Introduction

Harold is an associate with Fredrikson & Byron’s International Group and practices in the firm’s Shanghai office. He focuses his practice on corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions, Sino-foreign joint ventures and corporate restructurings. He also works on employment law issues, supply and distribution agreements, and dispute resolution for companies in a variety of industries. 

Harold primarily works with companies establishing operations in China and has experience working across different regions of China. He assists clients in establishing representative offices, Greenfield WFOEs, and joint ventures. Harold is actively involved in assisting Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 clients on FCPA/Compliance investigations, China Labor Contract Law, and Trade Union Law. He also assists clients on a variety of employment related issues, including termination of contracts, severance negotiations, labor arbitrations, drafting and reviewing labor contracts, employee handbooks and other HR policies, and employment of expatriates.

Prior to working with Fredrikson & Byron, Harold practiced as a senior associate with a US based international law firm. He also practiced as a licensed Chinese lawyer representing clients in criminal and civil litigation matters.

Education

• East China University of Politics and Law, J.M., 2003
• University of Warwick School of Law – UK, LL.M., 2002
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University, M.A., 1993
• Soochow University, B.A., 1985

Bar Admissions

• People’s Republic of China

Practice Areas

• China Practice
• International
• Corporate
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act & Anti-Corruption
• Commercial Law

Languages

• Chinese (Mandarin & Wu)
• English
• French

Representative Experience

• Conducted full investigation of FCPA and compliance issues for U.S.-based Fortune 100 company in China, 2011.
• Currently representing an international auto parts company on general corporate transactions and various legal issues for its subsidiaries in China. Currently acting as the corporate secretary and secretary of board of the company’s subsidiaries in China.
• Conducted antitrust compliance training for a Fortune 500 corporation’s operating facilities in Changzhou, China titled “Know Your Antitrust – Compliance with the Antitrust Law of the US, China, Europe, Japan and Korea.” 
• Conducted a training presentation for a US-based corporate headquarters in Shanghai China titled “Antibribery and Compliance in China: The FCPA and China’s Antibribery Laws.”
• Assisted with M&A transactions for a leading international software company. Advised the company on the implications of a multinational acquisition on Chinese subsidiaries and reviewed and advised on related contracts and agreements. Also advised the client on steps and procedures to complete transactions in a separate overseas merger which included drafting documents for and executing the merger between the client’s Chinese subsidiaries located in different jurisdictions.
• Advised an international auto parts company on a pledge for equity interest on a WFOE in China regarding an international loan. Advised on the legal implications and procedures of the loan and pledge as well as reviewed the loan agreements and drafted documents to file the pledge.
• Assisted a private Chinese chemical fiber company in establishing a plant which resulted in a 2 billion RMB deal. Deal issues included advising on licensing with international chemical companies for proprietary technology and negotiating and drafting of agreements, including technology transfer agreement, confidential agreement and turn-key project agreement.
• Assisted an international welding equipment manufacturer with the buyout of joint venture partners in Sino-foreign joint ventures. Advised the client on procedures and agreement structures, drafted agreements and other required documents, and coordinated all parties to execute and file the buyouts.