Clarify the facts first, then discuss the choices.

I am Tian Rongzhe, currently a practicing attorney at Beijing Liang Gao (Shenzhen) Law Firm. Before becoming a lawyer, I spent 14 years in criminal investigation at a municipal People's Procuratorate and two years in disciplinary inspection and supervision work at a district Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision. I then served as a full-time attorney at Guangdong Jintang Law Firm and now at Liang Gao (Shenzhen) Law Firm.

Over these 16 years, my work has been largely the same: breaking down an unclear situation into verifiable facts. Who did what, when, and where; what written records exist; which funds moved from which account to which; and which statements contradict others. This work is rarely dramatic—most of it involves reviewing documents, building spreadsheets, and cross-checking details again and again.

Investigative work requires conclusions that withstand review, so I adopted a habit early on: never judge unverified matters. This discipline serves lawyers just as well—clients often bring circumstances, speculation, and fragments, while the case demands only what evidence can support.

Viewing the same issue from two roles reveals different perspectives. As an investigator, I seek the facts; as a defense attorney, I advocate for my client's rights and ensure their voice is heard within legal procedures. Having worked in both capacities, I know exactly where cases tend to stall and can better distinguish between sound arguments and self-deception.

Since 2021, I have focused primarily on criminal and duty-related offenses. This choice stems from both personal experience and the recognition that clients and their families in such cases often lack critical information: they don't know where their case stands procedurally, what should be said, or what materials to prepare. Clarifying these points is, in itself, a valuable service.

Cases of duty-related crimes typically involve multiple parties, numerous transactions, and extended timeframes. While offenses such as bribery (soliciting or accepting bribes), embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power, and dereliction of duty appear distinct on the surface, in practice, case files often reveal a complex interplay of fund flows, misuse of official authority, requests for favors, and subjective intent.

After taking on a case, my first step is rarely drafting a defense brief. Instead, I meticulously align timelines, fund flows, and documentary evidence line by line. The same amount may represent different types of transactions in various witness statements: a loan, a gift, investment dividends, or illicit benefits tied to official duties. These distinctions directly affect the nature of the offense and the sentencing outcome.

The second step is the procedural verification. Each stage—filing, detention, arrest, prosecution review, and court hearing—has specific timelines and associated rights. Families most often ask, "When can we see them?" and "How much longer?" While these questions have relatively clear answers, no one has systematically provided this information.

Strategy comes third. The value of mitigating circumstances—such as pleading guilty, returning illicit gains, surrendering, confessing, or providing meritorious service—varies significantly by case and cannot be generalized. We clearly outline the legal consequences, potential ranges, and risks associated with each option so that clients can make their own decisions. A defense attorney's role is to provide accurate judgment criteria, not to make life choices on behalf of the client.

I should also note: In duty crime cases, the scope for defense often lies in factual findings, evidence evaluation, and sentencing circumstances—not in overturning verdicts. Any promise of a specific outcome is unreliable. What a lawyer can do is maximize every viable point of contention.

Disciplinary and supervisory proceedings differ from criminal litigation, leaving many unprepared for their first encounter. Each stage—interviews, written inquiries, preliminary verification, and formal filing for investigation—has distinct characteristics and requires different response strategies.

For this type of matter, we provide support at the procedural and documentation levels: explaining the process, expected duration, and what parties can do at each stage; helping organize key arguments and verifying consistency of dates, amounts, and items in documents; and flagging potentially ambiguous phrasing.

One key point to clarify: we do not speak on behalf of the client, nor do we recommend concealing facts or coordinating testimonies. Truthfulness in statements is the fundamental principle at this stage; any attempt to embellish the facts often creates more serious complications in subsequent phases.

For families, the most practical need is information. We will address specific questions—such as when clothing can be delivered, whether communication is allowed, if legal counsel is needed, or whether funds should be returned—during our initial conversation. Any uncertainties will be clearly flagged rather than smoothed over with vague reassurances.

The first consultation typically lasts 1–1.5 hours. Please bring any available documents: notice, summons, detention or arrest warrant, contract, bank transfer records, chat logs, and emails. If you don't have documents yet, feel free to come anyway—just clearly share the timeline, involved parties, and amounts, and we'll take notes as we listen.

After our discussion, I will provide an initial assessment covering: the current stage of your case, available next steps, required additional materials, and how fees are calculated. The decision to proceed is entirely yours—we will not pressure you. If you choose not to retain us at this time, we will also outline specific actions you can take independently in the meantime.

After accepting the case, we proceed through key milestones: client meetings, file review, submission of legal opinions, applications to modify coercive measures, court hearings, and post-hearing follow-ups. At each stage, we provide timely updates on progress, including any adverse developments.

Criminal cases have strict timelines. The earlier you engage, the more can be done: early client meetings stabilize the situation and verify statements; during prosecution review, we can fully examine the file and submit opinions; at trial, we focus on evidence and sentencing. However, early engagement does not guarantee a specific outcome—I will make this clear in our first discussion.

Fees are charged according to the agreed standards, with receipts issued. Before engagement, we will clearly explain the fee breakdown, payment milestones, and potential additional expenses (e.g., travel, appraisal, photocopying). Any expansion of scope during the process will be approved by you first.

Case progress is synchronized by milestone. We do not exaggerate favorable circumstances or conceal unfavorable evidence. While some clients want to hear "no problem," I prefer to say, "This stage currently works against us; we plan to respond from this angle."

I do not recruit based on "connections" or "insider channels." Throughout my years of practice, I've seen too many cases where clients missed critical opportunities due to misplaced trust in such promises. The value of legal services lies in professional judgment and diligent execution within the proper procedures—any other claims simply don't hold up to scrutiny.

I also recognize that lawyers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. In some cases, where facts are clear and evidence is solid, the best outcome may be a lighter sentence rather than acquittal. In other disputes, negotiation or mediation may be more effective than litigation. When this is the case, I will be direct with you and offer alternative solutions.

Rongzhe Consulting operates by appointment only. I handle legal matters personally or collaborate with colleagues based on case type. For cross-disciplinary issues (e.g., tax, intellectual property, family law), we clarify in advance who will lead and how coordination will be managed—so you don't need to chase down contacts yourself.

The content on this website outlines our scope of services, processes, and boundaries. It does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. Legal consequences can vary significantly depending on the facts involved; therefore, formal opinions must be provided in writing after reviewing all relevant materials.

If you're facing criminal risks or need to understand the legal consequences of an action, start by scheduling a consultation. Bring your materials so we can clarify the facts and explore your options together.

To conclude: Legal proceedings have their own pace—too fast or too slow won't work. What we can do is ensure every task is completed thoroughly and every message is communicated clearly at each stage. As for the outcome, let it be decided by facts and law.