Akin‘s export controls, customs, and sanctions teams have a strong reputation on the market due to a combination of high-end clients and a strong depth of services. On the customs side of the team, the firm’s attorneys are capable of representing companies across a range of market sectors including shipping, rail, and food with a focus on investigations, tariff controversies, and litigation. The firm’s large international trade deal flow, combined with its reputation in the area, has led to wide-reaching global capabilities and experience in the sanctions and export controls space, with ITAR and EAR investigations a notable strength. Part of a very deep bench of lawyers in Washington D.C., Thomas J McCarthy ‘s client base includes significant aerospace and defense companies. Lars-Erik A Hjelm and Suzanne Kane head the custom practice, with vast public and private sector experience. Susan M C Kovarovics focuses her practice on ITAR and EAR sanctions. Shiva Aminian leads the international trade practice on the West Coast, working out of the Los Angeles office. Kevin Wolf remains very important to the team.

Baker McKenzie LLP's International Trade group has a breadth of capabilities that involve handling export controls, economic sanctions, and customs issues for a diverse range of domestic and international clients. The firm boasts a 'Global Sanctions Investigations Group' which compromises lawyers from across the firm's US offices and international network. This network allows the firm to provide advice across timezones, with traditional advisory and enforcement representations remaining a strength, alongside an ability to handle matters in sensitive jurisdictions and industries. Janet Kim (Washington D.C.), Terence Gilroy (New York) and Alison Stafford Powell (Silicon Valley) are key members of this team. The firm's Customs Compliance and Planning team focuses on supply chain considerations, with knowledge of customs enforcement, compliance, litigation, forced labor compliance and risk assessments and strategic planning and counseling. Chandri Navarro (Washington D.C.) and Eunkyung Kim Shin (Chicago) have deep knowledge of global customs regulations.

King & Spalding LLP has a deep bench of lawyers across their International Trade team, giving them broad capabilities to handle both customs and export controls and sanctions-related issues. The customs branch of the team has a record of being involved in some significant customs investigations and litigation matters, with the ability to handle forced labor risk assessments, antidumping duties, and customs valuation. Stephen Orava, Patrick Togni, and Jeffrey Telep have notable expertise in the customs sector, whilst Michael Taylor heads the subteam. Christine Savage heads the Export Controls and Sanctions practice, which is capable of supporting clients in relation to global conflicts and sensitive industries such as semiconductors, with former USTR Chief of Staff, Jamieson Greer, having deep knowledge of advanced manufactured goods trade policy.

Headquartered in Washington DC, ArentFox Schiff‘s International Trade and Investment group, chaired by David Hamill,  boasts a deep bench of lawyers, with additional expertise in various other domestic and international offices, enabling them to handle a variety of customs, export controls, and economic sanctions-related issues. In the customs space, the team is capable of advising on classification, value, and origin issues, with Angela Santos, head of the customs sub-section, a forced labor regulation export. The sanctions team regularly assist international clients across a variety of jurisdictions, with notable activity supporting defense companies faced with DDTC consent agreements. Kay Georgi and Christopher Skinner have a deep understanding of the economic sanctions landscape, as well as the ITAR and EAR frameworks.

Hogan Lovells US LLP International Trade and Investment team leverages its strong global presence to address the issues of clients across multiple jurisdictions. The firm is capable of navigating complex export controls, sanctions, and customs restrictions to provide comprehensive advice to global institutions. With a notable strength in export controls and economic sanctions, the team has notable activity in ‘high-risk’ countries, with a high demand for compliance-related issues pertaining to export control restrictions imposed by the US on Russia. Ajay Kuntamukkala provides advice to both US and international companies. Stephen Propst has 25 years of experience advising space and satellite industry clients. Aleksandar Dukicis a go-to sanctions lawyer for financial institutions whilst Beth Peters has vast experience in a variety of international trade sectors. Anthony Capobianco is an export and sanctions expert, whilst Craig Lewis focuses his practice on customs and forced labor.

Co-led, out of Washington D.C., by the reputable Les P. Carnegie, the Latham & Watkins LLP national security team has notable strength in the export controls and economic sanctions space. The team's capabilities are very wide-ranging, with experience in assisting and advising on government investigations, counsel during the transaction lifecycle, and regulatory advice. The team has a client base that spans significant private equity firms, multi-national corporations, global pharmaceutical companies, and financial institutions. Carnegie is described as 'knowledgeable, approachable and helpful', whilst his co-lead, Eric Volkman has a deep knowledge of compliance issues with experience in designing and implementing compliance programs. Andrew Galdes is a key member of the team.

Steptoe LLP International Trade & Regulatory Compliance team has vast capabilities in the economic sanctions, export controls, and customs areas. The firm has developed its ability to advise clients on the scope of US sanctions regulation, including the development of compliance programs and conducting due diligence. The export controls branch of the team are able to provide complex regulatory compliance advice in sensitive industries such as technology, defense, and telecoms.  In the customs space, the practice offers advice on import and export declarations, including tariff classification numbers and country of origin determination. Meredith Rathbone and Alexandra Baj lead the Washington D.C.-based team on export controls and sanctions matters whilst Edward Krauland and Jack Hayes, who is described as ‘experienced and extremely responsive’ are key members of the team. Dave Stetson, based in New York, is knowledgeable about the impacts of Russian sanctions.

