Introduction

Georges serves as outside counsel to public and private companies, with a focus on international matters.

Georges H.G. Yates advises on international business transactions and joint ventures; mergers and acquisitions; cross-border business operations, investment, and taxation; real estate acquisitions, syndications, finance, leasing, and development; and corporate finance, including equity and debt 

George coordinates strategic relationships between Ashurst Perkins Coie and various law firms globally. 

Education & credentials

  • Seattle University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Lead Articles Editor, Seattle University Law Review, 1993
  • University of San Diego, Paris Institute on International and Comparative Law, Paris, France, 1991
  • University of Paris-Sorbonne, Certificat des Conferences de Civilisation Francaise, 1991
  • University of Washington, B.S., 1987
  • Princeton University, Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association, 1987
  • Washington
  • Alaska
  • England and Wales, Solicitor
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • Washington State House of Representatives, Legislative Assistant, 1988-1990
  • Interstate Pump and Drilling Supply Inc., Vice President, 1985-1987 (international distributor of industrial equipment)
  • International Coordination & Design, Inc., Seattle, WA, Anchorage and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, Project Manager, 1984-1985 (oil field equipment disposal agent for Northern Alaska drilling operations)
  • Hon. Charles JohnsonState Supreme Court of Washington
  • Interpretations and Appeals DivisionWashington State Department of Revenue

Professional recognition

  • Named Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" for International Trade and Finance Law, 2016

  • Named Best Lawyers’ Seattle "International Trade and Finance Law Lawyer of the Year," 2014

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America: International Trade and Finance Law, 2011-2026

  • Listed in Washington Law & Politics, "Rising Stars of Washington Law," 2001

Impact

  • Perkins Coie Foreign Legal Affairs Attorneys at Law, Taipei, Taiwan, Partner, 2011-2021
  • Perkins Coie LLP, Firmwide Hiring Partner/Hiring Committee Chair, 2005-2009
  • Perkins Coie LLP, Beijing Office Chief Representative/Managing Partner, Beijing, China, 2005-2008
  • Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation, Director, 1999-2002; General Counsel, 2002-2011
  • Washington-Primorsky Krai Russian Rule of Law Partnership, Executive Committee Member
  • French-American Chamber of Commerce, Director
  • Washington State China Relations Council, Director
  • Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, Director
  • American Bar Association, International Section, Canada Committee Steering Group
  • Shawnigan Lake School Society, British Columbia, Canada
  • World Affairs Council