October 14, 2015 – MIAMI, FLA. – Diaz Reus & Targ, LLP (Diaz Reus) announces today that attorney Xingjian “Jeff” Zhao has been named a Partner in the law firm. Dually based in the firm’s Shanghai and Miami offices, Jeff specializes in handling complex dispute resolution matters involving multinational entities and cross-border issues. He joined Diaz Reus in 2010.
A seasoned commercial litigator and compliance specialist, Jeff advises clients on civil and regulatory matters pending before international arbitral tribunals, administrative agencies, and all levels of U.S. state and federal courts. As part of his international dispute resolution practice, Jeff helps clients both pursue and defend against serious claims of liability unique to Sino-U.S. business relationships. These include, among others, tort and breach of contract claims that stem from special transnational partnership and distributorship arrangements, novel efforts to pierce the corporate veil, and helping foreign companies in China obtain or restore rights to valuable intellectual property assets.
Appearing before U.S. courts on behalf of institutional clients from across the globe, Jeff is skilled at tackling highly complex but recurrent issues of jurisdiction and venue. Over the years, he has both successfully brought and defended against numerous collateral challenges based on forum non conveniens, lack of personal or subject matter jurisdiction, and under the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.
Also a highly adept transactional attorney, Jeff represents several of China’s largest enterprises – including China’s largest consumer electronics and home appliances company – in cross-border joint venture establishment and related negotiations in Latin America, the U.S., and the Middle East. On the regulatory side, Jeff routinely assesses prospective client transactions for compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), regulations issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and U.S. federal and state securities laws.
“Jeff has a deep understanding of international finance, trade, and commercial disputes,” said Michael Diaz, Jr., Diaz Reus’ founding and global managing partner. “He is a key contributor to the ongoing success of our firm. As a highly skilled international attorney, he has not only shown strong skills on all fronts, but has also displayed a high degree of professionalism and exhibited a dogged commitment when faced with all kinds of challenges and pressures. Our clients appreciate his ability to represent their interests. We are pleased that he has accepted our offer into the partnership.”
Born in China, raised in the U.S., and fluent in both English and Mandarin, Jeff’s cultural background and keen knowledge of the U.S. and Chinese legal systems have enabled him to build a well-rounded international practice.
Admitted to the Florida Bar, Jeff earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently pursuing an Executive LL.M. in Taxation, with Certificate in International Taxation, from the Georgetown University Law Center.
About Diaz Reus
Diaz Reus is a full-service, entrepreneurial, international law firm offering comprehensive legal services to U.S.-based and international clients. The firm’s global reach extends from its Miami, Florida, headquarters to 13 domestic and international offices strategically located in business centers throughout North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, giving clients access to boots-on-the-ground, global legal counsel.
Diaz Reus is well-known and regarded for its work in high-stakes litigation, cross-border transactions, and domestic and international regulatory compliance, earning prestigious rankings and peer recognition from organizations including Chambers USA (Florida Litigation & Arbitration), Martindale-Hubbell (AV Rated), Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Florida SuperLawyers, and Latinvex Top 35 Latin American law firms (ranked in the top five for litigation), among others.
