Blank Rome LLP

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s national security and global trade practice was bolstered by several arrivals in 2025, including Maria-Alejandra del-Cerro and Elyssa Kutner who strengthen the export compliance and customs law offering respectively.

Akin is home to teams of well-experienced export controls, customs and sanctions lawyers who handle the full-suite of engagements for clients. Jointly led by Lars-Erik A Hjelm and Suzanne Kane, the customs team regularly advises high-end clients on customs legislation and customs enforcement across various sectors, including logistics, customs brokerage, shipping and food, with a noted focus on investigations, tariff controversies and litigation. The export controls and economic sanctions practice remains best known for its experience handling ITAR and EAR investigations and compliance mandates in the aerospace, energy, manufacturing and technology sectors. The team is well-equipped to advise on complicated disclosures and licensing issues for many large semiconductor companies, and to assist investment funds and PE entities with transactional and due diligence support. Head of the West Coast international trade offering, Shiva Aminian specializes in assisting technology clients on export control and sanctions frameworks. Based in Washington DC, Jonathan Poling leads the international trade practice, while Anne Borkovic is highlighted for her ITAR expertise. With profound knowledge in the semiconductor space, Kevin Wolf is a key practitioner, as is Thomas J McCarthy and Susan M C Kovarovics. Jason Prince is a go-to for sanctions-related work.

Baker McKenzie maintains a strong position in the market for customs, export controls and economic sanctions mandates. Drawing on its nationwide presence and strong position with the regulated industry, the team is well-equipped to handle investigations, whether there are violations of sanctions or export controls. The customs practice actively assists a client base which includes large US importers, with customs compliance and enforcement issues, litigation, and strategic sourcing planning and counseling, with noted experience representing clients in front of CBP regarding prior disclosures and protests. The practice is steered by Washington DC-based Janet Kim, who is well-regarded for sanctions work, alongside Palo Alto-based Alison Stafford Powell, who is a go-to for compliance counseling in export controls and sanctions. Based out of Chicago, Eunkyung Kim Shin and Chandri Navarro have expertise advising on customs law and regulations, and the impact of tariffs, notably for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. The combined experience brought by New York-based Terence Gilroy and DC-based Kerry Contini strengthens the firm’s sanctions compliance and trade investigations offering.

Based in Washington DC, King & Spalding‘s team has experience handling a wide range of complex customs, export controls, and economic sanctions-related mandates across a range of industries, from aerospace, defense and semiconductors, to automotive, energy and fintech. With a proven track record in customs investigations and litigation, the customs team is increasingly turned to for advice on how trade policy decisions affect global supply chains. Head of the customs practice Michael Taylor is a go-to for manufacturers on import matters across industries including pharmaceuticals, medical device and chemicals. Patrick Togni brings experience representing clients before US CBP and advising clients on tariff policy and customs compliance, while Jeffrey Telep is noted for his expertise in handling litigation in the US Court of International Trade. The practice is also sought out by large companies for sanctions and export control advice related to global conflict and sensitive sectors. As head of the export controls and sanctions practice, Christine Savage has experience advising on enforcement issues related to export controls, particularly in technology-focused industries.

ArentFox Schiff‘s international trade and investment group, which is chaired by David Hamill out of  Washington DC but consists of lawyers spread across the US, assists with a range of customs, export controls and economic sanctions-related issues. New York-based Angela Santos leads the customs practice, which is sought out by clients for classification, value and origin advice, often in the automotive, fashion and consumer products industries. Sylvia Costelloe, based in Los Angeles, spearheads the export controls subgroup, which deals with a variety of issues related to EAR, ITAR, and OFAC sanctions and embargoes. Kay Georgi has a wealth of experience navigating export control and sanctions issues for large companies, as does another key lawyer in the team, Christopher Skinner.

Hogan Lovells US LLP continues to utilise its global footprint to comprehensively handle customs, export controls and sanctions-related issues for a diverse US and international client base. The highly-regarded Beth Peters has deep experience in a wide range of international trade mandates. Ajay Kuntamukkala is co-director of the firm’s international trade and investment practice, and is highlighted for his expertise in nuclear export controls. Particularly for financial institutions and insurance companies, Aleksandar Dukic is well-positioned to advise on sanctions. Anthony Capobianco focuses on export control laws and economic sanctions, as does Stephen Propst, who is a key contact for space and satellite industry clients. Josh Gelula is another key name to note. For customs matters, Jared Wessel is highlighted, as is Craig A. Lewis, who has demonstrated specialisms in high-tech products, food, drugs and medical devices.

