ALB连续第三年发布华南地区区域市场排名，聚焦地理优势突出、政策支持聚集的经济发展引擎，本地与非本地律所、律师新星在快速革新中同台竞技，推动着法律服务业稳步前行。
华南地区与粤港澳大湾区紧密相连，经济发达，而跨境法律服务也是其亮点之一。华南地区在制度建设和政策创新方面也一直走在全国前列。过去一年整体在金融、投资、创业扶持等领域的政策制定上保持了开放、积极的态势。同时，在华南律所行业迅速发展的背景下，法律人才也变得尤为重要。
此次ALB华南地区律所榜单包含了共25家律所，包括10家本地律所及15家非本地律所；同时在华南地区律师新星榜单中，有25名新星律师上榜，其中10名来自本地律所，15名来自非本地律所。
与去年榜单相比，今年律师新星由15人增加至25人，并且分为了本地与非本地律师。此变化也展现了人才在律所发展中的重要性。
本次华南地区榜单主要针对广东、广西、福建、海南四省（自治区）。根据各省统计局数据，2022年，广东、广西、福建、海南四地GDP分别约为12.9万亿元、2.6万亿元、5.3万亿元、6818.2亿元。其中，广东省GDP总量连续34年位居全国第一。
独特地理优势
广东金桥百信律师事务所总部位于粤港澳大湾区中心城市广州。金桥百信主任、高级合伙人聂卫国律师告诉ALB, “近年来，我们切身体会粤港澳大湾区建设加速以及三地经济社会的不断交融和发展，直面粤港澳商事主体法律服务需求日渐多元化的机遇，不断思索如何搭建更高质量的跨境法律服务体系。”
聂卫国律师介绍到，早在2015年启动特殊普通合伙改制初期，金桥百信已经率先提出“立足湾区、辐射华南、走向全国”的战略发展理念。近年来，金桥百信通过一系列的战略规划、业务调整和管理策略积极打造金桥百信在湾区市场的优势，深化粤港澳法律服务合作。如今，金桥百信在大湾区9+2城市群中已开设8家分支机构，且于南沙自贸区开设了广州市首家粤港澳三地联营律师事务所，将力争在近年实现大湾区9+2城市群全覆盖。
同时，律所也深知人才是跨境法律服务建设的关键。在粤港澳大湾区律师执业考试试点工作推行后，为吸引大湾区律师加入，金桥百信积极推出相关优惠政策。目前，总所及联营所共拥有十余位粤港澳大湾区律师，并将持续加强对跨境人才的培养和引进。此外，律所重点加强了对跨境业务的研发和市场培育，加强总所和各分所以及联营所在湾区业务的交流和合作，提升律师响应大湾区商事主体多元化法律服务需求、提供综合性跨境法律服务的能力和水平。
炜衡律师事务所党委书记、全国管委会主任张小炜律师告诉ALB, 目前，炜衡在华南地区已有八家分所，分布于广东、广西、海南和福建四省。炜衡在华南地区布局主要是基于该地的区位优势和政策红利。改革开放以来，我国首批设置为经济特区的四个城市全部位于华南，这里有7个自贸区，还是“一带一路”的起点。随着前海合作区和粤港澳大湾区的繁荣，华南地区拥有了更加旺盛的经济发展生命力。
张小炜说，“近年来，华南地区的政策以持续优化营商环境为主要特点。政府先后出台或施行多项新的法规、规章，一些直接催生了新的法律服务细分市场，一些则通过完善生态系统吸引更多人才、企业在华南地区发展，长远来看，大幅度增加了法律服务市场的客户资源。经济、社会、文化的发展也要求法治建设和法律服务发展相匹配，因而华南地区的法律服务市场具有巨大的发展潜力。”
2020年，习近平法治思想中明确提出“坚持统筹推进国内法治和涉外法治”。由于政策及产业结构的影响，华南地区轻工制造业及出口贸易型企业汇聚，加之近年来跨境电商企业的不断发展，对于跨境投资、能源与基础设施建设、跨境电商、国际贸易、海商海事物流、海外知识产权、海外合规、出口管制与贸易制裁等方面都有较大的需求。
“基于此，我所在全面拓展业务领域的同时，顺应政策导向，厚植当地优势，引进和培养了一批相关领域的优秀人才，全方位参与粤港澳大湾区等区域经济与制度融合，恪守‘洞察、沟通、解决、良知’的执业理念，力求在纷繁复杂的竞争环境中保持一贯高水准，为国内外客户提供全方位、高质量的一站式法律服务，助力国家和华南地区法治建设，”张小炜律师说道。
律所管理
