Taihe: A Lawyer’s Story | Turning Litigation into a Sword, Defending the Realm of Commercial and Corporate Law—My Decade-and-a-Half as a Litigation Attorney

In 2011, he entered the legal profession and has since devoted more than a decade to commercial litigation, specializing in resolving construction‑related and corporate commercial disputes. As a partner at Taihe… Director of the Civil and Commercial Litigation and Construction Engineering Practice Committee , Head of the Dade Duo Commercial Law Team, I have long been at the forefront of handling complex commercial disputes and provide ongoing legal advisory services to dozens of enterprises. For more than a decade, I have consistently ensured that every case is personally reviewed, placing the legitimate rights and interests of my clients above all else. In this installment of “Taihe Lawyer Stories,” we’ll take a look at my professional journey, exploring my steadfast commitment on the litigation frontlines, my reflections on professional growth, and some heartfelt words for my younger colleagues.

I. Entering the Profession and Making a Choice

Q: At the outset of your practice, why did you choose to specialize in litigation?

In 2012, I officially began practicing law. At the time, I faced two career paths—litigation and non‑litigation—and many of my peers who entered the profession around the same time gravitated toward non‑litigation work, such as capital markets. Yet I chose without hesitation to anchor myself on the front lines of litigation. Perhaps this decision stems from my unwavering commitment to objective truth and to fairness and justice. I have always relished dissecting evidence and engaging in logical adversarial analysis; compared with other areas of practice, I prefer to confront commercial disputes that have already unfolded, painstakingly untangling the complexities of contracts and financial records to reconstruct the factual reality as accurately as possible. On that foundation, I strive to secure my clients’ rightful entitlements and uphold the principles of equity.

II. Major and Career Development

Q: How can lawyers achieve specialization?

Professionalism has never meant rote memorization of legal provisions; rather, it entails a three‑pronged approach: “deeply cultivating specialized industries, bridging the boundaries between litigation and non-litigation, and engaging in continuous reflection and learning.”

First, deeply specialize in a specific industry sector and thoroughly master its underlying operating principles. For example, in the construction and real estate industries, there are established sector-specific regulations. Lawyers must not only be well-versed in foundational legal frameworks such as the Civil Code but also possess in-depth knowledge of industry‑specific matters, including construction procedures, pricing methodologies, tendering and bidding practices, and licensing requirements. Only by combining a strong command of the law with practical industry expertise can one swiftly identify the core issues in complex project‑related disputes and pinpoint the key leverage points for resolving them.

Second, by bridging the gap between litigation and non-litigation services, we aim to build a multidisciplinary service capability. Today’s corporate clients no longer have singular needs; they no longer seek solely litigation representation or merely contract‑related and equity‑compliance advice. While staying true to our core litigation practice, we are simultaneously deepening our expertise in commercial compliance, corporate governance design, and government procurement and tendering. This approach enables us to establish distinctive competitive advantages and, from both the perspectives of dispute resolution and risk prevention, deliver integrated solutions to our clients—precisely the path that modern commercial lawyers must take to achieve professional specialization.

Third, we consistently conduct post‑case reviews and stay abreast of judicial standards. I regularly sift through the commercial cases I handle, systematically distilling the courts’ core reasoning in each matter. At the same time, I make it a point to study, on a regular basis, landmark commercial case law from courts across the country and to closely monitor new regulations, including judicial interpretations. Professionalism is not about working in isolation; it requires both deep, industry‑specific expertise and cross‑functional collaboration that bridges the gap between litigation and non‑litigation practice. Coupled with a sustained habit of studying relevant cases and legal provisions, these three elements together enable us to build robust professional competitiveness.

Q: What work habits should an outstanding lawyer cultivate?

Drawing on more than a decade of experience in case handling and team management, I believe the following four professional habits should be consistently upheld.

First, firmly establish a “draft‑work mindset”: every legal argument must be supported by evidence and grounded in applicable law. Whether in the courtroom during the presentation and examination of evidence or in the preparation of corporate compliance analysis reports, conclusions must never rest on subjective speculation or oral assertions. Adopting this draft‑work approach not only safeguards the rights and interests of clients but also serves as the cornerstone for lawyers to mitigate their own professional risks.

