Vivian Mao

BIO

Vivian Mao is a Partner at Dezan Shira & Associates. Vivian is in charge of East China including Shanghai office and other offices surrounding.  Together with the blended team, Vivian provides foreign entities entering China with comprehensive investment and management advice, and guides investors through the process of business plan, establishment, maintenance and expansion.

Vivian joined Dezan Shira & Associates in 2015, and led the Business Advisory Service team for more than 2 years. Her work often included legal advisory on investment structure, incorporation, mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, contract drafting and review, labor law, work permits and residence permits for expatriates and intellectual property.

Prior to joining Dezan Shira & Associates, Vivian started her career with an international law firm in 2005, worked as an in-house legal counsel for a major Singapore-listed company from 2008 to 2011, and then joined a multinational consulting firm, heading the Corporate Advisory Department.

With more than 20 years of legal practice, Vivian is experienced in incorporation, corporate compliance, mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, legal due diligence, project investment, international trade, offshore investment, intellectual property, labor law, contract review and drafting, dispute settlement, arbitration and litigation. She has also led several anti-corruption investigation projects for multinational companies.

Vivian holds an MBA and has a law degree in International Economic Law from East China University of Political Science and Law. She holds the Certificate of Lawyer’s Qualification and is a member of International Bar Association. Vivian also joined CPA Australia as FCPA. Apart from her strong knowledge and experiences in the legal and Human Resources fields, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of the key tax and accounting topics relating to foreign direct investment in China.

Vivian is one of Canada's Global Executives recognized by the Trade Commissioner Service at Global Affairs Canada. She is also a mentor for Start2 Group, recognized in 2025 as one of Europe’s top three startup hubs by the Financial Times, securing the #1 ranking in "Network" and "Track Record." In 2024, she shared her expertise with three German startup groups, helping them advance their ventures.

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