 299, and fee-earner count at 482, Jun He jumps to the ninth spot, two places higher than last year. The firm experienced only a moderate increase in headcount in the past 12 months. “Jun He has always been taking an approach of steady growth and relying on its high quality services, with a focus on consistent quality, teamwork and integrated management,” says David Liu, the recently-elected new chairman of the firm’s managing committee. As a full-service firm, Jun He’s core services are in the corporate practice area for foreign- invested enterprises and capital markets, especially offshore IPOs. Jun He also takes a lead in its practices in banking and finance, labour, tax and infrastructure. Noticeably this year, Jun He has promoted 14 of its associates to partners, while introducing four counsels from outside. These counsels include high-end experts in the new practice areas of energy, and in areas the firm is strengthening, such as litigation, bankruptcy, anti-monopoly, and anti-dumping. This demonstrates Jun He’s response to market needs. Given that the clients are facing new challenges and opportunities posed by the changing economy, based upon Jun He’s understanding of the marketplace, policy and clients’ business needs, the firm, externally, is making every effort to render to its clients more integrated services. Internally it is building a larger, integrated platform across the firm, in both cases requiring an underlying trust – both from its clients and from within the firm, among the partners. This trust shall embody and engender new values to the clients and their partnership, Liu notes. Jun He is also targeting building a global legal services platform by maintaining close partnerships with other leading firms through a seamless collaboration and mutual trust. As Liu looks ahead, Jun He will build up its partnership with clients on the basis of a deeper trust, and render new value to them, assist them in countering challenges in the China market, and escort Chinese companies in their outbound investments.

君合拥有149名合伙人及299名律师,收费专业人员总数达482人,排行比去年上升两位至第九名。过去一年,君合的员工人数增幅不大。君合新任管理委员会主任刘大力表示:“君合一直采取稳健发展的方式,为客户提供高品质的服务,质量稳定、团队合作和综合管理是我们的工作重点”。 作为一家全方位服务的律所,君合的核心业务是为外商投资企业提供公司法律服务,以及资本市场业务(尤其是境外IPO)。君合在银行和金融、劳动、税及基础设施领域也占据领先地位。值得一提的是,君合今年将14位律师晋升为合伙人,同时还响应市场需求,新聘四名法律顾问加盟,包括该所新进业务——能源和主攻业务领域(如诉讼、破产、反垄断及反倾销)的高端专家。

刘大力指出,面对瞬息万变的经济形势,客户面临着新的挑战和机遇,君合根据对市场、政策和客户业务需求的了解,对外尽全力为客户提供更多的综合性服务,对内则跨部门建立一个规模更大、更为融合的平台。这就需要律所与客户、与内部合伙人之间建立信赖关系,为客户和合伙人树立并体现新的价值观。君合还希望通过无缝协作和相互信任,与其他业内领先的律所保持密切的合作关系,建立一个全球性的法律服务平台。展望未来,刘大力表示,君合将在进一步深化相互信赖的基础上与客户建立伙伴关系,为客户提供新的价值,帮助客户应对国内市场的挑战,并为中国企业的对外投资保驾护航。

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Jun he law offices | 君合律师事务所

Managing partner: Wei Xiao Head Office: Beijing Number of offices: 7Number of partners: 149Number of associates: 299Fee-earner headcount: 482

管理合伙人:肖微总部:北京办公室:7合伙人:149律师:299收费专业人员总数:482

**The Chinese translation of this story was prepared by Synmax Translation** ** 鑫马翻译提供中文译文 **

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Top 20 largesT law firms 59WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

Compared to 2011, the firm has increased its partners and associates by a little more than 10 percent, moving it up one place to the 10th spot on the List. However, director and founding partner Tong Xin says that, “GH firm is pursuing an organic growth rather than simply increasing headcount.” GH attaches great importance to developing its high quality people by internal training, as well as by hiring from outside. GH expands its geographic coverage mainly in response to the needs of the marketplace and clients.

