Dentons China Contributes to Civil Code Compilation

fact that Dentons is engaged in this process demonstrates our leadership in the legal industry.

Civil Law Office of the Legislative Affairs Commission, a body under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, asked All China Lawyers Association to comment on P.R.C. Civil Code: Contract (Draft dated August 8, 2017), which in turn designated Dentons to review Article 16: Lease Agreement of the draft on August 30 over a 5-day period.  

Considering the urgency and the complexity of the task, Liang Lanzhi, senior partner based in Dentons Beijing office, quickly contacted partners and professionals who are most seasoned in dealing with lease agreements and put together a work group consisting of Wang Yu (Real Estate and Construction Engineering), Gao Meili (Corporate) and Ma Jiangtao (Dispute Resolution) amongst many other experienced lawyers who volunteered to contribute to this initiative. After two days of extra work over the weekend, the team developed an initial draft of comments. 

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee required all legislation in progress to solicit public opinions. For legal professionals particularly those who have handled a large number of disputes, it is of equal importance to have an open discussion with others about the draft. In the afternoon before the deadline (September 5), Liang Lanzhi organized a workshop where colleagues in Beijing office such as Xu Dang, Cui Guitai, Lin Licheng, Jiang Huan, Zhang Xinlei, Liu Shuhan and the like went through and shared their perspective on all 32 clauses of Article 16 (clause 293 to 324). The attendees drew comparisons from the German and French Civil Code and provided feedbacks on the initial draft. Where they cannot reach a consensus, two versions of the proposed revisions were made with the preferred one highlighted. Some young associates took a bold step to suggest deleting or combining certain clauses.

The final draft of the comments, together with a list of contributors, was submitted to All China Lawyers Association after the work group reflected on what had been discussed at the workshop and incorporated the proposed changes. Judges, scholars and lawyers from other law firms have also supported Dentons in this initiative.

Liang Lanzhi, Ma Jiangtao, Wang Yu, Gao Meili, Xu Dang, Cui Guitai, Jaing Huan, Lin Licheng, Zhang Xinlei, Liu Shuhan, Yang Furong, Gao Ying, Wu Libei, Cheng Ruomiao, Chen Xiaoxia, and Zhao Yiping (former judge).