Mar 08 2010
Sorry for the last minute notice on this one, but I wanted to encourage those in the Bay Area who might be interested to attend. The State Bar of California International Law Section is hosting “Careers in International Law” tomorrow (Tuesday, March 9, 2010) at 12:30 pm at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. More information after the jump.
Feb 09 2010
Well, looks like Li Zhuang got 1 and 1/2 years after his appeal. (see my original post about defense lawyer tactics here) I suppose that’s better than 2 and 1/2 years, but I am still left wondering why in the world he even got a prison sentence. (again, see my original post)
Jan 29 2010
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. TechSoup Global (“TSG”), where I work, is actually looking to add a couple of Staff Attorney Fellows this year. Above the Law and other news outlets have been covering the news for 2010 law school graduates, and it looks a lot like 2009: deferred start dates and stipends of $60,000 to $75,000 to volunteer at a public interest organization.
Our selling point: how many non-profit orgs can offer you a chance to work on cutting edge international legal issues, in-house counsel corporate style experience, and a good environment in a sustainable, socially-minded enterprise business model? We’d like to think we’re the only one. More details after the jump.
Jan 01 2010
I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year in 2010! May this year prove to be exciting and joyful for all of you. (especially for my regular readers!)
And here’s to hoping that readership at China Esquire: Law and Business Blog will continue to grow in the coming year. I want to become more active again, though it’s difficult with Baby China Esquire around–and either way, I don’t think I can match the rapid pace of my blogging activity in 2008. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Best wishes to you and your family & friends in 2010!
Dec 30 2009
Looks like Xinhua published its defense of the execution of a British mentally ill man in an article entitled “Experts defend China’s execution of British drug smuggler”. I’m actually glad they did–it makes it a lot easier to dissect. And for the poor professors (Mingliang Wang and Jinzhan Xue), I’m sorry, you lose and that’s just how the game is played.
Again, caveat: I normally don’t just go into attack mode like this anymore. (I don’t litigate on a regular basis anymore and I try to turn off this gear that’s internal to my brain) But if you want to read on, feel free.
Dec 29 2009
CNN just published an article, “China executes British citizen for drug smuggling”. I normally don’t try to weigh in and blatantly criticize the Chinese justice system despite certain corrupt documented incidents and obvious issues because it’s been improving over the years, and I have been hopeful that the rule of law has a chance to survive there. I am, however, severely disturbed about the recent execution of the mentally ill British man when there were obvious due process issues, despite The Global Times insisting that “the trial process was extremely careful”.
Dec 16 2009
Apparently, there is a crackdown on corrupt officials and organized crime in Chongqing. Others caught up in the sting? Defense lawyers. It’s like the tuna nets that end up picking up a few dolphins along the way. The only problem is this: the defense lawyer here is just doing his job. At least, he’s doing his job, in my opinion, as any normal defense advocate would do here.
The details after the jump.
Nov 28 2009
Was reading China Law Blog’s treatment of Chinese branding and trademarks here where Dan Harris takes issue with a Newsweek article, which states in part:
The simplest explanation for China’s failure to build global brands is cutthroat domestic competition. In most product categories, hundreds or thousands of firms compete for domestic market share, leaving profit margins razor thin. . . . And because foreign brands have taken much of the market’s high end, most companies are forced to compete on cost, leaving little room for investment in R&D or marketing. . . . Finally, the recent string of product recalls—including poisonous pet food and faulty tires—has left consumers wary of made-in-China goods.
Of course, I would take issue with this article as Dan does. His thoughts, and mine, after the jump.
Oct 27 2009
Just saw this
article in Legal Week about Weil Gotshal poaching 2 corporate partners in Hong Kong. Seems like the perfect time to pick up some more partner level attorneys: when the economy is down, but supposedly getting better. Article after the jump.
Oct 14 2009
I haven’t done too many posts responsive to other bloggers recently, but I really felt the need to emphasize something I read at Silicon Hutong today. David published a post today entitled, “ Whose Moral Relativism?“ I found it definitely worth the read because there’s a lot of food for thought… both for China, and just in general as well. Yes, this post might sound sort of preachy and hit on moral values, but I think its useful to think about such issues because so much of business is predicated on this.
Sep 15 2009
Read this interesting article in the Asia Times ( h/t CDT) that documents the amount of public donations from the Sichuan earthquake which were funneled to the government and not toward the NGOs that are actually on the ground doing the work. What is outrageous is that its a majority of those funds that found their way to the government. Which is again, an indictment of government control over NGOs. (not to mention GONGOs, which I still find to be an oxymoron if I ever heard one)
The article and actual figures after the jump.
Sep 01 2009
National Law Journal today had an
article entitled, “Shanghai Surprise: BigLaw, Feeling Bullish, Opens China Shop to Work Private Equity Deals”, which of course, caught my eye. Seems like
Kirkland & Ellis wants to have a Shanghai base in addition to its Hong Kong office, and is expanding after receiving permission to do so on July 30. The firm
says that:
Kirkland’s Hong Kong and Shanghai offices will be highly integrated. The Shanghai office will be led by corporate private equity and M&A partners Xiaoyang “XY” Li and Chuan Li, who will relocate from Kirkland’s Hong Kong office. They will be supported initially by several associates with Chinese and U.S. legal training and experience in private equity deals.
The article and more after the jump.
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