Guiding Global Startups to U.S. Market Success

Joseph Jo is the Founder of The Jo Law Firm, PC, a premier legal practice dedicated to helping international startups successfully expand their businesses into the United States. With dual licensing in California and South Korea, Joseph serves as a strategic partner for global entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of U.S. market entry and growth.

End-to-End U.S. Expansion Expertise

Joseph provides comprehensive legal guidance for international startups throughout their entire U.S. business lifecycle—from initial market entry to successful exit. His practice encompasses:

Market Entry & Incorporation

• Strategic entity structuring for U.S. operations (C-Corps, LLCs, Delaware vs. California considerations)
• Delaware flip transactions for international companies preparing for U.S. venture capital
• Cross-border corporate formation and registration
• Foreign investor compliance and qualification requirements
• Intellectual property protection and transfer strategies

Fundraising & Capital Formation

• SAFE and convertible note structuring
• Equity financing and venture capital negotiations
• Investor relations and cap table management
• Securities compliance (Regulation D and other exemptions)
• Term sheet review and negotiation

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance
• Corporate governance and board advisory
• Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance (CCPA, GDPR coordination)

Strategic Growth & Exit Planning

• M&A transaction support and due diligence
• Strategic partnership and joint venture agreements
• Exit strategy planning and execution

Distinguished Recognition & Credentials

Joseph’s exceptional expertise in international law was recognized by the National Advisory Board, Lawyers of Distinction, which named him a distinguished attorney for international law in 2024. This prestigious honor reflects his outstanding command of both Korean and U.S. legal systems.

He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, where his academic excellence culminated in a published Note in the UC Law Journal analyzing comparative law enforcement methods in the United States and Korea.

A Unique Dual-System Advantage

Licensed to practice law in both California and South Korea, Joseph offers international founders a rare advantage: a lawyer who truly understands both sides of the Pacific. This unique qualification enables him to:

• Bridge communication gaps between U.S. and international stakeholders in Asia
• Anticipate and address cross-border legal challenges before they arise
• Structure transactions that comply with both U.S. and home country regulations
• Provide culturally informed counsel that resonates with global founders