On July 18, 2026, the "Summer Movement · SHINE — Lvxin Media 2026 Lvxin Guide Awards Ceremony" was held in Beijing. The event marked the release of the Boutique Legal Services Brand Guide (2026), which covers nine practice areas. Following a comprehensive review of over 2,000 submissions, Lvxin Media announced its recommended "Brand Star Lawyers" and "Brand Influential Law Firms."

Watson & Band Law Offices was recognized as a Brand Influential Law Firm in three practice areas: Intellectual Property, Bankruptcy, and Family Law.

Additionally, two of the firm's attorneys received individual recognition:

• Mr. Xiaosu Zhu (Vice Chairman of the Management Committee and Senior Partner) was named "Brand Star — Leading Lawyer" in Bankruptcy.

• Ms. Yan Wu (Partner and Head of the Family Law & Wealth Management Department) was named "Brand Star — Craftsman Lawyer" in Family Law.

Strengthening Expertise Across Key Practice Areas

Intellectual Property: Full-Chain Legal Services

As one of China’s earliest firms qualified to handle foreign-related patent matters, Watson & Band has built a strong reputation in intellectual property. The firm is regularly ranked by directories such as Chambers, The Legal 500, and Asian Legal Business (ALB).

In litigation, Watson & Band has represented clients in several high-profile patent and trademark disputes. The firm also applies this dispute experience to its non-contentious practice, advising clients on patent and trademark prosecution, IP transactions, and portfolio management.

Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Liquidation: Decades of Practice

An early entrant in Shanghai's bankruptcy practice, Watson & Band has been listed as a Grade I administrator by the Shanghai High People's Court since 2014, with its status renewed in 2022 and 2025.

The firm's bankruptcy and liquidation team advises on complex corporate restructurings and debt reorganizations. Several of its cases have been selected as typical examples of business-environment optimization by regional courts. The team and its lead practitioners are consistently recognized by Chambers, China Business Law Journal, and LEGALBAND.

Family Law and Wealth Management: Empathy and Practical Solutions

Led by Ms. Yan Wu, the Family Law & Wealth Management Department advises on family disputes, marital property planning, estate administration, and wealth succession.

The firm has been repeatedly shortlisted for the ALB China Regional Legal Awards' "East China Wealth Management Law Firm of the Year." It is also included in the estate administrator directories of several Shanghai notary offices and the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau. Additionally, the team frequently provides public welfare lectures and designated guardianship services to support families with special-needs children.

"Brand Stars": Professional Recognition

Mr. Xiaosu Zhu: Bankruptcy Restructuring Specialist

Mr. Xiaosu Zhu, Vice Chairman of the firm's Management Committee and Senior Partner, has focused on bankruptcy and restructuring since the implementation of China's Enterprise Bankruptcy Law in 2007.

He has been named an Outstanding Young Lawyer in Shanghai and is consistently ranked by Chambers Greater China, LEGALBAND, and other directories for his restructuring and corporate commercial practice. Mr. Zhu continues to lead his team in resolving complex insolvency matters and supporting business recovery.

Ms. Yan Wu: Dedicated Family Law Practitioner

Ms. Yan Wu, Partner and Head of the Family Law & Wealth Management Department, specializes in family dispute resolution, estate planning, and wealth succession.

Ms. Wu focuses on delivering practical, tailored legal advice while supporting clients through sensitive transition periods. Her recognition as a "Brand Star — Craftsman Lawyer" reflects her dedication to high-quality service and clear client communication.

Looking Ahead

These awards reflect Watson & Band’s ongoing commitment to client service. Established in 1995, the firm has grown into a comprehensive legal and IP service group with offices across major domestic and international cities. Moving forward, Watson & Band will continue to strengthen its core practices to support clients and contribute to the development of the legal industry.