James M. Zimmerman

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.