Meanwhile, the firm is reinforcing its core services, including IP and real estate. It has strengthened its IP practice through a recent merger with Shenzhen Yongjie Intellectual Property Agency Limited Company. Also in its representation in Weiguan (Shenzhen)’s case against Apple and a series of other high-profile cases, GH has demonstrated its competence and tempered its teams as well. GH is strengthening its core competence by improving its professional proficiency, upgrading its services, and building its branding and reputation.

From a long-term perspective, GH will set up its offices in major European and American countries following Chinese investors’ footprints for out-bound investment. As the largest firm in South China, it is also building up a strong presence for its comprehensive capacity in the region, says Tong.

与2011年相比,广和的合伙人及律师人数增幅逾10%,在排行榜前移一位至第十名。不过,广和管理合伙人童新坦言:“广和正努力实现有机发展,而不是简单地增员”。广和高度重视通过内部培训和外部选聘培育高素质人才。为满足市场和客户需求,广和正逐步将业务扩展到更多地区。

与此同时,广和进一步提升在核心业务领域(包括知识产权和房地产)的优势。最近该所与深圳市永杰知识产权代理有限公司合并,增强了知识产权领域的实力。此外,该所还代理了深圳唯冠诉苹果公司以及其他一系列社会关注的案件,既证明了广和的竞争力,又锻炼了团队。广和正通过提升专业水平、改善服务质量、打造品牌和声誉,进一步增强其核心竞争力。按照长期规划,广和将紧跟国内投资者对外投资的脚步,在欧美主要国家设立分所。童新表示,作为华南最大的律所,广和会继续在该地区加快扩张步伐。

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1 0第十名

gh law firm (guang he law firm) | 广和律师事务所Managing partner: MultipleHead office: Shenzhen Number of offices: 5

Number of partners: 112Number of associates: 348Fee-earner headcount: 460

管理合伙人:多人总部:深圳办公室:5

合伙人:112律师:348收费专业人员总数:460

HYLANDS | 浩 天信和

Hylands Law Firm 5A, East Wing, Hanwei Plaza, No.7 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100004, China

Tel: +86 10 5201 9988 +86 10 6598 2828

Fax: +86 10 6561 2322

www.hylandslaw.com

Hylands Law Firm (“Hylands”) was founded in 2007 through the consolidation of Hao Tian Law Office and Li Wen & Partners, both of which were founded in 1990s. Headquartered in Beijing, Hylands is capable of advising its clients worldwide with its domestic branch offices in Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, as well as its cooperation with over 150 law firms in more than 100 countries through TerraLex.

There are 43 partners, nearly 150 lawyers and paralegals at Hylands. All of them are graduates from prestigious Chinese or foreign law schools, and many can work in English, Italian, German, or Japanese, in addition to Chinese. With their expertise in law and a good sense of commercial practices in various industry sectors and the overall investment environment in China, Hylands’ legal teams are able to provide customized advice tailored to the specific needs of each client.

As one of the leading full-service law firms in China, Hylands is highly recognized and acclaimed by both clients and legal professionals in the following practice areas: corporate & securities, banking & financing, transnational investment, intellectual property, media & entertainment, anti-dumping, anti-monopoly, international trade, real estate, labor & employment, litigation & arbitration.

CHINA’S LARGEST FIRMS20

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The US authorities rewarded former UBS Swiss banker Bradley Birkenfield with a record sum of US$104 million for exposing the Swiss bank’s tax fraud.

“This is believed to be the largest reward ever given to an individual whistleblower in the United States and the first major reward issued under the IRS tax whistleblower law,” quoted the US National Whistleblowers Centre.

Birkenfeld had provided the US Government with “insider information on UBS’s illegal offshore banking scheme” and his disclosures led to UBS paying a US$780 million fine to the US.

Birkenfeld who knew the inner workings of UBS- a poacher turned gamekeeper- revealed many secrets about his former employer’s dealings with US clients. However, he was jailed after the government said that he withheld other information and he spent 30 months in prison (however his approx reward per month whilst in prison was US$3.5m!).

Experts say that this unprecedented move will encourage whistleblowers to step up and report any wrongdoing in organizations, especially banks and investment managers.

Most tax authorities in western jurisdictions, and also China, have programmes to pay large rewards for reporting information on tax evaders.

