Gary Locke – Former Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and Washington Governor – Joins Dorsey

By: Dorsey & Whitney LLP via Business Wire

November 16, 2023 at 16:43 PM EST

International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP is pleased to announce that Gary Locke has joined the Firm as a Senior Advisor. Mr. Locke is a former U.S. Ambassador to China, Secretary of Commerce under President Obama, and Governor of the State of Washington. He is currently Chair of Committee of 100, a leading organization for Chinese Americans. Mr. Locke will have a strong focus on assisting Dorsey’s thriving international practice.

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Gary Locke – Former Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and Washington Governor – Joins Dorsey & Whitney LLP (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are honored to have Gary Locke join Dorsey. Gary’s outstanding record of public service and his uniquely seasoned insights into business and policy dynamics are unmatched,” said Catherine Pan-Giordano, Chair of Dorsey’s U.S.-China Practice Group. “Gary has been dedicated to facilitating international investment in, and trade with, the United States. He has long fostered a constructive relationship between nations. He will significantly bolster our ability to provide better service to our clients as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the international business landscape.”

“I have great respect for the work Dorsey is doing in light of the current geopolitical landscape, so taking on this role is an excellent fit for me,” said Gary Locke. “I’m looking forward to working with Dorsey’s attorneys and contributing to the success of Dorsey’s clients.”

“Gary’s exceptional background makes him an esteemed addition to Dorsey & Whitney,” said Bill Stoeri, Dorsey’s Managing Partner. “Gary’s experience in foreign direct investment in the U.S. is particularly important in the current economic landscape. His comprehensive understanding of federal and state governance as well as international relationships and commerce will also provide invaluable guidance to clients seeking to navigate regional nuances. His keen insight into foreign investment in the U.S., international trade, export controls, government relations, and cross-cultural diplomacy uniquely positions him to assist clients in achieving their business goals in the global marketplace.”

About Gary Locke

Gary Locke’s illustrious career as a senior statesman and diplomat spans four decades. He was first elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1982, where he served until 1994.

As the Governor of Washington State from 1997 to 2005, Mr. Locke was the first Chinese-American governor as well as the first Asian-American governor in the continental U.S. Mr. Locke fostered a robust trade relationship between the state and many trading partners, including China. His administration actively supported international companies looking to invest in the U.S.

Mr. Locke served as Secretary of Commerce from 2009 to 2011, when he made history by launching the innovative “SelectUSA” program. The program facilitated foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S., playing a significant role in stimulating the U.S. economy and creating jobs. Ms. Pan noted, “His experience in foreign direct investment in the U.S. is particularly important in the current economic landscape, as his expertise will help our clients navigate the intricacies of the Inflation Reduction Act.” During his time as Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Locke also oversaw the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which regulates and enforces export controls.

From 2011 to 2014, Mr. Locke served as the United States Ambassador to China as the first Chinese American in the role. He used his position to promote bilateral cooperation and understanding between the two countries.

Mr. Locke is currently Chair of Committee of 100, the leading organization for Chinese Americans on civic engagement, public policy, arts, culture, and philanthropy.

About Dorsey’s U.S.-China Practice

Dorsey opened its Hong Kong office in 1995, its Shanghai office in 2001, and its Beijing office in 2015. Dorsey’s U.S.-China focused team works across continents with a worldwide view, helping international clients navigate business in China and helping Chinese companies achieve their business goals in the U.S., Europe, and around the globe.

Dorsey conducts business on behalf of Chinese clients in the U.S. from across its U.S. national platform, with its U.S.-China Practice headquartered in New York, and in Europe from its London office. Dorsey has numerous attorneys in its U.S. offices who speak Chinese and understand the business needs of Chinese clients.

About Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clients have relied on Dorsey as a valued business partner since 1912. With locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, Dorsey provides results-oriented, grounded counsel for its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful companies from a wide range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.