ILS at CALF 2026: Cross-Border Practice and AI in Focus

From April 30 to May 2, 2026, the Third Chinese American Legal Forum (CALF) Annual Conference was held in Seattle, bringing together legal professionals from more than 30 U.S. states. Through keynote sessions and panel discussions, the conference explored key developments in cross-border legal practice, employment compliance, and the growing impact of AI on the legal industry.  

As an Elite Sponsor, Innovative Legal Services (ILS) participated throughout the conference, engaging with peers across jurisdictions and contributing to substantive discussions on issues at the intersection of law and business.

Day 1 | Engagement and Exchange

On the first day, the ILS team set up its booth and engaged with attorneys and industry professionals from across the United States. Conversations focused on cross-border employment, regulatory compliance, and the practical challenges of navigating legal differences between the U.S. and China.

The open and collaborative setting facilitated meaningful exchanges among practitioners from diverse backgrounds. These interactions not only enriched professional dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration, further strengthening ILS’s network within the Chinese business and legal community.

Day 2 | Employment Challenges for Chinese Companies in the U.S.

On May 1, ILS Managing Partner Richard Liu, Esq. spoke at a panel titled “Common Employment Issues for Chinese Companies Operating in the U.S.”

Drawing on ILS’s extensive experience in employment compliance and dispute resolution, Richard provided a structured analysis of the challenges Chinese companies frequently encounter in the U.S. labor landscape. He emphasized that many risks do not stem from isolated mistakes, but from a fundamental mismatch in how legal rules are understood and applied.

Key themes of his discussion included:

• Common employment risks faced by Chinese companies in the U.S.

• Cross-cultural management challenges and compliance gaps

• Balancing legal requirements with business decision-making

  
  

Richard also highlighted recurring issues in termination decisions, wage and hour compliance, and internal governance practices. In particular, he noted that in the U.S. legal system, compliance is not only about having the right policies in place—it is equally about maintaining clear, well-documented decision-making processes.

Based on these insights, he offered practical guidance on how companies can build more resilient and sustainable employment strategies in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Day 3 | AI and the Future of Legal Practice

On May 2, ILS Partner and Head of Transactional Practice Fiona Xu, Esq. moderated and led a panel titled “Best Practices for AI Integration in the Legal Profession.”

The panel brought together speakers from across the legal and technology ecosystem, including Brent Goff (CIO of Davis Wright Tremaine), Emilie McConnachie (Harvey), and David Azar (Azar Law Group), a close collaborator with ILS.

The discussion focused on how AI is reshaping the legal profession—not simply as a tool for efficiency, but as a driver of structural change in how legal services are delivered. Topics included:

• The balance between efficiency gains and risk management in AI adoption

• Data usage and compliance considerations

• The evolving operating model of legal services

Drawing on her experience advising technology companies and cross-border transactions, Fiona emphasized the importance of translating technological capability into practical, business-ready solutions. The panel moved beyond high-level trends, offering a more grounded perspective on how firms can navigate the opportunities and risks associated with AI integration.

ILS Perspective

Participation in CALF 2026 further reinforced ILS’s positioning in cross-border legal services: not only as legal advisors, but as strategic partners helping clients structure decisions in complex environments.

Across both employment compliance and AI-driven transformation, the key challenge for businesses is often not the rules themselves, but how those rules are implemented in practice.

ILS remains committed to supporting clients with practical, forward-looking legal strategies—helping them navigate regulatory complexity, manage risk, and operate with confidence in a rapidly evolving market.

Disclaimer: The materials provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information provided here. Please consult with your own legal counsel regarding your specific situation and legal questions.

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As Managing Partner at ILS, Richard Liu ranks among the leading U.S. attorneys in corporate, employment, and regulatory law. He is known for crafting legal strategies aligned with clients’ business objectives and advising Fortune 500 companies, startups, and executives on corporate transactions, financing, privacy, and employment matters across the technology, healthcare, and financial sectors.

Before founding ILS, Richard practiced at top defense firms, where he developed a reputation for anticipating risks and designing strategies that balance protection with growth. He has secured favorable outcomes in contract and intellectual property disputes, represented clients in state and federal courts, and is recognized for combining large-firm expertise with boutique-firm agility. Richard is also a frequent speaker at industry and legal conferences.

Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949