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Introduction
Shandong Province is home to some of the leading industrial companies in China and is a top destination for foreign investment in China. Deheng Law Firm was founded in 1993 and now has more than 240 legal professionals, making it the largest law firm in Shandong Province. Deheng's major practice areas include corporate commercial (including foreign investment, mergers and acquisition (M&A), equity capital markets, securities regulatory compliance, etc.), banking and finance, real estate and construction, dispute resolution and intellectual property.
Awards and Recognition
Awarded National Outstanding Law Firm status by the Ministry of Justice in 2000 and National Outstanding Law Firm status by All China Lawyers Association (ACLA) in 2004. Deheng was the winner of the 2008 Asian Legal Business (ALB) award for Best Law Firm in North East China. Deheng was also named one of the Asia-Pacific region's fastest growing and most dynamic law firms in 2006 and 2008 by ALB. Deheng's trademark was recognized by the Shandong Provincial Government as a Famous Brand in 2004 and 2008, reflecting the firm's unparalleled profile in the local market.
Founding and Offices
Shandong Deheng Law Firm is one of the few regional firms in China which has earned national recognition. The firm was founded in 1993 in Qingdao and has been able to maintain its core group of partners since that time as the foundation for its subsequent extensive growth. Deheng currently has offices in Qingdao, Jinan, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong and boasts its own extensive network of leading domestic law firms across all key cities of Shandong Province. Consequently, the firm is able to provide first rate legal services to its clients in all parts of this important province.
Qualifications and Background of Lawyers
Deheng has 37 partners and124 associates. Numerous lawyers in the firm have received foreign education in England, Japan, Singapore, Korea and Canada, and more than 30 of Deheng's staff members are multilingual, speaking English, Russian, Japanese or Korean. Deheng has developed a thriving practice acting for top-end domestic clients and leading international clients, with a particular emphasis on serving many high-profile Korean clients, including the Korean Consulate in Qingdao.
Government Relations
Deheng maintains close working relationships with key local and provincial government departments, regulatory authorities, judicial officials, professional associations and leading legal academic institutions. For example, one member of Deheng is currently serving in the People's Congress at the municipal level, and the firm has eight members in various arbitration commissions at the municipal level.
Deheng also serves as legal counsel for a number of government entities, including the Shandong State-owned Assets Management Commission, the Qingdao Insurance Regulatory Commission, the Qingdao State-owned Assets Management Commission, the Qingdao Construction Commission, the Administrative Commission of the Qingdao Economic Development Zone and the Laoshan District Government.
Main Practice Areas
Corporate and Securities
The corporate and securities group makes up one of Deheng's key practice areas, with over 20 associates and a number of partners with high visibility in the regional market. Deheng has experience advising major clients on issues throughout the business life cycle, from IPOs to reissuing shares, corporate restructuring, debt instruments and insolvency proceedings.
Key partners in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group of Deheng include Fang Litang, Li Xuxiu, Huo Jianping, Wang Botao, Hou Jishan, Zhao Xia, Hu Xianming and Xiao Xingguo (see bios of key partners below).
Representative corporate and securities matters include:
- Advised Qingdao Kingking Applied Chemistry Co., Ltd. on its IPO
- Advised Shandong Haihua Company Limited on the issuance and listing of additional shares
- Advised Shandong Silk Group and its subsidiaries on their corporate restructuring;
- Advised Yanzhou Coal Group and Longkou Coal Group on a general evaluation and restructuring of assets
- Advised Qingdao No.5 Cotton Mill on issues relating to its insolvency.
Foreign Investment
Key partners in Deheng's foreign investment practice include Yu Haisheng, Fu Qing, Liu Kejiang, Qiu Yuxia, Li Gang, Lian Enchen and Wang Jun (see bios of key partners below).
Representative foreign investment matters include:
- Advised Mitsui Co., Ltd. on its investments in China
- Acting for DOOSAN on M&A matters in China
- Advised Lidong Chemistry Co., Ltd. on a RMB 100 million investment in China
- Advised Invensys (Qingdao) Controls Co., Ltd. on its investment projects in China
- Advised on robot project jointly started by Haier Robot and the United Arab Emirates Racing Camel
- Advised Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. on its investment in China
- Acted for SITC Maritime (Group) Co., Ltd. on litigation with respect to international logistics
- Acted for Kerry Logistics Network Limited on litigation with respect to bill of lading.
