Skip to main content

Daniel P. Harris

International law Attorney at Seattle, WA

5.0   8 reviews

also known as Dan Harris

  • State Years
    Alaska - AK 22 years
    Washington - WA 36 years
    Illinois - IL 38 years
  • Licensed for 22 years
    State AK
    Acquired 2001
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 36 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1987
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 38 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1984
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Daniel

Learn Daniel’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area

For more than fifteen years, I have been representing companies doing business in emerging market countries. I have found that the most important thing in conducting legal work in an emerging market country is to take nothing for granted and to work with the right people. It has taken me many years to build up my worldwide network, and it takes constant communication and travel to maintain it. My work has been as varied as securing the release of two improperly held helicopters in Papua New Guinea, setting up a legal framework to move slag from Canada to Poland's interior, overseeing hundreds of litigation and arbitration matters in Korea, and seizing fish product in China to collect a long overdue debt by a Russian company. For other examples of my work, please check out the "representative work" page on my firm's website at .

I was named as one of only three Washington State Amazing Lawyers in International Law; I am AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (its highest rating); I am rated 10.0 by , its highest rating, and I am a "Super Lawyer" for International Law.

I am a frequent writer and public speaker on doing business in China and I am always going to China and to Korea. I am also the lead writer of the award winning China Law Blog (). Forbes Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Investors Business Daily, Business Week, The National Law Journal, The Washington Post, The ABA Journal, The Economist, Newsweek, Inside Counsel, and the Christian Science Monitor, have all interviewed me regarding various aspects of my law practice.

I am licensed in both Washington and Alaska.

Photos and videos

Suing Chinese Companies, part 2
Suing Chinese Companies
Apple's China trademark dispute with Proview
Doing Business in China -- For Better or Worse
View more

