Alexandra Zhao has over 20 years of legal experience. Her practice focuses on cross-border M&A, dispute resolution, and compliance management.

Alexandra previously served in key legal roles at a Beijing court, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, and a major European pharmaceutical multinational, where she held positions such as judge, senior legal counsel, China legal director and Global Risk and Compliance Directore She has led major international disputes, including litigation and arbitration cases in the UK, US, and Africa. With deep insight into the management structures and legal needs of both state-owned and foreign-invested enterprises, she excels at delivering practical, solution-oriented legal advice, particularly in complex compliance matters and overseas dispute resolution.

Working Experience

• A court in Beijing, Judge Assistant/ Acting Judge
• China National Offshore Oil Corporation (“CNOOC”),  Senior legal counsel in Dispute Management Division
• Centrient Pharmaceuticals Group (headquartered in the Netherlands), Global Risk and Compliance Director
• Zhonglun W&D Law Firm

1、Investment and M&A

[1] Advised a subsidiary of a major Chinese state-owned enterprise in legal due diligence for the acquisition of a large domestic mining company, covering key mineral assets in Ghana, Southeast Asia, and North America.
[2]   Represented a subsidiary of a Chinese SOE in the acquisition and restructuring of a Hong Kong-based company.

2、Dispute Resolution

[1]      Led a Chinese SOE’s litigation before the UK High Court and Court of Appeal involving an international sale of goods contract.
[2]      Spearheaded a tax dispute in Nigeria for a Chinese SOE, coordinating external counsel and overseeing proceedings before the Tax Tribunal and the High Court.
[3]     Initiated an Ad Hoc arbitration in Nigeria in relation to a production sharing contract (PSC) dispute, directing legal strategy and evidence preparation.
[4]     Led the response to a tax dispute in Uganda, managing the overall process and supervising engagement with local legal teams.

3、 Compliance Management
[1]   Assisted foreign-invested enterprise on building a comprehensive compliance system, including trade compliance, anti-fraud, and anti-bribery modules.
[2] Developed internal compliance guidelines and employee manuals for a multinational client to enhance policy enforcement.
[3]   Conducted internal compliance investigations for a foreign enterprise, identifying legal risks and recommending mitigation measures.

Honors

Named to the 2023 ALB China Top Female In-House Counsel list by Asian Legal Business (ALB).

Social Positions

Alexandra actively contributes to the legal and business communities through the following roles:

• Deputy Secretary-General, China Forum on International Investment Arbitration

• Practice Mentor, Foreign-related Rule of Law Research Base, China University of Political Science and Law

• Council Member, China Modern Enterprise Research Association

• Adjunct Instructor, China Air Transport Association (CATA)

• Member, Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN)

China University of Political Science and Law, Bachelor's Degree, Legal English
University of Bristol (UK), Master's Degree, Commercial Law
University of Bristol， LL.M， in Commercial Law
Tsinghua University, Master's Degree, Master of Business Administration (MBA)

PRC Lawyer’s Practicing Qualification

Chinese and English