Second, cultivate the habit of anticipating and simulating scenarios from a judge’s perspective. When analyzing a case, lawyers should periodically adopt the judge’s vantage point to conduct a reverse‑looking review: What gaps or weaknesses exist in the evidence? Where do the facts remain ambiguous? From what angles might the opposing party raise defenses? By proactively mapping out potential risks and developing counter‑strategies, lawyers can then bolster their evidence and refine their litigation tactics accordingly.

Third, regularly update the database of statutes and case law to prevent professional judgment errors or strategic missteps arising from outdated knowledge. Law is not a static body of text; particularly in the commercial sphere, judicial interpretations and even local court practices are frequently revised. Relying solely on past experience can easily lead to cognitive blind spots, so lawyers must maintain an up-to-date repository of statutory and case‑law resources.

Fourth, we adhere to a closed-loop post‑case review process that covers the entire litigation lifecycle. Whether the case ends in a victory, a defeat, or a settlement, a thorough debriefing and analysis is conducted upon closure: for winning cases, we distill the core reasoning behind the favorable outcome; for cases where shortcomings were identified or expectations fell short, we objectively assess deficiencies in evidence and strategy, and use these insights to refine our approach to handling similar matters going forward.

III. Customer Relationships and Interaction

Q: What should you keep in mind when communicating with clients?

When communicating with clients, adhere to the principles of “candor and objectivity, plain‑spoken communication, and unwavering adherence to底线.”

First and foremost, it is essential to disclose the case’s relevant advantages, disadvantages, and risks in a comprehensive and objective manner. In my view, counsel should, based on the available evidence and analogous precedents, clearly delineate the case’s strengths and its inherent limitations, while simultaneously presenting a thorough plan for bolstering the evidentiary record and managing potential risks. Although candidly communicating risks in the short term may give clients cause for concern, doing so over the long term helps establish solid trust, prevents unrealistic expectations regarding the outcome, and minimizes misunderstandings and disputes in subsequent communications.

Secondly, we translate legal jargon into plain language and communicate using industry‑specific business logic. When discussing legal issues, we avoid simply reciting statutory provisions; instead, we illustrate with real‑world challenges encountered in a company’s day‑to‑day operations and project execution, substituting concrete industry examples for rigid technical terms. This approach enables our clients to clearly identify potential risks and fully understand the legal service solutions we propose.

Finally, we must strictly adhere to the legal and compliance baseline and never compromise on clients’ unlawful requests. Upholding the legal bottom line is the cornerstone of ensuring the long-term stability and sustainability of our business. Today, the dozens of long-term partner companies I serve owe their trust to this unwavering commitment to professional integrity.

IV. Taihe and the Platform

Q: In three words, how would you describe Taihe Law Firm in your mind, and why?

I choose three words: professional expertise, inclusive coexistence, and responsibility first.

First, “deep expertise.” Taihe is a time-honored, locally‑based law firm in Jiangsu. Each practice area has cultivated niche specialties and established dedicated professional platforms. In particular, its capital markets practice enjoys a strong reputation throughout the province, while its construction and real estate, commercial litigation, and corporate compliance practices have likewise developed mature, specialized frameworks.

The second principle: harmony and inclusiveness. Taihe is a comprehensive firm that seamlessly integrates litigation and non-litigation practice. The firm fosters a strong culture of mentorship and knowledge sharing, with initiatives such as the “Lunchtime Wisdom Sessions,” the “Year-End Summary and Sharing Meetings,” and specialized committee forums. Senior lawyers consistently share their case‑handling strategies and client‑communication expertise without reservation. Lawyers of different generations and from diverse practice areas also support one another, collaborate closely, and grow together.

The third principle: putting responsibility first. At Taihe, from top to bottom, we have consistently placed the professional code of conduct and our industry’s social responsibilities at the forefront. Our firm steadfastly upholds a core philosophy: safeguarding the rule of law and fulfilling both industry‑wide and broader societal responsibilities. This aligns closely with my own professional ethos: “Putting clients’ interests above all else and prioritizing compliance in everything we do.”

