Baker McKenzie remains a leader in international trade law, leveraging its sizeable team to act on some of the most high-profile and sensitive mandates in the market. The group handles a steady stream of instructions concerning sanctions tied to the Russia-Ukraine war. Jointly led by Sunny Mann and Tristan Grimmer, the firm’s full-service offering spans sanctions, export controls, customs, trade remedies, and WTO and FDI issues. Ben Smith advises clients on EU and UK sanctions, export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, competition, and broader corporate compliance laws. Jennifer Revis is highly active in matters concerning customs compliance. Sven Bates is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional compliance projects and investigations.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP houses a specialised and dedicated international trade practice, known for its strong expertise in WTO, sanctions, subsidy control, and investment treaty disputes. Co-led by Lode Van Den Hende and Morris Schonberg, the team is particularly strong in high-stakes WTO litigation and treaty-based advisory work. Sanctions and export controls are also key areas of focus, with the team advising on compliance and facilitating crucial business transactions. The firm maintains a strong reputation for investment arbitrations, including claims concerning the seizure of assets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Eric White is a highly experienced international trade lawyer, with a focus on WTO law and EU rules governing trade with non-EU nations. Susannah Cogman is a skilled litigator with particular expertise in sanctions work.

Akin advises on the full range of sanctions issues, from preventative compliance advice to internal investigations and high-stakes litigation. The team also facilitates challenging transactions, including corporate divestments and restructurings involving assets affected by ongoing sanctions. Co-chair Jasper Helder frequently devises policy and strategy to shield clients from sanctions and export-control risks. Fellow co-chair Chiara Klaui’s broad expertise spans export controls, sanctions, customs, anti-corruption and national security matters.

 

A&O Shearman’s UK Sanctions and International Trade Group provides integrated, cross-border advice to corporates and financial institutions navigating global trade, export controls, and sanctions regimes. The team is regularly instructed on sanctions exposure in high-value cross-border financings, M&A, capital markets, and project finance. Practice head Matthew Townsend brings deep expertise in economic and trade sanctions, export controls, WTO rules, FDI regimes, anti-bribery compliance, and anti-money laundering programmes.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to advise across sanctions, export controls, customs, and WTO rules. The team has particular expertise in EU, US, and UK sanctions, assisting clients in obtaining licences from the relevant agencies and developing bespoke audits and compliance programmes to mitigate risk. The group also has considerable experience with export control regimes, including those relating to dual-use military and civilian equipment. Practice head Chris Bryant is a competition and trade specialist, highly regarded for his expertise in anti-dumping and subsidy matters.

Covington & Burling LLP is frequently instructed on complex licensing and enforcement matters involving UK regulators, including OFSI, HMRC, and the NCA, as well as their counterparts in the EU and US. The group’s expertise spans the financial services, tech, pharmaceutical, energy, and consumer goods sectors, among others. David Lorello leads the team, offering dedicated sanctions and export control expertise alongside unique insight as a dually qualified US-trained practitioner. Lisa Peets is noted for her strong understanding of technology regulations.

Led by former European Commission official Roger Matthews, Dentons’ international trade practice combines deep expertise in sanctions and export controls with robust coverage of WTO, trade remedies, and subsidy matters. Co-chair Daniel Lund is a go-to adviser on trade compliance, particularly where UK, EU, and global regulatory frameworks intersect. The bench also includes Katherine Harle, recognised for her strength in regulatory investigations, and Louisa Caswell, who adds weight in trade-related disputes. Elizabeth McCall maintains a versatile practice spanning financial and trade sanctions, WTO and subsidy advice, and export control compliance.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP combines strong cross-border capabilities with notable expertise in sanctions, export controls, WTO rules, customs, and tax-related trade disputes. Team head James Lindop receives widespread praise for his work on investigations, compliance, and regulatory regimes. Robert Waterson joined the practice from RPC in September 2024, strengthening the firm’s tax disputes offering with considerable expertise in VAT, customs duties, and complex investigations.

Fieldfisher’s London-based International Trade team is recognised as a leading UK practice, noted for advising public and private sector clients on trade negotiations, sanctions, export controls, and trade remedies. The team is particularly strong in free trade agreement negotiations, WTO compliance, customs issues, and regulatory matters linked to supply chain operations. Led by Andrew Hood, the group is especially sought after by UK government agencies for support on ongoing trade agreement negotiations.

Gowling WLG advises on UK and EU sanctions, export controls, and trade audits, and is well known for its strong track record in licence applications, voluntary disclosures, and cross-border risk assessments. Co-led by Samuel Beighton, the team also demonstrates particular strength in customs classification and related support. Co-chair Bernardine Adkins divides her time between London and Brussels, bringing over 30 years of experience in competition and international trade law. David Lowe is highly regarded for his expertise in the international sale of goods and cross-border outsourcing.

Under the leadership of Jason Hungerford, Mayer Brown International LLP continues to deliver comprehensive advice on sanctions and export controls. The team is particularly strong in advising on the sanctions implications of disposals and acquisitions involving businesses and assets affected by ongoing Russian sanctions, as well as designing and implementing bespoke compliance programmes to manage client risk. Paul Whitfield-Jones is also a key member of the practice, bringing valuable experience from a three-year secondment to a global trade and compliance function, where he led the company’s strategic exit from Russia.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP advises its high-profile client base across sanctions, export controls, customs, FDI screening, and cross-border investigations. The team acts for major players in the energy, banking, aerospace, and technology sectors. Recent highlights include advising aviation and leasing clients on the consequences of Russian sanctions, including complex insurance and asset ownership issues. Co-chair Matthew Oresman is a trusted adviser to business executives, governments, and NGOs on trade matters. Fellow co-chair Steven Farmer is regularly instructed to lobby governments for trade-related legislative amendments and regulatory guidance.