The international trade group at Baker McKenzie LLP draws on its global reach to provide clients with expertise on a range of trade matters involving UK, EU and US sanctions.  Its ambit also covers export controls, foreign investment, customs, anti-dumping and trade remedies. Co-practice head Sunny Mann is noted for his considerable experience in UK and EU export controls sanctions and anti-bribery rules. He jointly heads the practice alongside Tristan Grimmer whose expertise lies in trade sanctions and export controls, as well as compliance matters. Other key figures include Jennifer Revis, who serves as the leading customs contact in the practice. Ben Smith is regularly called upon for his expertise by clients in the energy, technology, telecoms, healthcare and transport sectors. Sven Bates - noted for his sanctions and trade compliance expertise - is also recommended.

Praised by clients for its 'exceptionally knowledgeable lawyers, highly anticipative and total engagement in matters', key areas of focus for the international trade practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP include trade remedies, sanctions, exports, customs, market access, Brexit, subsidies and trade policies. Based between the London and Brussels offices, practice head Lode Van Den Hende - noted for his ' incredibly detailed knowledge of state aid and trade' - specialises in EU regulatory matters and international trade regulation. Eric White focuses his practice on WTO law and EU rules governing trade with non-EU countries. Susannah Cogman is a key contact for sanctions-related matters, especially in the context of Iranian, Russian, Syrian and Libyan related sanctions. Morris Schonberg is well versed in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, as well as matters involving WTO, customs and internationals sanctions. Daniel Hudson left the firm in April 2023 to join Seladore Legal.

 

Akin‘s international trade practice is often engaged on the negotiation of transactions affected by sanctions, as well as issues relating to compliance, investigations and enforcement matters. Practice co-chair Jasper Helder – ‘an absolute authority in his domain” – is a key contact for UK, EU and US trade compliance matters involving enforcement actions and other regulatory scrutiny. Fellow practice co-chair Chiara Klaui – regarded by one client as ‘truly outstanding‘ – regularly advises EU, UK and Swiss clients on trade compliance. In September 2024, the team was strengthened by the arrival of Ross Denton, highly experienced in international trade compliance.

Advising across sanctions, exports, controls, customs and WTO rules, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s ‘professional skills and great pragmatism‘ makes it a key choice for a range of clients engaged in global trade. Chris Bryant, who sits at the head of the practice, is frequently involved in antidumping and anti-subsidy cases, as well as advising on sanctions, export controls and WTO matters. Kate Ison is a key name for tax disputes, as well as matters involving export controls and HMRC investigations.

Working with a host of sovereign states and major corporates, Clifford Chance LLP's expertise in international trade and international trade regulation spans  a range of jurisdictions, spanning Europe, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region. Sanctions expert Michael Lyons jointly leads the practice alongside Jessica Gladstone, who is active in the trade and climate space. Jeremy Stewart regularly advises on matters involving WTO law, free trade agreements and international treaties. Carla Lewis specialises in EU and UK restrictions measures and international environmental law.

Leveraging its global footprint, Covington & Burling LLP draws on its UK, EU and US sanctions and trade controls expertise to assist clients with compliance work requiring multijurisdictional expertise. 'An outstanding, very knowledgeable sanctions lawyer', practice head David Lorello serves as vice chair of the firm's international trade controls practice group. Other key practitioners include economic sanctions and export controls-focused Tom McGuire, who is frequently engaged by clients in the technology, energy, mining, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors.

Underpinned by its global reach, Dentons is regularly involved in multijurisdictional, international trade matters. The team is jointly chaired by Roger Matthews, whose expertise spans export control investigations, sanctions, WTO laws, as well as customs, supply chain and regulatory issues; Daniel Lund, who is extremely knowledgeable of UK and EU regulatory frameworks; Katharine Harle, who handles the regulatory and investigations matters and Louisa Caswell who oversees the team’s disputes work.

 

DLA Piper’s trade and government affairs team is regularly sought out by large multinationals and sovereign governments on sanctions, compliance, trade negotiations. Following the departure of former practice head John Forrest in January 2024, Paul Hardy and Chloe Barker now jointly head the team. An experienced lawyer and policy adviser, Hardy focuses his practice on EU trade negotiations, while Barker is particularly well versed in international trade regulation, including sanctions, export controls, and customs. Other key figures include Daniel Jones, who is regularly engaged by sovereign states, international organisations and corporates.

Working between its London and Brussels offices, Gowling WLG‘s expertise encompasses sanctions, export controls, trade compliance, investigations and antidumping. Practice chair Bernardine Adkins  – who splits her time between London and Brussels – is a key contact for trade defence investigations. David Lowe is singled out for his expertise in the international sale of goods, while James Stunt is a notable name for his internal sanctions law knowledge.

Forming part of Mayer Brown International LLP‘s government and global trade group, the sanctions and export controls team assists clients with US, EU, and UK sanctions and export controls. Practice head Jason Hungerford is frequently engaged by financial institutions and corporate clients seeking advice on economic sanctions and export controls. Paul Whitfield-Jones focuses his practice on regulatory compliance, transactional advice and investigations, while James Ford excels in anti-corruption and anti-money laundering-related mandates.

‘Very sharp and pragmatic‘, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s trade work spans sanctions, export controls, FDI screening, AML and supply chain due diligence. Together, joint practice heads Steven Farmer and Matthew Oresman oversee the international trade practice. Farmer has a wealth of experience in military export controls, sanctions regimes, AML and anti-corruption, while Oresman – who also serves as the London office managing partner – is noted for his deep regulatory expertise.