Xiaoyan holds an advanced degree in Computer Science. Prior to obtaining her J.D., cum laude, from the Georgetown University Law Center, she worked as a software consultant/Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP) with Computer Associates and HSBC in the United States, handling all aspects of computer systems, including coding, architecture design and testing/ethical hacking.

Xiaoyan is a frequent speaker and author on IP, cybersecurity and privacy-related issues. She has presented before Euromoney, the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), American Chamber of Commerce (Shanghai), European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Hong Kong International Arbitration Center (HKIAC), Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, China Technology Exchange, Thomson Reuters Legal, and elsewhere. She has been published by The Recorder, Law 360, New York Law Journal, Lexology, Computer Law and Security Review, China Law and Practice, Inside Counsel and Hong Kong Lawyer, and interviewed by Politico, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg BNA on U.S.- and China-related cybersecurity issues. She has been selected as an “LMG Rising Star” by the Experts Guide (2015–2018).