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Dr Xiaojiu Zhu MBE has substantial experience working on the Chinese market. She combines extensive legal experience with a strong scientific and analytical background supporting both Chinese corporates and individuals in the UK.
Dr Zhu holds a degree in Marine Biology from Ocean University of China and a PhD in Biochemistry from the United States. Before entering the legal profession, she worked for many years as a postdoctoral scientist, including at MIT in the United States and at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) and Medical Research Council (MRC) in the United Kingdom. She subsequently studied law at the University of Law in London, completed her legal training with Clifford Chance, and joined Cruickshanks in 2002, where she remained until 2026.
Drawing on her legal and scientific expertise, Dr Zhu advises many Chinese clients on complex and high-value matters and take a practical, analytical approach to resolving legal issues. Her experience ranges across areas of commercial and residential property, corporate, immigration, business and general crime. Her work includes numerous investment and acquisition projects for Chinese investors, including the acquisition of a television station and a well-known golf club, as well as several transactions valued between £20 million and £30 million involving share or asset purchases.
Since February 2019, Dr Zhu has acted in more than 40 bank account freezing cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), involving both civil and criminal proceedings. She has successfully secured the release of client funds ranging from £50,000 to £5 million. In one particularly significant matter, she secured the release of £45 million in cash and investment within one month.
In recognition of her contributions, Dr Zhu was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018 and received the honour in 2019. In January 2019, she was named one of the 10 Outstanding Chinese Overseas in the UK by Nouvelles d’Europe. She was also awarded the 2023 Phoenix TV “Chinese of the Year” Award as part of the Impact World Chinese Awards.
In addition to her legal practice, Dr Zhu has made a longstanding contribution to Chinese education in the UK. She served as Headmistress of the London Mandarin School for 11 years, during which student numbers increased from 70 to more than 300 in less than three years.
Dr Zhu founded the UK Society of Chinese Lawyers (SCL) in 2002 and currently serves as its President. With more than 300 members, the SCL provides a platform for Chinese lawyers in the UK, promotes professional fellowship, supports local communities and facilitates legal exchange between the UK and China. Since 2017, Dr Zhu has also established and supported weekly and monthly pro bono legal services.