Contact Daniel

Similar lawyers nearby

Harris Bricken
600 Stewart St- Suite 1200
Seattle, WA, 98101-1232

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  8 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Zachary Messinger | December 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Service
Harris Bricken represented us on a last minute real estate dispute and they quickly achieved an incredibly favorable resolution for us. We always felt like they knew exactly what they were doing every step of the way, but beyond that, we also greatly appreciated their willingness to talk through pretty much everything with us. This firm absolutely deserves five stars.
Read less
Posted by Kyle | July 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Clear, responsive and practical in my time of need
I was in a difficult situation with my ex-employer in Beijing, didn't understand my position or my rights and generally felt unable to respond effectively. Dan helped me narrow the issue, find the right lawyer in the practice and understand exactly how the firm could help me. This was my first time hiring a lawyer, and Dan's prompt, concise helpful replies convinced me that they could help (and they did!). Dan is the ideal person to consult with in deciding how to respond to a legal issue. He will talk honestly with you before you put down a retainer, and his firm has experts on a wide variety of cross-border legal issues (I asked for their help on labor issues in China).
Read less
Posted by Randon | March 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Powerful Knowledge
After a significant amount of research we hired Dan to assist with China employment law and trademark issues. The work was excellent and cost effective. But the value add of representation by Dan Didn't end there. His deep knowledge of the potential pitfalls of doing business there and his commitment to keeping his clients, and even others interested in stepping into the breach, informed of cons and scams saved our company and supplier a significant amount of brain damage at least, and more likely, tens of thousands of dollars. I definitely recommend Dan.
Read less
Posted by Allen | August 25, 2014
A Lawyer Who Looks Out for His Clients
I used Dan and his law firm to form a company for me in China. But we ended up not forming a company when Dan recommended that we instead simply use a third party hiring agency in China to hire my two employees. This saved me tens of thousands of dollars in attorneys' fees and tens of thousands of additional dollars I would have had to spend on running a company in China. Dan's recommendations proved that he is more interested in doing good work for his firm's clients than in grabbing a fast buck and that has convinced me to use his firm whenever it makes sense.
Read less
Posted by Howard | April 11, 2012
Succeeded in Bringing Claim Against Chinese Company
Our company found itself in a difficult situation with a Chinese manufacturer that we had been doing business with for a decade. Our corporate attorney felt inadequate to counsel us on issues dealing with Chinese businesses so, after much research and vetting of other attorneys, he recommended we work with a specialist – Mr. Harris, whom he described as “the best in the business,” on the matter. So we did. Mr. Harris was absolutely amazing; his deep knowledge of and passion for Chinese business culture, manufacturing issues and legal matters quite frankly blew our mind. And we have been doing business in China for over 20 years. We felt like we finally found someone who “knows the ropes” of doing business in China, and understood the gravity of the problems we were dealing with, which was an enormous relief. His counsel was incredible and driven by his passion and curiosity to, first and foremost., help us to navigate these difficult circumstances, and succeed with our claim. Mr. Harris was committed and accessible at all times. Never once did we get the feeling he put his needs ahead of ours. He continues to stay in touch which we appreciate. Having worked with many attorneys over the years, I can honestly say Mr. Harris is one of the best and a pleasure to work with. He has earned my highest recommendation.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2008
Major Settlement in 2 Weeks
Dan provided effective and helpful advice. He was able to help us strongly defend our claim in discussions with a large multinational corporation. At the same time, he encouraged us to keep the door open to discussions at the right moment. His willingness to listen closely to our assessment of the dispute and strategy going forward was instrumental in acheiving the desired result.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2008
Different From Other Lawyers
I have been working with lawyers my whole adult life and Dan is my favorite of the bunch. He is so no nonsense it is sometimes disarming. I am writing this now right after he fought me for a week to do something a particular way, which way ended up working beautifully and saved my company tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. It is just such a joy to work with such a totally honest professional like Dan. He's just such a great guy.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2008
Expatriate Case
Mr. Harris handled a settlement case with my former employer, a major shipping and logistics corporation. The corporation downsized me while I was posted overseas in Russia; there were no issues with my performance, it was a purely financial decision but I was left in a difficult position -- the expatriation stipulated sale of our home and vehicles, and we would return to the United States without work or residence. Even worse, Russian law allows employees to be released with only 2 months' salary in this case. I had transferred to Russian contract recently and was very exposed. I did a web search and contacted a number of firms but Harris-Moure was the only one to respond. Mr. Harris carefully collected materials from me and reviewed them. He asked pointed questions, did not waste time and in short order found communication between myself and the company confirming a defined expatriation term. Dan told me I had a reasonable case to claim estoppel of my contract with the corporation. I in turn used this information during my negotiations for a final settlement and managed to get a fair offer of over one year's salary. I recommend Dan Harris very highly. He did a great job staying in touch with me even though he was travelling quite a bit. His advice was spot on and really helped us financially. Finally, he's a man with outstanding character -- he stayed in touch after the settlement, just to see how things are going.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Associate Attorney
  • Kirkland & Ellis
  • 1984 - 1988

Education

  • Indiana University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1984
  • Grinnell College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1981

Legal Cases

  • Rigby v. SAME Investment
  • Defense Verdict
  • Nadein v. Unimak Maritime Group
  • Court awarded plaintiff nothing

Associations

  • AmCham
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Chinese Civil Law Forum
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Alaska Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1987 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1984 - Present
  • China Trade Law Report
  • Editor
  • 2006 - 2007
  • King County Bar Association
  • President
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Member
  • 1995 - 1998
  • Indiana Law Journal
  • Managing Editor
  • 1983 - 1984
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • French
  • Turkish
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2021
  • Blawg 100 Hall of Fame
  • American Bar Association Journal
  • 2021
  • 10.0 Ratingj
  • Avvo
  • 2021
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Blawg 100 Hall of Fame
  • American Bar Association Journal
  • 2020
  • 10.0 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2020
  • 10.0 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • 10.00 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2013
  • Blawg 100
  • ABA Law Journal
  • 2012
  • 10.00 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2012
  • 10.0 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2011
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Super Lawyer, International Law
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2010
  • 10.0 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2010
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • 10.0 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2009
  • Best Regional Blog
  • American Bar Association Journal
  • 2009
  • AV (highest) Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2008
  • Avvo 10.0
  • Avvo
  • 2008
  • Best Black Letter Law Blog
  • ABA Journal
  • 2008
  • Best China Business/Law Blog
  • Chinalyst
  • 2007
  • 10.0 Rating
  • Avvo
  • 2007
  • AV Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2007
  • Amazing Lawyers for International Law
  • Washington CE)
  • 2007
  • Order of the Coif
  • 1984
View all awards

