Arlo Kipfer, Attorney

Arlo Kipfer

Arlo advises clients on China, Latin America and Web3 business issues. Arlo lived in China for almost two decades, guiding the development and compliance efforts for multinationals in Asia, and also in Europe and the Americas. He then lived and practiced law in Colombia.

While in China, Arlo worked extensively with companies, international nonprofits and educational organizations. He is a strong negotiator in Mandarin, English and Spanish, even in environments that strongly favor the “home team.” Having been immersed in Chinese law and culture for so long, Arlo is especially adept at helping foreign and Chinese businesses communicate with each other as clearly and effectively as possible.

In addition to his wide-ranging international practice, Arlo spends much of his time helping Web3 clients navigate the rapidly evolving legal frameworks and regulations surrounding emerging technologies and systems built on blockchains. Arlo has also developed substantial expertise in helping victims of international internet and financial fraud schemes.

Arlo enjoys running and hiking with his wife, traveling in his Airstream, and playing guitar and piano.

What clients have to say about Arlo

“When we reached out to Harris Sliwoski we were a start-up concerned about protecting our intellectual property internationally. Harris Sliwoski, in particular, Arlo Kipfer, ended up helping us with a couple of international NNN Agreements to use with our manufacturers in China. Harris Sliwoski’s international lawyers were invaluable in helping us lay a strong international IP protection foundation at a reasonable cost. The lawyers with whom I worked all had extensive familiarity with our IP issues and knew how to resolve them. What I most appreciated is the time they spent at no charge to help educate me on how to best operate internationally.”

– Elonia McHenry, Founder | Mejève

More About Arlo

Delta-8 and other Cannabinoids, Regulated or Not? Panel Discussion, and the Impact of Cannabis NFT’s and Web3 Crossover, MyLawCLE, April 22, 2022.

Opening a Sister School Overseas, National Association of Independent Schools Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, March 7, 2018. 

How the Revised Law is Effecting the Private Education Market in China – Review of Main Policy Provisions, ISC Research Annual One-Day Conference, Oxfordshire, UK, January 9, 2018. 

The Expanding International Schools Market – Global Viewpoint and a Focus on China, School Success China, Shanghai, China, December 4, 2017. 

Implications of the New National Law on Private Education in China, International Schools ChinaShanghaiChinaNovember 22, 2017. 

Consultant – School Establishment & Legal, ISC Research (2017-2020)

Director of Development, Asia & Americas, China Region, Quality Schools International (2011-2017)

International Sourcing Director, LW Stores, Inc. (2009-2011)

Vice President of Global Sourcing, Lava Lite (2010-2011)

Manager, Buyer Events & Services, Global Sources (2007-2009)

Project Manager, Global Advancement Corporation (2002-2007)

Regular contributor to award winning China Law Blog.

Co-author, “Upsurge in online gambling in China during the World Cup,” World Online Gambling Law Report, July 2014.

China Compliance: Don’t Rely On Your China Staff,” China Law Blog, August 22, 2014.

Negotiating With Chinese Companies More Powerful Than You,” China Law Blog, June 18, 2014.

  • California
  • Purdue University Global, Concord Law School (J.D.)
  • Purdue University (M.S. Communications)
  • Xinjiang Agricultural University (Certificate in Mandarin Chinese)
  • Western Governors University (B.S. Business Management)
  • Mandarin (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Proficient)