Golden Years in the World of Film and Television

"Sister Jiayi, you came in making a fuss and asked me to solve the problem. Can you please tell me calmly what you want to do?

I helped you win the lawsuit, but you refused to pay the lawyer's fees and blocked my and Assistant He's calls. You also didn't answer the law firm's landline. In this case, I can only protect the interests of the law firm and me through legal means. Is there anything wrong with that?

"Besides, I'm your attorney. Why did you come to our director's office and make a scene? Your behavior is totally unreasonable!"

"What do you think I want to do? It's because your charges are unreasonable. Your director was the one who received me that day. Who else should I ask if not him? After all, he's your boss and has an obligation to keep you in good stead!"

After saying that, Qiu Jiayi pushed open the door of Han Tao's office again, yelled at Han Tao, and asked him to come out:

"You are Luo Yun's leader. Your charges are unreasonable. You must give me an explanation, otherwise I will never let you go today!"

Hearing this, Han Tao put down the documents in his hand, walked to the door, looked at Qiu Jiayi and said, "Ms. Qiu, I told you before signing the agreement that our legal fees are very high, but you agreed.

At that time, you contacted many law firms, but no one took the case, so you accepted the questions I raised voluntarily and no one forced you.

We did win your lawsuit and you received $12 million in compensation. Do you think it's appropriate for you to not only refuse to pay the lawyer's fees but also to cause trouble?"

Hearing this, Qiu Jiayi said slyly, "I agree, but..."

"Since you admit it, then there's nothing to worry about!"

Han Tao interrupted her defense and issued an ultimatum: "Now I give you two choices. One is to pay the lawyer's fees and apologize immediately, or wait for the trial!"

When Qiu Jiayi heard this, she was a little hesitant. Although she was shouting fiercely, she was actually very scared. If she was really right, she would not have come over to make trouble.

At that time, her case was indeed referred to many lawyers, but no one was willing to take it, or the chance of winning was slim. Only Luo Yun, frustrated by his own annoyance, took her to find Han Tao.

Although she won the case and helped her recover an unexpected amount of money, there was one thing she could not accept. That was that Luo Yun won the case with just a few words in court, but wanted to charge her 1.8 million in legal fees. How could she be willing to accept this?

But she never expected that she would be sued by the lawyer in the quilt. She was stunned when she received the call from the court. They also said that the property preservation had frozen the funds in her account and that she could not get out of the situation.

This made Qiu Jiayi fall into fear and anger. She then consulted again, but all the lawyers knew that she was being sued for owing legal fees, and they refused to accept her case or even accepted her. So she realized the seriousness of the problem.

Finally, hoping for luck, after repeated calculations, she decided to come here and make a scene first, to see if she could get some less legal fees.

Han Tao had long seen through her thoughts and didn't give her a chance to continue to make trouble. He continued, "Of course, I'm just kindly reminding Ms. Qiu that you should go to the law firm's finance department to pay the full fee now. I can pretend that nothing happened.

If you still have this attitude, or refuse to pay as before, it will not only be a matter of attorney fees, but also a series of other fees and credit problems may arise. "

“This…this…how could this happen!?”

Qiu Jiayi was a little at a loss, especially after hearing Han Tao's later words. In the end, she hesitated for a long time and didn't say anything.

Seeing that the matter was basically settled and not wanting to make a big deal out of it, Luo Yun gave her a way out and said, "Sister Jiayi, I know you must not understand, so you acted impulsively. Now that you know the interests involved, you won't be confused anymore. I'll accompany you to pay the fee. There are some documents that need your signature!"

"Oh, okay, okay, I really don't understand these things. I just acted impulsively when others tried to trick me!"

Qiu Jiayi forced a smile and then followed Luo Yun to the finance department. Although she was reluctant, she still paid the lawyer's fees happily.

However, because of this little episode, Director Li Gongming made a special phone call to inquire and expressed his concerns. He felt that although the money was recovered, it would affect the reputation of the law firm. After all, there were law firms that sued their own clients, but the final result was not worth the loss.

Hearing this, Han Tao smiled and explained the situation to him, and also told him the nature of the case. After all, it was not a commercial case, and the client was not an enterprise or a large company. It was just a divorce case, and the parties involved had no ability to influence public opinion.

Besides, he was just trying to scare her. Han Tao had a good relationship with Director Fang from the case filing court, so they were willing to help. Otherwise, Qiu Jiayi wouldn't have received the call so quickly.

After hearing Han Tao's explanation, Li Gongming finally put his worries aside. The two then talked about the future development of the law firm, agreed to meet in the afternoon to discuss Han Tao's succession, and ended the call.

