CMS has been recognised and recommended in eight areas in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 China edition. We continue to be recognised in the areas of Corporate and M&A, Data Protection, Intellectual Property, Labour and Employment, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Regulatory and Compliance, TMT and Tax.
In addition, our partners, counsels and associates from Shanghai and Beijing offices have been recognised and recommended in their respective practice areas.
Below is the complete list of our rankings with selected testimonials from clients and Legal 500 Editorial commentary in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 China edition.
• Corporate and M&A: foreign firms
Testimonials:
'CMS possesses sector specific know how, an ability to work tri-lingual in M&A projects, and are very responsive and pragmatic.’
'Excellent quality and speed.’
‘Ulrike Glück is highly experienced in PRC FDI and M&A, and is responsive and pragmatic. Kevin Wang bridges the expectations of international clients and local reality well.'
• Data Protection: foreign firms
Leading partners: Ulrike Glueck, Jonathan Chu
Leading associates: Panpan Tang, Anqi Qin
Legal 500 Editorial commentary:
'CMS' team is experienced assisting clients on data-related regulatory and commercial matters.'
• Intellectual Property: foreign firms
Leading associate: Panpan Tang
Legal 500 Editorial commentary:
'Working from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, CMS‘ Greater China IP team routinely works alongside the firm’s specialists in Singapore, Europe and CEE. The group’s IP coverage ranges from portfolio management, filings and enforcements, to transactional IP, disputes and raids.'
• Labour and Employment: foreign firms
Leading partner: Jeanette Yu
Testimonials:
‘The team is highly specialised in labour law and provides detailed and proactive advice and recommendations.’
‘Very professional support and fast response time. Full understanding of the requested case.’
• Life Sciences and Healthcare: foreign firms
Leading associate: Roxie Meng
Testimonials:
‘The CMS China team is highly responsive, proactive, helpful and excellent in providing succinct and informative legal advice. Their expertise and knowledge in the life science and healthcare sectors is impressive.’
• Regulatory and Compliance: foreign firms
Leading partner: Philipp Senff
Leading associate: Lei Shi
Legal 500 Editorial commentary:
'Well known for its pharmaceutical, technology, energy, logistics and biotech sector specialisms, CMS‘ compliance team in China advises corporations and individuals on a range of criminal and regulatory risk matters, including competition, cybersecurity, environmental and health and safety issues.'
• TMT: foreign firms
Leading partner: Ulrike Glueck
Leading associate: Panpan Tang
Legal 500 Editorial commentary:
'(The team) is highly experienced at handling large-scale investment and corporate transactions, data and cybersecurity issues, software and tech licensing matters, advertising and broadcast law advice, and many other services required by TMT players headquartered in Germany, China, and beyond.'
• Tax: foreign firms
Leading associate: Gilbert Shen
Testimonials:
‘The team is familiar with tax laws and regulations and operational practices, the tax advice is targeted and highly operational, and solutions to difficult and complicated problems are provided.’
The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The rankings reflect the results of detailed analysis of law firm submissions and thousands of interviews with GCs and private practice lawyers, conducted by Legal 500.
The highly recognised ranking demonstrates the leading position of CMS in the legal market in China and Asia. It also reflects clients' recognitions with our services.
For more information about CMS and the rankings, please feel free to contact Maggie.Zhu@cmslegal.cn.
