Our Focus

As investment opportunities in China multiply, United States companies are increasingly seeking ways to develop business in China. At the same time, Chinese companies are also eagerly seeking to expand their business presence in the U.S. Our team of Sonnenschein lawyers, with its knowledge and understanding of the laws and cultures of both countries, is well positioned to advise U.S. and European clients doing business, or desiring to do business, in China, as well as Chinese enterprises doing business in the U.S. 

In addition to our extensive, well recognized expertise in multiple areas of U.S. domestic law, our bilingual and bicultural lawyers are experienced with the intricacies of Chinese law and the Chinese governmental process.

Beyond our team of lawyers, Sonnenschein has close working relationships with leading Chinese law firms in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major cities in China. Sonnenschein also has established relationships with investment banks, accounting firms and consultants in the region. Such professional ties enhance our ability to serve our clients in China. 

Working seamlessly and effectively as a team, members of our China practice group provide experienced counseling in the complex factors that you need to take into account to succeed in this global business environment. We recognize the increasing sophistication of deals in China, so whether you are:

• considering a joint venture,
• evaluating a venture capital investment,
• assessing your outsourcing needs, or
• contemplating a major acquisition in China,

our lawyers emphasize a practical approach that focuses on minimizing risk and maximizing business opportunity. Therefore, we hope to enable you to conduct your business in China with confidence, ensure regulatory compliance and be assured of the highest quality professionals who provide sophisticated and integrated transactional and dispute resolution services.

Our Services

Sonnenschein is a full-service law firm with offices in thirteen U.S. cities and Brussels. We have substantial experience and capabilities in international and cross-border transactions. With 700 lawyers and other professionals, Sonnenschein serves the legal needs of many Fortune 500 companies, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Founded in Chicago in 1906, Sonnenschein is one of the country’s oldest and most respected law firms. Well-recognized as a leader in providing innovative legal services, we serve our clients by delivering concrete, successful results in a cost-effective manner.

While our China practice is very diverse, some of our key practice areas include:

• Foreign direct investments - Members of our China practice group have represented many multinationals with respect to their investments in China ranging from the establishment of joint ventures and formation of wholly foreign owned enterprises. We also counsel such clients with respect to their operating matters and exit strategies.
• Mergers and acquisitions - We have represented many major companies, private equity funds and investment banks in M&A activities in China. We have also represented Chinese and Taiwanese companies in major asset or stock acquisitions in the U.S.
• Venture capital financing - We have substantial experience representing venture and private equity funds in an array of services ranging from fund formation, early stage and late stage equity investments, buyouts and mezzanine financings. We also have experience working with hi-tech start ups in China or those in the U.S. with operations in China.
• Corporate finance and securities offerings - We have represented Chinese companies with respect to private and public offerings of debt and equity. Members of our China practice group have also acted as issuer and underwriter’s counsel for Chinese and Taiwanese companies in their U.S. listings.
• Intellectual property - We have counseled clients on numerous technology licensing transactions in China and have assisted many multinationals in the prosecution and protection of their trademarks and patents in China.
• Dispute resolution - Our litigators have substantial experience in cross-border litigation. We have represented Chinese and U.S. clients in complex commercial litigation and arbitration and have close working relationship with local Chinese counsel. 
• Outsourcing - We have represented vendors and customers in the structuring, documentation, evaluation, and negotiation of complex outsourcing arrangements.
• Franchising/distribution - We have counseled hotel chains, restaurants, and car rental companies with respect to their operations in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and elsewhere in Asia.

Benefits To You

Unsurpassed professional experience

• Lawyers in our China practice group bring a depth of experience that emerges from decades of internationally renowned expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, complex litigation, and franchising/distribution law. Our lawyers are fluent in written and spoken Chinese and are experienced international lawyers, many having practiced both in China and the U.S. 

Increased business opportunities

• Our creative approach to problem-solving means that you receive superior legal representation, guidance and preventive counseling. We invest time to understand your business and your China strategy so that we can provide customized, insightful solutions. In turn, you gain the trust of clients, business partners and employees.

Reduced risks

• Reduce risks by aligning your business strategy with your legal risk profile. We will assist you navigate through the myriad of legal and regulatory constraints in China.