Publications

  • Practical China Reporter
  • Dealing Effectively with Common Chinese Negotiating Techniques
  • 2012
  • Practical China
  • Making Your Non Disclosure Agreement Work for China
  • 2012
  • Alaska Bar Rag
  • China's Trademark Laws
  • 2007
  • SideRoad
  • Emerging Market: Four Principles For Success in Emerging Market Nations
  • 2005
  • Entrepreneur.com
  • Better Legal Billing
  • 2001
  • Environmental Liability
  • Cost Recovery: End of the Slam Dunk
  • 1995
  • National Law Journal
  • Transport of Waste in Dispute
  • 1993
  • Barrister
  • Joint and Several Liability With a New Twist
  • 1993
  • Unknown
  • Avoiding Joint and Several Liability
  • 1992
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Cross Border Negotations
  • Cross Border Negotiations
  • 2017
  • ConAgra China Education Summit
  • China IP for the Food Industry
  • 2015
  • Exportech
  • Eight Questions to Stay Out of Legal Trouble In China
  • 2015
  • International Tax Conference
  • How To Succeed in China
  • 2014
  • Rice University Jones School of Business
  • International Law Firm Management
  • 2014
  • Seattle University School of Law
  • China IP Basics
  • 2014
  • Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  • International Law Careers
  • 2013
  • Fox Television News
  • International Law Jurisdiction
  • 2005
  • CNBC Report on Business
  • International Enforcement of the Yukos Bankruptcy
  • 2004
  • Indiana University School of Law
  • International Law
  • 2004
  • Korean Judges Conference
  • International Asset Seizures
  • 2003
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (35)
Endorse Daniel
International law Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Dan for all international legal issues. Dan is an amazing resource on cross border legal disputes, and has an unparalleled understanding and experience working on legal issues US businesses face when entering the Chinese market or working with China-based businesses."
International law Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Harris is a great mentor and friend always helpful and friendly and zealous in his representation of his clients. On top of the fact he is a great guy, his knowledge and expertise in international law particularly in Asia is unsurpassed. As an international trade attorney myself his abilities are the benchmark to which I hold myself. I'd strongly recommend him to anyone looking to engage in business overseas."
International law Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Dan would be my first choice if I required legal counsel in China. He has worked there many years and is very familiar with not just the laws, but the unwritten procedures, connections and know-how that are essential to doing business there."
Litigation Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Dan for years. Dan works very hard for his clients. He applies his considerable breadth and depth of experience to obtain superior results."
International law Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. His firm is the "go to" boutique firm for anything China."
International law Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Dan in the past and have always found him to be bright, conscientious and creative. I would highly recommend him."
Business Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Business Attorney | Jul 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I regularly refer client's to Dan and feel confident that the client will be in extremely good hands. He is one of the smartest and most innovative lawyers in Washington. His knowledge of the law is A-1. His abilities and publications set the standards for all others. As your advocate, he is the best. I highly recommend him."
International law Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Dan has something that few attorneys possess ... the raw passion, energy and intellect to practice international law. Check out Dan's law blog at www.ChinaLawBlog.com to verify this for yourself."
International law Attorney | May 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Dan's an excellent attorney and a great guy. He understands international law and he's a huge asset to his clients in international business transactions, especially if the matter involves China."
International law Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Our company has used Mr. Harris on several critical international matters in China, Russia, and other complex jurisdictions. His guidance has helped save us time, money, and resources. There is no stronger international firm in the Seattle area."
Litigation Attorney | Apr 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked on several matters with Dan in which it was necessary to involve him to help clients in international business/litigation matters. Dan did an excellent job and obtained a favorable result. I recommend Dan and his firm without qualification."
International law Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Dan is a terrific lawyer. He's the first person I would contact if I had an international law issue (whether contract related, dispute resolution, or otherwise), and I know that I can refer people to his firm with complete confidence that their matter will be handled professionally. I have worked side-by-side with Dan and his colleagues on several cases, and I and my clients have always been impressed with their work."
View more endorsements
Corporate and incorporation
Land use and zoning
International law
Corporate and incorporation
Litigation
Business
Intellectual property
Intellectual property
Entertainment
Litigation