JC Master · Lawyer Stories | Forging Expertise Under High-Pressure Projects, Upholding the Original Aspiration of the Legal Profession with Professionalism
Release Date:
2026-06-06
Editor’s Note:
In JC Master, every lawyer has their own story.
Some have walked from the bench to the defense table; others, having completed their studies abroad, have chosen JC Master; and still others have forged their journey here, transforming from interns into partners. Their backgrounds may differ, and their areas of expertise vary, yet they all share a common ethos: professionalism, resilience, and warmth.
This is precisely the intention behind launching our “JC Master: Lawyers’ Stories” column. We hope to show you the most authentic side of the JC Master lawyers—beyond the courtroom. And through their stories, we aim to help more people understand that at JC Master, law is not merely a profession; it is a passion worth entrusting to.
Q: What is your primary area of expertise? Could you share a case or project that left a lasting impression on you?
A: Currently, my primary focus is on non-litigation matters such as corporate IPOs and M&A transactions. One of the projects that left the deepest impression on me was a major asset restructuring that also constituted a reverse takeover. The target company was large in scale, the transaction structure was highly complex, and the overall execution timeline was extremely tight. To ensure timely progress, the project team routinely worked late into the night, handling this high‑stakes matter while simultaneously managing day-to-day operational tasks. This project not only provided me with invaluable experience in large‑scale capital‑market transactions but also honed my ability to work efficiently and meticulously under pressure, coordinating and advancing multiple initiatives in a well‑orchestrated manner.
Q: Have you ever encountered highly stressful phases in your practice—such as high‑stakes court hearings, complex transactions, or cross‑border negotiations? How did you manage to recalibrate and keep moving forward?
A: Throughout my career, I have repeatedly navigated high‑pressure situations—complex transactions, cross‑border negotiations, and more—where tasks are heavy and deadlines tight, placing significant psychological and professional strain on me. When faced with such pressure, I begin by mapping out the workflow, breaking down assignments, and clearly prioritizing key tasks to avoid becoming overwhelmed. At the same time, I maintain a rational mindset, acknowledge the stress, and view challenges as opportunities to build experience. Between work periods, I take brief breaks to recharge, keeping my mind and body in balance while staying focused on my goals and advancing steadily. Relying on disciplined work habits and strong resilience, I maintain a steady pace, tackling each issue one by one, ensuring the smooth execution of projects and the successful completion of my responsibilities.
Q: In your view, where does the importance of non-litigation practice lie in the overall operation and development of the office?
A: Non-litigation services serve as a core safeguard for a company’s stable operations and long-term growth. Compared with litigation, which addresses disputes after they arise, non‑litigation services leverage their strengths in proactive risk prevention and ongoing compliance management, permeating every stage of business operations and playing an indispensable role in corporate development. First, non‑litigation services offer significant risk‑mitigation value. Through contract review, compliance assessments, equity‑structure optimization, intellectual‑property strategy planning, and other measures, they help preempt operational, legal, and regulatory vulnerabilities, thereby reducing disputes and losses and establishing a robust foundation for secure business practices. Second, non‑litigation services provide deep support for business development, delivering expert, compliance‑aligned guidance in critical areas such as investment and financing, project collaboration, commercial negotiations, and the establishment of internal policies. They standardize operational processes, enhance the scientific rigor and regulatory soundness of decision‑making, and facilitate the efficient execution of business initiatives. Finally, non‑litigation services contribute to the sustainable building of a company’s brand. By implementing routine compliance management, they refine corporate governance frameworks, cultivate a reputation for lawful and responsible operations, and bolster both commercial credibility and market competitiveness. In doing so, they lay a solid foundation for continuous expansion and stable growth, serving as an invisible cornerstone of high‑quality corporate development.
Q: If you have experience with international cases or cross-border projects—what has been the greatest challenge or source of inspiration you’ve encountered when dealing with clients or counterparts from different legal jurisdictions or cultural backgrounds?
A: When handling cross-border cases and international projects, the greatest challenge stems from the differences in legal systems, transactional norms, and business cultures across jurisdictions. National laws and compliance standards are not mutually applicable, and Chinese and foreign clients and partners often differ significantly in their decision‑making logic, risk appetites, and communication styles, which can easily give rise to cognitive biases and collaboration barriers. The key insight is that cross‑border operations cannot rely solely on domestic legal frameworks. It is essential both to respect the legal rules and local business practices of each country, maintaining a rigorous and prudent compliance approach, and to adapt communication and resolution strategies with flexibility. Upholding the principles of inclusiveness, reciprocity, and good faith to balance the interests of all parties while balancing legal compliance with practical commercial considerations is the cornerstone of successfully advancing cross‑border initiatives.
