Jeff Blount is an international transactional lawyer whose practice focuses primarily on China. He began his career at the firm in 1983 and has lived and worked in Asia since the early 1990s. His practice involves cross-border mergers and acquisitions; international joint ventures; global infrastructure project development and finance; and foreign investment, commercial and trade transactions. He also has extensive experience with private equity and venture capital financings and transactions; international licensing, manufacturing, agency and distribution arrangements; business formations; and workouts and restructuring projects. 

Mr. Blount's international transactional experience covers a wide range of geographic markets, industries and matters. For example, he has:

• advised many American and other international businesses on the strategy, structure, risks, documentation, negotiation and implementation of their investments, acquisitions, financings and other projects in China;
• advised on acquisitions and privatizations of Chinese domestic companies and state-owned enterprises;
• represented developers, investors and lenders in electric power and other energy projects in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand;
• advised on renewable energy projects in China;
• represented developers, operators and suppliers in telecommunications network, infrastructure and equipment projects in China and other markets in Asia;
• worked on public and privately-funded light rail transportation projects in China, India, Korea and Turkey, and toll road and other transportation projects in China;
• handled commercial real estate transactions for multinational companies and private investors in Asia;
• worked on private equity, venture capital and other financing transactions in Hong Kong and China;
• represented Asia-based entities in their acquisition and sale of businesses in Asia and Europe;
• advised China investors on projects in the United States; and
• advised multinational entities, private companies, multilateral institutions, sovereign entities, financial institutions and individuals on projects in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and other markets in Asia. 

Mr. Blount's tenure in Asia has corresponded with the period during which there has been rapid growth, market liberalization and transformation of the Chinese economy. As a result, he has had the opportunity to work on many acquisition, joint venture, investment, financing, commercial and other transactions and projects throughout China, in industries ranging from automotive, energy and biotechnology to telecommunications, transportation and logistics.

Although his practice is primarily focused on transactional work in China and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region, throughout his career Mr. Blount has handled many complex acquisitions, dispositions, investments, financing transactions and other projects in the United States and abroad.

Mr. Blount currently serves as co-chair of the firm's International Department. He also leads the firm's China practice group and the firm's Asia Pacific practice group. He has also served as co-head of the firm's long-range international strategic planning group.

Mr. Blount is the partner-in-charge of the firm's Hong Kong location and its Beijing location. He moved to Asia in the early 1990s to assist in the establishment of the firm's Hong Kong location and the development of the firm's practice throughout Asia. Before then, he practiced for 10 years in the firm's Washington, D.C. location and one year in the firm's Houston, Texas location.

• International Bar Association – leadership roles include:
  • Legal Practice Division Council
  • Asia Pacific Regional Forum, former Chair
• Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD – Vice Chair of the China Task Force
• American Bar Association – Section of International Law and Practice
• American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong – leadership roles include:
  • Government Relations Committee (Chair, 2005 - 2008) 
  • Board of Governors (1999 - 2004)
  • Vice President (2003 - 2004)
  • Business Briefing Committee, former Chair
  • Energy Committee, former Board liaison

Recent professional honors and recognition include:

• Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2013) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in China Corporate and M&A: Foreign firms)
• Chambers Asia (2013) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (China) and Energy & Natural Resources (Asia Pacific and China))
• Chambers Global (2012 - 2013) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability: Hong Kong-based (International Firms): China; Energy & Natural Resources (International Firms): China; and Energy & Natural Resources: Asia-Pacific Region)
• Chambers Asia (2012) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (China) and Energy & Natural Resources (Asia Pacific and China))
• Legal 500 Asia Pacific (2012) (recommended as one of the leading Hong Kong-based lawyers in Corporate (including M&A), Projects and Energy)
• Legal Media Group's Guide to Leading Practitioners (Expert Guides): China – Energy and Private Equity (2011)
• Expert Guides (2012) (named an expert in Banking Finance & Transactional)
• Expert Guides (2011) (named an expert in Mergers and Acquisitions)
• Chambers Global (2011) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A: Hong Kong-based (China) and Energy & Natural Resources (Asia Pacific and China))
• Chambers Asia (2011) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability (China) and Energy & Natural Resources (Asia Pacific and China))
• Chambers Asia (2010) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A (China/Hong Kong) and Energy & Natural Resources (Asia-wide and China/Hong Kong))
• Chambers Global (2010) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Corporate/M&A - China/Hong Kong, and Energy & Natural Resources – Asia-wide)
• Chambers Global (2009) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in China-related Corporate/M&A)
• Chambers Asia (2009) (ranked as one of the leading Corporate/M&A lawyers in China and Hong Kong)
• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2009) (listed as a leading lawyer in the general corporate practice area)
• Guide to the World's Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers, IFLR Expert Guides (2008) (ranked as one of the leading practitioners in the field)  
• Chambers Global (2008) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in China-related Corporate/M&A)
• Chambers Global (2008) (ranked as one of the leading lawyers in Projects & Energy: Asia Pacific)
• Chambers Asia (2008) (ranked as one of the leading Corporate/M&A lawyers in China and Hong Kong)
• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2008) (listed as a leading lawyer in the general corporate practice area)
• Chambers Global (2007) (ranked as one of the leading Corporate/M&A lawyers in China/Hong Kong)
• Chambers Global (2007) (ranked as one of the leading global practitioners in Projects & Energy: Asia Pacific)
• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2007) (listed as a leading lawyer in the general corporate practice area)
• The Legal Media Group Guide to the World's Leading Project Finance Lawyers (2006) (ranked as one of the world's leading practitioners in project finance)
• Asialaw Leading Lawyers (2006) (selected as one of the best Hong Kong-based general corporate lawyers)

Selected publications: 

• Editorial Advisor, China Business Case Report, CCH Asia
  • Shanghai Foreign Service Co. Ltd. v. Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Shanghai Pudong New Area, Third Party Wenbin Ni, case report, February 11, 2011
  • Application by Concordia Trading B.V. for Recognition and Enforcement of No. 3948 Arbitral Award of the Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations, case report, February 11, 2011
  • Zhejiang Provincial Second Light Industry Enterprises Group Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd. v. Maimex Far East Ltd., case report, August 27, 2010
  • Bian Wuwei v. United Energy (Huzhou) Thermoelectricity Co. Ltd., case report, August 27, 2010 
  • Cartier International N.V. v. Hunan Tongtian Hotel Ltd., case report, May 25, 2010
  • Singapore Novalc Pte. Ltd. v. Qinghou Zong, case report, May 25, 2010
  • Beijing Guge Science and Technology Co. Ltd. v. Google Information Technology (China) Co. Ltd., case report, March 31, 2010
  • Airbus Deutschland GmbH v. Trademark Review and Adjudication Board of State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People's Republic of China, third party Shenyang Yongfeng Food Co. Ltd., case report, March 31, 2010
  • The Ritz Hotel Ltd. v. Shanghai Huangpu Rits Leisure and Fitness Co. Ltd., case report, January 25, 2010
  • Shanghai RoyalShe Cosmetics Ltd. v. State Administration for Industry and Commerce Shanghai Jinshan Bureau, third party L'Oréal (China) Co. Ltd., case report, January 25, 2010   
  • China Hi-tech Wealth Group Co. Ltd. & Beijing Beida Jade Bird Co. Ltd. v. Rising Investment and Development Co. Ltd., case report, December 24, 2009
  • Duferco S.A. v. Ningbo Arts and Crafts Import and Export Co. Ltd., case report, December 24, 2009
  • Wuxi Liangxi Cold-rolled Sheet Co. Ltd. v. Wuxi Pacific Zinc Coated Sheet Co. Ltd. and Wuxi Changjiang Sheet Co. Ltd., case report, September 11, 2009
  • Wa Son Tat Land Investment Co. Ltd. v. Guangzhou Commercial Logistics Co., et. al, case report, September 11, 2009
• Co-author, "CIETAC's separation--issues for parties with CIETAC arbitration clauses," Fulbright Asia Pacific Practice Update, December 2012
• Co-author with Christopher Clement-Davies and Girard Miller, "Barriers to Investment," Environmental Risk, Winter 2008
• "Stoking China's Furnace: Implications of the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake for China's Energy Infrastructure," Global Infrastructure Volume II, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., Fall 2008
• Co-author with Lixin (Lucy) Chen, "Working with China's New Labor Contract Law," Doing Business in China 2008, Practising Law Institute, June 18, 2008
• Co-author with Joanne Du, "China's Olympic Growth: Opportunities and Challenges Presented by Private Sector Participation in Infrastructure Development," Global Infrastructure Volume I, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., January 2008
• Co-author with Jeffrey P. Layman, "Regulatory Developments in China Encourage Growth of Renewable Energy Sector," Bloomberg Corporate Law Journal, Spring 2006
• Co-author with Jeffrey P. Layman, "China's New Renewable Energy Law and Regulations," International Bar Association, Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law, Current Developments, April 2006
• "Developers, Investors Looking to China's Growth Power Market," Houston Business Journal, August 12 - 18, 2005