WHISTLEBLOWER RECEIVES US$104 MILLION REWARD FOR EXPOSING UBS TAX FRAUD

DEBBIE ANNELLS, CTA (Fellow) Managing Director A: AzureTax Ltd – Suite 1010, 10/F Lippo Centre, Tower Two, 89 Queensway, Hong Kong T: +852 2123 9339 (direct line), +852 2123 9370 (main line) F: +852 2122 9209 W: www.azuretax.com, a member of AzureTax Group

Supervised by the UK Chartered Institute of Taxation for purposes of anti money laundering legislation.

SPONSORED UPDATEinteRnational tax

Azu

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For example, do you want to earn some extra cash by calling the IRS whistleblower programme? Telephone +866 775 7474; read www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-shelter-hotline, or email [email protected]! They will pay a reward based on 30% of the undeclared US taxes collected.

Page 63: CLB Oct 2012

SPONSORED UPDATES 61WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

陶丽, 主任合伙人 t: +86 21 6211 2390, +86 21 6211 2357 f: +86 21 6211 2387 E: [email protected]

A: VICTORY LEGAL GROUP 双胜律师事务所 Unit J, 14 floor, huamin Empire Plaza, No. 726, Yan An West road, Shanghai, 200050 PrC

W: www.victorylegalgroup.com

夏娅, 律师 t: +86 21 6211 2390, +86 21 6211 2357 f: +86 21 6211 2387 E: [email protected]

2012年10月3日,新加坡财政部(Ministry of Finance)公布其已经接受或修订来自指导委员会(Steering Committee)就修订《公司法》而提出的共计209条建议。这是自1967年新加坡公司颁布以来最大规模的修改,旨在降低管理成本、合规负担、改善公司治理、且提供更大的灵活性,重点建议包括:

1. 运用电子科技处理公司事务  公司将可在采用更多电子化的方式处理公司事务。从而可在电子科技化时代,令公司采用更便捷的运营方式,从而降低运营成本和提升效率。

2. 允许公司发行无表决权、或多重投票权的多种股票   此前上市公司只能遵守“一股一投票权”的原则,但新规将允许上市公司建立在采取措施保护现有股东的利益的前提下,且在取得新加坡证券交易所(SGX)的同意后,发行附有不同种类投票权的股票。SGX在审核发行多重投票权的股票的申请时应谨慎评估股票结构,且咨询金融管理局(MAS)的意见。

3. 更多小规模公司将被豁免审计义务    现有的豁免审计义务的标准为年度营收不超过新币500万元,或者股东不超过20人且无公司法人股东。新的建议中,新设立的私人公司公司若满足列三项条件中(a. 年度总营收不超过新币1000万元; b.总资产不超过新币1000万元;或c. 员工不超过50人 )二者,即可豁免其进行年度审计的义务。为维护股东的利益,所有的公司仍应当保留恰当的会计记录,且赋予持有5%以上投票权的股东主张公司提供审计报告的权利。目前新加坡的25万家公司中有80%的公司被豁免进行审计,预估新规生效后将会再有10%的公司从中受益。

4. 允许董事提供替代地址以用于登记信息 现有的规定是要求董事在新加坡公司与会计注册局(ACRA)的公开信息中披露其住址。但建议将允许董事采用替代地址,从而保护董事的隐私。

5. 引入多名代理人的制度 多名代理人制度将允许间接投资者或者CPF(Central Provident Fund即新加坡的社保基金)投资者在出席股东大会时,与直接投资者享有同等权利,例如托管公司和银行可任命多于两人的代理参加股东大会。此制度将会允许更多的CPF投资者参与会议,且享用平等的举手表决或票数决的权利。

新加坡财政部预计将在2013上半年向公众征询对修订草案的反馈,上述建议将在适时被纳入《公司法》中。

目前,越来越多的中国企业开始走出国门,进入全球市场。本文将对中国现有的境外投资相关规定及审批流程做一简要介绍,希望能对广大企业有所帮助。

• 中国企业境外投资的主要形式根据《境外投资项目核准暂行管理办法》,“

境外投资项目指投资主体通过投入货币、有价证券、实物、知识产权或技术、股权、债权等资产和权益或提供担保,获得境外所有权、经营管理权及其他相关权益的活动”。该办法适用于中华人民共和国境内各类法人及其通过在境外控股的企业或机构,在境外进行的投资(含新建、购并、