金桥百信的聂卫国律师表示，金桥百信积极倡导律师走专业化道路，推动团队化建设，引导律师根据自身的业务领域与专业方向加入相应的部门，并在部门内实行团队化管理。为保持部门的活跃度，激发各部门成员对其业务领域的探索热情，律所为各部门设置了年度的考核任务及要求，包括举办一定数量的讲堂、开展业务研讨、编纂案例、研发产品、发表论著等。目前，金桥百信现已举办至两百多期的“金桥讲堂”，该系列讲座为金桥百信律师分享专业化研究成果、精进实务、交流经验提供了平台，以论坛的形式钻研各领域的前沿法律实务，有效提高了所内律师的专业素养与专业技能。
在业务研发、业务拓展与业务管理方面，金桥百信设立了由合伙人、律师与行政人员共同组成的业务管理委员会、产品研发与业务发展委员会两个工作委员会，负责业务研讨、业务指导、业务管理、法律服务产品研发、市场拓展等方面的工作。
聂律师相信，专业化建设水平的提升更有利于推动现有业务领域走向纵深发展。业务管理委员会统筹各专业部门，不断提高律师业务水平，让部门成为专业服务产品生产商的同时也成为专业交易的主体，内强专业素质，培养核心业务竞争力，外联客户市场，实现业务可持续增长。另一方面，产品研发与业务发展委员则会更多地着眼于新兴业务领域，研究律师行业业务发展动态，为全所律师法律服务创新赋能，引导业务渠道建设，督导各部门开展法律服务产品研发及推广工作，紧跟行业发展趋势，学习、借鉴、发掘业务新渠道，发现并组织事务所律师团队占领业务蓝海。
而炜衡则基于华南地区的地理与政策优势，积极布局。
张小炜律师说，“华南地区经济持续深化改革探索赋予了炜衡广阔的发展空间。海南自由贸易试验区成立、深交所主板中小板合并、广州粤港澳大湾区国际科技创新中心建设，对华南地区乃至全国的经济、社会发展都起着至关重要的推动作用。”
早在2005年，炜衡就开始在华南地区布局。首先是深圳，随后相继在南宁、厦门、广州、福州、海南等地设立分所，近两年又在泉州、珠海布局。经过近20年的发展，华南地区分所已经拥有了较为完备的业务体系和成熟的律师团队，积累了丰富的实践经验。
人才战略
人才是公司发展不可或缺的因素之一，也是律所发展的基石。
金桥百信的聂律师分享到，为吸引人才、留住人才，金桥百信开展了三个方面的工作。
首先，在制度上，通过建章立制，为每一位成员提供执业保障。金桥百信通过扁平化的管理体制，实现事务所全体成员平等执业；建立了涵盖党建、风控、财务、人事、晋升、品牌、专业管理、招投标、档案管理与服务、执业纪律、业务合作、利益冲突调处等各方面约90项的规章制度，使业务、资源、信息、知识在事务所内部充分流通，促进彼此的交流、交易、合作、分享。
金桥百信还开展了一系列的活动，为每一位成员提供良好的成长机会。律所为每一位新加入成员提供自我展示的平台，每季度会举办迎新会、金专人才交流会等活动，让自身的职业经历、专业领域、业务特长等被更多金桥人所熟知，这也是开展业务合作的前提条件之一。
金桥百信还为处于不同阶段的成员提供与其相匹配的成长辅助，具体包括：为实习人员开展实习暨面试考核培训；建立健全青年律师传帮带培养机制、推行合伙人律师导师制度；创立“金训营”，为青年律师开展律师实战沙龙、分享执业干货；创新开设“星月对话”夜间谈话类活动，搭建青年律师与业界翘楚间的沟通桥梁；为全体执业律师定期开展律师职业纪律培训，规范执业行为，防范职业风险等。律所还构建了良好的业务生态来解决律师间开展业务合作的顾虑，如推行客户终身制、制定合作规则、配备完备的争议解决调处机制等。
最后，从文化上，金桥百信十分重视每一位成员的认同感和归属感。律所积极组织并开展文娱、体育等活动，拥有十余个社团，横跨传统的、新兴的体育运动以及辩论、文学、合唱等文艺活动。在丰富律师业余生活的同时，鼓励事务所成员通过共同的兴趣爱好聚在一起、玩到一起，提升事务所内部的凝聚力与向心力，培育每一位成员对事务所的认同感与归属感。
炜衡的张小炜律师也表示，人才是第一资源。谁拥有一支高素质的人才队伍，谁就有了成功的基础。炜衡对此也总结出了自己的一套人才管理方法。
首先，炜衡注重核心团队建设。高级合伙人是律所的核心团队，高伙团队的建设对律所发展具有重大影响。张小炜介绍道，目前所内高伙的选择、激励与考核都具备规范、严格的流程，在律所发展壮大的同时，也收获了一批志同道合、情谊深厚的战友。炜衡高伙来源既有内部培养也有外部引入，二十八年来，炜衡退伙人数极少，是国内高伙队伍最稳定的律所之一。