Real Estate and Construction
Deheng's real estate and construction group is another major practice area in the firm, with over 20 lawyers specializing in this area. Deheng has experience advising clients on major deals in project investment and project transfers and acting for clients in contentious matters. Deheng's Real Estate and Construction group has advised on some of the largest infrastructure projects in the region and has earned an reputation for being able to assist clients in expertly managing the full range of issues arising under the complex real estate regulatory system.
Key partners in Deheng's real estate group include Li Pengcheng, Liu Jinling, Yang Peiyin and Han Jing (see bios of key partners below).
Representative real estate and construction matters include:
- Advised Qingdao Guoxin Co., Ltd. on the construction of a tunnel between Qingdao and Huangdao, which involved RMB 4 billion in investment
- Advised Luneng Real Estate Co., Ltd. on the Elite Real Estate Development Project, which involved a total investment of RMB 400 million
- Acted for Yaxing Group on litigation in relation to a land use rights transfer against the Yanzhou Land Resources Bureau, which involved a subject amount of RMB 2 million.
Banking and Finance
Deheng's banking and finance group is recognized as a leader in the local market, acting as primary outside counsel for numerous leading domestic and foreign financial institutions in Shandong. This practice group is comprised of over 15 specialist lawyers and advises on the full range of debt facilities, security arrangements and bank regulatory compliance matters.
Key partners in Deheng's Banking and Finance Practice Group include Hu Ming, Jiang Qi, Zhang Bing, Mao Hongtao, Jie Xiaojun, Ju Weijun, Yu Yuhui, He Xinhua and Mei Liang (see bios of key partners below).
Representative banking and finance matters include:
- Advised China Construction Bank on a syndicated loan in the amount of RMB 470 million
- Acted for Bank of China against Lai Gang Branch of China Construction Bank on an Acceptance Bill in the amount of RMB 430 million
- Advised China Sinda Asset Management Corporation on its disposition of non-performing assets in the amount of RMB 6.5 billion
- Acted for China Great Wall Asset Management Corporation in a contentious matter against Shandong Fujiao Group, involving a subject amount of RMB 91 million.
- Acted for Shinhan Bank, Korea, on the acquisition of non-performing loans business, valued at RMB 4.63 million, from a Chinese assets management company.
Dispute Resolution
Deheng's litigation and arbitration practice is one of the core strengths of the firm. In addition, as is the case in many European firms, members of each of the other practice groups in the firm also regularly handle both contentious and non-contentious matters within their areas of expertise. Deheng's head office is located adjacent to the Superior Court in Qingdao, reflecting the firm's emphasis on this key practice area. Deheng's lawyers are active in all aspects of litigation and domestic and international arbitration relating to parties and matters situated in Shandong Province and understand how to achieve the best result possible for clients, while maintaining the highest of ethical standards.
Key partners in Deheng's Dispute Resolution Practice Group include Zhang Bing, Mao Hongtao, Jiang Qi, Xiao Xingguo, Gao Jianjun and Li Gang (see bios of key partners below).
Representative litigation and arbitration matters include:
- Acted for Sitic Group on international transportation litigation
- Acted for Kerry EAS on litigation in relation to a Bill of Lading dispute
- Acted for Guoxin Co., Ltd. on litigation in relation to a project transfer against Puluo Medicine Co., Ltd.
- Acted for Qingdao SID on litigation in relation to cooperative development with Yonghong Co., Ltd.
- Acted for 11 victims on litigation in relation to Sanlu tainted milk scandal.
Intellectual Property
Deheng's intellectual property practice has been organized as a separate practice group since 2006 and is already one of the firm's most robust and rapidly developing areas of practice. The firm works on the full range of IP matters, including acting for clients on litigation with respect to advertising slogans and acting for a client on litigation against Microsoft. Key IP clients include Legal Daily, Dazhong Daily and KORTA. The IP practice group currently is comprised of five specialists and coordinates with the firm's other practice groups on a regular basis to provide seamless service to clients.
Key partners in Deheng's IP Practice Group include Wang Jun and Wang Haijun (see bios of key partners below).