参股、增资、再投资)项目的核准。《境外投资管理办法》也规定,“境外投资,是指在我国依法设立的企业通过新设、并购等方式在境外设立非金融企业或取得既有非金融企业的所有权、控制权、经营管理权等权益的行为。”简言之,中国企业境外投资的方式主要是新设和并购。

在实践中,企业采用何种方式进行投资,既取决于其本身拥有的资源和采取的发展战略,也应考虑东道国的政治、经济、法制等方面的宏观环境。另外,境外投资的目的是分散经营风险、加强企业联合,最终获取投资收益。因此在投资过程中,还应注意考察合作对方的资质,充分重视有关文件的准备和签署,加强法律风险管理。

• 审批流程中国企业境外投资项目,均需经发改委核准、商务部门核

准以及办理外汇登记备案。根据《境外投资项目核准暂行管理办法》,国家(发改委和

国务院)对境外投资资源开发类和大额用汇项目实行核准管理。投资项目根据是否属于资源开发类以及中方投资用汇额的不同,由不同级别的发改委审批。

根据《境外投资管理办法》,商务部和省级商务主管部门对企业境外投资实行核准。企业申请获得核准后,将取得《企业境外投资证书》,凭该证书办理外汇、银行、海关、外事等相关事宜。

在取得发改委和商务部门审批后,企业还应进行外汇登记备案。根据《外汇管理条例》,“境内机构、境内个人向境外直接投资或者从事境外有价证券、衍生产品发行、交易,应当按照国务院外汇管理部门的规定办理登记。”

若涉及国有资产境外投资,则除需获得上述相关的批准文件外,对非货币资产还需进行评估,并对所有国有资产进行产权登记。同时,占有国有资产的境外机构不得以“无限责任公司”形式办理注册登记。

新加坡《公司法》将面临重大修订 中国企业境外投资相关规定简介

吳艷娟, 企業事務部资深法律顧問 t: +65 6322 2232 f: +65 6534 0833 E: [email protected]

陈姝, 企業事務部资深法律顧問 t: +65 6322 2230 f: +65 6534 0833 E: [email protected]

A: 俊昭法律事務所 16 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069254 W: www.loopartners.com.sg

SPONSORED UPDATEsingapoRe

SPONSORED UPDATEshanghai

Page 64: CLB Oct 2012

ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012SPONSORS62

CHINA

Paul, Weiss, rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a globally oriented, full-service law firm employing over 700 lawyers worldwide. Paul, Weiss is headquartered in New York and has offices in tokyo, Washington, d.C., Wilmington, Beijing, hong kong, toronto and London.

MALAYSIA

Wong & Partners is a Malaysian law firm dedicated to providing a quality and solution-oriented legal services to its clients. Wong & Partners has grown steadily with international standards of quality and experience and the firm has a solid commitment to training its lawyers, and invests in training, professional development and quality management programs with the aim of producing lawyers of global standard.

INTERNATIONAL TAX

Azuretax Ltd provides transparent strategic and ethical tax advice. through our professional corporate and International, tax advisory and trustee services your tax plan is comprehensively implemented. Our advice provides you with independent innovative and rigorous solutions which deliver results and long-term accountability. We are qualified Uk, U.S., hong kong and PrC tax advisors and complete tax filings for Uk, U.S. and hong kong tax returns.

ACCJ

Established in 1948 by representatives of 40 American firms, the ACCJ, a fully independent chamber of commerce, has grown into one of the most influential business organizations in Japan, with more than 2,700 members representing more than forty countries and 1,000 companies.

EMERGING MARKETS

kelvin Chia Partnership is a commercial law firm headquartered in Singapore with strong regional capabilities. With offices in hanoi, ho Chi Minh City, Yangon, Bangkok and Phnom Penh, and extensive experience all throughout Asia, we provide localized legal solutions consistent with international standards in emerging markets in Asia.

