Jianmin (James) Zhou
Managing Attorney
(CA Bar Number: 272487)
Mr. Zhou is a graduate of Peking University, and he has obtained a Ph.D. degree from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he used to conduct postdoctoral research at California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Mr. Zhou is a trial attorney in California and federal courts, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and a certified patent attorney admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Before founding his own firm, Mr. Zhou worked at Vault 50 law firm Hogan & Lovells LLP, and he collaborated with Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor, Julie Su, on multiple labor law and civil rights related lawsuits, while working at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California (APALC).
Under the leadership of Mr. Zhou, Law Offices of James Zhou provides legal services to its clients in a wide variety of fields, including civil litigation, intellectual property, immigration, family law, business law, and real estate law. The firm is highly esteemed in the Chinese communities of Southern California because of its high degree of professionalism. Mr. Zhou’s early career of studying in the U.S. as an international student and his scientific background give him a unique advantage in representing scholars and scientific researchers in their immigration applications. On the other hand, his rich financial knowledge and business expertise not only make him invincible in business immigration cases, but also tremendously benefit him in successfully representing clients and fighting for their best interests in various commercial litigations. As a seasoned business lawyer, Mr. Zhou represents a diverse clientele. His clients include both large state-owned enterprises, such as China International Marine Containers (CIMC), Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and China Mobile, and many start-ups and small- and medium-sized companies. In his business law practice, Mr. Zhou is committed to providing legal compliance, corporate risk control, equity structure, mergers and acquisitions, and various related legal consulting services to its clients. In addition, Mr. Zhou has represented many clients in China and the United States, including both companies and individuals, in their trademark, patent, and copyright applications.
Bar Admission
State Bar of California
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Education
J.D., University of Pennsylvania (2010)
Ph.D., Columbia University (2002)
B.S., Peking University (1994)
Peixin (Fiona) Zhang
Associate Attorney
(CA Bar Number: 340438)
Peixin (Fiona) Zhang, a native of Beijing, China, graduated from East China University of Political Science and Law with a Bachelor’s Degree in international financial law. Ms. Zhang further honed her expertise by obtaining a Master of Law degree from the University of Southern California in 2018. Ms. Zhang possesses extensive work experience in international law firms in China, including Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and Grandall Law Firm. Her exceptional educational background and legal expertise in both China and the U.S. equip Ms. Zhang to competently and diligently handle client matters.
Fluent in both Chinese Mandarin and English, Ms. Zhang can also engage in daily communication in Korean. Specializing in intellectual property and immigration cases, she extends her expertise to civil litigation and family law matters, offering invaluable support to Attorney Zhou. Ms. Zhang’s portfolio includes adeptly representing clients in conflict resolution scenarios, even within the courtroom. Ms. Zhang is a communicator par excellence, endowed with a profound sense of responsibility and intelligence. Her excellent communication skills and conscientious approach effectively contribute to helping clients navigate and resolve their legal challenges.
Bar Admission
State Bar of California
Education
LL.M, University of Southern California (2018)
LL.B, East China University of Political Science and Law (2016)
Contact
Tel: (213) 477-5727
Fax: (626) 965-1017
Email: fionazhang@zhoulawoffices.com
Yubai (Valerie) Zhao
Associate Attorney
(CA Bar Number: 343235)
Yubai (Valerie) Zhao is an associate attorney of Law Offices of James Zhou, who focuses her practice on intellectual property law, providing practical strategies and legal techniques to protect her clients’ intellectual property rights. Her scientific background enables her to excel in research, analysis, and strategy development. She has drafted and prosecuted patent applications in a wide range of industries, with an emphasis on life sciences, chemistry, and financial technology. Meanwhile, Ms. Zhao has conducted many successful ex parte re-examination proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as well as opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
In addition to her IP practice, Ms. Zhao also has extensive experience in immigration law. She has helped clients of a wide variety of background in successfully obtaining various visas, such as H-1b, L-1, and O-1, as well as immigrating to the United States. Recognizing the critical importance of estate planning in the Chinese community, Ms. Zhao has expanded her practice to include estate planning, trust and probate law. She has extensive experience in counselling beneficiaries, trustees, personal representatives, heirs, creditors, and conservators in all aspects of probate, trust and estate litigation, administration, and planning.
Ms. Zhao earned her Juris Doctor degree from University of Texas School of Law, and her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Peking University. She is admitted to the State bar of California and given limited recognition before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She is fluent in Mandarin.
Bar Admission
State Bar of California
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Limited Recognition
Education
J.D. University of Texas School of Law
B.S. of Biological Sciences, Peking University
Yilei (Elaine) Huang
Law Clerk
Yilei (Elaine) Huang is originally from Shanghai, China. She earned her LLM degree from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law in 2022, specializing in Business Law and Entertainment Law. During her time at law school, Elaine dedicated herself to volunteering at the Law Clinic, successfully having numerous disputes resolved through mediation.
Her interest in civil law was ignited when she assisted a friend in modifying a contract and establishing a company, experiencing firsthand the transformative impact of legal work. At Law Offices of James Zhou, Elaine is deeply engaged in a wide array of civil law cases, encompassing contracts, family law, will and trust, intellectual property, and immigration matters.
Beyond her legal pursuits, Elaine is an animal-person. Additionally, she channels her passion into cooking, floral arrangement, hiking, and honing her proficiency in Spanish.