炜衡也致力于成为学习型组织。律所建立了完备的知识管理机制和信息化学习平台。律所还定期开展业务培训、理论和实务研讨会、专业论坛等活动，这也大大促进了所内律师的沟通交流和业务精进。此外，炜衡定期在所内开展批评与自我批评，时刻保持谦虚谨慎的学习态度，对于及时发现问题、化解矛盾隔阂、助力个人成长等具有积极意义。
青年律师的培养也是炜衡重点关注的方向。“一直以来，炜衡外引内育、荟聚英才，致力于打造一支充满活力的青年律师队伍。在炜衡党委领导下，我所积极开展青年工作，成立了共青团北京市炜衡律师事务所委员会、青年律师工作委员会等，为青年工作提供组织支持。此外，青训营、大学生刑辩训练营、青享会等特色活动的开展，也促进了青年律师的成长进步，加深了对律所理念的认同，” 张律师说道。
最后，炜衡提出了以人为本，以文化人。律所从制度和文化上为广大律师搭建实现梦想的大舞台；为员工提供丰厚的福利待遇和舒适的办公环境，充分调动其积极性和创造力。炜衡自建立以来就重视文化建设，始终秉承“快乐、尊严、希望”的价值观，关注员工不同的精神需求，打造出了具有炜衡特色的“兄弟姐妹文化”，成为所内人才协同的粘合剂。
华南律师新星
汉坤律师事务所合伙人吕卓认为，粤港澳大湾区以及整个华南地区有着开放和包容的营商环境，一直以来都是朝气与活力的象征，也是改革和创新的前沿阵地，产业结构完整且多元，既不乏传统的制造型企业和金融机构，也不断涌现出优秀的新经济公司和科技新贵，孕育着丰富且仍具有显著增长空间的法律服务需求，每年都会吸引大量法律人才来此投身律师行业，区域发展潜力巨大，尤其是粤港澳律师圈在近年来呈现出空前活跃的跨境人才流动和互融，给有跨境法律服务需求的客户们带来了更加高效和一体化的服务体验。
国枫律师事务所合伙人周涛也十分看好律师行业在华南地区的发展。
“华南区域依托着珠三角强劲的经济实力和大湾区优势的地理位置，是法律服务的一片热土，也是法律业务的一块富矿。当然，也吸引和汇集了大量的律师特别是年轻律师集中于此，因此在我看来，华南地区的律师行业生态的特点可以用两句话来概括，第一是法律服务人才众多，第二是法律服务市场广阔，” 周涛律师说道。
同时，广东广信君达律师事务所高级合伙人梁沐周律师观察到，华南地区的涉外法律服务也开始兴起。“近些年受益于粤港澳大湾区建设，同时作为‘一带一路’倡议桥头堡，华南地区的涉外法律服务市场显著发展。2022年，香港大律师何君尧作为首位获批的大湾区执业律师加盟广信君达所，也意味着国家在推动粤港澳地区的法律交流、融合方面的落地生根。同时，对于华南地区的律师而言，如何把握住走出去的机会，讲好中国故事大有可为的空间，” 梁沐周律师说。
梁律师还谈到，近些年行业竞争促使行业的发展趋势向好，随着律师人数的大幅度提升，律所管理更加注重规范化、专业化、规模化。
然而，梁律师指出，随着行业内律师人数的激增，近些年来传统业务的价格竞争尤为激烈，很多律师为了招揽案源选择以低价甚至0元中标获取更多的机会，随之而来的是法律服务质量的下降以及客户对律师行业的价值否定。梁沐周律师认为这是当下行业急需解决的问题。
梁律师还表示，人工智能、新媒体的兴起为这个行业带来了新的活力。“越来越多律所、律师投入到人工智能、新媒体平台的探索中，市场活跃，如同雨后春笋般涌现。如何借助科技手段、新媒体促进业务成为热门话题，” 梁沐周律师说。
梁律师认为，案源积累和开拓、发展平台的抉择、专业化和多样化的抉择、执业风险防范是年轻律师们面临困难和挑战。而面对这些困难，年轻律师应该严守执业红线，同时以专业、勤勉、尽责的态度对待工作，还要挖掘自身的比较优势。
国枫的周涛律师则认为，正值当打之年的年轻律师在专业能力过硬的前提下能够很出色的将业务执行好。但这个年龄往往处于从资深律师到年轻合伙人之间的过渡期间，因此最主要的困难和挑战在于业务承揽方面。
“面对这些挑战没有捷径，首先需要持续提高自己的业务水平，专业服务水准永远是客户选择和其他合作伙伴信任的第一考虑要素，其次要尽量站在客户的商业经营角度去考虑具体的法律问题，让律师的专业法律建议在合法合规的前提下能够与客户的商业利益最大限度契合，客户自然会对律师予以信赖，” 周涛律师说。
展望未来
对于未来关注的重点，国枫的周涛律师提出“注册制改革”这一关键词。
