James J. Hsui, Esq.
徐建平 · 서건평

James is a New York-based attorney and expert in business law, nonprofit law, and international law. In serving each client, James brings the rigorous standards of an international civil servant to his private practice, committing to the highest levels of efficiency, competence, and absolute legal integrity for businesses, licensed professionals, and mission-driven nonprofits alike.

Private Practice & Corporate Structuring

In his private practice, James helps clients navigate complex legal landscapes—from global NGOs to New York professionals building their own practices. His core areas of counsel include:

• Nonprofit & 501(c)(3) Counsel: Guiding visionary founders from their initial startup phase and IRS tax exemption, all the way to operating at an international scale. Whether launching a local community initiative or expanding a global NGO, James ensures the organization’s mission and vision rests on a bedrock of legal sustainability.
• Professional Entities (PLLCs & PCs): Structuring flawless, fully compliant entities for New York licensed professionals to protect their licenses and personal assets. James is deeply honored to be the counsel that other attorneys trust when it is time to establish their own law practices.
• General Counsel Services: Serving as outside general counsel for both domestic New York businesses and multinational enterprises. This includes evaluating corporate risks, negotiating local and cross-border transactions, and drafting robust contracts enforceable at home and abroad.
• Intellectual Property: Securing copyright, trademark, and other IP rights at both the domestic and international levels.

International Law & Diplomacy

Prior to entering private practice, James served as the legal, executive, and political affairs adviser to the Senior Adviser of a United Nations Under-Secretary-General. Drawing on this experience, James possesses unique insight into the intricacies of cross-border operations and sovereign relations. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege and honor of preparing briefing notes to multiple heads of state, ambassadors, and secretaries-general and deputy-secretaries-general of the United Nations.

Ongoing Counsel to the Diplomatic Community

James continues to provide robust legal and international relations support to New York’s diplomatic community. His specialized services in this arena include:

• Diplomatic & Political Strategy: Providing counsel on international political strategy, preparing speeches and talking points for the international stage, and drafting or reviewing diplomatic correspondence to Heads of State and ambassadors.
• International Instruments: Supporting the preparation and negotiation of treaties, declarations, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
• Consultations & Conferences: Delivering on-the-ground support and document preparation for international meetings, as well as bilateral and multilateral consultations with high-level government and UN officials.
• Privileges, Immunities & Conduct: Advising on the privileges and immunities of diplomats under U.S. and international law, and providing external counsel to international organization staff regarding the standards of conduct of the international civil service and related internal rules.

Nonprofit Counsel & Global Impact

Alongside his private practice, James serves as General Counsel to an internationally operating U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity that supports and advocates for United Nations objectives, particularly in Africa and the African diaspora. He was a key player in the organization’s drive towards achieving 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and in the development of its management, organizational, and international frameworks.

In this role, he advises its board of directors, advisory council, and officers on a plethora of issues such as corporate governance, fundraising, corporate law, and not-for-profit law.

Appointments & Education

James serves as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and holds membership in several key legal and international committees, including the United Nations Committee and International Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association.

• Former Secretary (2012–2019): UN working group comprising Under-Secretaries-General and Ambassadors addressing common concerns between Africa and the UN.
• Juris Doctor: Brooklyn Law School, specializing in International Business and Public International Law.
• Executive Articles Editor: Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Financial and Commercial Law.
• Awards: International Economic Law Prize (2012) & CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Food and Drug Law (2011).

Beyond the Law

Prior to pursuing law, James was a championship-level ballroom dancer, competing as the dance partner of a former Blackpool champion. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance from the University of Oregon.