Leodis C. Matthews is a renowned international lawyer who has been working in Asia for the past few years, primarily in China. Now, Mr. Matthews discusses the issues surrounding world trade as the United States shifts its attention to a more global economy.

World trade has become the focus of many businesses in the United States as the shift toward a global economy continues. According to "Lee" Matthews, an international attorney currently working in Beijing, the most forward-thinking businesses see the next decade as an opportunity to expand into new markets and capitalize on the international interest in trade generated by several new trade agreements that are currently being negotiated.

"There is no doubt that, over the past two decades, the United States has seen a tremendous shift from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based economy," notes Matthews, on the web at https://www.linkedin.com/pub/leodis-c-matthews/5/302/9b5

"As of September 2014, the US was number one in the world in the export of commercial services, and number two in the world in terms of exports of merchandise. Many people think the United States has fallen behind in the world trade arena, but the fact is that we remain on top. This is because our business owners have embraced the idea of a global economy and are working to ensure that we develop and maintain strong ties with our worldwide trade partners through strategies trade agreements."

Matthews, as seen at https://law.lclark.edu/live/profiles/363-leodis-lee-matthews , notes that this shift means that American businesses stay strong, but it also means a change in the way certain aspects of business are handled. "You used to hire an attorney stateside for all of your business needs, and that attorney then associated with foreign counsel if it became necessary to do so. Your attorney was probably in your hometown and you visited him or her regularly in the office. Now, with the advent of the Internet, global connections between business owners and attorneys in many other countries are simple to establish. "I constantly work with American business owners who are 4,000 miles away," laughs Matthews, "and we are able to conduct business easily."

Matthews, on the web at http://www.liechtensteinusa.org/index.php?page=los-angeles , has spent the past few years working in Beijing, China, with various aspects of international law. He has also seen the repercussions of various trade agreements and their implementation on the world stage, most recently involving the Trans-Pacific Partnership. "Working outside the United States is a very different experience than working within the country," notes Matthews, who has practiced in several states in the US and is currently a member of three Bar Associations. "Here in China, the culture is very different than in the United States, so it is not enough to simply know the law. I must also understand how to relate to the people I meet on behalf of those I represent, and this is where the true nature of international law practice begins to reveal itself."

Matthews handles matters of administrative and employment law as well as real estate transactions and mergers and acquisitions. "The laws in every country are different, so those who want to buy property, buy or sell goods or receive a permit or license face a complex and often difficult process each time they move into new territory," notes Matthews. "For this reason, many American business owners are intimidated by the thought of doing business in any foreign country. However, while this hesitation is understandable, it is not productive."

In order to break this cycle of hesitancy and mistrust, Matthews recommends that business owners understand the value an international lawyer can bring to the table in any off-shore negotiation or transaction. "International law is a complicated matter, so business owners who want to tap into the rich vein of possibility outside the borders of the United States may need the help of a qualified international attorney," notes Matthews. "However, the investment of time and resources to build a strong relationship with an international lawyer can be paid back many times over in the increased revenue and goodwill that is built by this new connection."

As new trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership are considered and debated, Matthews notes that American businesses have time to see the change coming and adopt a new international trade attitude. "As we move into a more global economy, it is good business practice to adapt to the changes. However, it is even better practice to take a pro-active stance and visualize the new methods that will produce the desire results. "It is not enough to simply note that the United States is in flux and will continue to revolve toward a global trade mentality," notes Matthews. "Business owners should take action before their businesses become redundant or they are scrambling to catch up with everyone else. By seeing that their business is focusing forward on a new era of global economy, today's business leaders have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to what our economy will look like for the next 50 to 100 years."

For more information on Leodis C. Matthews and his international law practice, visit his website.

About Leodis Matthews:

Leodis "Lee" Matthews is an attorney who specializes in complex civil litigation and business law including advising on real estate developments, cross-border transactions, merger and acquisitions, and corporate finance. Mr. Matthews also works regularly on cases involving international trade law, on government regulatory compliance, and in matters of federal administrative and employment law. He is a dedicated and professional corporate legal and trial lawyer. Mr. Matthews is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Court of International Trade, the United States Claims Court, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the 5th, 6th and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals. He is also a member of the State Bar Associations for Oregon, California and the District of Columbia.

For More Information:

Leodis C. Matthews
Dacheng Law Office
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Los Angeles, CA 90010
(323) 930-5690

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