White & Case LLP‘s International Trade team are capable of advising on ever-evolving customs, export controls, and economic sanctions regulations and trends impacting their notable international client base. Boosted by the arrival of former US DOJ director David Lim, the firm’s export controls and sanctions practice have the capability to provide compliance counsel across a broad range of jurisdictions. Cristina Brayton-Lewis focuses her practice on critical technology issues, often involving semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing. Nicole Erb is an economic sanctions specialist. The firm’s Customs practice is capable of assisting domestic and foreign companies to comply with duty regimes, address complex requests from the US Customs and Border Protection, and defend against detentions, investigations, and audits. Jay Campbell is a key member of the Customs focus group, alongside Allison Kepkay.

BakerHostetler‘s International Trade group, stationed in Washington DC, has notable expertise in assisting clients in the manufacturing, medical device, forest products, and chemicals industries. In the customs space, the team is capable of providing compliance counsel, structuring supply changes, addressing country-of-origin questions, and litigating on behalf of their clients. Michael S. Snarr represents a variety of U.S.-based importers in a challenge to the imposition of 301 duties on imports from China. The firm’s export controls branch handles compliance assessments, international investigations, and due diligence with Melissa Mannino a well-regarded lawyer in this market. Barbara Linney and Lana Muranovic, who is based in Houston, are important team members.

Crowell & Moring LLP's International Trade Group, predominantly operated out of Washington DC, offers breadth and depth across a variety of trade law sectors, with broad capabilities in the customs, export controls, and sanctions area. The firm has a notable strength in the customs area, with a client list that involves significant U.S. importers, and is capable of handling complex customs investigations and proceedings, as well as classification, valuation, origin, and trade agreement matters. John Brew and David Stepp (Los Angeles) have expertise in the customs space. The firm's export controls and sanctions team is driven by David (Dj) Wolff, whilst Carlton Greene is also an recommended lawyer in this area.

Centered in Washington DC, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s International Trade Practice Group boasts a strong bench of lawyers with capabilities that position themselves to serve as primary international trade counsel across a wide spectrum of trade issues. Led by the reputable Adam Smith, the team has acted in some notable sanctions-related matters, providing services in due diligence, strategic frameworks, and investigations. Smith, alongside Christopher Timura and Samantha Sewall has provided extensive counsel to Paris-based energy company, TotalEnergies SE, regarding US, EU, and UK sanctions. Stephenie Gosnell Handler is a CFIUS expert.

Mayer Brown‘s Washington DC-based Trade practice continues to grow, boasting a strong track record across customs, export controls, and economic sanctions issues for significant domestic and international clients. The firm’s Customs practice, led by Sydney Mintzer advises companies on supply chain risk, and import compliance and is capable of representing clients in proceedings before the CBP. The firm’s strong relation to Berkshire Hathaway has resulted in a stream of work for US manufacturers, whilst they have also seen growth in advising Chinese companies, with Jing Zhang a native Mandarin speaker. Tamer Soliman leads the Export Controls and Sanctions team, and his clients include sovereign wealth funds, defense companies, and emerging tech businesses. Adam Hickey is a key member of the team, which has also been boosted by the hire of Mac Bernstein.

Morrison Foerster's National Security practice, based in Washington DC, provides advisory and investigation capabilities on a comprehensive range of regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters relating to export controls and economic sanctions. The team is acts on mandates from sovereign bodies, global financial institutions, and significant fintech companies. John Smith is a trusted authority on U.S and multilateral sanctions, whilst Brandon Van Grack and Charles Capito have deep knowledge of export control regulations. Former OFAC officials Rachel Fiorill and Andrea Delisi provide expertise through their direct experience within the governments' regulatory frameworks.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP export control/sanctions practice, 13 strong, offers a variety of services to a client base that spans a range of sectors including aviation, nuclear, technology, and defense. The team provides an encompassing, global view of sanctions and export control issues, with the ability to handle queries out of multiple jurisdictions. With a notable strength in the aerospace field, driven by Stephan Becker, the team represents significant companies on licensing, compliance, and enforcement matters. Christopher Wall focuses his practice on export controls and foreign investments whilst Nancy Fischer is an expert in sanctions compliance and litigation. Aaron Hutman, Matthew Rabinowitz, and Benjamin Cote are also key members of the Washington DC-based team.

Reed Smith LLP’s international trade team represents significant clients on complex export controls and economic sanctions mandates across multiple sectors. The team counsels government enforcement and corporate compliance matters across a vast global network, with sanctions-related shipping matters being a notable strength. Washington DC-based Michael Lowell chairs the firm’s Global Regulatory Enforcement Group and has a deep understanding of OFAC regulations which allow him to act as leading litigation counsel to a major financial institution. Leigh Hansson, who splits her time between London and DC, routinely works on sanctions enforcement matters. Lizbeth Rodriguez-Johnson, Tysons; and Felipe Berer, Miami; contribute from other offices.