V. Life and Balance

Q: What does a typical workweek look like?

A lawyer’s work does not follow a rigid, fixed schedule; the weekly agenda is flexibly structured around court hearings, client service, team management, and project discussions, resulting in a tightly packed and demanding pace. Much of the time is spent on the road—traveling between courts to attend trials, with cross‑city business trips being the norm. Even on weekends, it is rarely possible to fully disconnect from work, as lawyers must still handle urgent documents and respond to critical client inquiries. When multiple complex commercial cases are scheduled for trial at the same time or when corporate compliance projects are advancing in parallel, the week can turn into an intense, nonstop grind, with late nights spent reviewing case files and refining litigation strategies becoming routine.

Q: Do you think the legal profession is high-pressure?

Pressure is an objective reality, arising from the superposition of multiple dimensions. The first layer is the heavy burden of case‑related liability. Clients entrust us with the core interests of their corporate projects—be it project payments or the company’s operational and strategic development—and even a single oversight in evidence or a slight deviation in our legal arguments could inflict irreparable financial losses on the enterprise. Faced with complex commercial disputes involving substantial stakes and numerous stakeholders, we must meticulously rehearse every line of defense before trial; working late into the night to pore over case files has long become routine. The second layer is the pressure to continuously enhance our professional expertise as industry regulations evolve. Laws, administrative rules, departmental regulations, and judicial interpretations are constantly updated, and the standards applied by courts across different jurisdictions are subtly shifting. Lawyers must engage in ongoing learning; if we falter in keeping pace, gaps in our professional understanding will quickly emerge. The third layer is the communication pressure of managing client expectations. Some clients struggle to accept the inherent uncertainties of litigation and its typical time frame, requiring lawyers to maintain patient, sustained dialogue to bridge the gap between legal realities and clients’ psychological expectations—a process that can be both protracted and immensely draining.

Q: In addition to your busy work schedule, what hobbies do you enjoy to help you unwind?

After years of traveling to court hearings and poring over case files, my mind and body have been under constant strain. To unwind and restore balance, I turn to two hobbies. First, I play golf. On days when there are no court appearances or urgent work commitments, I meet friends on the course. Prolonged, high‑intensity mental engagement and long hours at a desk can leave one’s thoughts restless; golf, with its measured pace, offers a chance to step away from statutes, cases, and client inquiries, allowing me to quiet my mind, let go of distractions, and ease the tension that builds up over time. Second, I immerse myself in specialized readings—business law and construction‑related fields. Unlike the targeted research I do during litigation, when I have free time I delve into monographs on construction law and collections of carefully selected business‑law precedents. Approaching these texts with an attitude of reflection and broadening my horizons, I not only quietly build up my professional knowledge but also find a sense of calm, helping to temper the restlessness that comes from demanding work. Beyond this, I make every effort to carve out time to be with my family, often cooking at home in my spare moments. A healthy balance between work and leisure is essential for maintaining a steady, composed professional demeanor over the long term. Only when both mind and body are properly rested can I approach complex commercial cases with unwavering objectivity and rationality.

VI. Creed and Message

Q: How do you view the social responsibility of the legal profession?

In my view, the social responsibility of lawyers comprises two levels: micro‑level responsibilities in individual cases and macro‑level responsibilities within the legal profession and market. These two dimensions are mutually reinforcing and inseparable.

At the micro level, social responsibility is embedded in every case and every legal service. As a commercial litigation attorney, our most direct social responsibility is to safeguard the legitimate property rights and interests of our clients: assisting construction firms in recovering outstanding project payments and ensuring timely wage disbursement for migrant workers; resolving disputes over corporate equity and real estate partnerships to maintain the smooth operation of private enterprises; and standardizing corporate bidding processes and commercial contract management to mitigate conflicts at their source.

