Introduction: Bridging the Legal Gap Between the UK and Greater China
Globalisation has transformed the way we live and do business. It’s not only large multinational corporations that face international legal challenges—private individuals and SMEs frequently encounter cross-border disputes. If you have a property dispute, inheritance matter, divorce, or commercial conflict under the laws of England & Wales that involves Greater China (including Hong Kong), Duan & Duan UK is here to help.

We are regulated in England & Wales—one of the very few law firms to hold this status while maintaining a deep-rooted network across Mainland China and Hong Kong. By collaborating closely with Duan & Duan in Greater China, our clients benefit from an integrated cross-border approach that addresses both jurisdictions effectively.

About Duan & Duan in Greater China

Founded in 1993, Duan & Duan (see duanduan.com) was among the first private law firms in Mainland China. With offices in key commercial centres—such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong—it delivers comprehensive legal services across corporate, finance, real estate, IP, and more. Recognised for legal excellence in Greater China, Duan & Duan provides on-the-ground support when your case touches Chinese or Hong Kong law.

Why Our Cross-Border Services Stand Out

Proven Track Record in Cross-Border Cases
We have successfully managed numerous cross-border disputes that require deep knowledge of both England & Wales proceedings and Chinese/Hong Kong legal frameworks. This enables us to anticipate jurisdictional challenges and propose effective strategies.

Flexible Fee Arrangements
Multi-jurisdictional litigation can be costly. We offer transparent fee structures and may discuss flexible arrangements, balancing quality legal support with cost-efficiency.

Strategic Collaboration with Duan & Duan
We do not advise on Mainland Chinese or Hong Kong law directly. Instead, we work with our Duan & Duan colleagues in Greater China for local legal input or enforcement. This dual-jurisdiction approach saves time and ensures consistent, reliable representation.

Client-Focused, Results-Driven
From your initial consultation, we strive to provide personalised solutions, keeping you informed. Transparent communication, realistic timelines, and clear guidance on outcomes define our approach.

Cultural & Linguistic Fluency
Our bilingual (English and Mandarin) team and familiarity with British and Chinese/Hong Kong business cultures help us navigate sensitive negotiations and reduce misunderstandings.

Key Practice Areas (Under the Laws of England & Wales)

Property Disputes & Real Estate

  • Ownership disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and cross-border real estate transactions
  • Coordinate with Duan & Duan in Greater China if assets are in Mainland China or Hong Kong

Inheritance & Family Law

  • Wills, probate, estate administration, divorce, child custody
  • Work with local advisers in Mainland China or Hong Kong for assets/family residing there

Commercial & Corporate Litigation

  • Contractual disputes, partnership conflicts, director/shareholder disagreements, debt recovery
  • Streamlined approach for China/HK elements (e.g., enforcing judgments)

Civil Dispute Resolution

  • Consumer claims, negligence cases, general civil litigation under English law
  • Collaborate with Duan & Duan in Greater China for local enforcement or support

Supporting Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong Clients in England & Wales

We specialise in assisting Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong individuals/companies with legal matters in England & Wales—from enforcing foreign judgments to asset tracing and defending or pursuing litigation. Key services:

Enforcing Mainland Chinese or Hong Kong Judgments

  • Advising on relevant English common law rules or any applicable treaties
  • Initiating a fresh claim in the High Court, if needed, to obtain enforceability
  • Coordinating evidence-gathering with Duan & Duan in Greater China

Asset Tracing & Freezing Orders

  • Obtaining Norwich Pharmacal Orders or interim injunctions to identify and secure UK-based assets
  • Applying for worldwide freezing orders to prevent dissipation
  • Parallel asset-tracing in Mainland China/Hong Kong

Debt Recovery & Commercial Disputes

  • Representing Chinese/HK enterprises in High Court or County Court processes
  • Negotiating out-of-court settlements to mitigate costs
  • Enforcing English judgments in Mainland China/Hong Kong with Duan & Duan’s assistance

Cross-Border Investigations & Evidence Gathering

  • Collaborating with forensic experts to uncover concealed assets
  • Maintaining compliance with English Civil Procedure Rules while aligning with PRC/HK regulations

Defending Claims in the UK

  • Providing strategic defences for Chinese/HK-based clients sued in England & Wales
  • Challenging jurisdiction or improper service
  • Working with Mainland China/Hong Kong counsel on overlapping legal arguments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long do cross-border legal proceedings in England & Wales usually take?
A1: Timelines differ according to complexity, parties involved, and whether Chinese/Hong Kong factors are present. Some matters resolve in months, while multi-jurisdictional disputes can exceed a year. We offer realistic timelines after reviewing your case.

Q2: How do you enforce Mainland Chinese or Hong Kong judgments in England & Wales?
A2: England & Wales lacks universal reciprocity with Mainland China, but Hong Kong judgments may be enforced under common law principles. Often, you file a new claim based on the foreign judgment’s validity. We coordinate with Duan & Duan for evidence and procedural aspects.

Q3: What if I need a worldwide freezing order against a UK-based defendant?
A3: We can seek freezing orders in English courts to prevent asset dissipation. If you also need parallel measures in Mainland China/Hong Kong, we liaise with Duan & Duan for asset tracing.

Q4: Can Duan & Duan UK advise on Chinese/Hong Kong law directly?
A4: No. Duan & Duan UK is authorised only for the laws of England & Wales. For Chinese/Hong Kong law, we collaborate with our Duan & Duan colleagues on the ground.

Q5: How do you conduct asset tracing in England & Wales for Chinese/HK clients?
A5: We utilise Norwich Pharmacal Orders and other disclosure mechanisms to uncover hidden or disputed assets. Our network of investigators, forensic accountants, and local experts supports cross-border tracing, often reinforced by parallel actions in Mainland China or Hong Kong.

Q6: Can I apply for an injunction in the UK if assets are in Hong Kong?
A6: Yes. You can apply for a freezing injunction in England & Wales. If you need a matching order in Hong Kong, Duan & Duan can assist locally.

Q7: Do you handle commercial disputes for Chinese companies in the UK?
A7: Absolutely. We frequently represent Mainland Chinese/Hong Kong companies in High Court actions involving contract breaches, shareholder disputes, or JV conflicts. If Mainland Chinese/HK law issues arise, we refer them to Duan & Duan in those jurisdictions.

Q8: Can you represent me if I’m sued in England & Wales but live in Mainland China or Hong Kong?
A8: Yes. We regularly defend overseas clients in UK courts, challenging jurisdiction or service if warranted. We keep you informed (regardless of time zone) and coordinate with local counsel in Greater China when necessary.

Q9: Do you offer a free initial consultation?
A9: We usually provide a brief initial consultation (phone or email) to understand your case. If in-depth advice is needed, we’ll advise on fees so you can decide how to proceed.

Next Steps: Contact Duan & Duan UK Today

Phone: +44 020 3036 0264
Email: jng@duanduanuk.com
Website: www.duanduanuk.com

If you’re a Mainland Chinese or Hong Kong individual/corporation facing a cross-border dispute in England & Wales, Duan & Duan UK can assist. We are regulated here—among very few firms that also have a robust network in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Let us develop a clear, cost-effective strategy that aligns multiple legal systems, saving you time, stress, and money.

Disclaimer
This content is for general reference and does not constitute legal advice. Duan & Duan UK advises solely on the laws of England & Wales. If your dispute involves Chinese/Hong Kong law, we will refer you to Duan & Duan in those jurisdictions. For specific legal concerns, consult a qualified solicitor.