The ritual of the new year not only blesses us with an exit from the year past, but also serves as a reminder to revisit achievements. With resolution and commitment, many businesses have managed to survive, and some may even have done well. As in previous years, China Business Law Journal’s editorial team selected outstanding China-related deals and cases in 2020, applauding remarkable legal efforts.
The winning deals are customarily chosen based on factors including the overall significance, complexity and innovative nature of the transactions, while deal size and broader interests are also taken into account. Through a comprehensive assessment and independent research, we are delighted to present our Deals of the Year awards as our cover story. The winning deals are divided into four parts: Deals in China; overseas deals; disputes and investigations; and Belt and Road Initiative.
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Amid a cure to the pandemic and endeavours for collective welfare, dynamic performances were witnessed in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector globally, with Chinese players such as CanSino, BeiGene and Fosun Pharmaceutical rising to the challenge. Meanwhile, back home in Hong Kong and Shanghai, a wave of secondary listings including internet giants such as NetEase and JD occurred against a backdrop of ever-changing international relations. Last year also witnessed major developments in the series patent dispute of Sogou v Baidu, with a claim amount of RMB$360 million (US$55.7 million) for all 27 patents involved.
A new chapter also unfolds for Gerard Sanders, as he leaves his role as general counsel of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, although he will continue on as an ambassador of the institution. As a counter-cyclical institution, the bank has aimed to be at its most active when most needed, as very much evidenced during the past year’s trying times. In Pathfinder, Sanders shares with Chinas Business Law Journal his masterplan since joining the bank in 2015, shortly after its establishment, and how the global health crisis changed the bank’s focal point.
Further to our A-List of 200 elite lawyers in China-related business, published in the previous issue, we reached out to the winners to find out their secrets regarding what makes them a successful lawyer.
While perseverance and an unwavering commitment and passion for law form the foundations, there are also easy-to-adopt habits that can help the next generation of lawyers fulfil their aspirations to be tomorrow’s leaders. How to be a top lawyer puts together the top 10 habits and strategies that nearly every top lawyer follows, and which help them achieve beyond the standard. A must read for any young aspiring lawyer, and perhaps also for more senior ones wishing to rekindle a passion for the profession.
Finally, from all of us here at China Business Law Journal, we offer heartfelt wishes for a happy and prosperous Year of the Ox!
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