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About Us
GLOBAL INSIGHT,
TRUSTED LEGAL EXPERTISE
Duan & Duan Law Firm was founded in 1993 and is one of the earliest partnership law firms established in China. Over the past three decades, the firm has developed into a leading full-service international legal practice, with more than 2,000 lawyers across over 40 offices worldwide. Our practice areas span corporate and commercial law, international trade, finance, real estate, dispute resolution, and cross-border investment. We regularly advise Fortune 500 companies, government authorities, and major multinational enterprises.
In May 2025, Duan & Duan Lawyers Sydney was officially established in the heart of Sydney’s CBD at 74 Castlereagh Street. Backed by Duan & Duan’s global platform and international resources, our Sydney office is committed to delivering professional, comprehensive, and internationally oriented legal services to both Chinese clients and the broader Australian community. We have built strong and enduring relationships with Australian government agencies, Chinese-funded enterprises, and leading Australian law firms, enabling us to provide integrated, cross-jurisdictional legal solutions.
Our lawyers are admitted in both China and Australia, allowing us to seamlessly address complex cross-border matters. We provide Australian law services locally while also offering Chinese law advisory services in Australia. Our key practice areas include cross-border investment and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, insolvency and restructuring, international arbitration and dispute resolution, cross-border asset protection and enforcement, family trust structuring, recognition and enforcement of Chinese court judgments in Australia, education law, employment law, and immigration law.
Serving as a vital bridge between China and Australia, our Sydney office leverages Duan & Duan’s extensive global network and deep understanding of Australia’s legal landscape to support Chinese enterprises investing and operating in Australia, as well as Australian businesses and individuals entering the Chinese market. We ensure seamless coordination between the two legal systems and deliver practical, commercially focused solutions that facilitate sustainable cross-border growth.
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Milestones
1993
The firm was founded in Shanghai by Lawyers Qihua Duan, Qi Zhou, and Xiaohang Gong, marking the beginning of its development as a leading Chinese law practice.
1994
With approval from the Ministry of Justice of China, the firm established its first overseas office in Los Angeles, becoming one of the earliest Chinese law firms to expand internationally.
1995
Mr. Tihan, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor for the West Coast and Pacific Region, together with Duan & Duan Attorneys and the workers who successfully obtained compensation.
2000
At the China Lawyers Congress in Beijing, the firm was honored as a National Outstanding Law Firm, ranking first among the firms receiving this national recognition.
2004
The firm was again recognized as a National Outstanding Law Firm by the All China Lawyers Association.
2006
The firm established its Hong Kong office, becoming one of the few mainland Chinese law firms authorized to operate in Hong Kong.
2007
Duan Qihua, Founding Partner of the firm, was elected one of the inaugural “Oriental Great Lawyers” and received by Xi Jinping, then Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee (now President of China).
2013
Duan & Duan celebrated its 20th anniversary.
2017
Duan & Duan completed a leadership transition.
2018
Duan & Duan celebrated its 25th anniversary, with partners from across its global offices gathering for the occasion.
2019
The firm further advanced its international strategy, expanding its global presence to 27 offices across Central Asia, Europe, and the U.S. East Coast.
2020
Duan & Duan established its Lingang office in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, becoming the first law firm approved by the Shanghai Bureau of Justice to open a branch within the same city.
2022
Duan & Duan relocated to Shanghai Tower, marking a new phase of standardized operations and management.
2023
Duan & Duan celebrated its 30th anniversary. The Shanghai Association for Foreign-Related Legal Studies was established, with Qihua Duan, serving as its first president.
2024
Duan & Duan established its Global Headquarters, marking a new milestone in its international development.
2025
In May 2025, Duan & Duan officially opened its Sydney office, strengthening legal cooperation between China and Australia and further expanding the firm’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.