CCCJ

Promoting the development of commerce between Canada and Japan since 1975, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) is a private sector, not-for-profit business organization serving its members through communications, networking and advocacy. representing some 33 business sectors, the CCCJ is a member-driven, member-focused organization and is the longest serving Canadian Chamber in Asia with over 300 members.

VIETNAM

Indochine Counsel is a commercial law firm focusing on business law practice in the Indochina region. Our areas of practice include: foreign Investment, Corporate & Commercial, M&A, Securities & Capital Markets, Banking & finance, Property & Construction, taxation, Intellectual Property, Information technology & Internet, International trade, Outward Investment & Offshore Incorporation, and dispute resolution.

THE PHILIPPINES

Established in 1945, SyCipLaw is the largest law firm in the Philippines, with its principal office in Makati City, the country’s financial and business center, and branches in Cebu, davao and Subic Bay. SyCipLaw combines its tradition of professional integrity and excellence with a time-tested ability to break new ground. the broad range of the firm’s expertise is reflected in its client base, which includes top corporations, international organizations and governments.

COUNTRY / REGIONAL EDITORSTHE COUNTRY / REGIONAL UPDATES SECTION OF ALB IS SPONSORED BY THE FOLLOWING FIRMS:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY / ENERGY & RESOURCES / EMPLOYMENT

AtMd Bird & Bird is a dynamic and progressive firm with an established IP, corporate & commercial, competition and dispute resolution practice. the firm also has extensive regional experience advising both domestic and foreign clients on cross-border transactions. AtMd Bird & Bird has been voted Singapore’s Intellectual Property firm of the Year at the 2005 and 2006 ALB Awards and the 2005 AsiaLaw (IP) Awards.

SSCA

the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association or SCCA was set up in 2002. It is the pioneer association representing in-house lawyers in Singapore. http://www.scca.org.sg

FUJIAN

Sphere Logic Partners is a mid-sized business law firm known for its offering of value, sophisticated legal solutions in a leaner approach across a range of practice areas, critical to the success of clients. We maintain an established global network with numerous law firms and relevant service providers. Our seasoned and culture-ready professionals assist clients in cross-border investment, M&A and financing, governance and daily operations, identification of business opportunities and solving of complex legal disputes.

SHANGHAI

victory Legal is a boutique legal practice in Shanghai, focusing on general corporate, corporate finance and capital markets matters. Its clients include governmental authorities, State-linked enterprises, banking and financial institutions, MNCs, SMEs and foreign law firms. the firm has extensive network across the region. It serves clients’ domestic and regional needs.

PRACTICE AREA AND INDUSTRY EDITORS THE INDUSTRY UPDATES SECTION OF ALB IS SPONSORED BY THE FOLLOWING FIRMS:

ALLIANCES ALB ENJOYS ALLIANCES WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS:

SINGAPORE

Loo & Partners was founded in 1985 as a niche practice, handling mainly banking, corporate, securities and commercial work. With the support of a comprehensive network of correspondent law firms, the firm serves its clients in their regional needs. Loo & Partners has been regularly noted for its IPO, M&A and general corporate work.

I P B A 2 0 1 2New Delhi - India

JICN

the Japan In-house Counsel Network (JICN) is a professional association for in-house counsel working in, or having other affiliations with, Japan. JICN offers a forum for communication between members, social and networking opportunities, legal seminars, roundtable member discussions and other activities, as well as events with other lawyer and in-house groups. visit www.jicn.jp for more details.

HKCCA

the hong kong Corporate Counsel Association is the pioneer association run for in-house counsel by in-house counsel in hong kong. It provides an efficient and effective range of benefits and services for its members’ professional development, including continuing legal education, a platform for networking and the exchange of ideas, information and experiences that are unique to the in-house role.