Latham & Watkins‘s economic sanctions and export controls practice is a go-to for advice on primary and secondary sanctions, and a full-range of export controls mandates. Leveraging the firm’s global reach, the team is able to comprehensively advise a client base spanning multinational corporations and financial institutions. The group assists with filing voluntary self-disclosures, negotiating warning letters and responding to subpoena requests from agencies. With expertise in defense trade controls under ITAR and dual-use export controls under EAR, expert Les Carnegie leads the team, alongside Eric Volkman, who is well-positioned to advise on sanctions matters. Specializing in compliance and enforcement issues, Andrew P. Galdes assists clients to conduct investigations into their compliance with economic sanctions regulations administered by OFAC. With public and private sector experience, Ruchi Gill is another key lawyer advising on disputes and compliance. The firm’s offering with respect to critical technologies was strengthened by the addition of Aaron Amundson to the team in 2025.

Based in Washington DC, Steptoe LLP is positioned to advise on export controls, advising clients across defense, aerospace and semiconductors on complex regulatory compliance, licensing, investigations and technology-related export control matters. The team also provides comprehensive guidance on US economic sanctions, assisting clients with compliance programs, due diligence, restricted-party de-listings and voluntary self-disclosures. Key services on the customs side include advising on import/export declarations, valuation, country of origin, duty-reduction programs and supply chain compliance. Alexandra Baj leads the international trade and regulatory compliance group and co-chairs the export controls and sanctions practice, alongside DC and London-based Meredith Rathbone. Brian Fleming‘s sanctions and export controls practice includes high-stakes internal investigations. Edward Krauland has notable experience in delisting and sanctions relief procedures. Jack Hayes is another key name to note. Litigator Jason Wright, who joined the team in 2025, focuses on economic sanctions.

White & Case LLP boasts a deep bench well-equipped to handle a range of mandates across customs, export controls, and economic sanctions, for a US and international client base. Head of the firm’s international trade group David Bond has experience acting on customs mandates, including as compliance counsel. Jay Campbell and Allison Kepkay are key customs lawyers who support the team, which together has experience advising on duty mitigation strategies, supply chain structuring, and responses to audits, penalties and investigations, as well as classification, valuation and rules of origin mandates. Specializing in critical technology such as semiconductors, AI and quantum computing, Cristina Brayton-Lewis co-chairs the economic sanctions & export controls practice, alongside Nicole Erb, who has expertise litigating and advising on critical sanctions issues.  David Lim is noted for his government experience. The team also has strong FCPA capabilities.

The international trade group at BakerHostetler advises domestic and international companies across a broad range of sectors, including forest products, automotive and food and beverage industries, as well as heavy equipment manufacturing, chemicals and healthcare. The customs team has a strong background litigating disputes at the US Court of International Trade and the US Court of Appeals at the Federal Circuit, alongside a strong advisory practice covering customs compliance, prior disclosures and supply chain restructuring to minimize duty exposure. Co-head Michael S. Snarr is a key contact for customs compliance matters for high-profile clients. The firm’s export controls practice encompasses compliance assessments, internal investigations and complex due diligence, with Melissa Mannino standing out in this area. Mannino acts as co-head of the international trade team in Washington DC, while Houston-based Lana Muranovic and Barbara Linney are also noted practitioners.

Based in DC, Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP stands out for its strengths providing customs advice, regularly assisting a diverse client base spanning airlines, manufacturers, retailers and distributors. Core industry areas of expertise include steel, chemicals, forestry products and consumer appliances. Customs compliance programs form a key part of the offering, with the team also bringing experience handling internal investigations and defending clients in customs proceedings. Yohai Baisburd is an important team member, who has assisted global companies to develop uniform customs classification processes, compliance programs and valuation structures, with particular expertise in the US bedding industry. William Baldwin leads the firms customs-related representation of clients in the lumber, steel and consumer goods sectors. The firm’s export controls and sanctions offering extends to a range of enforcement and compliance mandates, with a strong track record on licensing issues. Ulrika Swanson is a key name to note.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a comprehensive range of services across customs, export controls and economic sanctions mandates. Core components of the firm’s stand-out customs offering include tariff compliance and mitigation, investigations and audits, and the representation of clients before CBP. John Brew and Los Angeles-based David Stepp together offer a wealth of experience handling customs work. Co-head of international trade group David (Dj) Wolff focuses on economic sanctions, as does Caroline Brown and Carlton Greene, who co-chairs the financial services group and assists financial institutions. These practitioners demonstrate capabilities across day-to-day compliance advice, developing compliance programs, and responding to inquiries and investigations.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s team, located in Washington DC, handles a range of trade-related mandates including economic and trade sanctions and export controls. Adam Smith co-chairs the international trade advisory & enforcement practice group, as well as the newly launched sanctions & export enforcement practice, alongside Matthew Axelrod, who joined in February 2025. Christopher Timura has strong experience advising global companies on export control licensing to sensitive jurisdictions, classification and jurisdiction analysis.

