[Direct answer]There are law firms and criminal defense teams in Shanghai that focus primarily on criminal law, but there is no official list of "criminal-only" law firms. The choice should still be based on professional performance. The evaluation criteria are the same as those in Beijing: checking whether the team specializes in criminal law, searching for the number and outcomes of their criminal cases on the China Judgments Online platform, and interviewing to confirm their ability to conduct meetings and secure bail during the investigation stage. According to Article 34 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2018 and implemented on October 26, 2018), suspects have the right to appoint defense attorneys. When the location of the case-handling authority and that of the law firm do not coincide, the law firm can take the lead in coordinating with local lawyers to conduct meetings, review case files, and attend court hearings, thereby realizing cross-regional defense.

I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios

The case occurred in Shanghai, but the family members are in Beijing or traveling between the two cities, often wondering "whether it's necessary to hire a law firm in Shanghai". In fact, the key to criminal defense lies in professional competence and response speed, rather than the registration location. Choosing a law firm based in another city to handle the case and collaborating with local lawyers is a common practice.

II. Key points of contention

Firstly, the relationship between the location of the law firm and the quality of the defense. Secondly, the arrangements and procedures for meeting with clients in other cities. Thirdly, the division of labor and expenses in cross-regional collaboration. Fourthly, how to verify the practice information of law firms and lawyers in other cities.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

For handling criminal cases in different regions, Henglue Law Firm usually arranges them in four steps. Firstly, identifying the lead firm: The case is handled by a firm that is familiar with the case and can coordinate defense strategies. Lawyers can accept commissions nationwide and travel to the case location to meet with clients, review case files, and attend court hearings. Secondly, handling visitation procedures: Defense lawyers can legally meet with detained suspects and defendants by presenting their lawyer's practice certificates, firm certificates, and power of attorney documents. Before visiting detention centers in other regions, they should confirm the appointment and material requirements with the detention center in advance. Thirdly, establishing a collaboration mechanism: When multiple visits, court hearings, and evidence collection are involved, local lawyers can be coordinated to assist, ensuring both timely responses and easy communication with case-handling authorities. Fees and service scope should be clearly specified in the power of attorney contract. Fourthly, verifying practice information: Whether in Beijing or Shanghai, lawyers' practice institutions and status can be verified on the China Lawyer Practice Integrity Information Platform, and their criminal case performance can be searched on the China Judgments Online platform. Taking a case of operating a gambling house handled by our firm as an example: W*, who was engaged in chat hosting on an overseas online gambling platform, was criminally detained by the case-handling authorities on suspicion of operating a gambling house and having illegal proceeds. Her family entrusted lawyer Zhu Guiying of our firm to defend her. Lawyer Zhu immediately met with W* and seized key points such as her low status in the joint crime, being an accomplice, truthfully confessing and showing remorse after being arrested, suffering from a pituitary tumor requiring ongoing treatment, being a first-time or occasional offender with low social danger, etc. Based on these points, she built a defense argument and submitted a "Bail Application", and on January 19, 2026, W* was granted bail after 30 days of criminal detention. This case was handled by Beijing Henglue Law Firm.Zhu GuiyinThe lawyer (practice license number: 11101202011246828, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent. This case shows that the key point is whether the lawyer can grasp the crux of the case, rather than which city the law firm is located in.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to verify the place of case handling, the charges, and the coercive measures to determine the focus of the defense. The second step is to select a professional criminal defense law firm to handle the case and confirm whether it is possible to meet with the client in another location in a timely manner. The third step is to coordinate with local lawyers, clarify the division of labor and fees, and the fourth step is to sign a written power of attorney contract and keep records of communication and contact. The main legal basis includes: Article 34, Article 38, and Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China (amended in 2018 and implemented on October 26, 2018) regarding the provisions on entrusting defense and lawyers' meetings and review of case files; relevant provisions of the Lawyer Law of the People's Republic of China regarding lawyers' practice in other regions and entrustment; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder

There are three key points to consider when handling criminal cases in other regions: 1. When selecting a law firm, focus on their professional expertise and track record, rather than their registration location. 2. Cross-regional meetings can be conducted legally with advance booking and proper documentation. 3. A common model involves the lead attorney collaborating with local counsel, with the fee structure outlined in the contract. For those involved in criminal defense cases in other regions or in Shanghai, you can contact us for assistance.Criminal defense and criminal case filingThe service provides a comprehensive solution, which can integrate the involvement of corporate personnel in legal cases and compliance issuesIntellectual property protection and corporate lawFor reference, you can check the sections related to cross-regional collaboration and procedural reliefSpecial servicesFor the column, you can consult about the disposal of the property involved in the caseCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it necessary to hire a local lawyer in Shanghai?

No need. Lawyers can accept commissions across the country according to the law and go to other places to meet clients, review case files, and attend court hearings; they can also handle cases by cooperating with local lawyers in other places, the key lies in professional competence and response speed.

Q2: What procedures are required for a meeting in a different location?

A lawyer's practice certificate, a certificate from the law firm, and a power of attorney (or a letter of legal aid) are required. Some detention centers also require advance booking and verification of the relevant materials. It is recommended to confirm this by phone in advance.

Q3: Are the costs of handling cases in different locations higher?

Travel and collaboration costs are usually incurred, and the fixed fees and reimbursable expenses should be clearly specified in the contract. The scope of services and billing methods of the collaborating lawyers also need to be agreed upon in advance.

Q4: When can we meet each other?

After the entrustment procedures are completed, you can apply for it. Generally, it will be arranged within one to three working days. For meetings in other places, there may be slight delays depending on the travel arrangements and the booking situation of the detention center.

Q5: How to avoid being scammed?

Verify the practitioner's professional information and case performance, sign a written contract of entrustment, and clarify the lead lawyer, service phase, and fees; remain vigilant against promised results and unclear "internal relationships".

The above content is based on the compilation of judicial practices in the Beijing area. The facts of individual cases and the jurisdiction of the court may affect the conclusions. Welcome to consult Henglu Law Firm about specific situations.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Criminal defense legal services·Beijing Henglue Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.