2026.10.1 (EP58) Paul Hastings was among the foreign law firms expanding in China, but access came on the CCP’s terms. By 2012, 174 foreign firms operated there, nearly half American. They faced government approval, registration, supervision and strict limits on practicing Chinese law. By 2002, Beijing moved to inspect legal work, finances, taxes and Chinese staff.
The bargain: comply, keep access, make money. For firms chasing state-linked clients and billion-dollar deals, political connections mattered. At Paul Hastings, one name surfaced across CMC transactions: Jia Yan, a CCP member who later became Shanghai chief representative.
Meet our little green friend!!!Do you like it??
It doesn't have a name yet, and that's where you come in.
Name ideas so far:
1. Cubby (hmm... it's a cube)
2. Lil Gee (G for GETTR)
3. GeeGee (one G wasn't enough😛)
(yeah,we suck at naming.)
Got a better one? Drop it below pls🫶