Gary Locke Rejoins Davis Wright Tremaine as Senior Advisor

(Business Wire) – Davis Wright Tremaine (DWT) today announced that former U.S. Ambassador to China, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Washington State Governor Gary Locke has rejoined the firm as Senior Advisor and Consultant.

In his new role, Locke will consult with DWT’s domestic and international clients in several key areas, including:

Trade, regulatory and investment policy issues at the local, state, national and international levels; and
Guidance and direction on doing business in China and in the United States.

“It is an honor to have Gov. Locke return to DWT,” said Bob Blackstone, partner-in-charge at DWT’s Seattle office. “Our clients and partners will benefit tremendously from his experience, wisdom and relationships, developed over decades of public service.”

Locke’s new role will help further strengthen ties between the Pacific Northwest and China. In 1994, DWT was the first U.S. law firm authorized to open an office in Shanghai; today, it has the largest presence in Mainland China of any Pacific Northwest firm.

“With $29 billion in two-way trade between Washington State and China last year, companies on both sides of the Pacific need trusted advisors to help navigate complex legal and regulatory systems in both countries,” said Norm Page, chair of the DWT China Practice. “Gov. Locke has a truly distinctive perspective from his leadership roles in Washington State, Washington, DC and China.”

This will be Locke’s second position with DWT, having previously served as co-chair of the firm’s China Practice from 2004-2009. Locke was appointed Secretary of Commerce by President Obama in 2009.

“DWT is the perfect place for me to contribute on things I care deeply about,” said Locke. “I am excited to be back with my colleagues at DWT – it’s a great firm with top-notch lawyers and staff. The firm works at the highest level on cutting-edge legal and business issues involving trade, technology and regulatory policy. I am passionate about solving complex policy issues and facilitating constructive relationships between the U.S. and China.”

Locke served as U.S. Ambassador to China from 2011-2014, U.S. Commerce Secretary from 2009-2011, and governor of Washington State from 1997 to 2005.