LexisNexis^® 40 UNDER 40 2024

Yingjie Zhao
Partner
Lifeng Partners

Having participated in founding Lifeng Partners, Ms. Zhao has collaborated with other partners to establish Lifeng Partners, an integrated law firm with nearly a hundred professionals covering 12 practice areas. She has contributed to the firm’s development in various aspects, including business strategy, client relationships, emerging practice development, junior mentoring, and recruitment. Over the past year, she has assisted  companies with various transactions and "going-abroad" endeavors. On the investor side, she has been helping investors explore innovative investment methodologies in a complex environment.

Additionally, Ms. Zhao has successfully brought in dozens of new clients for the firm, including private equity funds, venture capitalists, startups, and high-net-worth individuals, resulting in more than 30 project and deal engagements from these clients. She developed the firm’s technology transaction business and has played a crucial role in establishing and developing the firm’s technology transaction practice from scratch. To date, the firm has represented clients in several high profile technology transactions, with more deals expected in the coming year.

Ms. Zhao is dedicated to promoting positive change in China’s foreign investment policy. She has collaborated with other professionals in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry to advocate for lifting restrictions on foreign entities pursuing CGT products in China, contributing to a new policy that allows foreign entities to pursue CGT products in pilot regions.

Ms. Zhao has served as a mentor for law school students participating in the “First Generation Colleague Student Program” sponsored by China Youth of Tomorrow (CYOT). She received widespread positive feedback from students and was recognized as a “Straight A Mentor” (the highest rating) by CYOT.

Ms. Zhao is also committed to giving back her professional skills and has been active in the Columbia University community in Shanghai. As a partner at Lifeng, she has shared insights and contributed to enhancing the firm's influence in the life science industry. Over the past year, Ms. Zhao has engaged in continuous legal skills development and accumulated industry knowledge for personal growth.