Partner: Sarah Zhao helps clients solve the challenges associated with international commercial transactions from regulatory and corporate perspectives. She focuses on AI rules and regulations, data protection and security, privacy, and cybersecurity. Represented high-tech companies, such as Microsoft, Facebook, Oracle, and Hughes Networks; Demonstrated a thorough understanding of differing legal systems and cultural subtleties, combined with fluent Chinese language capability, which ensured accurate internal and external communications within a global setting.
Sarah has advised clients in broad industries of information technology, Internet and e-commerce, telecom, broadcasting, satellite, content management, data transactions, energy, financial services, aviation, transportation, publishing, sports and entertainment. She also has arbitration and litigation experiences.
International Regulatory Experience
Sarah has done substantial regulatory work related to international data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, AI rules and regulations, especially in the areas of AI, internet, telecom, social media, e-commerce, VOIP, data protection, privacy and cybersecurity. She has worked with companies, trade associations and governmental officials to enhance international business environment for high-tech transactions, in accordance with international accepted principles, rules and regulations. As a result, several Chinese rules have been amended or abolished. Before her legal career in the U.S, Sarah worked at the Ministry of Post and Telecom of China (current MIIT).
International Corporate and Transactional Experience
Sarah guides companies through the challenges of technology transfer and licensing, corporate registration, maintenance and restructuring, joint ventures, financing, mergers and acquisitions, securities, IP protection, privacy, cybersecurity, data protection, contract drafting and negotiation, labor, tax, arbitration, trade, governmental affairs, and legislative issues.
Media Mentions, Publications & Presentations
Sarah is a frequent speaker and commentator on international data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and AI rules and policies. She has written for and has been interviewed by Legal Times, Chicago Tribute, Telecommunication Report International of FCC, Corporate Counsel and Boao magazines. She has been regularly invited to give speeches by prominent institutions and international organizations include Harvard China Review Annual Conference, Practice Law Institute, International Telecom American Association, Pacific Basin Economic Council Policy Conference, Global Forum, and International Bar Association.
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association
- International Association of Privacy Professionals
- International Bar Association
Civic Activities
- Global Forum — A committee member of the Steering Committee for Asian affairs