A key port of call for large domestic and international clients, Mayer Brown ‘s trade practice is engaged in a wide range of customs, export controls and economic sanctions mandates. Sydney Mintzer spearheads the customs team, which has experience representing clients before CBP, and advises on import compliance and supply chain strategy. The team in Washington DC routinely advises US manufacturers, stemming from its relationship with Berkshire Hathaway, and increasingly Chinese companies. As a native Mandarin speaker, Jing Zhang is a go-to for complex supply chain issues related to China. Tamer Soliman leads the global sanctions & export controls practice, alongside Thea Kendler, who joined the firm in 2025. Core components of the offering include sanctions compliance risk assessments and classification related to export control laws.

Morrison Foerster is recognized for its strong national security and trade controls practice, advising from Washington DC on export controls, economic sanctions, and related enforcement matters. Covering the full array of regulatory and compliance issues, the growing team assists multinational clients with compliance programs, licensing, investigations, and enforcement proceedings. Drawing on the firm’s wider capabilities, the group is particularly well positioned to advise technology companies and banks. David Newman’s arrival in March 2025 from the US Department of Justice complements the government experience already brought by the former OFAC officials within the team. Newman spearheads the offering alongside John Smith and Brandon Van Grack, who brings notable experience representing clients in export controls and sanctions investigations. Charles Capito is well versed in ITAR and EAR matters, while Rachel Fiorill is especially active in advising financial institutions.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP boasts a comprehensive export controls and sanctions practice, advising from its base in Washington DC on complex regulatory and compliance matters. Covering the full spectrum of export controls, economic sanctions, and customs issues, the firm serves clients across highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense, energy, and technology. The team is particularly well positioned to advise on EAR, ITAR, and OFAC matters, and regularly assists with licensing, internal investigations, and risk management strategies. The group is also capable of advising on customs classification questions and compliance. Head of the international trade practice Stephan Becker is especially proficient in assisting global clients to structure and defend supply chains impacted by sanctions and export licensing restrictions. Nancy Fischer, who leads the firm’s regulatory offering, is a go-to for sanctions compliance mandates and Christopher Wall is a highly experienced team member. Aaron Hutman, Matthew Rabinowitz, and Benjamin Cote are other highlighted attorneys.

Reed Smith LLP maintains a strong position in the market for export controls and sanctions, assisting from Washington DC and across its US and international offices on complex compliance and enforcement matters. Covering the full spectrum of regulatory issues, the firm advises clients on investigations, voluntary disclosures, and post-settlement compliance, with notable strength in shipping, financial services, and manufacturing industries. The team is particularly well equipped to advise on ITAR, EAR, and OFAC-related mandates, drawing on its global regulatory enforcement capabilities. Chair of the regulatory enforcement group, Michael Lowell has noted experience in investigations and a full spectrum of enforcement mandates, while Leigh Hansson, who works in both London and DC, counsels clients in EAR, ITAR and OFAC. Denver-based Lizbeth Rodriguez-Johnson is positioned to advise on the development, drafting and implementation of export compliance systems.

Sidley Austin LLP fields a well-regarded customs, export controls and economic sanctions practice, noted for its experience representing clients before the US Court of International Trade and US Customs and Border Protection. The customs team advises on tariff classification, valuation, country of origin determinations, while the export controls and economic sanctions group handles compliance, risk management and enforcement matters for clients including semiconductor and AI companies, as well as global data center operators and investors. Ted Murphy is a key figure for complex customs valuation matters, free trade agreement qualification, tariff classification and forced labor matters. Andrew Shoyer is capable of handling a range of mandates related to export controls and economic sanctions, as is Jen Fernandez, who focuses on EAR, ITAR and regulations administered by OFAC, and is particularly well positioned to advise Chinese clients. The offering was bolstered in 2025 by numerous arrivals, including Maura Rezendes, who has economic sanctions expertise, and experienced customs practitioner John Foote.

WilmerHale’s export controls and sanctions practice advises on high-stakes regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters. The offering encompasses licensing, internal investigations, and compliance program design, and is a particularly strong choice for technology, financial services, and shipping clients. The team also offers notable expertise in customs issues, including tariff classification, disclosures, and disputes before US Customs and Border Protection. The Washington DC-based team includes Ronald Meltzer, who is regarded for his extensive experience in licensing, due diligence, and enforcement matters. David Ross, Franca Harris Gutierrez, and Neena Shenai provide key support across sanctions and export controls work.