...............

At the same time, in a group of chief lawyers' offices, Bai Ning walked towards her master with a smile. Tang Ying looked up at her:

"What's wrong? You're laughing so happily!"

"Master, you didn't see it just now. Director Han's apprentice Luo Yun is so funny. I don't know where he found a case, and although he won the lawsuit, the client actually planned to default on the debt!"

Tang Ying put down the pen in her hand, frowned and asked, "Every law firm will encounter this kind of thing. What's so funny?"

Hearing Director Tang's words, Bai Ning suppressed his laughter and told her what had happened, and then gloated:

"What do you think of these people in Group 2? They actually sued their own client. Although they paid the 1.8 million yuan in legal fees after Director Han's reprimand, suing their own client is not a good reputation!"

"One million and eight hundred thousand in legal fees? I've been trying to retain an old client lately. Didn't I know divorce cases were that lucrative?"

The amount that Bai Ning mentioned surprised Tang Ying, the deputy director. Even a junior partner lawyer might not earn as much as he did from this one case after handling multiple cases. After all, Luo Yun was not a well-known lawyer, and even if he was Han Tao's apprentice, he couldn't be so awesome.

Bai Ning also reacted and curled his lips and said, "Otherwise, why would they come here to make trouble? The fee is 15%. Luo Yun achieved this result in her first case. It's obvious that Director Han helped her build momentum. It's really easy to get things done with someone in the court.

Wasn't it the same before when Miss Chen had Director Chen to follow? She could get any good case. If Director Chen got into trouble, Team 2 would have collapsed, but we can finally turn things around.

Unexpectedly, now that Group 2 has Director Han, it’s even better than before. How could God favor her, Chen Ran, so much? "

Knowing what her apprentice was thinking and that the attorney fees for this ordinary lawsuit would be something that 80% of lawyers would envy, Tang Ying still hoped that she could expand her horizons, especially when the law firm was facing major changes.

So Tang Ying, thinking of this, could only remind him: "Bai Ning, do you think I am praising you for being smart, or am I saying that you are too smart?"

"Master, what do you mean by this? I don't quite understand."

Looking at Bai Ning's expression, Tang Ying said patiently, "Don't you understand? The law firm is about to undergo a major change. The probability of Han Tao becoming the director is 99%.

So, don’t always focus on Group 2. Gradually learn to not fight for a small area, but to have a big picture view.

I know you want to compete for the position of Senior Associate, and Senior Associate is the best outcome for a lawyer, but now is not the right time for you to participate. The promotion plan for Group Two shows that there will be major reforms to the law firm system in the future."

"But Master, if I don't fight for it now, it will be even harder in the future. So I hope you can help me fight for it. You have the privilege!"

"Bai Ning, I hope you can do the right thing at the right time. Obviously, your current condition is not suitable for promotion to senior partner, and it is meaningless for you to compare yourself with Chen Ran in every aspect.

What you need to do now is to maintain your own clients, and then I will give you more cases. After the law firm changes are completed, you can get the position you want with your outstanding performance."

"Master, I understand what you mean...but..."

"No buts. You don't have the ability to be promoted yet. Go ahead and get busy. I'll send you some information and you can fight for it yourself!"

After saying that, Tang Ying waved her hand and continued to work. Bai Ning's abilities were indeed good, but his temperament and vision were not broad enough. Therefore, as his master, she least wanted to see Bai Ning's bright future ruined by his competitiveness and jealousy.

As the saying goes, "Small victories rely on intelligence, big victories rely on virtue." Whether you are a senior partner or a manager, the biggest difference is that you not only need to have strong business capabilities, but also need to have the responsibility of leading the team to achieve collective success and guiding the direction of organizational development.

The higher the position of senior management, the more magnanimous and tolerant one needs to be. Bai Ning's personality makes her a good lawyer, but not a good leader. If she becomes a senior associate, the law firm will inevitably be caught up in a stronger power struggle, and this internal friction will consume the overall interests of the company.

………………

Chapter 498 Xu Jie Returns to China and Takes Over the Ming Hall

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Xu Jie had already gotten off the plane at Shanghai International Airport and was quickly taken back to the law firm by Yang Dongxu and his men.

After meeting, Han Tao frowned as he listened to her talk about yesterday's experience and some details of the investigation.

At this moment, Han Tao couldn't help but sigh that his previous worries were correct. The things Xu Jie got this time were too wide-ranging, so some people chose to take risks. If it weren't for the protection of Wang Yadong and others, she might have been kidnapped.

