Taihe: A Lawyer’s Story | The Ruler and the Lantern: Thirteen Years of a Lawyer’s Warmth and Measure
Release Date:
2026-09-12
Editor’s Note:
In Taihe, every lawyer has their own story.
Some have walked from the bench to the defense table; others, having completed their studies abroad, have chosen Taihe; and still others have forged their journey here, transforming from interns into partners. Though their backgrounds and areas of expertise vary, they all share a common ethos—professionalism, resilience, and warmth.
This is precisely the intention behind launching our “Taihe: Lawyers’ Stories” column. We hope to show you the most authentic side of the Taihe lawyers—beyond the courtroom. And through their stories, we aim to help more people understand that at Taihe, law is not merely a profession; it is a passion worthy of your trust.
Q: What was the catalyst or who was it that led you to decide to become a lawyer? Looking back today, do you still hold on to that original aspiration?
A: The simple phrase, “A lawyer is a freelance professional,” landed like a seed in my heart, igniting an endless yearning for this vocation. Looking back today, my original aspiration remains unchanged, yet my understanding of the word “freedom” has taken on a wholly different meaning. True freedom is never about doing whatever one pleases; it is, rather, a continuous process of breaking free from one’s old self and reconfiguring one’s way of thinking. It springs from profound self-discipline—rooted in the ongoing management and cultivation of oneself. Over twelve years, that初心 has endured; it has simply shed the youthful haze and settled into a down-to-earth, unwavering sense of conviction.
Q: What is your primary area of expertise? Could you share a case or project that left a lasting impression on you?
A: I currently specialize in corporate legal risk prevention and control. What left the deepest impression on me was helping a high-tech enterprise emerge from a quagmire. When I first met them, their team was disorganized, mired in disputes, and visibly exhausted. I stood by their side through countless sleepless nights, guiding them from untangling chaotic contracts to overhauling their internal management systems—gradually transforming… The principle that “prevention is better than cure” is embedded in the very DNA of the firm. Witnessing their business finally stabilize, their team united in purpose, and their new product launches and fundraising efforts progressing smoothly, I came to deeply appreciate that risk management is not merely a set of cold, rigid provisions—it is, rather, astute insight into subtle signs and proactive execution that anticipates challenges before they arise. Safeguarding the healthy growth of enterprises demands not only a lawyer’s comprehensive expertise but also the patience to accompany clients through every phase of the economic cycle.
A: As societal needs grow increasingly complex, the professionalization of lawyers can no longer be confined to the legal statutes themselves. An outstanding lawyer must be a “ “Cross-disciplinary learners” continuously expand their cognitive horizons, both horizontally and vertically. Throughout my experience in corporate services, I have long since moved beyond merely drafting contracts and issuing legal opinions; instead, I now engage deeply in strategic planning, internal governance, and the execution of business initiatives. I have evolved from a mere “legal gatekeeper” to a “full‑chain preventive planner,” truly helping enterprises resolve challenges and overcome obstacles. This transformation demands that we not only master the law but also understand business and management. Only by seamlessly integrating legal expertise with industry‑specific pain points can we deliver practical, actionable solutions and stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients as they navigate turbulent times.
Q: How do you typically interact with clients? What key considerations should you keep in mind when communicating with them?
A: When working with clients, what I value most is “hearing between the lines.” Often, what clients articulate is only the surface—beneath it lies an unmet, deeper need. I begin by listening deeply, not just to the facts but also to the emotions and anxieties embedded in their words. Then, through paraphrasing and cross‑checking, I ensure that the information is accurate. Next, I synthesize this input with the established facts, the current context, and potential future scenarios, offering a thorough, balanced analysis of the pros and cons. At its core, communication is about building trust; when clients sense that you are truly “with them,” rather than imposing advice from above, consensus emerges naturally. This kind of rationality infused with warmth often resonates more powerfully than a cold, detached legal opinion.
Q: If you had to describe Taihe in three words, which ones would you choose, and why?
