Yangyidi Ye

OVERVIEW

Introduction

Attorney Yangyidi Ye is dedicated to bridging the gap between international and U.S. business communities. With a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and cross-border legal frameworks, she serves as a trusted advisor to clients navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance, international taxation, and corporate transactions.

Yangyidi holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University, where she graduated with honors and distinctions. During her studies, she gained practical experience through a prestigious internship with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), supporting litigation on matters such as Qualified High Technology Company (QHTC) status, property tax assessments, and state tax credits.

Her academic and professional foundation was further strengthened by two terms with the Office of the International Tax Counsel at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. There, she contributed to policy and technical analyses involving FIRPTA, U.S. trade and business tax obligations for foreign entities, digital content and cloud service characterization, OECD treaty commentary, and the taxation of foreign trusts and gifts.

Legal Practice and Industry Focus

As an attorney, Yangyidi has extensive experience representing both startups and established enterprises across diverse sectors, including hospitality, retail, manufacturing, IT, and commercial real estate. Her practice includes:

Immigration law
International and corporate law
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
Foreign direct investment (FDI)
Tax compliance and policy

She is particularly adept at guiding clients through federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks, ensuring operational compliance and effective communication with governmental agencies.

Yangyidi is deeply committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve full tax compliance—both domestically and internationally. She provides strategic counsel on civil and criminal tax matters, IRS and state audits, voluntary disclosures, and dispute resolution, with a focus on protecting her clients’ interests while achieving efficient, sustainable outcomes.

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Speak with Yangyidi Ye about your case. We offer consultations in person, over the phone, or via video conference.

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ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

Nominated for Forty Under 40
Most Popular International Lawyer (Des Moines, Iowa)
Selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers (2021–2025)
Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award
Chinese Community Business Achievement Award (Iowa)
U.S.-China Business Leadership Award issued by the Iowa Secretary of State
International Community Leadership Award jointly presented by the U.S. Ambassador to China and the Governor of Iowa
Represented Iowa at the Global Overseas Chinese Leadership Conference

Professional & Community Affiliation

Iowa Taxpayer Association – Board Member
Iowa State Bar Association - International Law Committee - Tax Committee
Minnesota State Bar Association
West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission – Vice Chair
American Immigration Lawyers Association – Minnesota and Iowa Chapters - Diversity and Inclusion Committee (Minnesota Chapter)

Case Highlights and SPEECHES

Business Matter and Tax

Represented Chinese investors in multiple U.S. transactions, including the $18 million acquisition of a hotel in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, a $3 million securities acquisition, and a $2 million equity acquisition. Additionally, provided corporate structuring and tax planning for a Chinese real estate investment company in the U.S., collaborating with a reputable international CPA firm to evaluate more than twenty commercial real estate properties.

Partnered with Iowa government departments on a tax policy research project concerning U.S. citizens working in China.

Cross Border Litigation

Yangyidi Ye, co-counseling with her partner Jonathan Causey, represented a Chinese multinational trading company in a complex cross-border dispute involving its Delaware LLC and a multi-million-dollar Iowa warehouse. The client was sued by a Texas lessee based on a pre-existing Chinese contract and faced a mechanic’s lien and attachment motion. Causey & Ye Law successfully removed the lien, challenged jurisdiction and venue, obtained forcible entry and detainer, and ultimately secured a favorable settlement with dismissal of all claims. The warehouse transaction closed without disruption, and the firm continues to advise the client on its U.S. operations.

Co-counseled with Jon on an EB-5 investment immigration fraud case, successfully appealing and securing $140,000 in compensatory damages and $400,000 in punitive damages for the client.

Collaborated with other attorneys to represent a Chinese corporate client, winning a lawsuit against an Iowa steel company with a $460,000 immediate court judgment.

Co-counseled with Jon in a civil case in Polk County involving misrepresentation and contract disputes, securing a $180,000 settlement for the client.

Immigration

Successfully assisted individual and corporate clients in EB-1, EB-2, Eb-3 applications, H1-B visas, and PERM labor certifications. Also helped professors, doctors, scientists, and scholars obtain EB-2 National Interest Waivers (NIW), providing professional legal guidance throughout the immigration process.

Assisted a U.S.-based company focused on real estate development and investment management in applying for EB-5 visas.

Provided full-scope business consulting services to enterprises in gas station management, trading, and retail, and assisted senior executives in obtaining employment-based visas.

Litigation – Personal Injury & Criminal Defense

Co-counseled in a high-stakes personal injury case involving four severely injured clients in a Yellowstone National Park accident, securing full insurance recovery after assembling a cross-state legal-medical team and presenting international medical evidence.
Co-counseled on federal felony cases involving:

- Credit card fraud

- Human trafficking

Speeches

Transactions with Foreign Trust and Information Reporting on Transactions with Foreign Trusts and Foreign Gifts - Iowa Bar Association
Business Immigration Compliance and Case Study - Iowa Polk County Bar Association
F-1 Student Visa - International Student Orientation CSSA
International Law Week Speak Event - Drake Law
Post - OPT Visa Workshop - University of Minnesota, International Healthcare Career Advancement Network
Supporting International Candidates: Navigating Immigration, Licensure, and Uncertainty - NCARB Licensing Advisors Summit