Mason Ji
Mason Ji

Mason Ji

Associate

Seattle

206.359.6308
mason.ji@ashurstperkins.com

Introduction

Clients rely on Mason in disputes and regulatory crises involving legal, commercial, and geopolitical complexity.

Mason Ji is a litigator and strategic adviser who focuses on cross-border disputes, international trade, national security, and regulatory enforcement matters. He represents companies and individuals in complex commercial litigation, arbitration, investigations, and other high-stakes cases. He advises clients on tariffs, sanctions, and export controls, including matters before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and under the Outbound Investment Program.

Fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese and drawing on experience in the United States and international institutions, Mason brings cultural fluency and strategic perspective to sensitive cross-border matters. In addition to his law practice, Mason teaches International Trade Law at the University of Washington School of Law and has lectured in English and Chinese on international trade and complex litigation.

An experienced advocate, Mason has represented clients in state and federal courts, domestic and international arbitrations, and regulatory proceedings. He has argued and won multiple dispositive motions and has a strong record at trial, including a multiweek bench trial and several arbitrations. He recently led a multiday arbitration in which his team prevailed on every claim.

Prior to private practice, Mason served as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, where he negotiated treaties and resolutions on nuclear disarmament, climate change, and human rights. He also served as an English-Chinese translator at the United Nations and as a White House Ambassador for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Mason received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was an executive editor of the Harvard International Law Journal. He holds a Master of Public Policy and an M.Sc. in global governance and diplomacy from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes scholar. He earned his B.A. in global affairs and political science from Yale University, summa cum laude.

Education & credentials

  • Harvard Law School, J.D.,

    Executive Editor, Harvard International Law Journal

    , 2021
  • University of Oxford, Master of Public Policy, Rhodes Scholar, 2018
  • University of Oxford, M.Sc., Global Governance and Diplomacy, Rhodes Scholar, 2017
  • Yale University, B.A., Global Affairs and Political Science, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 2016
  • Peking University, Certificate, Direct Enrollment, School of International Studies, 2014
  • Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, WA, Lecturer, 2021-present; Doctoral Committee Member, 2023-present
  • Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, WA, Law Clerk, 2020-2021; Summer Associate, 2019, 2020; 1L Diversity Fellow, 2019
  • Global Council for the Sustainable Development Goals, New York, NY, Councilmember, 2018-2021
  • United Nations, New York, NY, Consultant, 2018-2020, U.N. General Assembly Delegate, 2013-2015
  • Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China, Intern, 2019
  • White House, Washington, D.C., Ambassador for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, 2015-2016

Professional recognition

  • Recipient of the Washington APEX Outstanding New Member Award, 2026

  • Named an International Trade and Litigation Expert by Wolters Kluwer, 2026

  • Awarded the ABA Rosner & Rosner Young Lawyer Professionalism Award, 2025

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2024-2026; Commercial Litigation, 2026

  • American Bar Foundation, Board Director, 2025-present; Fellow, 2024-present

  • Recognized as one of the 14 leaders selected for Committee of 100 program supporting Asian American advancement, 2026

  • Recognized as one of the 12 lawyers in ABA Journal's annual "Members Who Inspire," 2024

  • Listed on the "Top 40 Young Lawyers On the Rise" List, American Bar Association, 2023

  • J. Shan Mullin Annual Community Leadership and Service Award, Perkins Coie, 2022

  • Listed in Who's Who in America

Impact

  • Washington State Bar Association Young Lawyers Committee, Chair-Elect, 2023-present; Member, 2023-present
  • American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, District Representative for Washington and Oregon, 2023-present
  • King County Bar Association, New Lawyers Division, Trustee, 2022-present
  • American Bar Association, United States Mission to the United Nations, Alternate Observer, 2022-present
  • Council on Foreign Relations Young Professionals Series, Member
  • Hunger Free America, Associate Board Director, 2023-present
  • Friends of Bellevue Cross-Cultural Center, Board Director, 2021-present
  • Asian Americans for Justice and Equality, Board Director, 2021-present
  • Seattle Chinese Radio, Radio Host of “Decoding America,” 2020-present
Bureau of Economic Analysis

Assist clients in completing BEA filings and requirements.

Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)

Represents technology and defense companies in CFIUS declaration and notice process.

International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)

Represents defense and aerospace companies on ITAR issues related to the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. 

Export administration regulations

Represents technology companies on export classification and disclosure in front of U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security.

International initial public offerings

Serves as U.S. export controls, sanctions, and tariffs counsel to companies for initial public offerings.

Trade regulatory and compliance diligence

Serves as international trade counsel for compliance diligence.

Confidential matter

Represented a seller representative in a reverse merger transaction dispute through a multiday arbitration. Secured win on all claims.

Lu Xu v. Southport Office EB-5 LP, et al.

King County Superior Court
Defended Motion to Dismiss against an international investor in an EB-5 investment funds dispute.

David Beail v. Thomas Dwyer, Norma Fine, et al.

Snohomish County Superior Court
Represented LLC member in multi-party LLC dispute, settled claims through mediation.

Confidential Client

King County Superior Court
Represented a seller representative in a reverse merger transaction dispute through a multiweek bench trial.

Michelle v. South Correctional Entity, et al.

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Defended and helped secure dismissal for healthcare services provider from federal litigation.

Picciano v. NaphCare, Inc., et al.

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Defending healthcare services provider in litigation in which plaintiff alleges constitutionally deficient medical care and medical negligence.

Tupperware Brands Corporation v. Holland America Line N.V. and Seabourn Cruise Line Limited

King County Superior Court
Assisted in mediation, dispositive motions practice, and settling breach of contract claims against cruise lines.

GVD Commercial Properties, Inc. v. Red Lion Hotels Corporation

Spokane County Superior Court
Defended and settled breach of contract claims against hotel tenant through mediation.

OFAC Violations

Assisting clients in navigating applications to OFAC for international sanctions licenses and guidance.

Compliance Advising

Providing advice to clients regarding sanctions compliance and risk factors analysis. Assisting clients in design and enhancement of business ethics and compliance programs.

Confidential Matter

Drafted white paper for client on U.S. and Chinese anti-money laundering, embezzlement, and anti-corruption laws.

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