Frequently Asked Questions

We specialise in dispute resolution, criminal defence, immigration, commercial law, employment, reputation management, family & divorce, and pro bono work. Our particular strength lies in cross-border matters between the UK and China.

Duan & Duan UK LLP is the UK office of Duan & Duan, an international Chinese law firm with over 40 offices across the world and China with over 2000 lawyers.

Yes. Our team includes bilingual English-Chinese speakers, allowing us to provide seamless service to Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking clients. We can review Chinese-language documents, communicate directly with counterparties in China, and conduct meetings in Mandarin or Cantonese.

Our offices are at 2nd Floor East, Goldsmith Building, Middle Temple, London EC4Y 7BL. We are a short walk from Temple, Chancery Lane and Blackfriars stations.

Contact us by phone on +44 20 3036 0264, by email at office@duanduanuk.com, or via our contact form. We also accept enquiries via WeChat and WhatsApp. We aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days.

Yes. Duan & Duan UK LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Our SRA number is 659252. You can verify our registration on the SRA website.

We offer a range of fee arrangements depending on the nature of the matter, including fixed fees, hourly rates, and - in appropriate cases - conditional fee agreements (no win, no fee). We will always discuss fees transparently at the outset so you know what to expect.

We offer an initial consultation where we can assess your matter and advise on next steps. Please contact us to discuss the terms and any applicable charges for this initial meeting.

We handle a wide range of commercial disputes including breach of contract claims, shareholder and investor disputes, fraud and asset recovery, professional negligence, landlord and tenant disputes, partnership disputes, and debt recovery. We act in both the County Court and the High Court.

Yes, this is one of our core strengths. We advise on jurisdiction strategy, service of proceedings abroad, recognition and enforcement of Chinese judgments in England, and enforcement of English judgments overseas. Our bilingual team and network of partner firms in China allow us to manage cross-border disputes efficiently.

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps the parties reach agreement. Arbitration is a private process where an arbitrator makes a binding decision, often used in international commercial contracts. Litigation is the formal process of resolving disputes through the courts. Each has advantages depending on the nature of the dispute, the relationship between the parties, and the need for enforcement across borders.

A freezing order is a court injunction that prevents a party from disposing of assets. You may need one if you believe a debtor is likely to move or hide assets to avoid paying a judgment. Freezing orders can apply to assets in England or worldwide. Applications are urgent and typically made without notice to the other side.

If your bank account has been frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) or by a court order, you should seek legal advice immediately. There are strict time limits for challenging account freezing orders. Our team has experience in defending POCA matters and can advise on the appropriate steps to take.

A UWO requires the respondent to explain the lawful origin of property worth more than £50,000 where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that their known lawful income was insufficient to acquire it. If the respondent cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, the property may be subject to civil recovery proceedings.

Yes. We provide representation at police stations, advise during investigations, and defend clients in criminal proceedings at the magistrates' court and Crown Court. If you are arrested or invited for a voluntary interview, it is important to seek legal representation before attending.

We advise on a wide range of personal and corporate immigration matters, including Skilled Worker visas, Innovator Founder visas, Global Talent visas, family reunion visas, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applications, and British citizenship. We also assist employers with sponsor licence applications and compliance.

Yes. We advise on immigration appeals, administrative reviews, and fresh applications following a refusal. It is important to act quickly, as appeal rights are often subject to strict time limits. We will review the reasons for refusal and advise on the best course of action.

Yes. We advise Chinese businesses on incorporating UK companies, drafting shareholder agreements and articles of association, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and employment law. Our bilingual team understands the commercial and cultural considerations involved in establishing a UK presence.

Yes. We draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements including supply contracts, distribution agreements, joint venture agreements, share purchase agreements, and service level agreements. We also advise on the choice of governing law and dispute resolution clauses in cross-border contracts.

If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, you may be able to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. There is a strict three-month time limit (less one day) from the date of dismissal in which to commence early conciliation through ACAS. We advise individuals and businesses on all aspects of employment disputes, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and settlement agreements.

Yes. We advise both employers and employees. For employers, we assist with drafting employment contracts and policies, managing disciplinary and grievance processes, handling redundancies, and defending Employment Tribunal claims. For employees, we advise on unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, and negotiating exit terms.

Yes. We advise on divorce proceedings with an international dimension, including cases involving assets or property in China. Our bilingual team can liaise with Chinese lawyers and assist in identifying and valuing overseas assets. We also advise on jurisdiction - that is, whether England or China is the more appropriate forum for the divorce.

You may have a claim in defamation (libel or slander) or for malicious falsehood. We advise on obtaining the removal of defamatory content, sending cease and desist letters, and bringing court proceedings where necessary. It is important to act promptly, as defamation claims are subject to a one-year limitation period.

There is currently no bilateral treaty between the UK and China for the mutual enforcement of court judgments. However, a Chinese judgment for a definite sum of money can be enforced in England by bringing a fresh action in debt based on the foreign judgment. The English court will recognise the judgment provided certain conditions are met, including that the Chinese court had jurisdiction and the judgment is final and conclusive.

In many cross-border disputes, particularly those involving Chinese counterparties, arbitration offers significant practical advantages. Arbitral awards made in London are enforceable in China under the New York Convention 1958, whereas enforcing an English court judgment in China is more complex. London is one of the world's leading arbitration seats and is well suited to international commercial disputes.