Among many professional accomplishments, she was the first People's Republic of China national to receive a law degree and become licensed in the U.S.
CHICAGO, IL, October 03, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jia Zhao, Esq., has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Zhao has had a remarkable career in international law and diplomacy, with a particular focus on U.S.-China relations. She retired as a senior counsel from Baker McKenzie LLP, one of the largest international law firms at its headquarters in Chicago, serving in that capacity from 2012 to 2019. She previously garnered success as a partner between 1994 and 2012 and as a senior associate from 1988 to 1994. Ms. Zhao's tenure at Baker McKenzie was marked by her leadership in establishing one of the first China practice groups in the U.S., significantly contributing to fostering investment and trade between the two nations.
Before her illustrious career in law, Ms. Zhao held various positions within the Chinese Foreign Ministry. From 1984 to 1988, she was the first secretary in the Department of Treaty and Law and the Department of American and Oceanic Affairs. Earlier, Ms. Zhao worked as a U.S. desk officer in the Department of American and Oceanic Affairs between 1972 and 1980. During this period, she was pivotal in normalizing U.S.-China relations while serving as President Richard Nixon's interpreter during his post-Watergate visits to China.
Ms. Zhao's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1963. She later earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the prestigious Harvard University in 1983. Her legal training included internships at several prestigious law firms, including Arnold & Porter, Covington & Burling, Pillsbury Madison & Sutro, Baker McKenzie LLP and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison. She has been admitted to practice by the D.C. and Illinois Bar Associations.
Ms. Zhao is a member of several professional organizations, including the D.C. Bar, the Chicago Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Illinois Bar Association. In addition to her professional memberships, Ms. Zhao has been actively involved in civic organizations and nonprofits, including the American Bar Foundation. Her most extensive commitment to public service included serving on the board of directors for The Lurie Children's Hospital and Foundation from 1996 to 2019.
Born in Shanghai, Ms. Zhao has over 45 years of experience focusing on U.S.-China relations. Among many professional accomplishments, she was the first People's Republic of China national to receive a law degree and become licensed in the U.S. Eager for future engagements and opportunities, she plans to continue improving the understanding and cooperation between the two countries. Ms. Zhao's guiding principle remains "two countries and one heart," reflecting her lifelong dedication to bridging cultural and political divides.
Ms. Zhao attributes her success to the strong sense of confidence and responsibility instilled by her parents, as well as the discipline and hard work she learned during her service in the Chinese Foreign Ministry. She also acknowledges the support and guidance from distinguished individuals throughout her career in China and the U.S.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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