Zaiwalla & Co was one of the first western law firms to establish an office in China, and the firm maintained a presence in Beijing for eight years. 

We acted for Chinese state-owned companies in their London and ICC international arbitrations, and in fact acted for the Chinese government in the only three arbitrations in London in which it has ever been involved.  The firm facilitated a political mediation between 10 Downing Street and the Chinese Government relating to the handing over of Hong Kong. A representative of the firm also accompanied Mr Michael Heseltine (the former Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Board of Trade), now Lord Heseltine, on two of his ministerial visits to China, and members of the firm were also part of the official delegation accompanying the Lord Mayor of London on his official visit to Beijing, Shenzhen, Forshan and Shanghai in September 2010.   

Thirty years’ experience of acting for Chinese clients means that we have witnessed periods of tremendous growth in China and we have grown with it. This has given us unique insight into legal matters in maritime, construction and international trade with China. Our understanding of the Chinese economy and the legal processes allows us to offer clients an effective service to resolve legal disputes, while at the same time catering for cultural and language differences, different time zones and cost efficiency.    

Zaiwalla & Co’s Chinese clients include: 

• Chinese National Petroleum Companies 
• China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation 
• China Petroleum Engineering Construction Corporation 
• China Minmetals Corporation