International Law

* Private practice focusing on international law based in New York

* About 12 years in Asia heading an international law consultancy

* Head of the law department of the international division of Ralston Purina company

* International in-house counsel to Schering-Plough Corporation and S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

* L.L.M. International and Comparative Law, The University of Brussels, Belgium

Accomplishing Your Business Objectives

I assist my clients in determining how best to accomplish their business objectives.  My advice includes how to structure operations and the preferred legal framework. This may involve having affiliate entities in other locations, joint ventures or other operational structures.  

I also counsel on board and shareholders matters and recommend appropriate actions at board and shareholders meetings.  My objective is to be a guide for management and the board so that the company operates smoothly and in accordance with the law.

On my client's behalf and with agreement in advance, I may involve domestic, foreign and international tax law experts and accountants.

Cross Cultural Experience

Due to my professional and personal experience, I am very knowledgeable and sensitive to cross-cultural issues. My objective is to assist my client and the foreign party with whom it is communicating to avoid or quickly resolve any misunderstandings due to cultural differences. Such services have benefited my clients in their international operations.

I collaborate with a network of colleagues around the world who are available when my clients need information about the laws of another country. This is particularly important when setting up a business overseas.  

International Trade Law

I advised S.C. Johnson, Inc., Schering-Plough Corporation and Ralston Purina Company about US and international trade law. During much of that time I was also a security-cleared trade advisor to the US Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative on international trade negotiations.

In private practice, I continue to advise my clients on trade law.

My experience results in my having extensive knowledge of the systems and rules governing imports and exports. I assist my clients in compliance with these rules ad acceptable trade practices.  

Counseling Senior Executives

I am an experienced counsel and trouble-shooter for senior executives. Especially when advisors provide conflicting recommendations, my analysis and advice has proven very valuable. For this I may travel to other countries and conduct on-the-ground research. Appling decades of expertise in working with other cultures and with a wide variety of advisors, I carry out research and formulate analysis and recommendations.

I will oversee other outside advisors to maximize their effectiveness. By managing litigation I may reduce client overheads and make best use of outside counsel and litigators.

International Commercial Mediation

Utilizing my extensive cross-cultural experience, I provide seasoned mediation support for clients in commercial matters.

In addition to English, I speak Mandarin Chinese, have a working knowledge of Spanish and read French.

Contact my New York office to schedule a free initial consultation. My office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. I provide legal counsel and mediation services world-wide.

Carolyn E. Hansen ESQ., Attorney at Law and Mediator
P.O. Box 801
3605 Atwood Road
Stone Ridge, NY 12484
Telephone: 845-687-8440
Map and Directions

The law office of Carolyn E. Hansen ESQ., Attorney at Law and Mediator, located in New York, provides international legal representation to clients in the United States, China, Europe, Latin America, India, Asia and Africa.