S CC A Singapore Corporate

Counsel Association

Page 65: CLB Oct 2012

INDEX 63WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM: @ALB_Magazine : Connect with Asian Legal Business

1010

47-594

1047-5912-19

34-4534-4534-45

44

4, 10104

47-594

1047

47-59104

44, 22-32

447

12-19, 47-594747

47-594747

12-194747

4, 47-594, 12-19, 47-59

1010

20-214

4, 104

4

1034-35

114

34-4544

34-3547

1944446

47-5947-59

477, 47

AdamasAkin Gump Strauss Hauer & FeldAllbright Law OfficesAllen & OveryAshurstBeijing Yingke Law FirmCadwalader Wickersham & TaftChevronChina National Aviation FuelChina Resources Power HoldingsChiu & PartnersCleary Gottlieb Steen & HamiltonClifford ChanceCMS Cameron McKennaConyers Dill & PearmanDacheng Law OfficesDeaconsDechertDeheng Law FirmDeHeng Law OfficesEvershedsFangda Partners

Fenwick & WestFreshfields Bruckhaus DeringerGFE Law OfficeGlobal Law OfficeGrandall Law FirmGrandway Law OfficesGuangdong Sun law FirmGuanghe Law FirmGuantao Law FirmHylands Law Firm

Jade & FountainJincheng Tongda & NealJingtian & GongchengJun He Law OfficesKing & Wood MallesonsLinklatersLoeb & LoebLoo & PartnersMaples and CalderMorrison & FoersterMunger Tolles & Olson

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison

Reed SmithShanghai ElectricShanghai Young-Ben Law FirmSimpson, Thacher & BartlettSinochemSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & FlomSlaughter and MayState GridSullivan & CromwellTahota Law FirmTiantong & PartnersWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzWalkersWeil Gotshal & MangesWhite & CaseYokogawa Engineering AsiaZhong Lun Law OfficesZhong Yin Law FirmZhongcheng Renhe Law FirmZhonglun W&D Law Firm

A-H

I-p

Q-Z

WWW.ASIANLEGALBUSINESSEVENTS.COM

A special platform for the frank exchange of views, sharing of best practices and formulation of strategies to deal with opportunities in 2013 and beyond. Topics include Private Anti-Trust Litigation in China, PRC Employment Law- Latest Developments on Trade Unions & Collective Actions, Recent Developments and Dispute Management in M&A, PRC Trademark Law & Infringement, In-House Counsel’s Role in Creating and Communicating Value for the Organisation and much more.

For more information, please contact Tracy at +852 3762 3262 or email [email protected]

BEIJING 2012IN-HOUSE LEGAL SUMMITTHE WESTIN BEIJING CHAOYANG - 28 NOVEMBER 2012

VIP NETWORKINGLUNCHEON SPONSOR

PROUDLY PRESENTED BYWORKSHOP SPONSORS SPONSORS ASSOCIATE SPONSOR ALB SUPPORTS

| 金茂北京威斯汀大饭店 - 2012年11月28日(星期三)

作为企业法律顾问的专门论坛,ALB北京企业法律顾问峰会是结交同行,相互交流,聆听知名法律专家的好机会。峰会议题包括:中国的私人反垄断诉讼、中国的企业并购、中华人民共和国劳动法、中华人民共和国商标法、企业法律顾问於公司创建与沟通价值的重要角色,及更多精彩内容。 演讲嘉宾

如有查詢,请与Tracy联络,電話+852 37623262或发送电邮至[email protected]

詹浩博士,安杰律师事务所合伙人刘劲容,环球律师事务所合伙人邢修松,环球律师事务所合伙人傅志耕,环球律师事务所合伙人

刘成伟,环球律师事务所合伙人周磊,环球律师事务所合伙人徐晓路,环球律师事务所合伙人

万以娴博士,权亚律师事务所高级合伙人兼劳动法业务负责人甄庆贵,中伦文德律师事务所管理合伙人

郑明,中伦文德律师事务所合伙人李铮,中伦文德律师事务所合伙人夏海宁,华律伟业董事总经理

Page 66: CLB Oct 2012

SUNDRIES64 ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESSoctober 2012

Compiled by RanaJit dam

lawYeR goes shiRtless in pRotest

ChINA tOPS thE LISt OfAvErAGE AttOrNEY SALArIES IN

A SELECtION Of COUNtrIES

“thE LAWdOES NOt

dEfINE thEvArIOUS StAGES

Of kISSING.”

