Carlton Fields Expands Health Care Practice With Biotech and Corporate Lawyer Team

TAMPA, FL – Catherine Liyun Zhang and Frederick Ou have joined Carlton Fields’ national Health Care Practice. Zhang most recently led the business and corporate department at Massachusetts boutique Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti LLP, where Ou was an associate. They will split their time between the firm’s Tampa and Los Angeles offices while maintaining their practices in Massachusetts.

Zhang, who joins as a shareholder, represents corporations on complex matters, including company formation, governance, venture capital financing, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border transactions. She represents a diverse clientele, from startups and emerging companies to established enterprises across industries such as life sciences — including biotech, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health care — nonprofit organizations, software, financial services, consulting, venture capital, real estate development, and hospitality.

Ou, who joins as of counsel, focuses on corporate law and business transactions, advising domestic and international clients on venture capital financing, private equity deals, mergers and acquisitions, and all aspects of business formation, governance, and compliance. His practice includes counseling clients on pre-sale preparation, negotiating and structuring transactions, managing due diligence, and advising on post-transaction integration. He also represents clients in financing and investment matters, including debt-related financing, secured transactions, and preparing for outside investment.

“Catherine and Frederick are known for keeping the big picture in focus while navigating opposing perspectives and focusing on delivering what matters most to their clients,” said Tre Dixon, chair of the firm’s Health Care Practice. “They not only understand the hurdles and obstacles facing clients in the biotech industry, but they are steeped in the science aspects that help them understand the day-to-day functions of their businesses.”

Zhang also counsels companies and investors through all stages of financing. She leads due diligence and structuring for M&A transactions, representing both buyers and sellers. Additionally, she serves as outside general counsel, overseeing corporate transactions and advising on entity structuring, governance, and regulatory compliance. She works closely with C-level executives on employment-related matters, including employment agreements and equity compensation. She also frequently advises international businesses on U.S. market entry strategies, including subsidiary formation and joint ventures.

Additionally, Ou advises clients on regulatory and compliance matters, including Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews, anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) obligations, data privacy and security, export controls, and government contracts.

“Carlton Fields has the culture of a close-knit family where everyone knows everyone, but the resources and services of a large firm with a national reach,” said Zhang. “It’s really the best of both worlds, especially after being part of a boutique firm where clients value responsiveness and really get to know their lawyers.”

“Catherine and I have had a great working relationship for many years, and I am excited to continue that partnership in this new chapter,” added Ou. “Carlton Fields offers an expanded platform that will benefit our clients with a broader array of services under one roof, more flexibility, and opportunities to collaborate with a national roster of lawyers.”

Zhang earned her J.D. from Boston University School of Law, her M.S. from Michigan State University, and her B.S. from Peking University. Ou earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law, and his B.A. from Rice University.