SmithAmundsen: Zhao Gary

In the intricate world of business, legal challenges can arise unexpectedly and with significant consequences. From contract disputes and intellectual property issues to regulatory investigations and complex shareholder disagreements, businesses in Illinois need legal counsel that is not only highly skilled but also deeply strategic. For companies operating in and around Chicago, Gary Zhao, a distinguished partner at Amundsen Davis (formerly SmithAmundsen), stands out as a leading litigator specializing in high-stakes business disputes.

Gary Zhao brings an accomplished background to the firm, having secured numerous victories for clients in a wide array of complex commercial litigation matters. His expertise is particularly invaluable for businesses navigating the intricacies of state and federal regulations, and his unique cultural and linguistic capabilities offer a distinct advantage for international clients. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Gary Zhao's practice at Amundsen Davis, highlighting his strategic location, the specialized services he offers, his notable achievements, and why he is an excellent choice for local users in Illinois seeking robust business litigation representation.

Gary Zhao practices at the Chicago office of Amundsen Davis, a prominent firm conveniently located in the heart of the city, ensuring easy accessibility for clients throughout Illinois. The office is situated at:

150 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

This prime downtown Chicago address places the firm directly across from the iconic Millennium Park and "The Bean," offering a highly accessible location for clients. Its central position provides excellent connectivity via various public transportation options, including numerous CTA train lines (such as the Red, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines) and a comprehensive network of bus routes that serve the Michigan Avenue corridor. This makes it straightforward for business representatives and individuals to travel to and from appointments efficiently. For those arriving by car, multiple parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity, providing convenient options for client visits, though planning ahead for downtown Chicago parking is always recommended. The firm’s strategic and accessible location underscores its commitment to serving the Illinois business community efficiently and effectively, providing a professional and comfortable environment for all legal discussions.

Gary Zhao is a partner in Amundsen Davis’s Business Litigation Service Group, where he focuses on representing clients in complex and high-stakes commercial disputes. His extensive experience allows him to provide strategic and effective legal counsel across various critical areas of business law, including:

• Breach of Contract: Representing clients in disputes arising from the violation of contractual agreements, working to enforce terms, seek damages, or defend against claims of breach.
• Intellectual Property Litigation: Handling cases involving disputes over patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, protecting clients' valuable intellectual assets from infringement or misuse.
• False Advertising and Unfair Competition: Advocating for businesses affected by misleading advertising practices or unfair competitive tactics, seeking to rectify harm and ensure fair market practices.
• Business Fraud: Representing clients who have been victims of fraudulent schemes or defending against allegations of business fraud, employing meticulous investigation and litigation strategies.
• Shareholder Disputes: Addressing conflicts among business owners, partners, or shareholders, including issues related to business governance, financial disagreements, or operational control.
• Regulatory Investigations: Defending clients who are subject to investigations by various state and federal government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, providing strategic guidance and robust defense.
• Judgment Debt Collection: Representing out-of-state clients in the collection of judgment debts, navigating the complexities of cross-jurisdictional enforcement.
• Fiduciary, Trust & Probate Litigation: Handling disputes involving breaches of fiduciary duty, trust controversies, and other probate-related litigation.
• Product Liability Litigation: Defending companies in product liability claims, including those related to product recalls and safety issues.

Gary Zhao's practice at Amundsen Davis is characterized by several distinguishing features and highlights that underscore his effectiveness and unique value to clients:

• Accomplished Litigator: Gary is widely recognized as an accomplished litigator who consistently secures victories for his clients in complex business litigation matters nationwide.
• Extensive Experience in High-Stakes Cases: His practice focuses on high-stakes disputes, demonstrating his capability to handle critical legal challenges with significant financial or reputational implications for businesses.
• Mandarin Chinese Fluency and Cultural Understanding: A native speaker of Mandarin Chinese, Gary Zhao possesses a profound understanding of Chinese language and culture. This unique asset allows him to serve as outside general counsel to several publicly traded and privately held Chinese companies and their subsidiaries in America, bridging cultural and legal gaps.
• Recognized by Peers and Industry: Gary has been consistently selected to Super Lawyers (2021-2025) and previously to Rising Stars (2011-2016). He was also named to Crain's Chicago Business's "Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys" in 2023 and received the Asian American Bar Association Member of the Year in 2010.
• Leadership in Legal Community: Gary has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and is a past president of both the Chinese American Bar Association and the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago. His leadership roles highlight his commitment to the legal profession and diversity.
• Regulatory Defense Expertise: His significant experience defending clients in regulatory investigations by federal and state government agencies, including the Department of Justice, provides crucial protection for businesses facing governmental scrutiny.
• Academic and Professional Contributions: Gary received his legal education from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and is licensed in Illinois since 2003, showcasing a strong academic foundation and years of practical experience.
• Comprehensive Business Counsel: Beyond litigation, his background and cultural insights enable him to serve as outside general counsel, offering holistic legal guidance to businesses.

As a partner at a large, sophisticated law firm like Amundsen Davis, specific "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense are not typically advertised. However, prospective business clients can expect a highly professional and tailored engagement process. Firms of this caliber often provide initial consultations to understand the scope of a business's legal needs and to determine the most effective strategy. While these consultations are typically billed, the value lies in gaining expert insight into complex commercial issues and identifying potential legal pathways.

For businesses in Illinois considering legal action or facing litigation, the firm's transparent approach to fees and engagement would be discussed during initial discussions. The focus is on providing high-value legal services that lead to effective resolution and protection of business interests. Businesses are encouraged to reach out to inquire about how Gary Zhao's expertise can be aligned with their specific legal and commercial objectives.

For businesses in Illinois seeking the sophisticated legal services of Gary Zhao at Amundsen Davis, you can connect using the following contact details:

Address: 150 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Phone: (312) 894-3200

Mobile Phone: +1 312-894-3200

It is recommended to contact the firm directly to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific business litigation needs with Gary Zhao or a member of his team.

For businesses operating in Illinois, particularly those in the dynamic Chicago metropolitan area and those with international ties, Gary Zhao at Amundsen Davis offers a uniquely suitable and highly effective legal solution for complex business litigation. His strategic location in downtown Chicago ensures convenient accessibility for clients, making it straightforward to engage with top-tier legal counsel without extensive travel.

What truly makes Gary Zhao and Amundsen Davis suitable for local businesses is their specialized expertise in high-stakes commercial disputes. Unlike firms with broader, less focused practices, Gary's dedicated work in business litigation means he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate legal and regulatory landscape facing companies in Illinois and nationwide. His proven track record of securing victories in cases involving breach of contract, intellectual property, business fraud, and regulatory investigations provides a significant advantage for businesses seeking to protect their assets and operations.

Furthermore, Gary Zhao's unique ability to serve as outside general counsel to Chinese companies and their subsidiaries in America, leveraging his native Mandarin fluency and cultural understanding, makes him an indispensable resource for the growing number of businesses with international connections in Illinois. His leadership roles within prominent Asian American legal associations also highlight his dedication to serving diverse communities. For Illinois businesses navigating complex legal challenges, Gary Zhao at Amundsen Davis offers not just legal expertise, but a strategic partner equipped to achieve favorable outcomes and provide peace of mind in the face of daunting commercial litigation.