Best Business Lawyers in Shanghai

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US Legal Group 美国法律集团律师事务所

US Legal Group 美国法律集团律师事务所

Shanghai, China

Founded in 2021
17 people in their team
US Legal Group - Legal Excellence Sponsoring Success - We, United Securities Legal Group (a.k.a. US Legal Group, www.USLegal.Group), is a full-service California law firm headquartered in Los Angeles (Laguna Beach) with our local teams in Hong Kong & China (Beijing, Shanghai &...
Jiehua Law Firm

Jiehua Law Firm

Shanghai, China

Founded in 1994
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Shanghai Jiehua Law Firm was established in July 1994.It is the group member unit of Shanghai law society,and is the second batch of enterprise bankruptcy case manager of Shanghai,and is Shanghai good foundation legal units.Ever since the establishment of Jiehua, by continuously pursuing the...
La Nao Consulting

La Nao Consulting

Shanghai, China

Founded in 2009
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
What We Do​La Nao Consulting is a professional services firm with offices in Hong Kong, and representatives in Shanghái and Buenos Aires. We offer integrated solutions to companies wishing to enter the Chinese market or seeking to grow their operations in this region.​Our team includes...
Effort Law Firm

Effort Law Firm

Shanghai, China

Founded in 1998
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Co-effort Law Firm is a comprehensive professional legal service organization with a global perspective and local wisdom, dedicated to providing professional legal services to clients. Uphold the concept of "Service Creates Value", We are committed to achieving our own value and social value...
Shanghai International Economic and Trade Law Office  / GUOMAO LAW FIRM

Shanghai International Economic and Trade Law Office / GUOMAO LAW FIRM

Shanghai, China

Founded in 1982
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
OUR HISTORY  As one of prestigious and first-generation law firms established by riding on the wave of China government’s ‘Open Door’ and ‘Economic Reform’ policies, Shanghai International Economic & Trade Law Office (“SIETLO”) traces its origins to 1982, when, under the name...
Henglong Law Firm

Henglong Law Firm

Shanghai, China

Founded in 2005
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
We specialize in foreign-related transactions concerning e-commerce, environmental protection, fashion, biotech, machinery, real estate and related dispute resolutions. We have been serving a large variety of overseas public or private entities, and regional headquarters of foreign enterprises in...
Huisheng Law Firm

Huisheng Law Firm

Shanghai, China

Founded in 1995
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Huisheng Law Firm was established in June 1995. It is one of the earliest partnership law firms in China, providing services in foreign-related maritime affairs, freight logistics, marine insurance, foreign investment, corporate business, international trade, and real estate. It enjoys a high...
Guangsheng & Partners, PRC Lawyers

Guangsheng & Partners, PRC Lawyers

Shanghai, China

Founded in 1996
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Guangsheng & Partners Law Offices (“G&P”) is a full-range service law firm based in Beijing with branch office in Shanghai.  As one of the leading and largest law firms in China, G&P was originated from China Legal Affairs Center established in 1985, which was affiliated...
Fangda Law Firm

Fangda Law Firm

Shanghai, China

Founded in 1993
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
We have approximately 800 lawyers in our six offices in major Chinese cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. We operate as a single, integrated partnership, not as an alliance of lawyers in different locations.Our lawyers collaborate seamlessly across practice groups...
Nuodi Law Firm

Nuodi Law Firm

Shanghai, China

Founded in 2007
50 people in their team
Chinese
English
Shanghai Noddy Law Firm is one of the few professional providers in mainland China that can provide comprehensive legal and commercial services for the entire life cycle of enterprises. It has long been deeply involved in high-tech fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence,...
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About Business Law in Shanghai, China

Business law in Shanghai, China is a unique legal field that harmonizes both international and domestic business norms. This law oversees business operations, focusing on matters such as contracts, intellectual property, investments, business formations, trade regulations, and labor relations. It is an intricate and evolving field with a new foreign investment law introduced in 2020. This law aims to encourage foreign investment and protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors. Given the intricacies involved, an in-depth understanding of Chinese policies, cultural nuances, as well as legal technicalities is imperative. Shanghai, as a global financial hub and one of Asia's significant business centers, amplifies the importance of understanding business law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Entering or expanding a business in Shanghai brings an array of complex legal, financial, and cultural considerations. You may need a lawyer when starting a business, negotiating contracts, protecting intellectual property, navigating labor regulations, or dealing with taxation. Also, due to the constant changes in legal and regulatory landscapes, having legal advice could be pivotal in ensuring that your business remains compliant and competitive. Furthermore, if disputes arise, a lawyer can present strategies and solutions to protect your business interests.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of local laws particularly relevant to business in Shanghai include:

  • Foreign Investment Law: This law promotes and protects foreign investment, ensuring fair competition with domestic companies. It includes pre-establishment national treatment and a negative list approach.
  • Labor Law: China's labor law offers substantial protections to employees, requiring companies to understand and follow strict procedures around hiring, wages, working hours, and termination.
  • Contract Law: This law governs all business agreements. It is crucial to ensure contracts are legally valid to protect business interests.
  • Intellectual Property Law: China has specific laws in place to protect patents, trademarks, and copyrights, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can foreigners start a business in Shanghai?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in Shanghai. However, it is important to comply with the foreign investment law and other relevant regulations.

2. How can one protect their business interests in Shanghai?

Protecting business interests in Shanghai includes registering intellectual property rights, ensuring contracts are tightly worded, and regularly consulting with a lawyer to catch and address potential legal issues promptly.

3. What kind of business entities can one establish in Shanghai?

Foreign investors can establish businesses as wholly foreign-owned enterprises (WFOE), representative offices, or through joint ventures.

4. What is the importance of having a contract in China?

Contracts in China are more than just legal formalities. They are central to business dealings and vital in protecting a company's interests.

5. How are disputes settled in business in Shanghai?

Disputes can be settled through litigation in Chinese courts, arbitration, or negotiation. However, many businesses prefer China's arbitration system due to its efficiency and finality.

Additional Resources

For additional resources, you may find help from the following:

  • Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice: Offers extensive guidance on local legal issues.
  • China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission: Handles arbitration related to economic and trade disputes.
  • Asian Legal Business: Provides updates on legal news in Asia.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in business in Shanghai, it is advised to consult with a legal expert specializing in Chinese law. Firstly, identify your legal needs. You can find lawyers through referrals, online search or through legal directories. Prepare your questions and paperwork before your initial consultation. Keep an open line of communication with your legal representative, and ensure you fully understand any actions they propose.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.