周涛律师说，“过去这几年来，注册制改革是资本市场的主题音。今年适逢全面注册制改革落地实施之年，这自然是包括我本人在内的资本市场律师着重关注的领域。全面注册制下，发行人的充分完整信息披露是审核的重中之重，与此同时，全面注册制也意味着全面压实中介机构责任，这些都对资本市场律师的执业水平和能力提出了比以往审核制下更高的要求。归根结底，律师需要守牢专业底线，进一步提高自己的业务能力和执业水平，通过持续提高执业质量在更好地服务优质企业利用资本市场融资的同时，有效控制业务风险。”
广信君达梁沐周律师则将重点放在“一带一路”与粤港澳大湾区法律服务、国企涉外合规法律服务、以及法律智能科技领域。
梁律师表示，受益于粤港澳大湾区建设，同时作为“一带一路”倡议桥头堡，华南地区的涉外法律服务市场显著发展，这是时代契机也是法律行业红利。
同时，国有企业海外扩张步伐不断加快，但面临着海外特殊的营商环境和意识冲突，境内外的合规管理对国有企业的监管尤为重要。
“随着人工智能和大数据技术的不断发展，智能科技领域将成为法律服务的热门领域，尤其是在知识产权、数据保护、可复制法律服务工作等方面，” 梁律师补充道。
2023 ALB China Regional Ranking: South China Firms & Rising Lawyers
For the third consecutive year, ALB highlights South China's best firms and young lawyers, one of the country’s economic growth engines with geographical advantages and policy support. In a competitive market, local and non-local law firms and rising lawyers vie to stand out through their client service and dedication to their craft.
Law firms and lawyers in South China are increasingly leveraging the region's connections to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the region's relatively advanced state of development, which is exemplified by cross-border legal services.
South China has long been at the forefront of China in terms of policy innovation. Over the past year, it has maintained an open and positive attitude towards policy development in finance, investment, and entrepreneurial support. Simultaneously, the importance of talent has grown significantly for the rapid development of the legal industry in South China.
The ALB South China Law Firms ranking comprises 25 firms, including 10 local and 15 non-local ones. Additionally, the list features 25 rising lawyers, with 10 from local firms and 15 from non-local ones. The Rising Lawyers list includes 10 more lawyers than last year, emphasising the significance of talent.