Quote of the month

Source: LLM Info. See www.llminfo.com for the full list.

countRY salaRYin us$

CHINA 146,954

UAE 104,733

U.S. 94,076

AUSTRALIA 74,078

INDIA 36,565

Channeling popular resentment in India directed at recent price rise and fuel rate hikes, lawyer Santosh Kumar Suman decided on a rather unique form of protest in New Delhi against the Indian prime minister: He took his shirt off. As Manmohan Singh prepared to make his speech at the high security Vigyan Bhawan, Suman climbed on to the table, took off his shirt and shouted thrice in quick succession — "PM go back! Roll

back diesel price hike!" It took some 30 seconds for the stunned security personnel to react, though, but they ultimately whisked him out of the venue. However, Suman was not completely topless; he had a vest on underneath. We have known lawyers to get a bit shirty while pleading their case, but getting shirtless is in a different league altogether.

According to students of India’s Delhi University, publishers Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press are “criminals”. Their crimes? The publishers have filed a lawsuit seeking a ban on photocopying of their books, alleging that a shop in the university hands out “course materials”, which are essentially photocopies of books that are recommended reading. The students now want cheaper books, having accused the publishers “of bullying and stifling of democratic student culture”. Copyright aside, the moral grandstanding and rhetoric are a bit rich when you remember that books cost half (and sometimes a quarter) as they do anywhere else, and text books are available at less than a fraction of the cost. Who are the criminals now, then?

vALUE Of thE LAWSUIt fILEd BY hONG kONG

ACtOr-dIrECtOr STEPHEN CHOW'S

Ex-GIrLfrIENd ALICE YU AGAINSt ChOW fOr thE

(S$11.2 MILLION) IN COMMISSION hE ALLEGEdLY

OWEd hEr ON thE PrOfItS ShE BrOUGht hIM

WhEN ShE WAS hIS fINANCIAL AdvISEr.attorney salaries:

a global comparison

Singapore lawyer Chia Boon Teck tells AsiaOne that the point at which public kissing might be considered obscene or indecent in the Lion City is unknown.

publisheRs’ lawsuit spaRKs outRage

REU

TER

S/B

obby

Yip

REUTERS/B Mathur

Page 67: CLB Oct 2012

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A conference organized by Thomson Reuters Foundation and the

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Page 68: CLB Oct 2012

CHINA INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND TRADE ARBITRATION COMMISSION

中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会关于约定由中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会上海分会、

中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会华南分会仲裁的案件的管理公告

2012年《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁规则》已于2012年5月1日起施行。作为中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会的派出机构,中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会上海分会、中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会华南分会(原名为中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会深圳分会)拒不执行2012年《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁规则》,拒绝继续接受中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会统一的业务管理,其行为违背了《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会章程》和2012年《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁规则》中关于中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会及其分会是一个统一的仲裁委员会、分会基于中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会的授权从事仲裁业务的基本原则。

为确保当事人选择在中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁意愿的有效实现,维护当事人仲裁权利的正常行使,使当事人及时通过中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁解决争议,根据2012年《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会章程》和2012年《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁规则》的相关规定,现就有关事项公告如下:

一、自2012年8月1日起,中止对中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会上海分会、中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会华南分会接受仲裁申请并管理仲裁案件的授权。

二、当事人约定将争议提交中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会上海分会或中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会华南分会(中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会深圳分会)仲裁的,自2012年8月1日起,当事人应向中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会申请仲裁,由中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会秘书局接受仲裁申请并管理案件。未经中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会授权,其他任何机构无权接受上述仲裁申请并管理相关案件。

三、中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会秘书局接受仲裁申请并管理上述案件时,除非当事人另有约定,约定由中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会上海分会仲裁的案件,仲裁地和开庭地为上海;约定由中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会华南分会(中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会深圳分会)仲裁的案件,仲裁地和开庭地为深圳。

四、中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会秘书局为上述有关案件提供服务的咨询和联络方式如下:

上海 : 电话:86-21-58200329, 86-21-50810729 | 传真:86-21-50810965 | 邮箱:[email protected]深圳 : 电话:86-755-82796739 | 传真:86-755-23964130 | 邮箱:[email protected]北京 : 电话:86-10-82217788 | 传真:86-10-82217766 | 邮箱:[email protected]

特此公告。中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会

二〇一二年八月一日

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