Mr. Blount is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences internationally. 

Selected speeches and panel presentations:

• "Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions," LexOmnibus course, Hong Kong, January 23, 2013, July 19, 2012, April 19, 2012, and February 17, 2012
• "Cross-Border M&A in Asia," IBA training program on international legal practice, International Bar Association, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 28, 2012
• "Cross-Border Mergers, Acquisitions and Investments in Asia: Trends and Opportunities in Southeast Asia," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 26, 2012
• "China M&A in 2012," Fulbright & Jaworski M&A program, Houston, Texas, November 7, 2012, and Dallas, Texas, November 15, 2012
• "BRICS: Trade and Investment Activities in 2012 and Beyond," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Dublin, Ireland, October 3, 2012
• "China M&A Developments in 2012:  Inbound and Outbound Transactions," Korea Banking Institute Overseas Workshop, Investment Banking Program, Hong Kong, September 5, 2012
• "Legal and Regulatory Matters Affecting Bioenergy Projects in China," BIT's 2^nd Annual World Congress of Bioenergy, Xi'an, China, April 27, 2012
• "China Energy Issues and Opportunities 2012," Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 2012 Energy Symposium, Houston, Texas, March 30, 2012
• "Doing Business in China 2012," Elon University International Business and Law Program, Hong Kong, January 20, 2012
• "Chinese Investment in Africa: Cultural and Transactional Issues and Regulatory Approach," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Nairobi, Kenya, December 1, 2011
• "Mergers and Acquisitions in China – Inbound and Outbound Transactional and Legal Considerations," Korea Banking Institute Overseas Workshop, Investment Banking Program, Hong Kong, November 10, 2011
• "Asian Investment in the Middle East," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 31, 2011
• "The Users' Perspective – Drafting Preferences and Experiences of Arbitration in China and Asia, and Practical Advice for Avoiding and Dealing with China Disputes," moderator, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Third China Arbitration Conference, Beijing, China, October 14, 2011
• "Current Legal, Regulatory and Other Issues for U.S. Businesses in China 2011," University of Houston Southeast Asia Study Abroad Program, Hong Kong, June 1, 2011
• "An Introduction to International Mergers and Acquisitions," IBA training program on international legal practice, International Bar Association, Tokyo, Japan, November 20, 2010
• "Cross-Border Mergers, Acquisitions and Investments in Asia: Trends and Opportunities in Asia following the Financial Crisis" and "Regional Acquisition, Merger and Investment Developments: Sector-Specific Issues and Opportunities in Asia Today," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Tokyo, Japan, November 18, 2010
• "Cross-Border M&A Transactions: Practical Considerations and Lessons Learned," 1^st Annual Fulbright & Jaworski M&A School Alumni Event, November 11, 2010
• "China in Africa," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Vancouver, Canada, October 6, 2010
• "Foreign Investment by State-owned Enterprises and National Security Considerations of Target Countries," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Vancouver, Canada, October 5, 2010
• "Practical Tips for Drafting and Negotiating Arbitration Clauses in China-Related Agreements and Choice of Law Issues," Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Second China Arbitration Conference, Beijing, China, October 29, 2009
• "Credit Crunch Crisis: The Role of the Real Estate Lawyer in Cleaning up the Mess," China panelist, International Bar Association, Madrid, Spain, October 7, 2009