The reason why Wang Yadong stayed there was to investigate and find out which force was responsible so that Han Tao could make the next move. This kind of enemy must be eradicated completely and they must not be given the opportunity to attack again.

Perhaps because she felt more at ease after returning to her country, Xu Jie no longer seemed to be as afraid and uncomfortable as she had been in Country Y. However, she was quite frightened this time, so Han Tao planned to let her rest for a while.

"Okay, leave the rest to me. You'll be credited with the first merit in this case, but don't rush back to work. I'll give you a short vacation so you can have a good rest. Come back when you're feeling better."

Hearing Han Tao's words, Xu Jie nodded and said, "Okay, I've been traveling around overseas recently, so I do plan to take a few days off. But if Lian Chuang's case goes to court, please call me. I want to go to court with you!"

"No problem, I'll call you then!"

Han Tao nodded in agreement, then wrote a list and handed it to her, continuing, "There have been recent management changes in Group 2, and they'll be implemented throughout the entire law firm soon. So, go to the Administration Department first before going home. I'll be there to welcome you tonight!"

"Well, I've been mentally strained these past two days. I'm going back to sleep. Don't call me about anything before dinner. I'm leaving!"

After saying that, Xu Jie walked out of Han Tao's office in a hurry with her long legs, went directly to the administrative department, changed her business trip status to vacation, and was then sent home by Yang Dongxu.

........................

After Xu Jie left, Han Tao answered a phone call, then sorted out the documents on the table, got up and left his office, and came to Li Gongming's office accompanied by Wendy.

Seeing the two coming, Li Gongming asked them to sit down and started to make tea. After a series of smooth operations, Han Tao and Wendy took the teacups.

It's true that Li Gongming's craftsmanship is quite good. The tea crystal is translucent and exudes a fresh fragrance. So Han Tao took a sip before putting down the teacup and speaking:

"Director Li, I won't beat around the bush. I understand your situation. If you continue to put so much effort into it, it will be very detrimental to your condition.

Moreover, the customers of Groups 1 and 3 are all leaving, and none of the big customers of Group 2 are left. Director Tang has also received many invitations from Chengtai.

If these turmoil cannot be stabilized as soon as possible, the foundation of Mingtang for thirty years will inevitably be destroyed."

Li Gongming nodded and said with some embarrassment, "I understand all this, otherwise I wouldn't be so anxious to let you take over the director position. Especially regarding Director Tang's issue, I mean we must keep her, otherwise she will take away many important clients and lawyers!"

Han Tao was silent for a moment, thinking about the time when Wendy had talked to him before and he probably understood her concerns. So he said:

"Director Li, why don't you just invite Director Tang over? We can talk and see what she thinks so we can prescribe the right remedy. After all, she's very important to Mingtang, and if she leaves, it'll be a loss!"

Hearing Han Tao's words, Li Gongming nodded, then called his apprentice Song Xiu and said, "Go and ask Director Tang to come and tell her that Director Han and I are waiting for her here."

Song Xiu had just run into Xu Jie who was walking out of the law firm, so he was a little absent-minded at the moment. When Xu Jie first came to Shanghai, she was taken to the police station for meddling in other people's business in a bar, and it was he who picked her up. He fell in love with Xu Jie at first sight.

Unfortunately, Xu Jie didn't pay much attention to him since that day. She was later transferred to Group 2 and went on a business trip abroad. He didn't have the chance to have much contact with her, and he was worried for a while.

Seeing his disciple's absent-minded look, Li Gongming angrily scolded him, "Song Xiu, Song Xiu, what are you daydreaming about? Hurry up and go!"

"Oh, okay Master, I'll go right away!"

Song Xiu finally reacted and nodded, then touched his head and smiled, then ran out somewhat embarrassedly.

Seeing his silly look, Li Gongming looked at Han Tao and Wendy awkwardly and said, "I'm sorry to bother you. My disciple is a bit silly, don't mind."

Unexpectedly, Li Gongming would say that. Han Tao smiled helplessly and said, "No, Lawyer Song is quite good. I heard that he does a good job in legal aid and popularizing the law. He'll be fine once he's trained. You can try to let him take over some less difficult cases!"

"This guy is so simple-minded and helpful, so I'm really worried about letting him take on cases on his own. In fact, those who graduated in the same year as him have already been regular lawyers.

But Song Xiu has never been able to do it. He lacks social experience. Once I give him a case, this guy is likely to fall into someone else's trap. I guess it will take some time for him to accumulate experience!"

Li Gongming shook his head helplessly. Given his situation, he no longer had time to train this apprentice.

Fortunately, Han Tao’s new system is good. Even if Song Xiu’s personality is not suitable for taking on big cases, he is still a good public interest lawyer.

