About Me

After 10 years in law, I realized the part I loved most—solving problems creatively—belonged in design. As an attorney, I negotiated billion-dollar IPOs, worked with global teams, and learned to turn complex challenges into clear solutions. Now, I bring that same precision, strategy, and advocacy to creating user-centered designs.

I also co-founded the Women’s Investment Club and Cocoon Studios, ventures that pushed me to wear many hats—from branding to UX to learning design. These experiences taught me that whether it’s a product or a learning program, great design is about making complex information accessible, engaging, and actionable. Each reinforced my belief that design, like law, is about people: understanding needs, clarifying complexity, and crafting solutions that create positive impact.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me painting watercolors, practicing yoga, or deep in a good book—always curious, always learning.

After 10 years in law, I realized the part I loved most—solving problems creatively—belonged in design. As an attorney, I negotiated billion-dollar IPOs, worked with global teams, and learned to turn complex challenges into clear solutions. Now, I bring that same precision, strategy, and advocacy to creating user-centered designs.

I also co-founded the Women’s Investment Club and Cocoon Studios, ventures that pushed me to wear many hats—from branding to UX to learning design. These experiences taught me that whether it’s a product or a learning program, great design is about making complex information accessible, engaging, and actionable. Each reinforced my belief that design, like law, is about people: understanding needs, clarifying complexity, and crafting solutions that create positive impact.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me painting watercolors, practicing yoga, or deep in a good book—always curious, always learning.

Why Lawyers Make Great Designers

The skills that defined my legal career now power my design practice:

Advocacy

Championing user needs

Advocacy

Championing user needs

Advocacy

Championing user needs

Attention to Detail

Pixel-perfect execution

Attention to Detail

Pixel-perfect execution

Attention to Detail

Pixel-perfect execution

Communication

Clear, persuasive storytelling

Communication

Clear, persuasive storytelling

Communication

Clear, persuasive storytelling

Critical Thinking

Turning complexity into clarity

Critical Thinking

Turning complexity into clarity

Critical Thinking

Turning complexity into clarity

Empathy

Designing with diverse perspectives in mind

Empathy

Designing with diverse perspectives in mind

Empathy

Designing with diverse perspectives in mind

Problem-Solving

Creating real-world, data-driven solutions

Problem-Solving

Creating real-world, data-driven solutions

Problem-Solving

Creating real-world, data-driven solutions

Project Management

Driving projects forward with focus

Project Management

Driving projects forward with focus

Project Management

Driving projects forward with focus

Research

Synthesizing evidence into actionable insights

Research

Synthesizing evidence into actionable insights

Research

Synthesizing evidence into actionable insights

Storytelling

Guiding users through meaningful journeys

Storytelling

Guiding users through meaningful journeys

Storytelling

Guiding users through meaningful journeys

I bring a unique global background, a growth mindset, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

If that resonates, let’s connect!

I design learning & digital experiences that make complexity simple.

© 2025 Ava Liang Zhao | UX & Learning Designer

I design learning & digital experiences that make complexity simple.

© 2025 Ava Liang Zhao | UX & Learning Designer

I design learning & digital experiences that make complexity simple.

© 2025 Ava Liang Zhao | UX & Learning Designer