Overview
James Zimmerman is a seasoned lawyer with more than three decades of diverse legal experience. Based in China since 1998, James advises foreign companies on corporate, transactional, regulatory, litigation and white-collar criminal defense matters. He assists companies in navigating the complexities of China’s commercial market and regulatory frameworks, obtaining government approvals, and seeking support from authorities for modifications and enhancements to existing legal processes, standards and measures.
In particular, James has extensive experience assisting individuals detained and prosecuted under China's broad and ambiguous national security and state secrecy laws and regulations, including several high-profile and politically sensitive cases. He also regularly represents foreign media—including print, broadcast and social media—in addressing challenges related to security, press freedoms and general operations in China.
In addition to media, his clients span a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, hospitality, automotive, aviation, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, petroleum and financial services.
A sought-after speaker and commentator on issues related to U.S.-China relations and the Chinese business market, James has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Financial Times, the South China Morning Post and China Daily.
Education
- University of San Diego School of Law, J.D.
- University of California, Irvine, M.B.A.
- University of California, Irvine, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- California
- Registered Foreign Lawyer, Chinese Ministry of Justice
- U.S. Court of International Trade
Recognition
- Named as a leading individual in the Corporate and M&A category for foreign law firms in China by Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2004-2010)
- Recognized by AsiaLaw Leading Lawyers Survey as a leading business lawyer in Asia in the categories of Chinese Law, Dispute Resolution and General Corporate Law (2006-2009)
- Named in The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyer for Arbitration (2006-2008)
Affiliations
- Former Four-Term Chair, American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China)