John C. Yang is a Senior Advisor for Trade and Strategic Initiatives at the United States Department of Commerce. In that role, he is an advisor to Secretary Penny Pritzker on economic issues related to China and the surrounding region. John is a member of the Department’s Global Economics Team within the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning, which works closely across the Department to coordinate and develop Secretary Pritzker’s international economic agenda, including on matters related to commercial diplomacy and trade policy and promotion. The team also advises the Secretary on the broader geo-economic and geo-political challenges facing the United States.
From 2010 to 2014, John was the Director of Legal Affairs – Asia Pacific for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), a Fortune 200 company. Based in Shanghai, John oversaw and managed all legal issues related to ITW’s over $1 billion presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which included issues including mergers/acquisitions, greenfields, business expansions and consolidations, transactions, commercial contracts, corporate governance, labor/employment, litigation, dispute resolution, and investigations. Previously, John was a partner with Wiley Rein LLP in Washington, D.C. While at Wiley Rein, John represented clients in over 75 published opinions, including decisions from high courts in 18 states. John has been recognized as one of “America’s Leading Business Lawyers” by Chambers USA and as a Washington, D.C. “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics. John also has been very active in the legal and civic community. John’s leadership positions have included: President, NAPABA (2003-04); Chair, Asian American Justice Center (2005-08); Member, ABA House of Delegates (2007-Present; Chair, Minority Caucus); General Counsel, D.C. Bar (2000-02); Hearing Committee Chair, D.C. Board on Professional Responsibility (2004-08).
John graduated with honors from George Washington University Law School, where he served on the George Washington Law Review and the Moot Court Board. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington University (St. Louis).