X. Kevin Zhao represents business clients in disputes including multidistrict, antitrust, and consumer class actions; contract, tort, and fiduciary-duty claims; and product-liability litigation.

Kevin brings a strategic eye to complex litigation and arbitration. His talent for identifying and articulating the most critical issues without losing important nuances makes him an effective advocate for clients at all stages of litigation—from initial case assessment to post-trial appeals. Kevin is currently coordinating legal strategy in federal and state courts across the country. He has authored winning briefs and argued successful dispositive and non-dispositive motions for clients in significant lawsuits and arbitrations. 

Kevin also has substantial experience in international litigation and cross-border disputes. Leveraging his fluency in Mandarin, Kevin (赵晓川) has prepared, defended, and taken numerous depositions of Chinese-speaking witnesses in China and Hong Kong. And Kevin has worked with (and against) experts in Chinese law and regulatory compliance.

In addition to litigation, Kevin conducts internal investigations on behalf of clients. Time and time again, clients turn to Kevin to understand and then help solve their most challenging problems.

Having emigrated to the United States as a small child, Kevin identifies personally with the immigrant experience. He maintains an active pro bono practice, working closely with The Advocates for Human Rights to help asylum seekers escape persecution and reunite with their families.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys cooking, biking, and spending time with his wife and three young children.

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit 
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
  • State Bar of Minnesota

Professional & Community Affiliations

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association
  • Twin Cities Diversity in Practice

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Thought Leadership

PUBLICATIONS

TEACHING AND LECTURING

  • Course Co-Chair, 50+ Strategies and Tips for Civil Litigators, Minnesota CLE (February 16, 2022)
  • 2020 Business Law Update, 2020 Business Law Institute, Minnesota CLE (February 20, 2020)
  • 2019 Business Law Update, 2019 Business Law Institute, Minnesota CLE (May 6, 2019)
  • Corporate Law Dept Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives – Attracting and Retaining In-House Lawyers and Outside Counsel, Minnesota State Bar Association (June 2018)
  • 2018 Minnesota Business Update: Caselaw and Legislative Developments, 2018 Business Law Institute (May 2018)
  • Minnesota Business Law: Cases You Need to Know About, 2017 Business Law Institute, Minnesota CLE (May, 2017)
  • Developments in International Law Practice Under the New Administration - Trade, Tax, Cyber Security, Anti-Corruption, and Immigration, 2017 International Business Law Institute, Minnesota CLE and the MSBA International Business Law Section (May 2017)

Recognition

  • 2021 Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Lawyer
  • Selected to Minnesota Rising Stars list, Minnesota Super Lawyers (2019-2022)
  • Recognized as Minnesota State Bar Association North Star Lawyer for pro bono service (2014-2019, 2021)
  • Recognized as Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer (2018)
  • Appointed to the Merit Selection Panel by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim to advise the U.S. District Court of the District of Minnesota on the selection of a new U.S. Magistrate Judge (February, 2018)
  • Graduate Fellow for Constitutional Law and Corporations, Harvard Law School

Languages

Mandarin (fluent-speaking)

News

X. Kevin Zhao Appointed to the Commission on Judicial Selection
16 Greene Espel Attorneys Recognized on the Minnesota Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Client Win: Judge Grants Complete Dismissal for Greene Espel Client in Class Action Accountant Liability Case

Practice Areas


Education

J.D., Harvard Law School, magna cum laude

B.A., University of Minnesota, Political Science and Global Studies, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa


Experience

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, The Honorable Patrick J. Schiltz, Law Clerk 

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, The Honorable James B. Loken, Law Clerk 

Faegre & Benson LLP, Associate