Professor Li Shuyun, former Vice President of Liaoning University and Doctoral Supervisor She delivered a compelling keynote speech titled “Evolution of International Trends in Northeast Asia and Responses to Them.” In her presentation, she outlined the current state of evolving international trends in Northeast Asia, analyzed the great-power dynamics and geopolitical shifts in the region, and examined the impact of the current international situation on Northeast Asia—specifically, how events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and NATO’s eastward expansion have influenced the regional landscape. She also focused on the policy developments in Japan and South Korea, as well as the implications of these policies for the broader situation in Northeast Asia.

Han Xiutao, Professor at the School of Law, Beijing University of Technology, Doctoral Supervisor, and former Secretary-General of the All China Lawyers Association. The lecture topic is “Trends, Challenges, and High-Quality Development of the Legal Profession in the Context of Regional Economic Shifts and Organizational Governance.” Professor Han Xiutao analyzed current trends in the international and domestic economic environments, emphasizing the importance of establishing a correct cognitive framework and the methods for maintaining clarity and independent thinking. He elaborated on China’s unique path in technological innovation and social development, as well as the new positioning of the Chinese legal profession. He highlighted the social and rule-of-law values of the legal profession and proposed recommendations for leveraging digital technologies to enhance service quality.

Sun Xuezhi, Professor at the Law School of Jilin University, Special Research Fellow at the Lawyers’ Law Research Association of the China Law Society, and Executive Director of the Civil Law Research Association of the China Law Society. The lecture is titled “Evaluation and Management of Legal Service Quality.” He analyzed... The Impact of the Marketing-Oriented Strategic Phase Experienced by China’s Legal Profession Factor Furthermore, what changes have emerged in the development of the legal profession during special periods? It’s important to emphasize that the role of marketing-oriented strategies has shifted—they no longer serve as the primary driver of industry growth. Instead, the legal profession should explore quality-oriented strategies, boosting the value of legal services and thereby driving up prices. This is the mission facing the legal profession now and in the future. At the same time, given the previously inflated valuation of legal services and the shortcomings in the knowledge structure of law school students, law firms need to place greater emphasis on compliance and integrate it with corporate management. Moreover, the positioning of lawyers should shift toward a symbiotic relationship of mutual coexistence and collaboration with their clients.

Attorney Yang Hongxia To summarize, professional specialization has two dimensions: First, the specialization of service providers—similar to focusing exclusively on a particular type of work; second, starting from the demand side, having a stronger ability to solve clients’ problems—that is, providing comprehensive solutions while placing great emphasis on quality. For young lawyers, she advises that it may be wise to let go somewhat of their obsession with strict specialization. While individual specialization is currently challenging, the core competitive edge lies in team-based approaches within law firms and the specialization of teams themselves.

Forum's second topic: Share your understanding and insights into the exploration and development plan for the law firm’s foreign-related legal services.

Forum's first topic: Reflections on Innovation in Law Firm Management.

Attorney Song Bin We believe that the core of law firm management lies in finance and people. In terms of finance, the primary issue is allocation—specifically, the distribution mechanisms for matters such as the fund for the firm’s future development, which must satisfy all stakeholders. Another crucial aspect is personnel development—building up reserves of partners and young lawyers, as well as providing them with incentives and fostering their growth. The root cause of poor law firm management often stems from an imbalance in the distribution of benefits, particularly the tension between the professional team's role in generating value (making the pie) and the administrative management's role in allocating resources (dividing the pie). Therefore, professional tasks should be entrusted to professionals who are best suited to handle them.

Attorney Pan Jie Pay attention to Innovation in law firm management means innovating in team leadership and personnel development. Promoting high-quality development involves leveraging innovative approaches to enhance service quality and achieve greater economic benefits. The development of a law firm requires equal emphasis on both business operations and team building, while also placing great importance on the design of administrative and compensation systems. Administrative staff play a crucial role in the firm’s decision-making processes and in ensuring effective implementation of policies; therefore, it is essential to prioritize their team development. Furthermore, various activities can be employed to strengthen organizational identity and cohesion.