The South China list primarily encompasses four economically dynamic provinces: Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Hainan. According to official data, the GDP of Guangdong reached approximately 12.9 trillion yuan ($1.8 trillion) in 2022, Guangxi's was 2.6 trillion yuan, Fujian's reached 5.3 trillion yuan, and Hainan's was 681.82 billion yuan.
GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGES
Guangdong Kingbridge Law Firm, headquartered in Guangzhou, the centre of the GBA, has been at the forefront of developing a robust cross-border legal services system to meet the growing demand from commercial entities in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. Nie Weiguo, the Director of Kingbridge, explains that they have been proactive in proposing "based on the GBA, expansion in South China, and towards the country" since their special general partnership reform and innovative management in 2015. Through strategic planning, business restructuring, and management strategies, Kingbridge has established market advantages in the GBA and facilitated collaboration in legal services among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. Presently, Kingbridge has eight branches in the GBA and has launched the first Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macau joint law firm in Guangzhou to expand their coverage to all cities in the GBA in the coming years.
Law firms recognise that talent is crucial in building cross-border legal services. Following implementing the GBA Legal Professional Examination, Kingbridge has introduced incentives to attract lawyers from the GBA. Currently, the head office and associated firms have more than ten lawyers in the GBA and will continue to foster and recruit talented individuals. Additionally, the firm is enhancing its cross-border capabilities and promoting collaboration between the head and branch offices to improve lawyers' ability to meet commercial entities' diverse legal service demands in the GBA and provide comprehensive cross-border legal services.
Zhang Xiaowei, Director of the National Management Committee at W&H Law Firm, explains that the firm has established eight branches in South China, covering Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian, to leverage the policy advantages of the region. South China has played a pivotal role in China's reform and opening up, hosting the first four special economic zones. It is also home to seven free trade zones and serves as the starting point for the Belt and Road Initiative. With the growth of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone and the GBA, South China possesses significant potential for rapid economic development.
"South China has been implementing policies to optimise the business environment. The government has introduced numerous rules and regulations that have spurred new segments in the legal service market, attracting talent and companies and resulting in a substantial long-term increase in the client base for legal services. The legal service market needs to keep pace with economic, social, and cultural development, making South China a promising market," Zhang explains.
In 2020, Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasised the idea of "promoting the domestic rule of law and the foreign-related rule of law simultaneously." Manufacturing and export trade enterprises favour the South China market due to its favourable policies and industrial structure. Furthermore, the growth of cross-border e-commerce enterprises in recent years has created greater demand for cross-border investment, energy and infrastructure construction, cross-border e-commerce, international trade, maritime logistics, overseas intellectual property rights, and overseas compliance, among other areas.
"W&H capitalises on policy advantages and local strengths while nurturing outstanding talent to contribute to the development of the GBA. We adhere to a philosophy of 'insight, communication, solution, and conscience' to deliver high-standard services and provide domestic and foreign clients with high-quality one-stop legal services," Zhang says.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
According to Nie, Kingbridge places great emphasis on the continuous development of lawyers and promotes team-building. It encourages lawyers to join departments based on their practice areas and engage in team management within those departments. The firm sets annual assessment tasks and requirements for each department to foster dynamic departments and encourage lawyers to explore their respective practice areas. These tasks include conducting a certain number of lectures, organising business seminars, compiling cases, and publishing articles. To date, Kingbridge has successfully conducted over two hundred "Kingbridge Lectures," providing a platform for its lawyers to share research findings and exchange ideas to enhance their professional skills.
Regarding business research, development, and expansion, Kingbridge has established two working committees comprising partners, lawyers, and administrative staff. These committees organise business seminars, provide business guidance, manage business operations, conduct research and development for legal service products, and explore new market opportunities.
Nie believes that building a professional team is essential for business expansion. The business management committee coordinates the efforts of different departments and encourages lawyers to improve their skills, thereby establishing core business competitiveness and ensuring sustainable business growth. On the other hand, the product research and development committee focuses on exploring new business fields. It stays updated with the latest industry developments to promote innovation in legal services for all lawyers. This committee also facilitates the establishment of business channels and oversees the research, development, and promotion of legal service products across all departments.
Meanwhile, W&H has actively expanded its presence in the South China market, capitalising on geographical and policy advantages.