As they were talking, Song Xiu had already walked into the office with Tang Ying, the chief lawyer of the group. Li Gongming and Han Tao both stood up and greeted them, and the latter responded politely.

Wendy on the side also greeted politely, then gestured to Song Xiu, who was still standing stupidly in the room, to go out with her and give the space to the three bosses.

After the two left, Li Gongming poured tea for Han Tao and Tang Ying, and then said directly:

"Director Tang, I asked you to come here this time because I wanted to discuss Director Han taking over my job. If you have any concerns or ideas, please share them so we can discuss it together!"

Tang Ying pondered for a moment and said, "Director Li, I have no objection to Director Han taking over your position, but I heard that Director Han is already working on acquiring other law firms. I'm wondering if the firm will remain the same after Director Han takes over? What changes will there be for us partners?"

Han Tao took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Don't worry about that, Director Tang. The merger is mainly based on reputation. The current situation will not change significantly. Some of the staff of the acquired other law firms will be added to the headquarters, and the rest will exist as branches. This will not affect the interests of the old heroes in any way."

Tang Ying nodded and continued, "I heard that Group 2 has begun to reform and will be regrouped according to different fields. So, what arrangements have Director Han made for me and Director Li?"

"You're aware of Director Li's health. He will serve as a founding partner and consultant to the law firm, but he won't be responsible for specific work. You and I, along with two other future senior partners, will form the highest leadership team..."

Han Tao looked at Tang Ying and Li Gongming, and explained all his ideas and future management models to them in detail.

In fact, Li Gongming had talked to Han Tao about it a long time ago, otherwise Group 2 would not have been able to reform so ostentatiously. After all, this was his hard work, and he would only feel at ease and willingly hand it over if it got better and better.

After listening to this, Tang Ying also agreed with the management system Han Tao mentioned. She had indeed planned to leave because of some of Li Gongming's practices, but she was unwilling to leave if she could avoid it. After all, this was the place where she had worked hard for half her life, and if she left, she would have to start all over again.

The most important thing is Han Tao. In just a few months, Han Tao has already made up half of the law firm's fortune. His client resources and the profits he brings have exceeded half of the law firm's total income.

Even Chen Ran and Group 2 prospered under his leadership, and Jingyan Group generated 20 million in profits from just one case.

In addition to Jingyan, Han Tao also has the Shengxuan merger and acquisition case that has not yet started. This shows his power and personal connections, so the future of the law firm under his leadership can be imagined.

Thinking of this, Tang Ying nodded in agreement and said, "Okay, in that case, I have no concerns. After the reform, things have indeed become much more convenient. Lawyers are no longer involved in management, and finance and administration are separated. As long as everyone focuses on the cases, there's no need to worry about not improving their professional skills, and there won't be so much internal intrigue!"

"That's it. It's getting late, and I have some work to attend to, so I won't bother Director Li and Director Tang anymore. Feel free to contact me if you have anything else. And please help me think of any details I haven't thought of!"

"Okay, I'll see Director Han off."

"No need, Director Li, please stay and see Director Tang later!"

Han Tao smiled and waved, then turned and left Li Gongming's office, leaving him and Tang Ying some time to discuss.

Li Gongming has a tumor in his brain, so he has to retire. After all, he needs to rest and recuperate. Tang Ying has already reached the top of the law firm. If she wants to earn more and move up in the position, the merger and acquisition planned by Han Tao is the best opportunity and choice.

As for being the director herself, Tang Ying had thought about it, but she was very clear about her own strengths and connections. If she became the director, it would be good if she could maintain half of her previous reputation, while Han Tao could expand the scale, increase income channels and visibility.

Therefore, Han Tao being the boss is good for everyone. Only when Mingtang Law Firm grows stronger can everyone get promotions and salary increases.

Han Tao returned to the office and explained to Wendy, "Wendy, I've reached a consensus with Director Li and Director Tang. Your focus will be on planning and reforming the entire law firm. Once I've concluded the Lian Chuang case, I'll officially take over as director of Mingtang."

"Okay, Boss. I'll get the job done as soon as possible. Here are the cases from the past two days. I've already sorted them out!"

Wendy nodded and put down the documents in her hand. Before a suitable candidate was found to take over the job, she was still responsible for some of Han Tao's work, including reviewing all the cases taken over by Group 2.

She also graduated from a university and had followed Han Tao for so long that she was quite familiar with these tasks. She reviewed the case sources so that if someone encountered a special case, they could understand the situation at the first time to avoid being plotted against again.

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Chapter 499 Love naturally becomes stronger when it is deep