What the work covers

Litigation in China is document-driven. The pleadings, the evidence and the procedural steps taken early often determine what is possible later, including whether assets can be preserved before the defendant moves them.

We assess the case, plan the evidence and preservation strategy, conduct the proceedings and handle enforcement. Where a negotiated outcome is better, we pursue it with the court timetable in view.

  • Case assessment and pre-litigation strategy
  • Asset preservation and evidence preservation applications
  • First-instance and appeal proceedings
  • Settlement negotiations and court mediation
  • Judgment enforcement and debtor enquiries
  • Recognition of foreign judgments where available

When clients call us

  • A counterparty has breached a contract and the commercial deadline for action is approaching.
  • A debtor is showing signs of moving assets and preservation may be needed urgently.
  • A judgment has been obtained but the debtor has not paid.

Preparing for a first consultation

Bringing the documents below to the first meeting usually makes the time more productive. If some are missing, send what you have and we will identify the gaps.

  • The contract and any amendments.
  • Invoices, delivery records, payment records and correspondence.
  • A chronology of the key events and any admissions.
  • The debtor’s known assets, addresses and related entities.

How consultation fees work

A short call to the 24/7 line is free and is used to identify the next step. If you need more than that, we arrange a scheduled consultation. In-person consultations at our Jing’an office are charged by the hour; the hourly basis and the expected duration are confirmed in writing before the appointment.

In-person consultation

Billed by the hour

  • Review of the documents you send in advance
  • The in-person meeting, up to the time booked
  • A written summary of the main points and next steps

The hourly rate, the expected duration and the scope of the consultation are confirmed in writing before the appointment. VAT, official fees, translation, notarisation and other disbursements are charged separately. Matter work that follows a consultation — drafting, filings, negotiation or court work — is scoped and quoted separately. How consultations work.

Questions we are asked

How long does commercial litigation take?

A first-instance case commonly takes six to twelve months, and appeals or enforcement add further time. Complexity, court workload and the defendant’s tactics all affect the timetable, so we give a range rather than a promise.

Do I have to appear in court?

Usually not. A PRC lawyer can appear under a power of attorney. Some evidence or notarised documents may still need to be produced by you, and we explain those requirements as they arise.

General information. This page describes the scope of our practice and does not constitute legal advice. The basis on which time is charged is confirmed in writing before work begins. No outcome can be guaranteed.