In 2012, we at Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers (SML) embarked on a bold yet calculated opportunity. Frank Sabelberg and I were introduced by one of our good friend who is an Australian law Professor and of Chinese descent to an alumnus of his previous Chinese law university colleagues from yesteryear that have now become some of the key partners of the largest law firms throughout China. From 2012 up until today, we find ourselves in a very unique position where SML are now the Australian representative firm in the esteemed Grand Compass Law Alliance of China, we work closely with the Law Bar Associations of differing provinces throughout China and are in agreement with the largest law firm in the world, Dentons. We have established offices in both Nanjing and in Shanghai and have formed strong association with successful Australian entities in DFK Nugents, LJ Hooker and Everich. We also work closely with both the Victorian State Government in China and respective Australian local councils that also have a footprint in China.
It’s been a slow burn. A slow but steady incline. A rightful approach with a culture that is building friendships and trust is paramount.
When you think of China, you think of a country that is steeped in a rich tradition, you think of a population of over 1.2 billion people and you think of a country that has the second largest economy in the world by both nominal total GDP and purchasing power parity. It is a country that is full of opportunity for the right investment. An investment opportunity that is both respectful and profitable. Although it was a risk for a local Australian law firm to follow this path, it was indeed a calculated one that is now reaping great benefit.
With the great potential that we saw from our initial fact finding missions into China, we saw that the only way we could succeed is to provide a multi-faceted offering to our contacts that would encompass all things Australian. A joint venture of SML, DFK Nugents, Everich and LJ Hooker was our answer. We together formed the company, Australia Project China (APC). APC showcases Australia and all its potential to our unique network in China. We provide Australian professional services, be it legal, migration, financial, tax, property, business opportunities to those in China that are interested in positively contributing to our beautiful country. Our close APC team see enormous potential not only for the Chinese investor but also for Australian investment holders, and it is this thought that inspired us to create one of the most unique Australian offering to the Chinese investor.
In the past five years, APC with the support from local and state governments, have targeted key Chinese law firms and Chinese DFK Accounting firms with clients who are focused on foreign investments. With our offices in China, our network and relationships are now at a point where we are now seen to be one of the front runners in China for those interested in Australia. We have created a unique penetration into a recognised market utilising trusted professional advisors.
Our objective is to advise and facilitate foreign direct investment projects for existing clients from our alliance partners. We are offering the vision of the Australian lifestyle and dream to thousands of Chinese investors. It’s about experiencing what it is to be part of an Australian community, which is why there is such a high interest from not only private enterprise but also government departments and key political figures. We have managed to create a hype of activity that will bring our two nations harmoniously together in meaningful and mutually beneficial interests.
As highlighted above, the joint venture is beneficial to all; DFK Nugents facilitates the financial and tax requirements of foreign direct investment and SML facilitating the legal and migration requirements. LJ Hooker facilitates all property related advice and services. APC can provide up to the minute advice between China and Melbourne offices if the client’s business has cross border interests or requirements.
Collectively, our team comprises of experienced professionals who speak both Mandarin and Cantonese and importantly have the skills and expertise in representing many clients from China.
We have two local Chinese Lawyers working exclusively with us on our China-Australia Migration & Investment Project. We regularly travel to China up to four times a year to exclusively promote APC Portfolio. Chinese lawyers frequently visit us as part of their commitment to the success of the portfolio and distribute the portfolio amongst their top tier investor clientele.
Partnering with at least fifteen accounting firms and law firms across China, and headquartered in the CBD of Melbourne, Australia and Shanghai in China, the Australia Project China team is your best option if you wish to take advantage of the unique opportunities that Australia has to offer, as both an addition to your investment portfolio and a destination.
Our services include commercial projects investment, residential property services, legal, immigration, wealth management, accounting and taxation services.
SML is a well-established law firm based in Melbourne CBD with offices in Sydney, NSW and in Shanghai, China, with close to 40 years of experience in the law. SML over the years has gained an excellent reputation for professionalism and personable staff. Our underlying commitment in practicing law is to ensure ethical behaviour and leaving the client satisfied with our work. This core commitment has extended to forming trusting and longstanding relationships with valued clients and a conscious obligation and duty to society.
Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers has a strong team of 30 professionals and has won immigration law firm of the year for the past three years. We are one of the largest firms in Australia that specialises in immigration law and is recognised by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship through its contract with IAAAS.
Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers practice in other areas of law such as commercial law, intellectual property, real estate and construction law, family law, banking and finance, international trade, wills & estate, labour & employment law and government & administrative.
We are proud members of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, Migration Institute of Australia, Law Council of Australia, Law Institute of Victoria, Supreme Court of Victoria, High Court of Australia and Immigration Law Australasian Association. SML are experienced in representing large overseas corporate entities transitioning into Australia via direct foreign investments.
