Naoko Inoue Shatz, the founder of Shatz Law Group PLLC, focuses her practice in the areas of cross border transactions including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, incorporation/new business formations, contracts, employment matters and related dispute resolution. She has also extensive experience in the areas of domestic business, limited liability company, and corporations.

She has assisted numerous Japanese clients that are based in the U.S. or Japan and U.S. companies that have business with Japanese and Chinese companies. Her client base consists of start-ups and individuals to multinational corporations. Dedicated to assist entrepreneurs and business owners, she provides practical advice based on her extensive business experience and knowledge about law.

Prior to founding the Shatz Law Group, Ms. Shatz practiced law at K&L Gates LLP and Perkins Coie LLP. Ms. Shatz is a contributing author to the web blog, http://usjapanbusinesslaw.com/ concerning U.S.-Japan business and law and a featured writer covering Business Law, Employment law and related dispute at junglecity.com. In addition, she has presented CLE seminars and lectures concentrating on employment law, international business transactions and dispute resolutions that are hosted by various Bar Associations, organizations and Law Schools. She has also served as a valuable resource for Japanese attorneys and judges who want to keep updated on recent developments in US case law and legislative changes that can affect US-Japan transactions.

Before her legal career, Ms. Shatz held professional positions in sales, marketing, and business education at Tokyo based companies.

Bar/ Court Admissions

• New York
• Washington
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Professional and Community Activities:

• International Section and Business Section of American Bar Association (ABA)
• International Commercial Transactions, Franchising and Distribution Committee Leadership of American Bar Association (ABA 2012-2013)
• International Section and Business Section of Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)
• New York State Bar Association (NYSBA)
• Asian Bar Association of Washington, Board Member (2012 – present)
• Japan America Society, Chair for Legal Seminars (2012 – present)
• King County Bar Association
• Seattle University School of Law, Guest Lecturer for International Arbitration course (2010 and 2011)

Education:

• Seattle University School of Law, J.D. (2001)
• Award for Excellence in Consumer Law
• Academic Scholar
• University of Pennsylvania, International Relations (1996-1998)
• Seikei University, Tokyo, B.A. (1987)

Languages:

• Japanese