At the macro level, lawyers serve as guardians of the rule of law and the orderly functioning of the market economy. At their core, commercial disputes arise from the dynamics of market transactions; through litigation, we clarify the boundaries of rights and obligations in contractual relationships and establish clear norms for industry conduct. The outcomes of numerous construction‑related and commercial contract cases often set benchmark standards for the sector, subtly shaping the transactional behavior of market participants and even influencing legislative trends. For instance, certain provisions in the recently promulgated Second Judicial Interpretation on Construction Contracts reflect a consolidation and codification of adjudicatory principles developed over years of judicial practice. From this perspective, by advancing the implementation of established rules through countless individual cases, lawyers effectively participate in the co‑creation and continuous improvement of market‑transaction order. This “case‑driven governance” function is a key manifestation of the legal profession’s fulfillment of its social responsibility at the macro level.

Q: If you were asked to redefine the profession of “lawyer” in a single sentence, what would you say?

Using litigation as a shield to resolve commercial disputes, and upholding the bottom line of business operations with professional expertise, we approach our work with deep respect for the rule of law, balancing commercial realities with humanistic sensitivity.

Q: What advice would you most like to offer to young lawyers who have just begun practicing?

Drawing on my more than ten years of experience in litigation and team management, I would like to offer three practical pieces of advice to young lawyers just starting out in the profession.

First, abandon the mindset of seeking quick results and focus on building a solid foundation in the fundamentals of case handling. The core competence of litigation lawyers lies in their mastery of case files, evidence, and courtroom proceedings. In the early stages, do not shy away from routine tasks such as organizing draft notes, accompanying on-site inspections, and drafting simple documents. By thoroughly following a case through its entire lifecycle—from filing and trial to enforcement—and gaining a deep understanding of judicial reasoning, you will develop the confidence needed to independently handle complex matters.

Second, break free from a siloed mindset and proactively integrate litigation and non-litigation practice. Avoid confining yourself to courtroom advocacy; instead, actively acquire expertise in non‑litigation areas such as commercial compliance, corporate governance structures, and contract drafting. Today, corporate clients increasingly seek comprehensive legal solutions. In the course of operating private enterprises, issues like contract management, equity restructuring, outbound investments, and labor disputes are often intertwined. To meet clients’ demand for integrated legal services, lawyers must cultivate both dispute‑resolution and proactive risk‑management perspectives, thereby establishing distinctive professional strengths of their own.

Third, maintain a lifelong reverence for the law and steadfastly uphold the ethical boundaries of the profession. Whether providing litigation representation or corporate compliance services, never compromise professional integrity by catering to clients’ unlawful demands in order to secure a case. Fabricating evidence, deliberately concealing legal risks, or assisting in circumventing regulatory red lines may yield short-term business gains, but in the long run, such conduct can expose you to administrative penalties, revocation of your license, and even criminal liability. By consistently exercising due diligence and fully disclosing risks, you may lose some short-term clients; however, the enduring professional reputation you build over time is the most essential source of confidence that will sustain you throughout your career.

Finally, I would like to say to young lawyers: always maintain empathy and stay true to your original aspirations. The law is never merely a set of cold, rigid provisions; behind every client lie the survival of an enterprise and the livelihood of a family. When handling cases, adopt a bit more perspective‑taking, and preserve a human touch beyond your professional expertise—only then can your legal practice be both steady and sustainable in the long run.

Conclusion

Over more than a decade of litigation, I have drawn strength from my professional expertise and grounded my practice in a profound sense of respect for the law. In the field of commercial and corporate disputes, I have consistently relied on my solid case-handling skills to safeguard the rights and interests of my clients, leveraging the Taihe platform to foster synergistic development between litigation and alternative dispute resolution. As the road ahead remains long, I will remain true to my original commitment, continue to deepen my expertise in the industry, and mentor and guide young lawyers, working together with my team to uphold the rule of law and use legal services to help market entities operate steadily and sustainably.

Xu Wei, Taihe Law Firm

Attorney Xu Wei is currently a partner at Taihe Law Firm.

Attorney Xu’s team specializes in the resolution of complex, high‑stakes commercial disputes and boasts extensive experience in areas such as construction engineering, real estate, tendering and bidding, and corporate risk management. Adhering to a practice philosophy of “high quality and professionalism,” the team delivers timely, efficient legal services to its clients. Currently, Attorney Xu serves as the long‑term legal counsel to numerous construction and real estate firms, state‑owned enterprises, and large private companies.

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