Fraser Mendel

Overview

Fraser Mendel has been representing clients for almost 30 years in the United States and internationally. He is a business lawyer focused on helping his clients start and grow their businesses, bringing a background in taxation, years of experience on the ground internationally, and a deep passion for helping clients build their businesses. Along with helping grow their businesses, Fraser also works with clients to put in place succession plans and estate planning tools to protect the proceeds of their successful growth.

Practice Areas

• Startup Companies

• Intellectual Property, Licensing and Technology Transactions

• International

• Corporate

• Succession Planning

• Estate Planning

The type of work that Fraser does for clients includes:

• Cross-border technology licensing agreements

• Setting up companies to be business and tax efficient

• Creating strategies for protecting a company’s intellectual property – both domestic and internationally

• Venture capital financings – both domestic and cross-border

• Anti-bribery/anti-corruption compliance 

• Succession Planning

• Estate Planning

• Serving as outside general counsel.

Fraser has taught, written and spoke at events about technology transactions, operating internationally and managing a company from startup to exit. He has represented clients in many countries, and has particular expertise on cross-border transactions in Asia.

Community Involvement

Current Leadership Activities

• Board of Trustees, World Affairs Council (2016-present)

• Member, Advisory Committee, Asia Society Seattle (2023-present)

• General Counsel, Lonin League (2008-present)

Past Leadership Activities

• Board of Directors, Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC) (2011-2024) (Vice Chair 2016-2023)

• Advisor, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (2017-2024)

• Legal Advisor, Chinese Language Teachers Association of Washington (2006-2024)

• Vice Chair - Technology Law Committee, International Bar Association (2021-2023)

• Professor, Transportation Law, Lake Washington Institute of Technology

• Publications Officer – Technology Law Committee, International Bar Association (2019-2021)

• Chair, Intrusive Technologies Committee – Technology Law Committee, International Bar Association (2016-2018); Vice Chair (2015-16)

• Member of Board of Directors, Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle (2012-2018)

• Member of Executive Committee, International Practice Section – Washington State Bar Association (2012-17); Chair (2015-16)

• Member of Executive Committee, Washington Council on International Trade (2013-2016)

• Member of Board of Directors, OneWorld Now! (2015-2017)

• Member, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (2013-2024)

Active in Following Organizations

• Member, International Bar Association (2010-present)

• Member, Washington State Bar Association (1994-present)

• Member, American Bar Association (1991-present)

• Member, Association of Asian Studies (1991-present)