WilmerHale, with a bench of attorneys that has a wealth of public sector experience, offers an encompassing global support team covering all aspects of sanctions and export control laws across multiple industry sectors. The firm has a notable strength in handling complex tech-related sanctions issues, whilst also having the ability to help clients navigate complex cross-border sanctions pertaining to geopolitical tensions with Russia and China. The experienced Ronald Meltzer continues to be an influential force within the Washington DC team, whilst Michael Dawson brings an extensive background in designing compliance programs. Jeffrey Kessler and Zachary Goldman, based in New York, are talented lawyers in this field.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has experience counseling multinational companies, financial institutions, and sovereign bodies on a range of issues relating to economic sanctions and export controls. With the ability to identify and mitigate compliance risks through internal reviews, investigation advice, and licensing procedures, the firm has been particularly active with proceedings relating to Russian sanctions. Washington DC-based Chase Kaniecki leads the team and has been advising both domestic and international clients across industries such as technology and energy. Kaniecki is supported by Yulia Solomakhina, a special counsel based in New York with notable expertise on Russian sanctions, and Samuel Chang who was promoted to partner at the start of 2025.

Cooley LLP's export control and sanctions practice has continued its impressive growth under the leadership of Kevin King and remains a very active player in the technology market. In line with the firm's wider strength in tech-related legal issues, the export controls and sanctions team has been notably active in issues pertaining to semiconductors, AI applications, space technology, and technology-focused venture funds. Annie Froehlich focuses her practice on matters arising under the EAR and ITAR sanctions programs. Shannon MacMichael handles international review matters such as risk assessments and product and technology classifications. Karen Tsai and Sarah Oliai are key members of the team.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP's Financial Institutions Group provides advice to financial institutions, fintechs, and technology companies on sanctions compliance issues, often relating to blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital asset activities. Led by the well-renowned Paul Marquardt, the team is capable of establishing compliance programs, conducting due diligence, and counseling on OFAC compliance requirements. Marquardt is supported by John Reynolds who handles a broad volume of sanctions matters, and Will Schisa.

Eversheds Sutherland‘s international trade team, based in Washington DC, is the trusted economic sanctions and export controls advisor to some significant international corporations. Beyond general economic sanctions compliance across multiple jurisdictions, the team is capable of being strategic counsel for global investments and representing their clients in litigation. Mark Herlach has very broad practice experience which allows him to act as a linchpin to multinationals attempting to navigate the complexity of cross-border trade. Jeffrey Bialos and Ginger Faulk are important members of the team.

Freshfields LLP‘s strong transactions focus has led them to a wave of sanctions-related mandates and investigations relating to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The firm’s Russia/Ukraine Sanctions Response Group has advised many clients on the legal and practical impacts of economic sanctions. This strength, combined with the ability to handle sanctions arising from other geopolitical events, the firm attracts clients from multiple industry sectors including energy, TMT, and financial services. Nabeel Yousef is an expert on sanctions and export control advice relating to the Russia/Ukraine conflict whilst Stephanie Brown Cripps, based in New York, provides support with her transactional background. Allison Kowalski is an important member of the team.

Holland & Knight's corporate trade regulation team, which operates predominantly out of Washington DC, provides counsel on a range of cross-border matters. Notably, the team has been active in the emerging technology space, with clients spanning the AI, cyber, Biotech, and space sectors. Robert Friedman acts as lead counsel to some significant clients and leverages a diverse background as both a private sector practitioner and former government official. Antonia Tzinova has experience assisting technology exporters and research universities on export compliance programs. Andrew McAllister, Jonathan Epstein, and Ron Oleynik are key members of the team.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s International Trade team works closely with companies, investors, and boards across a range of industries to provide complex strategies for sanctions-related issues. The team is capable of assisting with compliance management, transactional risk mitigation and internal investigations on behalf of clients across multiple jurisdictions. Mario Mancuso and Lucille Hague often co-lead on matters out of Washington DC, and are capable of providing high-stakes due diligence for the flow of significant transactions the firm experiences. Other key contacts include the ‘extremely experienced’ Daniel Gerkin and Ivan Schlager, as well as Zachary Brez, who is based in New York.

Wiley Rein LLP continues to build upon its strong presence in Washington DC with comprehensive work across the customs, economic sanctions, and export control areas. The customs team, led by Maureen Thorson, regularly counsels clients in the manufacturing, technology, and retail industries on a full spectrum of customs-related issues. The export controls and economic sanctions practice is co-led by Nazak Nikakhtar, John Shane, and Lori Scheetz. Nikakhtar’s practice includes advising large multinational corporations on export control license matters and compliance issues, often leading international investigations. Shane, leaning upon over 30 years of experience, has expertise across many industries including aviation, telecommunications, and defense.