"The ongoing economic reforms in South China present a potential market for W&H. Measures such as the establishment of the Hainan Pilot Free Trade Zone and the merger of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's main board and small and medium enterprises board play a crucial role in driving the economic and social development of South China," explains Zhang from W&H.
As early as 2005, W&H began establishing offices in South China. They initially opened an office in Shenzhen and subsequently expanded to Nanning, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, and Hainan. In the past two years, they further expanded their presence to include Quanzhou and Zhuhai. After nearly 20 years of development, W&H's branch offices in South China have established a comprehensive business system and a mature team of lawyers.
TALENT MATTERS
Talent is a critical element for the development of law firms, serving as the cornerstone of their growth.
Nie from Kingbridge explains that the firm has implemented three steps to attract and retain talent.
Firstly, Kingbridge ensures fairness among lawyers through a comprehensive set of rules and regulations. They have introduced approximately 90 rules and regulations that cover various aspects, such as party building, risk control, finance, personnel, promotion, branding, professional management, business collaboration, and conflict of interest mediation. These rules promote mutual communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among lawyers.
Secondly, Kingbridge provides growth opportunities for its staff through organised activities. The firm holds quarterly orientation meetings and talent-sharing sessions, creating a platform for lawyers to gain visibility among their peers. This not only facilitates business cooperation but also enables professional development.
Furthermore, Kingbridge supports the growth of its members at different stages. For instance, they offer intern interview training and have implemented a mentorship system that pairs partners with young lawyers. The firm also hosts salons where lawyers can share insights. Importantly, Kingbridge has established a robust system to address concerns related to business cooperation among lawyers. This includes the introduction of cooperation rules and a comprehensive mechanism for dispute resolution and mediation.
Lastly, Kingbridge places great importance on fostering employees' sense of identity and belonging. The firm organises recreational and sports activities and has established over ten clubs focused on sports, debating, literature, and choral activities.
Zhang from W&H also recognises the significance of talent and highlights their talent management methods. W&H focuses on building a core team, with senior partners serving as the backbone of the firm. Senior partners' selection, motivation, and evaluation follow a standardised and rigorous process. By attracting like-minded partners, W&H has maintained a high level of stability, with very few partners leaving the firm over the past 28 years.
W&H is committed to being a learning organisation. They have established a comprehensive knowledge management mechanism and learning platform. Regular business training, seminars, and forums are conducted to facilitate communication among lawyers. The firm also encourages employees to engage in self-examination regularly and emphasises humility.
Additionally, W&H prioritises the training and development of young lawyers. They strive to build a vibrant team by attracting and nurturing talent. Several committees are dedicated to supporting young lawyers, and training camps are organised to foster their growth.
Lastly, W&H places a strong emphasis on its people and culture. The firm provides a comfortable office environment to stimulate creativity and promotes cultural construction. They uphold the values of "happiness, dignity, and hope."
RISING STARS
Han Kun Law Offices' partner Adrian Lv highlights the open and inclusive business environment in the GBA and South China region, which has always been associated with vitality and vigour. These areas are at the forefront of reform and innovation, boasting a diverse industrial structure encompassing traditional manufacturing enterprises, financial institutions, and technology startups. As a result, a potential market for legal services has emerged, attracting a significant number of talented individuals each year. Lv says the region has great potential for development. “In particular, there has been an unprecedented cross-border talent flow and integration of lawyers in recent years in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, bringing more efficient and integrated services to clients with cross-border legal needs.”
Zhou Tao, a partner at Grandway Law Offices, shares Lv's optimism regarding developing the legal industry in South China. Given the robust economic strength of the Pearl River Delta region and the geographical advantages of the GBA, South China presents a promising market for legal business. Additionally, the region has a rich talent pool, particularly among young lawyers. Zhou Tao summarises the characteristics of the legal industry in South China as a wealth of talent and a promising market.
Liang Muzhou, the senior partner at ETR Law Firm, emphasises the growing prominence of foreign-related legal services in South China. The construction of the GBA and the Belt and Road Initiative has significantly contributed to the expansion of the foreign-related legal services market in the region. Liang cites the example of Hong Kong lawyer Junius Ho Kwan-yiu joining ETR Law Firm in 2022 as the first lawyer from the Special Administrative Region (SAR) approved to practice in the GBA. This development reflects China's efforts to promote exchanges and integration in the legal field among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. Furthermore, it presents an excellent opportunity for lawyers in South China to enter the global market.
