Hong LIU, Director of Hylands Delivered a Chinese New Year Speech

Dear friends,

The new year is approaching. On behalf of more than 1000 lawyers and employees of Hylands Law Firm across the country, I would like to extend my sincere greetings and thanks to the leaders, customers, and friends from all walks of life who have always cared about and supported the development of Hylands!

In 2021, Hylands, by adhering to the leadership of the party, strengthened the work of party building to adapt to the new situation, adhered to the leadership of the party in the process of promoting the development of the firm, and steadily promoted the overall development of the firm. We have always actively participated in public welfare activities, and we urge the Hylands people to undertake social responsibilities. Hylands has participated in the following public welfare activities: participated in the Hylands Welfare, For You and Me  - Beijing Legal Aid Volunteer Service Program; donated to the Education Foundation of the China University of Political Science and Law; assisted in the development of training camps for lawyers in western China; assisted the China Red Cross Foundation providing with risk control and compliance - the case selected by the Rule of Law Daily as the typical case of lawyers' public welfare (social responsibility) – one among the ten cases that used innovative methods of participating in public welfare activities.

In 2021, Hylands adjusted the structure of the national board of directors, carried out management reforms, strengthened the construction of the middle office, and executed professional construction and integrated development. The firm further expanded the national business layout and set up new offices in Haikou, Tianjin, and Nanchang, and the construction of offices in Taiyuan, Zhengzhou, Kunming, Dalian, Xinjiang, Fuzhou, and Suzhou is in progress. We strive to improve the office environment, and completed the relocation of several offices or expanded the office area for many.

In 2021, Hylands welcomed more than 20 senior partners and many outstanding lawyer teams to join us. We have established the Young Lawyers Working Committee and launched the Forest Program (Young Partner Promotion Program) following the success of the Seeding Program aimed at strengthening the cultivation of young lawyers. We are determined to build a talent pool for the future development of the firm and always strive to position Hylands as a top law firm in China and in the world.

In 2021, with its excellent market reputation and solid professional capabilities, Hylands’ profit hit a record high. Many practice areas and partners of the firm were ranked in the list of international legal rating agencies, including Chambers and Legal Guide Partners, Asian Legal Business (ALB), Business Law, Asia Law Profiles, IFLR1000, LEGALBAND, and The Legal 500. With a focus on maintaining strength in the existing advantageous business, Hylands gradually builds strength in bankruptcy reorganization, investment funds, family wealth, customs and international trade, and other fields.

2021 is the third anniversary of Hylands C Orchestra. This is the first orchestra formed by a law firm. It can play different genres of music such as classical, rock, folk, etc.,  and was widely applauded for its performances on various occasions. This indicates that Hylands Law Firm not only pays attention to business development but also attaches great importance to the leisure and mental well-being of its employees.

2022 is the 25th anniversary of the foundation of Hylands. In the future, Hylands will continue to adhere to its customer-centric principle by taking professional ability cultivation as its core and systematic development as its foundation. By following the spirit of the time and industry trends we will strive to achieve a new height of development in the new era!

Finally, I wish you all a very happy Chinese New Year, good health, and happiness in the Year of the Tiger! Let us forge ahead together!

Hong LIU,

Director of Hylands Law Firm

January 31, 2022