Representative IP matters handled by the firm include:
- Successfully acted for a client on litigation with respect to the advertising slogan "Ying Bin Guan's attempted auction"
- Successfully acted for a client on litigation against Microsoft
- Successfully acted for Hisense on litigation with respect to a false ranking
- Successfully acted for client on litigation with respect to unfair competition practices by Dongeejiao
- Advised a prestigious Holland-based company on an investigation into infringement activities
- Advised a client on legal rights protection involving Kung Fu and a Shanghai recording company.
Biographies of Key Partners
Fang Litang, a director in Deheng's securities law practice, is a leading practitioner of corporate and securities law with extensive experience advising clients on IPO matters. Mr. Fang graduated from the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, receiving a B.A. in Textile Engineering, and from Xi'an Jiaotong University, where he received an L.L.M. Mr. Fang has been licensed to practice law since 1996.
Fu Qing, a director in one of Deheng's Foreign Investment practice groups, often advises Japanese investors on the legal affairs of their foreign invested enterprises in China. Ms. Fu received a B.A. in Mathematics from China Ocean University and an L.L.M. from Xian Jiaotong University. She has been licensed to practice law since 1998 and has been recognized as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Han Jing, a director in the Deheng construction and projects department, is a leading real estate law practitioner. Ms. Han received a B.A. in Industry and Civil Architecture from Tongji University, and an L.L.M. from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. She has been licensed to practice law since 1999 and has been recognized as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Hou Jishan, a partner in the firm's Corporate and Securities Practice Group, has extensive expertise on enterprise reorganization. Mr. Hou qualified to practice law in 1997 and has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Hou received a B.A. in Geophysics from China Maritime University and a Masters degree in Civil and Commercial Law from the China Academy of Social Sciences.
Hu Ming, a managing director of the firm and partner in the finance group, has extensive expertise on finance matters. Ms. Hu graduated from Nankai University, receiving a B.A. and an L.L.M. Mr. Hu qualified to practice law in 1994 and was recognised as an outstanding lawyer by ACLA in 2008.
Hu Xianming, the managing partner of the firm's Shanghai office, focuses his practice on corporate and securities matters and has extensive expertise on enterprise reorganization and M&A. Mr. Hu qualified to practice law in 1999 and was recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Hu received a B.A. in Economic Management and an M.A. in Civil and Commercial Law from China Maritime University.
Jia Xiaojun, a partner in the firm's finance group, has extensive expertise on finance matters. Mr. Jia qualified to practice law in 1999 and has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Jia received an L.L.B. from Nankai University.
Jiang Qi, a director in the firm's international trade law department and finance group, has extensive expertise on finance and international trade. Mr. Jiang received an L.L.B. from Yan Tai University and qualified to practice in 1995. Since then, he has been recognised by the Shandong Government as an Excellent Lawyer.
Ju Weijun, a partner in the finance group and has extensive expertise on finance matters. Mr. Ju, qualified in 1993 and was honoured as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Ju received an L.L.B. from Nankai University.
Li Gang, a partner in the firm's maritime law practice, has extensive expertise on international maritime matters and foreign direct investment. Mr. Li qualified to practice law in 2000 and has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Li received an L.L.B. from Qingdao University and an M.A. in international law from Dalian Maritime University.
Li Pengcheng, a director in one of Deheng's real estate groups, is a leading real estate law practitioner. Mr. Li received an L.L.B. from Zhengzhou University, and an L.L.M. from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and he has been licensed to practice law since 1995.
Li Xuxiu, a director in one of Deheng's corporate groups, is a leading practitioner of corporate and securities law, receiving a Provincial Excellent Lawyer Award from the Shandong government. Mr. Li received an L.L.B. from the Southwest University of Political Science and an L.L.M. from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and has been licensed to practice law in China since 1996.
Liu Jinling, a director in one of Deheng's real estate departments, focuses her practice on advising clients on real estate projects. She received an L.L.B. from the East China University of Political Science and Law and has been licensed to practice law since 2000. Since then, she has been recognized as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Liu Kejiang is the managing partner of Deheng's Beijing office. Mr. Liu received an L.L.B. from China University of Political Science and Law and received an M.A. in Management in Glasgow, England. He qualified to practice law in 2001 and has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Luan Shaohu, the director of the firm's partners committee, is a leading practitioner of criminal defence law relating to economic crimes. Mr. Luan received an L.L.B. and L.L.M. from the China University of Political Science and Law and qualified to practice PRC law in 1996. Mr. Luan is one of the Qingdao deputies to the National People's Congress and he is also the member of Internal and Judicial Affairs Committee.He was recognised as an outstanding lawyer by ACLA in 2008.
