Ling Yao

Associate New York City
Ling Yao

An attorney specializing in commercial matters and disputes, Ling aims to bring a practical, results-oriented solution to every client’s business interests while mitigating legal risks.

Ling’s practice includes complex commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense and government investigations. With experience in civil and criminal proceedings in the U.S. and beyond, including China and Canada, she helps clients mitigate risk and resolve complex business disputes. From business fraud and product liability to white collar defense and government investigations, from breach of contract to labor and employment, Ling has handled litigation for clients across multiple industries, such as real estate, health care, chemical, semiconductor, manufacturing, energy and government. She takes pride in providing clients with dedicated and creative representation to resolve disputes promptly and successfully.

Ling’s experience includes litigation and dispute resolution in a variety of real estate matters, from transactions involving purchasing and developing commercial real estate to the sale of real estate properties for partnerships. She is well-versed in handling disputes stemming from commercial and real estate transactions and in evaluating the legal risks involved. Through her work, she appreciates the legal and business intricacies of banking, real estate and partnerships. Additionally, Ling has handled disputes arising from cross-border investment and business activities, where she works closely with clients to resolve complexities and unique challenges in each case.

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Education & Admissions

Education
  • University of California Berkeley School of Law, J.D., 2021
  • Nanjing University School of Law, B.L., 2018
Admitted to Practice
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
Languages
  • Mandarin

Experience

Representative Matters
  • Representation of a multinational chemical corporation in product liability actions where the plaintiffs claimed billions of dollars of damages.
  • Representation of investors in cross-border disputes involving claims of fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.
  • Defense of a health insurance company in an alleged violation of the False Claims Act.
  • Representation of an energy supplier in contract disputes involving claims of misrepresentation and breach of contract.
  • Representation of a semiconductor manufacturer in a government investigation for violating export control regulations.
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Speaking Engagements

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  • Moderator, “Celebrating Pride Month: A Fireside Chat with Bendita C. Malakia,” Phillips Lytle’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, June 2023
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Activities & Professional Associations

Past Activities

  • Judicial Extern, Honorable Ming W. Chin, Supreme Court of California, 2020
  • Judicial Extern, Honorable Qiu Xiaomin, Supreme People’s Court of the PRC (Third Circuit Court), 2017-2018
  • Judicial Extern, Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court, 2015

Professional Associations

  • Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)
  • Bar Association of Erie County
  • New York State Bar Association
    • Dispute Resolution Section
    • International Section

Articles & Publications

Articles

  • Co-Author, “White Collar Corner: Time to Voluntarily Self-Disclose? What to Know About DOJ’s Recent Policy Revisions,” The Daily Record, March 30, 2023