Attorney Luo Jun There is a sense of anxiety about the different stages of development in China’s legal profession. The number of lawyers should be viewed dialectically. Law firms typically go through phases—from entrepreneurial beginnings to a focus on substantive practice and then to an emphasis on management. The partnership model characteristic of the legal profession influences both organizational strength and economic foundations. Therefore, it is crucial to place great importance on cultural development—covering aspects such as learning, warmth, youthfulness, and technology—to create a positive atmosphere that fosters the growth and advancement of lawyers.

Attorney Zhou Jigao Emphasize In terms of specialization, we should choose fields with high barriers to entry and substantial target sizes, striving for industry leadership and establishing research centers. As for talent, we regard it as our most important asset. We will select individuals into two categories—excellence and outstanding performance—and provide training led by senior partners. For major, complex, and challenging cases, senior partners will personally mentor and guide the team members step by step. We will retain top talent through competitive salaries and equitable profit-sharing arrangements.

Forum's second topic: Under an economic downturn, how can law firms maintain high-quality development?

Attorney Song Bin Emphasize distinctive features, If you're involved in government-related business, you need to understand politics and law, and build distinctive brands to drive business development. Attorney Pan Jie Advocate for steady progress with moderation. 。 Attorney Luo Jun Emphasize the accuracy of judging market changes. Attorney Zhou Jigao Propose addressing the current situation from the perspective of innovation and willingness to try new approaches.

This sub-forum is hosted by the Director of the Digital Rule of Law and Digital Economy Professional Committee of the Liaoning Provincial Lawyers Association, a lawyer at Tongfang Law Firm, and a Doctor of Law. Ma Yunhe Led by a lawyer. Senior Partner, Weiheng Law Firm, Beijing. Yang Zhenyu, Co-founder of Digital Yinghe Xu Shuangquan, Founding Partner of Liaoning Tianying Weilai Law Firm Zhang Xiaohan, Full-time lawyer at Liaoning Faxin Law Firm Guan Enwei As a panelist.

Forum's first topic: What challenges does the development of the digital economy pose to the legal profession, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Attorney Yang Zhenyu It was pointed out that service demands need to be innovative, while also emphasizing that security is the key core of the digital economy. Enterprises face challenges related to compliance and other issues. Lawyers can proactively offer services by expanding service scenarios and areas to meet these challenges.

Forum's second topic: How to leverage information technology to empower the traditional legal profession.

Xu Shuangquan The legal profession is currently at a strategic opportunity period, which can be elaborated from four perspectives: First, leveraging new technologies to drive innovation in legal services; second, using specialized tools to reshape lawyers’ working methods; third, relying on new technologies and tools to productize legal service offerings; and fourth, utilizing digital customer acquisition tools to expand and manage client relationships.
 

Forum's third topic: What’s your take on the current landscape of lawyers entering the data business? Is this a highly competitive, “blue ocean” market? Where are the clients?

Attorney Zhang Xiaohan To think that Lawyers entering the data business sector represents a blue ocean opportunity, though it comes with technical barriers. Lawyers from Liaoning are competitive in this field, and it was pointed out that lawyers should act as seeders, promoters, and guides within this industry.
 

Attorney Guan Enwei He believes that lawyers now have a golden opportunity in the data industry and need to acquire the necessary skills to cross the business threshold. He pointed out that law firms themselves are already substantial sources of data, and in the face of the digital economy, lawyers must seize the momentum and act in harmony with the trends.

Forum's fourth topic: How should lawyers integrate legal and technical perspectives when providing legal services in emerging fields? From which angles should they focus on enhancing their own capabilities?

Attorney Yang Zhenyu Emphasize the importance of practical industry experience and the accumulation of relevant rules. Lawyers should pay close attention to and actively learn from these experiences, maintaining a strong desire for continuous learning to enhance their skills and better provide legal services in emerging fields.