Mao Hongtao, a partner in the firm's finance group, has extensive expertise on finance matters. Mr. Mao qualified in 1997 and was recognised as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Mao received an L.L.B. from Shandong Youth Administrative Cadres' College.
Mei Liang, a director in the sixth department of finance law and partner in the finance group, has extensive expertise on finance matters. Mr. Mei, who qualified in 2002, was awarded as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Mei graduated from Lanzhou University, receiving a Bachelor degree of International Trade.
Qiu Yuxia, a director in Deheng's foreign investment projects practice, advises clients on international business matters. Ms. Qiu received an L.L.B. from Qingdao University and an M.A. in International Law from Dalian Maritime University. She has been recognized as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields and has been qualified to practice law since 1998.
Wang Botao, managing partner of the Jinan office, focuses his practice on corporate and securities and other non-litigious matters. Mr. Wang, who qualified to practice in 2000, is recognised as one of the Ten Excellent Lawyers of Jinan City by the municipal government. Mr. Wang received an L.L.B. from China University of Political Science and Law.
Wang Haijun is a partner of Deheng's Beijing office. Mr Wang received an L.L.B. from Yan Tai University and an L.L.M. from Central University of Finance and Economics. Mr Wang qualified to practice law in 2003 and has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Wang Jun, a partner in the firm's intellectual property and foreign investment groups, has extensive expertise on international trade and intellectual property rights matters. Ms. Wang qualified to practice law in 1998 and was recognised as an Excellent Female Lawyer of Qingdao. Ms. Wang received an L.L.B. from Qingdao University.
Wang Xiaoling is a partner focusing her practice on labour law issues. Ms. Wang received an L.L.B. from the Shandong Institute of Political Science and Law and qualified to practice law in 1993. She has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Xu Yuhui, a partner in the firm's finance group, has extensive expertise on finance matters. Mr. Xu qualified to practice law in 1998 and has been recognised as an Excellent Individual in the Judicial and Administrative Fields. Mr. Xu graduated from Southwestern University of Industry, receiving a Bachelor degree of Materials Science.
Yang Peiyin, a director in one of Deheng's real estate groups, is another leading real estate practitioner. Mr. Yang received a B.A. in Economic Management from Beijing Forestry University and an L.L.M. from China University of Political Science and Law. Mr. Yang has been licensed to practice law since 1995 and has been recognized as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Yu Haisheng, a director in Deheng's foreign investment group, advises clients on the legal affairs of enterprises owned by English-speaking investors. Ms. Yu received a B.A. from Zhejiang Silk Technology College and qualified to practice law in China in 2000. She has been recognized as an Excellent Individual in Judicial and Administrative Fields.
Zhang Bing, a director in the firm's litigation department and finance group, has extensive expertise on finance matters. Mr. Zhang qualified in 1996 and was recognised as one of the Ten Excellent Young Lawyers of Qingdao by the municipal government. Mr. Zhang received an L.L.B. from Wuhan University and an L.L.M. from Xi'an Jiaotong University.
Zhao Xia, a partner in the firm's investment law and corporate and securities groups, has extensive expertise on enterprise reorganization and M&A. Ms. Zhao, qualified to practice law in 1995 and was recognised as one of the Ten Excellent Female Lawyers of Qingdao by the municipal government. Ms. Zhao received an L.L.B. from China Maritime University.
Contact Deheng
Qingdao Office
No. 52 Hong Kong Western Road
Qingdao, 266071
Tel +86 532 8388 5708
Fax +86 532 8389 6007
Jinan Office
38F, Citic Plaza
No. 88 Jingyi Road
Jinan, 250001
Tel +86 531 8263 8300
Fax +86 531 8263 8323
Beijing Office
Shanghai Office
109 Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai
838 Dongfang Road
Shanghai, 200122
Tel +86 21 6886 7180
Fax +86 21 6886 7181
Seoul Office
TLBS Building
Guangjin District, Junzi
Seoul
Tel +86 082 1077 0655
Fax +86 082 2468 0016