Tina Zhou, a qualified lawyer in the People’s Republic of China, is an integral part of Squire Sanders’ China Business Group. She uses her cultural and language abilities to build relationships with potential clients, firms, associations and governments. Her in-depth understanding of policy and business culture in China, coupled with knowledge of Australia’s legal landscape, makes her an invaluable asset for potential China-based investors and entrants to the markets in Australia, as well as a valued adviser to Australia-based clients looking to conduct business in China.

Tina concentrates on cross-border transactions in the energy, natural resources and relevant sectors, and has contributed to positive results for leading state-owned and private enterprises in China. She draws upon her extensive network and relationship base in both China and Australia to facilitate cross-border transactions, introductions and communications and to assist clients in navigating diverse cultural terrains.

Her relationship with the China Ministry of Commerce, National Development Reform Commission (NDRC) and numerous local governments is a valuable asset to successful transaction negotiations.

Tina participates in industry conferences, such as the China Mining Expo, and outbound business delegations that are designed to promote Australia’s capabilities and opportunities to China’s business community. She participated in the 2011 2.0 trade mission to China, which was led by Trade and Acting Foreign Minister Craig Emerson.

In Australia, Tina has strong ties to major Australia/China business groups and associations including the Australia China Business Council (ACBD), the Chinese Community Council of Australia (CCCA) and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).

She assists with coordinating and preparing bilingual documents and publications, and liaises with China-based clients on transactional matters.

For three years as an associate at a law firm in China, Tina advised global companies on foreign investment, offshore restructuring, finance and reverse merger matters. She drafted and revised contracts and tender documents, and advised on insurance requirements. She also acted as legal counsel for a joint venture on behalf of a port container terminal company in Dalian for two years and developed familiarity with the relevant port legislation and policy and the procedures for working with the Port Authority.

Tina is studying for her J.D. at Murdoch University.