• "Investment in Emerging Markets in Asia," co-chair and moderator, International Bar Association, Madrid, Spain, October 6, 2009
• "Private Equity and M&A Investment Developments," Doing Business in China 2009, Practising Law Institute, New York, New York, July 16, 2009
• "Current Legal Issues and Opportunities for Foreign Investment in China Infrastructure Projects," China Bridge & Tunnel Summit 2009, Shanghai, China, June 18, 2009
• "Spotlight on China: Opportunities for Investment and Finance in Asia," Projects and Infrastructure International 2009, Paris, France, May 12, 2009
• "U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and China Anti-Corruption Laws: Compliance and Best Practices in China 2009," Doing Business in China Conference, Global Navigation, Shanghai, China, April 3, 2009
• "Current Issues and Opportunities for Global Energy Companies in China 2009," China Offshore Summit 2009, Beijing, China, March 20, 2009
• "Private Equity in the PRC: Legal, Documentation and Practical Issues for PE Investments," Private Equity Funds Conference, Courses & Seminars, Hong Kong, December 12, 2008
• "Bioenergy Market Developments in China," International Renewables Roundtable: Focus on Bioenergy Technologies, Minnesota Trade Office and Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. seminar, Minneapolis, Minnesota, November 20, 2008
• "Management Equity: Economic, Cultural and Fiduciary Issues," panelist, Private Equity Subcommittee, International Bar Association, Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 14, 2008
• "Regulatory and Contracting Issues in Establishing Biomass to Energy Projects in China and Asia Pacific," BiomassWorld 2008, Beijing, China, September 24, 2008
• "New Focus of International Business: Asia, the Centre Stage – Recent Legal and Regulatory Developments and Enforcement Practices in the Tax Area in Asia," moderator and panelist, International Bar Association, Asia Pacific Forum, Hong Kong, September 19, 2008
• "M&A in China – Due Diligence and Structuring Issues," Courses & Seminars, Hong Kong, September 11, 2008
• "Legal Issues in China: MOFCOM, SAFE and Rules Pertaining to Offshore Transactions," panelist, The Reverse Merger Conference 2008, Los Angeles, California, June 19, 2008
• "China Employment Practices in the Post-Labor Contract Law Era," Doing Business in China 2008, Practising Law Institute, San Francisco, California, June 18, 2008
• "Current Legal Issues and Opportunities for Foreign Investment in China Infrastructure Projects," China Infrastructure Development and Investment Forum, Beijing, China, May 15, 2008
• "Current Issues for Inbound Acquisitions and Investments in China," Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. web seminar, May 6, 2008
• "Private Equity: The Sub-prime Crisis and Beyond – The Regulation of Hedge Funds," moderator and panelist, Law Council of Australia / International Bar Association, Sydney, Australia, April 8, 2008
• "Effective Legal Risk Management for Global Energy Companies," China Offshore Summit 2008, Beijing, China, April 3, 2008
• "Structuring and Negotiating Earnouts in Asia: A Practical Solution or a Trap for the Unwary? China Transactional Perspectives," Asia M&A Forum 2008, International Financial Law Review / Inter-Pacific Bar Association, Hong Kong, March 6, 2008
• "The Evolving Landscape for Safe Consumer Products: Guidance for Manufacturers, Importers and Retailers in Current and Prospective Regulatory Requirements and Best Practices – China Legal and Regulatory Developments," Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. web seminar, November 7, 2007  
• "Working Effectively with China's Government Regulators and Other Current Issues for U.S. Businesses in China 2007," Dallas, Texas, October 24, 2007
