Professional Summary

Esko Cate is an American lawyer with a specialization in corporate and technology law. A native of Seattle, USA, Esko offers guidance to foreign companies in Vietnam on a range of legal issues, from foreign direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, to areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, regulatory compliance, and telecommunications/media.

Esko earned his juris doctorate from the University of Oregon School of Law, with a focus on international intellectual property protection and cross-border commercial transactions. Prior to joining VILAF, Esko was employed with a prominent, top-tier US law firm, serving several high-profile clients. Since joining VILAF, Esko has advised numerous multinational corporations on their entry and participation in the Vietnamese market.

Presently, Esko holds a leadership role as the Co-Chair of the Privacy & Data Protection Section of the World Law Group. In addition to his leadership role, Esko engages with the Vietnamese legal community at all levels, sharing his knowledge in the field of legal writing as a lecturer for Vietnam’s Judicial Academy, as well as speaking at industry events and conferences on topics related to his practice.

At the core of his practice, Esko emphasizes understanding the specific needs and long-term objectives of the companies he represents. His ability to communicate in both English and Vietnamese position him to assist our clients uniquely and effectively with their varied international projects. Through VILAF, Esko is committed bridging and strengthen business ties between the U.S. and Vietnam. This commitment, coupled with his deep insights into the Vietnamese legal landscape, ensures that clients receive well-rounded and strategic counsel.

Outside the professional realm, Esko enjoys swimming, bicycling, motorcycles, working on machines, and exploring new technologies.