Initial assessment
A defined review of the available facts and documents, the main legal questions, missing information and possible next steps. The scope and any fee are agreed in advance.
FROM FIRST CONTACT TO AN AGREED PLAN
Know what happens.
Know what comes next.
A clear scope, a responsible team and communication in English. Here is how we begin a mainland China matter together.
- 01
Introduce the matter
Email the company names, a short outline and any important deadlines. Include your time zone if you would like a meeting.
- 02
Check conflicts and fit
We check the parties and consider whether the matter falls within our scope. We then identify the information needed for an initial assessment.
- 03
Agree scope and fees
Confirm the proposed work, responsible lawyers, deliverables, fees and expenses in writing. Any separately charged assessment is agreed before it begins.
- 04
Start the engagement
Complete the engagement and any required authority documents. Agree how to exchange files, make decisions and receive updates.
A SCOPE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND
Agree the work
before it starts.
The engagement sets out what is included, who will do the work and how fees and additional expenses are handled.
A specific project
Contract review, negotiation or a phase of dispute work. Agree the deliverables, relevant documents, work boundaries and how changes will be authorised.
Ongoing support
For continuing business needs, agree the types of matters covered, responsible contacts and fee arrangements. Additional work is discussed separately.
WORKING ACROSS TIME ZONES
A useful update
moves the matter forward.
We can meet remotely and correspond in English. Meeting times are agreed with an explicit time zone; Hangzhou uses UTC+8.
- What has happened since the last update
- What it means for the matter
- What we recommend doing next
- Any decision, document or approval needed from you
- Upcoming dates and agreed actions
PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
Before you instruct us.
What should I send in the first email?
Company names, the other parties, a brief outline, important dates and what you want to achieve. Please do not send passports, bank details, full evidence files or other unnecessary sensitive material before conflict checks and appropriate sharing arrangements.
Can the whole discussion be in English?
Yes. Meetings, emails and progress updates can be in English. We separately confirm the language of each formal deliverable. Court or authority requirements may involve Chinese documents or translations.
How are fees and expenses agreed?
We discuss scope, complexity, urgency and the proposed work, then confirm the fee arrangement in writing. Court or arbitration fees, translations and other third-party expenses are identified separately where applicable. We do not begin separately charged work without an agreed scope and fee.
Can I appoint the firm while outside China?
We can start discussions remotely. The required company, authority and identity documents, and any certification or translation formalities, depend on the jurisdiction, document and procedure. We identify the relevant requirements for your matter.
When does an engagement begin?
After conflicts and suitability have been checked and the required engagement arrangements are completed. An inquiry, a meeting request or the use of this website does not by itself establish a lawyer–client relationship.
Ready to outline the matter?
Prepare your first emailA PLACE TO START
Let’s discuss your next step.
Tell us who is involved, what needs attention and any important dates. We can start the conversation in English.