Our Team

Founding Partners and Dedicated Professionals

Bridging international business with China through practical, forward-thinking counsel backed by execution excellence.

"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."

MT
Michael Tan
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."

PG
Paul Gao
Founding Partner

Founding Partners

Founding Partner

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
Founding Partner

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 Team

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 Li 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.