Troutman Sanders Shanghai office managing partner Edward Epstein focuses on mergers and acquisitions, real estate development and investment, antitrust issues and foreign direct investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

With more than 20 years of legal experience in China, Epstein has counseled numerous multinational companies and become a sought-after expert on Chinese law. He is the editor of Troutman Sanders’ monthly newsletter, China New Law Bulletin, which provides invaluable insight into China’s fast-changing legal landscape.

Epstein’s practice is evolving just as rapidly, and now includes advising companies on corporate and employment law, intellectual property rights and dispute resolution issues, particularly in service industries, such as retail, trading and distribution. He has extensive experience in handling real estate matters, complex land acquisition projects and advising clients on how their business structures can comply with China’s regulatory requirements. He also has represented foreign clients before the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.

Chambers Asia ranked Epstein as a leading lawyer in corporate/M&A in China and one of China’s top real estate lawyers, stating that he “has extensive experience in handling real estate matters in China, including development, investment, project financing and joint ventures – and clients commend his excellent drafting skills and strong understanding of Chinese culture and business practice.” Epstein is also recognized as one of the leading lawyers in Asia by Asia Law – Leading Lawyers in the areas of real estate, mergers and acquisitions, general corporate practice, and labor and employment law.

He also has been highly ranked by Asia Pacific Legal 500 in corporate/mergers and acquisitions and real estate in China. Epstein has received client accolades for designing strategies for investing and doing business in China, according to APL 500, and worked on several complex land acquisition projects that “required exceptional commercial acumen.”

Among the first western scholars to study law in China, Epstein is fluent in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese (as well as German). He received a B.A. and LL.B. from Australian National University, received an LL.M. from Columbia University, and is admitted to practice in Hong Kong, England and Australia.

Presentations and Speaking Engagements
"Downsizing During the Downturn", at The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, 28 April, 2009.

Selected Publications
"China Finance: Venture Capital and Private Equity Cleantech Fund Structures for China Investments," ACORE's US-China Quarterly Market Review, Summer 2011.

“RMB Funds in China,” November 2009.

“Concentration Review Filings Under China's Anti-Monopoly Law,” 30 June, 2009.

“Business in China? Here's Some Tips..." Atlanta Business Chronicle, 4 April, 2008.

“Understanding the Impact of China's New Labor Contract Law,” www.bizchinaupdate.com, September, 2007.

“Doing Business in China,” Chapters on Product Liability and Civil Law, 2006 & 2009.