Foley Adds China Regulatory Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5, 2014) – Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Tad Ferris has joined the firm as a partner and co-chair of the firm’s Greater China regulatory practice in the Washington, D.C. office. Ferris will be an active participant in the firm’s Legal Innovation Hub® for NextGen Manufacturers focusing on global sustainable manufacturing issues.

Ferris brings two decades of experience in regulatory and government affairs related to doing business in global markets. He advises company general counsel and other senior managers on the development and implementation of business strategies that minimize legal and business risks in the China market and other developing economies. He has advised clients on complex issues ranging from regulatory compliance, addressing barriers to market entry, and product stewardship, as well as handling negotiations with emerging-country companies, governments and multinational institution secretariats.

"We are delighted to add an internationally recognized lawyer who is as accomplished as Tad to our multifaceted team," said David Sanders, co-chair of Foley’s Transactional & Securities practice. "His specialized knowledge of Chinese legal issues will provide great value to our clients with significant interests in China and the Asia-Pacific region."

Ferris has served as a consultant or advisor for United Nations organizations, development banks, and foreign government institutions and agencies.  He has testified before the U.S. Congress and Asian legislatures on matters related to the execution of national and local legislation and environmental law implementation.

“Tad will be joining forces with Foley thought leaders in Shanghai and New York as part of our growing China team, building on the firm’s deep experience navigating Chinese regulatory issues and foreign direct investment in China,” said Richard Florsheim, co-chair of Foley’s China practice.

Foley’s China team includes Partner Shao-Ying Mautner, a former general counsel for Greater China at Nike and other Western companies, who as chief representative of the Shanghai office advises multinational companies on their supply chain and regulatory activities in China. Partner Selig Sacks in New York is recognized for his achievements involving foreign direct investment in China and government-directed and private Chinese investment in the U.S. in a wide range of sectors. As chair of the firm’s Solar Energy Team, Partner Jeffery Atkin provides counsel to multiple Chinese companies regarding their solar energy investments in the Americas.

Currently, Ferris serves as co-chair of the China committee of the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), as well as chair of the USCIB China-Environment Task Force and member of the Task Force on China of the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.  Ferris also founded the corporate China Environment, Health and Safety Roundtable and is on the board of the International Fund for China’s Environment. Before joining Foley, Ferris was a principal in the China team at Holland + Knight.

“Tad will be a remarkable asset to our clients and an important resource in identifying new business opportunities in the global marketplace,” said Richard W. Lasater, chair of Foley’s Business Law Department.

About Foley & Lardner LLP

With approximately 900 attorneys in 20 offices, Foley & Lardner LLP provides award-winning business and legal insight to clients across the country and around the world, including China. Our team-based approach, innovative technology, and focus on value and client service are continually recognized by our clients and the legal industry. Foley has been recognized in a survey* of Fortune 1000 corporate counsel as an elite BTI Client Service 30 for 11 years — one of only seven law firms to hold this distinction for more than 10 years. In addition, Foley received 26 national first-tier rankings on the 2014 U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms” list and was named to the InformationWeek500 list for seven of the past eight years for technological innovation that enhances business value. Learn more at Foley.com.

*2014 BTI Client Service A-Team survey, The BTI Consulting Group, Wellesley, MA