Liang also acknowledges that competition drives the development of the legal industry. The increasing number of lawyers and improvements in law firm management have contributed to this trend. However, Liang expresses concern about the price competition witnessed in traditional businesses in recent years. Some lawyers offer services at lower prices to secure more opportunities, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of legal services and clients' negative perception of the industry. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial.
Furthermore, Liang highlights how artificial intelligence and new media platforms have injected new vitality into the legal industry. Many law firms and lawyers are exploring using AI and new media to enhance their business practices. Promoting business through technology and new media has become a popular topic of discussion in the industry.
Liang also points out the difficulties and challenges young lawyers face, including acquiring case sources, choosing suitable development platforms, and risk prevention. To overcome these challenges, Liang advises young lawyers to maintain professionalism and diligence while exploring their comparative advantages. Zhou from Grandway Law Offices adds that excellent professional abilities enable young lawyers to execute their business effectively. The main challenge for some of them, transitioning from senior lawyers to partners, lies in business solicitation.
Zhou emphasises that there are no shortcuts to address these challenges. Continuous improvement of professional skills is crucial, as clients prioritise professional services when selecting legal partners. Additionally, lawyers should consider legal issues from the perspective of clients' business operations, ensuring that their legal advice aligns with clients' business interests. By building trust through this approach, lawyers can establish strong client relationships.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Zhou Tao anticipates that the registration-based IPO reform will become a significant focus in the capital market. The registration-based IPO system has garnered attention recently and will be expanded to the main boards in 2023. Zhou recognises that this reform will require issuers to provide full disclosure of information, placing higher demands on lawyers' capabilities. While adhering to ethical standards, lawyers must enhance their professional skills to serve better enterprises operating under the new system.
On the other hand, Liang Muzhou from ETR Law Firm concentrates on several areas of legal services. Firstly, he emphasises the importance of legal services related to the Belt and Road Initiative and the GBA. These initiatives have positively impacted the foreign-related legal services market in South China.
Additionally, Liang recognises that state-owned enterprises are increasingly pursuing global expansion. Given the different cultural and business environments they encounter, compliance management becomes crucial for these enterprises.
Furthermore, Liang highlights the growing significance of smart technology in legal services. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence and big data technology, smart technology is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in intellectual property and data protection areas.
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2023 ALB China Regional Ranking: South China Firms & Rising Lawyers |
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Local Law Firm |
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China Commercial Law Firm ETR Law Firm Fidelity Law Firm Guangdong Kingbridge Law Firm Guanghe Law Firm Sundial Law Firm Tenet & Partners Law Firm Wang Jing & Co. Law Firm Wang Jing & GH Law Firm Zhuoxin Law Firm |
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Non-Local Law Firm |
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AllBright Law Offices Commerce & Finance Law Offices DeHeng Law Offices Dentons China Grandall Law Firm Guantao Law Firm Jincheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm JunHe LLP JunZeJun Law Offices King & Wood Mallesons Tahota Law Firm Tian Yuan Law Firm V&T Law Firm W&H Law Firm Zhong Lun Law Firm |
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Rising Lawyers |
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Local Law Firm |
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Chen Su Feng Qingqing Guo Mingkun Li Longfei Lian Qingqing Liang Muzhou Liu Wenzhuo Qian Guandi Wang Cuiping Zhang Shangxiao |
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Non-Local Law Firm |
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Bu Xiaojun Candice Du Ge Xiangrong Lao Chengzhe Li Kai Alan Li Li Zongtai Adrian Lv Tong Kun Wang Keyou Alan Wang Yu Yang Yuan Peihao Michelle Chung Zhou Tao |
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METHODOLOGY: |
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Research was based on the law firm’s basic information, professional strength, business layout, customer relationship and development path.
The list of rising lawyers has been chosen based on a combination of the following:
华南地区律所排名基于律所基本情况、专业实力、业务布局、客户关系及发展路径等指标进行评定。
华南地区律师新星排名基于以下方面进行评定。
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