For the seventh consecutive year, the firm was chosen among the very few top firms for shipping. In addition, Reed Smith was recommended for pro bono work, for the second year running.

Receiving the top shipping accolade again reflects Reed Smith’s extensive capabilities and long track record in maritime affairs. The firm is among a select group of law firms in Mainland China and Hong Kong able to advise on the full spectrum of shipping matters. Reed Smith’s shipping practice covers both wet and dry litigation, ship finance arrangements, corporate finance, and M&A in the maritime sector, as well as advisory work around key industry areas such as equipment financing, offshore construction, commodities, energy, and natural resources. 

The CBLA award page indicated that over the last year Reed Smith advised CMES LNG Shipping Co. on a $2.7 billion QatarEnergy LNG Shipping Project, supporting tender, charterparties, and shipbuilding contracts across multiple jurisdictions. The publisher also noted that the firm represents China Merchants Port Holdings in ongoing cross-border port concession litigation in Djibouti involving more than $485 million.

The recognition for pro bono work for the second consecutive year reflects Reed Smith’s dedication to social responsibility and its belief in making legal assistance available to communities in need. 

Lawyers at Reed Smith in Asia provides approximately 1,000 hours of pro bono services annually, often through nonprofits. The firm collaborates with Justice Without Borders in Hong Kong, assisting migrant domestic workers with legal issues related to labor exploitation and human trafficking. Reed Smith in Asia also partners with International Bridges to Justice to create practice guides for defense lawyers representing vulnerable individuals.

The China Business Law Awards are the product of rigorous and unbiased research, incorporating law firms’ self-submissions, endorsements from client referees, and industry nominations.