A: Professionalism, dedication, and humility. Professionalism is the hallmark of Taihe; both the head office and all branch offices are imbued with a sense of… In an atmosphere of “professionalism above all,” our specialized committees enable colleagues to delve deeply into their fields of passion and to achieve mutual success. Dedication is the backbone of who we are; in safeguarding our clients’ legitimate rights and interests, we face challenges head-on with unwavering diligence, making “diligence and responsibility” an integral part of our very being. Meanwhile, humility and modesty embody the unique warmth that defines the people of Taihe. Whether engaging with clients or colleagues, we consistently maintain a humble, self‑reflective, and harmonious mindset—one that is both open‑minded and inclusive. Resolving disputes does not always require confrontation; adopting a gentle yet rational approach to communication often leads to more effective and equitable solutions. These three principles capture the essence of the Taihe team—and they also serve as the guiding compass for my professional practice.
Q: Do you think the legal profession is highly stressful? How do you typically manage work-related stress and physical fatigue?
A: Stress is a constant for lawyers, but it always stays within my tolerance threshold. When handling intricate and complex cases, I make sure to set aside time for myself— The “time of留白.” Quiet reflection, reading, travel, and exercise—activities that may seem unrelated to the law—are precisely the antidote I turn to in order to counteract burnout. I let my mind settle between the pages of a book, broaden my horizons on the road, and release tense nerves through sweat. As I continually elevate both my understanding and my state of mind, pressure ceases to weigh me down and instead transforms into the driving force that propels me forward. Being a lawyer is a marathon; only by learning to regulate my breath as I run can I remain clear-headed and passionate throughout the long journey of practice.
Q: What is your professional creed? How do you view the social responsibility of the legal profession? And how do you balance social responsibility with economic interests?
A: My guiding principle is this: build a career on professional excellence, conduct myself with humility and respect, remain guided by conscience, and honor the trust placed in me. A lawyer’s social responsibility extends beyond the courtroom’s sharp exchanges; it also encompasses helping businesses comply with the law and mitigate risks, thereby ensuring the orderly functioning of the market. While economic interests are essential for survival, they must never be the sole measure of success. Earning fair compensation through lawful means is a testament to the value of our profession; yet when profit conflicts with ethical boundaries, upholding one’s conscience is the very foundation of a lawyer’s integrity. These two imperatives are not mutually exclusive. By staying true to our responsibilities and our inner moral compass, we can earn our clients’ enduring trust and strike a healthy balance between professional fulfillment and financial reward.
Q: If you were asked to redefine “… ” in a single sentence right now, What would you say about the profession of “lawyer”?
A: Lawyers are practitioners who wield the measuring stick of the law and carry empathy in their hearts. We must not only safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our clients, but also seek fairness with warmth, alleviating the grievances and resentments that arise from disputes. We are not merely the “…when disputes erupt.” A “firefighter,” and even more so, a steadfast “companion” who walks alongside clients on their journey to lasting success—building safeguards against risks and safeguarding their rights, becoming the one who holds up a lantern to light the way through the long years ahead.
Q: Could you share a legal book or a legal film that you enjoy?
A: “Erin Brockovich” is a film I deeply admire. It shows me that the law is not merely a professional game played in court, but also a profound act of empathy for the everyday struggles of ordinary people. When facing powerful adversaries, that unwavering resolve stems from truly seeing the clients’ real circumstances. Justice may come slowly, but it is worth our persistent pursuit. This film constantly reminds me: no matter how long I practice, I must never lose that humanistic spirit. Behind cold legal statutes lie living, breathing lives, and the warmth of a lawyer is found precisely in this… In “Seeing” and “Perseverance.”
Q: Throughout your practice, has there ever been a moment when you felt… “Being a lawyer is really great”—what happened in that moment?
A: Yes. A client once came to me, burdened with grievance and resentment, her eyes filled with confusion. I sat with her as we retraced the case’s twists and turns, carefully weighing the pros and cons. When she reached a breaking point, I listened quietly, letting her pour out her pain and tangled emotions. And when she finally found peace and said to me, “I’m so lucky to have met a lawyer like you,” I truly felt: being a lawyer is a privilege. In that moment, I not only helped her untangle the legal knots but also eased the emotional knots in her heart. That kind of healing—coming from within and radiating outward—made me realize that a lawyer’s value extends far beyond securing a victory; it lies in using both expertise and empathy to steady someone who feels on the brink of collapse.
Xu Li, Taihe Law Firm
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