Q: How do you typically interact with clients? What key considerations should you keep in mind when communicating with them?
A: As a non-litigation attorney, I consistently engage with clients by leveraging my expertise and adopting an empathetic, perspective‑taking approach. On a daily basis, I proactively listen to their business needs and core concerns, and, in light of the specific circumstances of each matter, I break down complex legal issues into clear, straightforward language—avoiding the mechanical recitation of statutes. In our communications, I adhere to three key principles: first, I take a business‑oriented stance, balancing compliance with practical applicability to craft solutions that align with my clients’ operational realities; second, I maintain efficiency and candor, promptly updating clients on project progress and flagging potential risks; and third, I uphold rigorous, prudent standards, objectively outlining both the advantages and disadvantages without exaggeration or making guarantees, thereby building lasting trust through professional, reliable service.
Q: If you had to describe JC Master in three words, which ones would you choose, and why?
A: I would choose three words: professionalism, pragmatism, and unity. For more than forty years, JC Master has been deeply committed to providing legal services, with a team that boasts a solid professional foundation and a rigorous, standardized approach to case handling and work execution. Every member upholds a pragmatic work ethic, focusing on addressing clients’ real‑world needs. At the same time, our team enjoys a harmonious atmosphere and tight collaboration; colleagues from diverse practice areas complement one another, pooling their strengths to drive projects forward—while also enabling my continuous growth and development within this platform.
Q: Do you think the legal profession is highly stressful? How do you typically manage work-related stress and physical fatigue?
A: The legal profession does indeed face considerable pressure, stemming primarily from rigorous professional standards, tight project deadlines, and the trust placed in lawyers by their clients—demands that require unwavering focus and meticulous attention to detail. Yet I believe that such pressure can also serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth. In my daily work, I manage the complexity of tasks by carefully organizing my workload and breaking projects into manageable components, thereby alleviating anxiety. Outside of work, I maintain a regular exercise routine and consistent sleep schedule to relieve physical fatigue. At the same time, I take time to reflect on my experiences during brief moments of downtime, which helps me recalibrate my mindset and sustain a composed, disciplined approach—striking a balance between high‑efficiency performance and healthy self‑regulation.
Q: If you were asked to redefine it in a single sentence right now… What would you say about the profession of “lawyer”?
A: We are both practitioners of legal principles and trusted stewards of our clients’ confidence, creating value through professionalism.
Q: What advice would you most like to offer to young lawyers who have just begun practicing? Alternatively, under what circumstances would you advise them to proceed with caution?
A: I would like to advise young lawyers to stay grounded and strengthen their professional foundation, immerse themselves in practical work, and accumulate project experience. They should cultivate a lifelong commitment to learning while upholding the ethical standards and professional integrity that underpin the legal profession. In their practice, they must be both meticulous and thorough, yet also learn to empathize and see things from their clients’ perspectives, truly understanding their needs.
If one lacks resilience or does not genuinely embrace the legal profession, treating it merely as a short-term stopgap, I would advise exercising great caution in choosing this path. The journey to becoming a lawyer is demanding and long; passion and steadfast determination are the keys to sustaining it over time.
Q: Could you share a legal book or a legal film that you enjoy?
A: I recommend “ Legally Blonde This film tells the story of a protagonist who overcomes prejudice, enters the legal profession through relentless effort, and ultimately proves their worth. By breaking free from conventional stereotypes, it illuminates the true meaning of perseverance, self‑confidence, and professionalism. It has reminded me that practicing law demands not only a solid foundation of expertise but also the courage to face skepticism, an optimistic and open‑minded attitude, and unwavering resilience. This spirit of positivity continues to motivate me to immerse myself in my work and approach every task with enthusiasm and dedication.
Liu Xiaoqian, JC Master Law Office
Attorney Liu Xiaoqian is a partner and holds a Master of Laws degree. She earned her graduate degree from the College of William & Mary in the United States and her undergraduate degree from China University of Political Science and Law. She is licensed to practice law in the People’s Republic of China and in the State of New York, USA. Attorney Liu is a member of the Jiangsu Belt and Road International Legal Services Alliance and the Jiangsu Provincial Association of Returned Students Who Studied in Europe and America. She has also served as a director of the “Little Turtles” Club of the Nanjing Lawyers Association.
Attorney Liu is well-versed in corporate, securities, and international legal practice, with particular expertise in corporate restructuring and reorganization, corporate issuance and listing, mergers and acquisitions, project financing, and cross-border legal services.
Related News