• "China Arbitration Conference 2007," moderator and panelist, Beijing, China, October 9, 2007
• "Ethics – The Core Value of Leadership," super panelist, 2007 Directors' Forum, Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong, September 14, 2007
• "Doing Business in China: What U.S. Companies Need to Know Now," National Constitution Center Audio Conferences, September 11, 2007
• "Current Developments and Issues Affecting Cross-Border M&A Transactions in China: Current Practical Issues," LexOmnibus seminar, Hong Kong, September 4, 2007
• "Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions in China: Understanding China's Regulatory Framework and Executing Due Diligence in a Challenging Environment," Boardroom Forum on China, The Economist/Corporate Board Member, New York, New York, June 13, 2007
• "Wind Farm Location Selection: Resource or Economics Driven?" panelist, 3rd Annual China Power & Alternative Energy Summit 2007, Beijing, China, May 18, 2007
• "Seeking an Optimal Energy Mix in the Power Sector," panelist, 3rd Annual China Power & Alternative Energy Summit 2007, Beijing, China, May 17, 2007
• "Establishing and Perfecting the Petroleum Corporation's Legal Risk Management Mechanism," China Offshore Summit 2007, Beijing, China, April 3, 2007
• "Focus China: What Do Global General Counsel Need to Know?" Fourth General Counsel Roundtable: Evolving Roles, Global Risks, The Economist/Corporate Board Member, New York, New York, November 29, 2006
• "Current Developments and Issues Affecting Cross-Border M&A Transactions in China and other Asian Markets," Association of Corporate Counsel America, Houston Chapter, Houston, Texas, September 27, 2006
• "Doing Business in China Today: Recent Regulatory and Legal Developments Affecting U.S. Businesses in China and Lessons Learned," Austin and Houston, Texas, August 23 and 24, 2006
• "Clean Development Mechanism Projects [under the Kyoto Protocol] in China: Opportunities and Challenges," World Renewable Energy Summit 2006, Beijing, China, May 16, 2006
• "Riding the Dragon: A China Symposium on Lessons Learned and Recent Regulatory Developments," Washington, D.C., April 27, 2006
• "Financing Renewable Energy Projects in China: Renewable Energy in the Context of China's Foreign Investment and Power Sector Reforms," International Project Finance Association, Washington, D.C., April 26, 2006
• "Chinese Foreign Acquisitions and Acquisitions of Chinese Entities," Conference on Economics, Energy, Investment and Risk in China, Petroleum Economist, London, England, October 24, 2005
• "China: Midstream or Mainstream? Recent Legal Developments Affecting Investment in China," Houston, Texas, October 4, 2005
• "The Long Reach of China's National Oil Companies," Houston, Texas, October 4, 2005
• "China at a Critical Juncture, 2004 and Beyond: Current Legal, Regulatory and WTO Developments in China," Houston, Texas, October 5, 2004
• "Current Business Potential and Pitfalls in China Investment and Finance," Los Angeles, California, September 29, 2003

1983 - J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
1979 - A.B., cum laude, Princeton University 

At Princeton, Mr. Blount majored in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and received the Woodrow Wilson School's R.W. van de Velde Award.

He was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in 1983 and is admitted as a registered foreign lawyer in Hong Kong.

• District of Columbia

• Hong Kong Trade and Industry Advisory Board – appointed member (2008 - 2013)
• The American Club Hong Kong – leadership positions include:
  • Board of Governors, former member
  • Development Committee, former Chair

Mr. Blount has also served on the governing or advisory boards of various charitable and other civic organizations in Asia and the United States.