On April 29, 2026, AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee successfully hosted the U.S.–China Legal Elite Dialogue Forum & Dinner in New York City, bringing together approximately 75 attorneys, legal professionals, and business leaders for an afternoon of insightful discussion and cross-border engagement.
Held at Club 135 by Industrious, the forum convened leading practitioners across the U.S. and China to examine the evolving legal and business landscape shaping cross-border transactions and disputes. The program featured keynote presentations and a dynamic panel discussion focused on the theme: “How U.S. and Chinese lawyers can create value for cross-border business under the new global landscape.”
The panel brought together an accomplished group of practitioners, including Hardy Zhou, Tax Attorney at Cooley LLP and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee, and Genny Ngai, Partner at Morrison Cohen LLP and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Litigation Committee. Moderated by Haiyan Tang, Managing Partner at Quinn Emanuel Shanghai, the discussion explored the increasing complexity of cross-border legal work, including heightened regulatory requirements, shifting investment trends, and the need for closer collaboration between U.S. and Chinese counsel.
Panelists shared practical perspectives on how lawyers can deliver value in this environment—ranging from structuring transactions and managing risk to navigating disputes and aligning multi-jurisdictional strategies.
The forum also featured keynote remarks from Yang Chen, the Executive Director of AABANY and Chris M. Kwok, Mediator at JAMS and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, and other distinguished speakers across corporate, litigation, and dispute resolution practices, providing attendees with a well-rounded view of current developments in U.S.–China legal relations.
Following the formal program, participants continued their conversations during a networking reception and dinner, fostering meaningful connections and further strengthening the AABANY community.
AABANY extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, organizers, and attendees for contributing to the success of this event. The Asia Practice Committee looks forward to continuing to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among legal professionals engaged in cross-border practice.
-Written by Hardy Zhou, Co-Chair, AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee