In the 2024 Ministry of Commerce's tender for a legal firm roster, Llinks has secured its place by demonstrating exceptional expertise and extensive industry knowledge, particularly in the area of international trade and investment disputes, specifically within the International Investment Legal Affairs (Domestic) category. This achievement positions Llinks to represent the Chinese government in arbitrations initiated by foreign investors targeting the Chinese government. This success not only reinforces Llinks' leading role in international legal services but also underscores its specialised capabilities in international investment law.
Llinks distinguished itself in the tender process, achieving a top-tier score among all competing firms. The firm's remit includes providing legal counsel to the Ministry of Commerce on international investment treaty negotiations, legislative work and implementation in the cross-border investment sector, and managing international investment disputes involving the Chinese government. With a dedicated legal team and a wealth of practical experience, Llinks is well-equipped to meet the rigorous demands of the Ministry of Commerce in international investment legal affairs.
Following a successful bid in 2021, Llinks has once again won the favour of the Ministry of Commerce, reflecting a sustained trust in the firm's service capabilities and marking its distinguished status and professional influence in the international legal services arena.
Patrick Zheng, Partner
Mr. Patrick Zheng boasts a wealth of experience in international investment arbitration and public international law. He has argued as counsel in the ICSID investment arbitration case between Beijing Urban Construction and the Yemeni government, an achievement that places him among a select group of Chinese lawyers with advocacy experience in ICSID proceedings.
Beyond the Beijing Urban Construction vs. Yemeni government case, Mr. Zheng has also offered legal representation in various significant cases, including an interim investment arbitration against Ecuador on behalf of a Chinese company, defending a Chinese company against expropriation by the Nigerian government, and advising a state-owned enterprise on allegations of breach of investment protection agreements by a host government in the Middle East. Additionally, Mr. Zheng has extensive experience in commercial arbitration, having handled nearly 100 international arbitration and litigation matters. His legal acumen spans Chinese law, Anglo-American law, private international law, public international law, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and crypto-currencies. Mr. Zheng is admitted to practice law in both China and New York State.
