Bridging global business with Chinese legal realities.
We are a specialized legal boutique founded by senior practitioners from top-tier international law firms. We combine the rigorous standards and strategic vision of global firms with the agility, deep local networks, and cost-efficiency of a highly focused boutique.
Whether you are establishing a foothold, restructuring operations, pursuing strategic acquisitions, or resolving complex disputes, our partners are deeply involved in every mandate to ensure practical, forward-thinking solutions.
Core Expertise
Comprehensive legal strategies tailored to the unique demands of the Chinese market.
Foreign Direct Investment
Structuring resilient market entry vehicles, joint ventures, and wholly foreign-owned enterprises.
- • WFOE Setup
- • Joint Ventures
- • VIE Structures
- • Regulatory Approvals
Cross-Border M&A
Strategic counsel for inbound and outbound transactions involving Chinese entities.
- • Due Diligence
- • Deal Structuring
- • MOFCOM Filings
- • Post-Merger Integration
China Trade & Customs
Navigate tariffs, export controls, and customs regulations for smooth cross-border trade.
- • Import/Export Licensing
- • Tariff Classification
- • FTZ Strategies
- • Trade Remedies
Employment & HR
Comprehensive employment law support tailored to China's unique labor regulations.
- • Employment Contracts
- • Social Insurance
- • Workforce Restructuring
- • Dispute Resolution
Intellectual Property
Protect and enforce your IP rights across Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
- • Patent & Trademark Filing
- • IP Due Diligence
- • Enforcement Actions
- • Licensing
Regulatory & Compliance
Stay compliant with China's evolving regulatory landscape across industries.
- • Data Privacy (PIPL)
- • Cybersecurity
- • Anti-Corruption
- • Industry Licensing
Our Team
Founding Partners and Dedicated Professionals bridging international business with China through practical, forward-thinking counsel.
"At Sofos |& Partners, we are proud to lead a dynamic team that combines deep local insight with global standards. Our differentiated strengths in dispute resolution and enforcement, cross-border investment, portfolio management, compliance and investigation, as well as capital market and investment experience, allow us to deliver strategic solutions that drive real business success. I am especially proud of our network and influence across European and international business circles, which we leverage to create lasting value for our clients."
Founding Partner
"With extensive hands-on litigation experience — particularly on the criminal side — I bring robust enforcement capabilities and a forward-thinking mindset to every matter. Together with Michael and our talented colleagues, we navigate complex regulatory environments with energy and precision, ensuring our clients achieve both protection and growth in the Chinese market."
Founding Partner
Founding Partners
Michael Tan
With over 20 years of experience advising international companies on China operations, Michael has deep expertise across market entry, joint ventures, M&A, restructuring, and technology-driven business. Previously at Clifford Chance and Taylor Wessing, he now leads Sofos |& Partners with a focus on regulatory challenges, data compliance, and cross-border strategy. He chairs the Legal and Competition Working Group of the European Chamber of Commerce and serves as an arbitrator at multiple international centers. His extensive business circle network and advocacy experience provide clients with unmatched strategic advantage.
- Cross-border investment and joint ventures
- Compliance, investigation and data privacy (CIPP/E certified)
- Capital market and portfolio management strategy
Paul Gao
Paul brings strong litigation expertise, particularly in criminal defense and enforcement matters. Since 2016 he has independently handled hundreds of civil, commercial and criminal cases, including fraud, duty encroachment, dangerous driving and complex contract disputes. As a founding partner, he focuses on dispute resolution, risk prevention and enforcement, complementing the firm's cross-border and compliance capabilities with practical, results-driven courtroom and negotiation experience.
- Dispute resolution and enforcement
- Criminal defense and economic crime cases
- Contract review and corporate advisory
Our Unified Platform
Our slim, cost-efficient team of approximately ten dedicated professionals delivers sharp, up-to-the-point solutions with proven execution across Greater China. Complementing our founding partners, Bob Chen contributes deep expertise in civil, commercial, financial disputes, blockchain matters and corporate advisory; Florence Tong brings precision in case preparation, client communication and litigation support; Selina Xu specializes in commercial disputes, equity structuring and investment transactions; Angela Li focuses on comprehensive legal services and efficient dispute resolution; and Chloe Cao adds strong capital-market experience including IPOs, refinancing and ongoing corporate advisory. Together we combine diverse backgrounds to provide seamless, forward-thinking counsel that drives results.
Credentials
Why clients trust Sofos |& Partners
Global Firm Heritage
Our senior partners trained at leading international law firms including Taylor Wessing, Clifford Chance, and King & Wood Mallesons before founding Sofos |& Partners.
Industry Recognition
Consistently ranked by Chambers Asia-Pacific and Legal 500 for our work in foreign investment and cross-border transactions.
On-the-Ground Presence
In close cooperation with FZ Group and its affiliates, we deliver local expertise in the greater China region with a global perspective.
Thought Leadership
Regular contributors to publications on China law and frequent speakers at international business forums and legal conferences.
Representative Transactions
- Advised leading European automobile OEMs and major car-component suppliers on complex joint-venture formations, equity restructuring and post-merger integration in the Greater China automotive supply chain (2022–2025).
- Supported major airport operators in regulatory approvals, concession agreements and cross-border infrastructure investment projects.
- Guided life-science market leaders through strategic M&A, technology licensing and foreign direct investment structures.
- Handled high-stakes dispute resolution and enforcement actions, including multiple criminal defense matters involving economic crimes and fraud between 2018–2024, achieving favorable outcomes for both corporate and individual clients.
- Delivered capital-market mandates including A-share IPOs, refinancing and H-share listings for technology and manufacturing companies, alongside ongoing compliance and internal investigation support.
- Provided comprehensive legal advisory and portfolio management services to blue-chip international clients across Greater China.