Shanghai In 1998, Hunt & Hunt became one of the first Australian law firms to be granted a licence to operate in China.  Today, we remain one of only a small handful of firms licensed by China’s Ministry of Justice to practise foreign law in China. Since 1998, we have been actively advising Chinese companies seeking to invest in Australia.  Our lawyers understand China and the local dynamics that drive business and commerce.  We can therefore assist companies to develop long-standing and profitable relationships with Australian business partners. In June 2006, Jim Harrowell, a partner of Hunt & Hunt for almost 30 years, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition for his service in helping develop Australia’s international relations, and in particular for his contribution towards forging and nurturing legal and business links with China.  Jim was instrumental in setting up Hunt & Hunt’s Asia division, leading to the opening of our Shanghai office. What we offer: A full service capability We offer a complete range of legal services to our Chinese inbound investment clients, including advice on business and market trends, taxation, foreign exchange management and the legal risks in investment activities.  We also assist in negotiations and preparation of documentation and provide Chinese translation and negotiation services. Chinese speaking lawyers We have lawyers that speak Mandarin and who read Chinese. Representation on the ground in China In early 1998, Hunt & Hunt opened an office in Shanghai. Since then, our experience, community ties and relationships in China have continued to grow. Today, our Shanghai office works closely with all of our Australian offices to advise our Chinese clients, which is particularly useful during the preliminary stages of any investment strategy. Solutions based on local know-how and Chinese knowledge Hunt & Hunt has established a multidisciplinary team of lawyers who are familiar with investment issues in Australia and also understand the commercial and legal climate within which our Chinese clients operate.  We recognise that our Chinese clients’ requirements are different, and our lawyers are particularly sensitive to those needs. A pathfinder for our Chinese clients Our local and Chinese network of businesses, accountants and advisors will ensure that there is proper coordination among all professionals to ultimately attain our client’s goals.  For example, in Victoria we work closely with William Buck Accountants on client investment strategies. An active participant in China trade missions Our lawyers participate in outbound business delegations that are designed to promote Australia's capabilities and opportunities to the Chinese business community.  Several of our partners have recently attended trade missions to China sponsored by the Federal or State Governments.  We also regularly attend and speak at Chinese industry conferences and publish articles in our newsletters and industry journals.