How to: hire your first in-house lawyer in China

September 7, 2023

Why recruit your first lawyer in China?

There are numerous reasons a company decides to recruit their first in-house lawyer in China. Traditionally the key driver was to reduce reliance on external law firms and the associated costs of briefing work out. However, the intangible aspects of bringing legal work in-house as well as heightened corporate governance and regular changes to local regulations are now often the main consideration for companies.

Our guide provides insights into how to hire your first in-house lawyer and gives answers to questions like:

  • When is the best time to recruit an in-house lawyer?
  • What is the role of an in-house lawyer?
  • What type of lawyer should you recruit?
  • Who should your first lawyer report to?

Download

Heidy's Jobs

See all jobs
  • Leisure/travel
  • Fixed term contract

Head of Legal – Commercial & Regulatory

Head of Legal – Regulatory/Commercial (12-Month FTC) Location: London (hybrid) Salary: £110,000-£120,000 + bonus + benefits Contract: 12-month fixed term (maternity cover) Start: ASAP About the Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior legal professional to step into a strategic leadership role within a fast-growing, international technology-led business operating across Europe. This organisation […]
  • Posted Posted 1 day ago

Read more
  • Manufacturing
  • Permanent

Manager – Corporate Risk

This role oversees workers compensation claims, insurance placement, loss analysis, and contract review across a multinational footprint. You’ll collaborate with internal teams and external partners to manage total cost of risk and ensure alignment with business goals. What You’ll Do Lead oversight of U.S. workers compensation claims (litigated and non-litigated) Manage RMIS systems and produce […]
  • Salary USD125000 – USD145000 per annum
  • Posted Posted 3 days ago

Read more
  • Financial services (in-house)
  • Permanent

VP Lead Auditor

A global investment bank is looking to add a VP – Lead Internal Auditor to their team. This bank prides itself of employee satisfaction and strong work-life balance. Requirements 6-10+ years of experience of proven Investment Banking or Corporate Banking experience leading internal audits from start to finish in a 2LOD regulatory reporting function Internal […]
  • Posted Posted 3 days ago

Read more
  • Real estate (in-house)
  • Permanent

In-House Associate / AVP Attorney (Closing Group)

Representing a national, $30B+ real estate investment platform with a growing, multi‑office U.S. presence, we are proud to be leading the search for an Associate or Associate Vice President Attorney in their Closing Group. This newly created role will support the execution of commercial real estate debt and equity transactions, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and operational […]
  • Salary USD120000 – USD180000 per annum + Bonus
  • Posted Posted 3 days ago

Read more
  • Real estate (in-house)
  • Permanent

Vice President, Real Estate Counsel

Representing a publicly traded real estate investment trust, we are proud to be leading the search for a Vice President, Real Estate Counsel. This newly created role will lead legal support across leasing, operations, acquisitions, and strategic real estate transactions. This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to influence legal strategy, partner closely with […]
  • Salary USD280000 – USD345000 per annum + Bonus, RSUs
  • Posted Posted 3 days ago

Read more
  • Manufacturing
  • Fixed term contract

Part-time/Interim Senior Legal Counse

Interim Legal Counsel (EMEA) – Part-Time (3 Days) £60,000 (3 days) | 6-month FTC | Fully remote with occasional travel We are working with a high-growth, private equity-backed international business seeking an experienced Interim Senior Legal Counsel to support its EMEA operations. This is a senior, hands-on role within a lean legal team, offering broad […]
  • Posted Posted 3 days ago

Read more

Featured Content

See all news
Smiling young woman using laptop, sitting on couch at home

How to build a career in legal operations

  • Posted June 18, 2026
Contents Key insights Legal operations is one of the most interesting career paths in in-house legal today because it sits at the point where legal advice, business strategy, technology and process improvement all meet. For junior professionals, that makes it a particularly strong route into a long-term in-house legal career. You do not need to […]
Young woman working at home. She is sitting at the desk in the home office and looking at a laptop

How Ontario’s pay transparency legislation is changing legal recruitment

  • Posted June 16, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Ontario’s new pay transparency requirements are set to change more than just job postings. For organizations investing in in-house legal recruitment, they are likely to influence hiring processes, candidate expectations and compensation conversations across the province.  Introduced through the Working for Workers Four Act (Bill 149), the legislation requires Ontario employers to include a salary range or range […]
Groups of young men and women sitting at tables in coworking office environment and discussing small business plans and projects.

The modern GC: culture, conduct and the judgement no one trains you for

  • Posted June 11, 2026
Contents Key insights The role of the general counsel is evolving in ways that are not always captured in formal job descriptions. While much attention has been given to the expanding scope of the role and the increasing regulatory burden, the more fundamental shift is subtler. Many of the most challenging aspects of being a […]