Sabelberg Morcos Lawyers possess not only a strong record of success for their clients through excellence and experience, but also a warm environment created by talented and empathetic staff. SML’s positive attitude has established the groundwork for a fighting and resilient spirit in tackling matters in key complex matters. This unique mentality has proven wide ranging successes for their clients who SML call their partners.
We pride on our community engagement.
DFK Nugents’ highly qualified and experienced team works together under a shared set of values. Its practice is built around these shared values, and, together, they have been helping our clients take control of their financial future since 1963. Managing Partner Gary Nugent has been involved with the Practice since 1982, Chris Belleville and Charles Knight joining in 2008 along with Dario Gamba who joined the firm in 2015.
Nugents are a niche firm relishing the obscurity of size, yet with the resource and capacity to provide its clients with a wide range of services according to their needs.
Nugent’s objective is not to be “all things to all people” but rather an integral part of its client’s operations to provide specific, timely and serious results. Their own perception of value is built into our focus on strong and involved relationships with our clients as well as timely, proactive and thoughtful advice.
Nugent’s key goals are as follows:
To build on our established reputation and capacity of a firm being able to deliver the services comparable to larger practices. Whilst at the same time benefiting our clients with lower charge rates compared to the “big 4 end of town”.
To create value outcomes for its clients and staff by developing and delivering expertise and diligence in all we do.
Develop key strategic relationships to address the whole process of Clients needs, now and into the future and to manage that network to be leading edge.
To acknowledge its social responsibilities to the broader community and look to involve its efforts and resource to help those who are less able or in need.
To create an environment where fun and success are harmonious.
LJ Hooker City Residential is situated right in the heart of the city of Melbourne with a dynamic team that has been carefully selected for the extensive skills and knowledge in the real estate industry.
With a combined 83 years of experience, LJ Hooker offers its clients expert advice and service, which means whether you are looking to buy, sell, rent or just plain advice, you don’t need to look any further.
LJ Hooker City Residential are ideally located to keep its finger on the pulse of Melbourne CIty, Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda Rd and surrounding suburbs. It prides itself on the friendly atmosphere of the office, where customers are encouraged to drop in for a visit and a cup of coffee at any time.
LJ Hooker City Residential have created a database to cater for the local, interstate and international buyers and sellers who are constantly kept up to date by keeping in touch with the latest technology and unique routine email reports highlighting all activity. This winning combination made us one of the leading real estate agencies in Melbourne City and its result always exceeding our client’s expectations.
The wealth, knowledge and integrity is reflected by highly awarded sales team with the team culture of the business in one that is nurturing and also self sufficient with positive CAN DO attitudes focus on achieving the best result for our client in the shortest amount of time through commitment, passion and a clear understanding of needs.
When comes to looking after your investment property – The dedicated property management service providing personalized and professional services to local and International landlords, they pride themselves on providing an outstanding service to their clients and aim to ease the apprehension of leasing and manage investment property. Owning a property can be overwhelming at times and this is where the property management team at LJ Hooker City Residential comes in. They will be able to treat your rental property like it is their own.
When I was in Shanghai on my last trip in November 2017, after a long day in back to back meetings, we thought it be good to have a night cap at the landmark Peace Hotel. This hotel has historically served as a glamorous playground, where every night was an extravagant gala event and veritable shows have taken place since the turn of the 20th century. We were directed into the esteemed Peace Jazz Bar, Shanghai’s premier and legendary destination for jazz. We were treated to the soft soothing music of the Shanghai Old Jazz Band which was recently recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest band in the world that continues to perform. This band have been doing what they love to do together and playing their music to people from all over the world since 1949. Such an inspiration.
At that moment, it was as clear as day for me.
Looking at APC’s formidable team, I can’t help but draw upon the analogy of a jazz band; a ‘team’ of 3-12 musicians. Each musician is talented in their own right, but, when supported by their peers, are much greater as a whole. Within the combo, each musician provides an individual skill and is given their moment to shine, supported by the other members.
Why should it be any different in our working lives? The traditional view is that law firms work independently from other professional service.
In my time as a lawyer, particularly over the past three years, I have seen more law firms consolidate with other professions to form the ultimate ‘jazz band’.
THE APC is our jazz band. It would be best to describe ourselves as a group of successful Australian professionals, contributing their individual resources, knowledge and skills but working together to achieve a common goal/task and that is to support foreign investors fulfilling their dreams and aspirations in Australia. It’s a shared purpose and shared motivation.
Let’s hope we can go on together for the next 50 years!
If you are interested to know more about our work in China or are seeking an investor from abroad, please call us on (03) 9670 4033 for a no obligation discussion followed by a meeting at our office.
