Yea, the outcome will be set up anyway. Lawyer is just for the show of it, and they will find extra fees to suck out as much as possible. Not being an expert here, just spontaneous suggestion is go for it yourself. Theres this thing that many cases can be 'setteled', and normally, if law kicks in, then the mess starts. Try to settle it. For a settled fine, avoid law if possible. Again, not being expert, but know of cases settled before law. Sounds like a good way out - again, if possible. If u have a Chinese friend - even better if with some power - bring to settlement to help and negotiate. This is where guanxi comes handy.