Julia Cheng

About

I am a business and technology lawyer specializing in corporate, software, artificial intelligence (AI), data privacy (GDPR & CCPA), digital media and IP matters. For more than 15 years, I work with for profit and nonprofit clients through the life cycle of a business, from business formation to capital raise, product and business development, to negotiating and closing partnership deals with Fortune 500 companies including Apple, Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Disney, CNN, Paramount, GE and Samsung. I advise clients on corporate matters ranging from corporate and securities, mergers and acquisitions, to capital raise through various equity/debt financing transactions involving crowdfunding platforms, angels and venture capital. For my technology clients I routinely draft and negotiate contracts relating to the development, licensing and distribution of software, advise clients on GDPR and CCPA compliance, and counsel clients on legal issues surrounding the commercialization and use of AI applications. For my digital media clients I advise them on matters related to the development, publishing and distribution of digital content, social media advertising, copyright and trademark protection, and IP issues surrounding AI generated content.

In addition to corporate matters I also assist clients with forming non-profit organizations, from initial incorporation to seeking 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. I advise existing non-profits on non-profit/for-profit structures such as joint ventures, contract hybrids, for-profit spin-offs and benefit corporations. Some of them are locally based, while others have operations overseas.

During my spare time, I serve on the Board and act as President of Out In Tech Inc., the largest non profit for LGBT tech community with 50,000+ members worldwide.

Previous Professional Experience

• Di Santo LLP, Partner
• Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP, Associate

Education

• Harvard Law School Executive Education, Certificate of Completion, Computer Science for Lawyers
• JD, Fordham University School of Law
• BA, The Johns Hopkins University
• Languages: English, Chinese (native read and write)