With strengths in the energy sector, and increasingly the technology and financial sectors, the team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton provides comprehensive sanctions and export controls compliance counseling to domestic and international companies and financial institutions. The group has experience advising on the sanctions aspects of large acquisitions and capital markets offerings. Team head Chase Kaniecki, who is based in Washington DC, has experience representing clients before the OFAC enforcement division and counseling on compliance and strategy for export controls and sanctions. Newly promoted partner Yulia Solomakhina, who is based in New York, specializes in Russia-related sanctions matters, including restructurings and exits. With expertise advising in relation to sanctions and enforcement actions, Samuel Chang is another key team member.

The export controls and sanctions offering at Clifford Chance in Washington DC is a draw for large companies, financial institutions and trading companies. The practice has demonstrated capabilities in relation to high-profile investigations and transactions and routinely conducts compliance reviews and risk assessments. George Kleinfeld has a wealth of experience acting as global sanctions counsel regarding investigations into potential sanctions violations by OFAC. Often working together with Kleinfeld, John-Patrick (JP) Powers is also a go-to in this respect, and has experience developing risk-based sanctions compliance programs and leading sanctions enforcement cases. Head of the export controls practice Renée Latour has a proven track record assisting clients to navigate export controls issues arising from significant transactions. Holly Bauer is a key team member.

Boasting deep subject matter expertise in the technology sector, the Cooley LLP team is active on a range of export control and economic sanctions mandates, routinely advising start-ups, venture capital firms and established public and private companies. It also is equipped to provide compliance counseling, as well as to conduct investigations, prepare and submit voluntary disclosures, and act on enforcement mandates. Exemplifying this activity is Kevin King who leads the team. Both King and another key partner, Annie Froehlich, have notable experience advising on matters regarding EAR, ITAR and sanctions programs administered by OFAC. Sarah Oliai and Karen Tsai are other notable attorneys.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s national security group, which forms part of the financial institutions group, maintains a deep focus on economic sanctions work. It is a strong choice for financial institutions, investors and global multinationals on compliance, transactional and enforcement mandates, such as developing compliance programs and undertaking due diligence. Digital assets are an area of expertise for the team. Paul Marquardt leads the team in Washington DC and has experience assisting clients on a range of mandates related to challenging jurisdictions, including with OFAC investigations. Neil H. McBride rejoined the team in 2025. Will Schisa is another key team member for sanctions advice and global sanctions coordination.

The national security team at Dechert in Washington DC boasts a team of practitioners capable of advising on the sanctions and export controls compliance aspects and regulatory approvals as part of large transactions. The group also has experience investigating potential violations and responding to enforcement inquiries, and contesting OFAC designations. The team is turned to by high-profile clients across a variety of industries, including banking, finance, manufacturing and telecommunications. Chair of the practice Jeremy B. Zucker has a strong track record representing sanctioned clients in efforts to achieve removal from sanctions lists and negotiating penalty settlements with OFAC. Hrishikesh Hari is another key team member whose core services include leading export controls and sanctions compliance due diligence and leading internal investigations.

Advising large and prominent corporations, the international trade team at Eversheds Sutherland offers comprehensive services related to sanctions and export controls. The DC-based team is experienced in providing sanctions compliance advice and acting as sanctions counsel for global investments, as well as conducting internal investigations related to export control issues and alleged violations of US sanctions. Mark Herlach is a stand-out practitioner, who exemplifies expertise leading internal investigations and advising clients on Russia-related sanctions. Jeffrey Bialos has notable experience in the defense sector. Ginger Faulk leads the team’s dedicated Venezuela sanctions compliance licensing team, which assists oil and gas companies to draft and secure specific and general OFAC license applications and design robust compliance programs. Jeffrey Cottle is another key team member.

The team at Freshfields demonstrates capability across a range of sanctions-related mandates and investigations. The group assists clients to navigate sanctions related to China, Russia, Iran and Venezuela, including routinely advising on Russia exit transactions. It is a key contact for energy and multinational travel corporations, and increasingly TMT and financial services clients. Nabeel Yousef, who is located in Washington DC, leads the export control and sanctions enforcement offering. NY-based Stephanie Brown Cripps stands out for her transactional expertise.

Goodwin

Wiley Rein LLP is home to a team of strong practitioners in Washington DC covering a wide array of matters related to customs, economic sanctions and export controls. With particular expertise serving the manufacturing, technology and consumer product industries, the customs practice advises on compliance and tariff policy and strategy mandates. Maureen Thorson spearheads the growing customs offering and is a key contact for large public corporations and multinationals, as well as emerging businesses. Led by Nazak Nikakhtar, John Shane and Lori Scheetz, the export controls and economic sanctions practice has experience assisting clients across a range of critical and high-technology sectors.