‘Uniquely deep on trade, investment, and national security issues’,  Akin houses a full-service international trade practice that is routinely involved in high-stakes trade remedy litigation and trade policy matters. The Washington DC-based group acts for domestic industries, as well as foreign producers and exporters, in many of the most closely watched cases to come to market. In a highlight example, Matthew Nicely is representing HMTX, and over 100 additional plaintiffs, in the marquee challenge to the US government’s Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods. In another high-profile case, Bernd Janzen is acting alongside next-generation partner Yujin Kim McNamara to represent the Government of British Columbia in a long-running series of countervailing duty proceedings and managed trade agreements involving US imports of softwood lumber from Canada. Other go-to trade litigators include Stephen Kho, who is a former acting chief counsel on China enforcement at the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR); and Hal Shapiro, who has had several government-side roles, including a stint as Senior Advisor for International Economic Policy at the National Economic Council. At junior level, ‘strong counsel’ Sarah Kirwin is a key name.

Hogan Lovells US LLP’s trade remedies and trade policy offering benefits from its ability to collaborate with subject matter specialists in Asia, the EU and the UK to provide comprehensive global support. A top choice for trade litigation, the group leverages particularly strong experience in advising on Section 201 and 301 matters. Among the names to note, Deen Kaplan possesses an illustrious record in trade litigation and dispute settlement proceedings—including before the World Trade Organization (WTO)—and also stands out for his expertise in the agriculture sector. In an example of his work in the latter sphere, Kaplan teamed up with Jared Wessel and counsel Michael Jacobson to represent fertilizer company, MacroSource, before the US International Trade Commission (USITC) on tariff cases. Jonathan Stoel co-chairs the wider international trade and investment practice and acts for sovereign and corporate clients on trade disputes and policy matters, with a focus on free-trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Washington DC-based group also includes trade remedies specialist Craig Lewis; trade policy-focused senior counsel Warren Maruyama; up-and-coming Kelly Ann Shaw, who is a former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs; and senior associate Maria Arboleda.

King & Spalding LLP’s trade remedy, trade compliance and trade policy unit forms a key part of the wider firm’s highly regarded global international trade practice. Enjoying close links with domestic industry clients, including US steel, semiconductors, paper and fuel companies, the Washington DC-based group handles a steady stream of significant trade remedy cases and critical trade policy matters. Department chair Stephen Orava brings to bear deep experience in dealing with high-stakes trade litigation. Orava recently paired up with trade policy specialist and former GC for the Office of the USTR, Stephen Vaughn, to represent Cleveland-Cliffs and United Steelworkers on their antidumping petitions to the Department of Commerce (DOT) and the USITC concerning certain tin mill products from eight countries—one of the largest US trade cases on steel in recent years. Elsewhere, Michael Taylor successfully advised the Coalition of Domestic Folder Manufacturers on petitioning for  antidumping and countervailing duty relief on subsidized paper file products from various countries. The group also includes the talented Jamieson Greer, who has recently advised several major US corporations on trade remedy and trade policy matters; and experienced senior counsel Neal Reynolds, who leverages extensive government-side experience from a previous stint as an international trade lawyer at the USITC.

Regarded by many as a pioneer in the trade litigation and policy realm, Steptoe LLP’s Washington DC-based practice is praised by clients as ‘probably the strongest in DC and maybe in the world’. Acting on behalf of companies, industry associations and sovereigns from across the globe, the team routinely secures key roles in high-profile and challenging trade disputes. Among its recent matters, the group continues to represent the British Columbia Lumber Trade Council in the long-running Canadian softwood lumber case, including in interactions with US agencies, courts, bi-national panels under NAFTA and the WTO. Deputy international trade chair Amy Lentz leads the softwood lumber work, and is particularly noted for her expertise in WTO disputes. Eric Emerson spearheads the trade remedies unit, where he is widely recognized for his focus on antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings and related matters; he recently obtained a unanimous final negative injury determination from the USITC for the sole Trinidadian producer of urea ammonium nitrate. Also recommended are Matthew Yeo, who specializes in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and is highlighted as an ‘outstanding figure regarding the issues on the combination of China and WTO’; Jeffrey Weiss, who co-chairs the international trade policy department; and trade remedies specialist Thomas Trendl.

White & Case LLP ‘has a breadth and depth of trade practice that is unmatched’, with a full-service trade remedies and trade policy group, which covers antidumping and countervailing duty investigations (where it represents both petitioners and respondents), through to FTA negotiations and WTO dispute settlement proceedings. A go-to specialist in trade regulation, Gregory Spak handles trade litigation before all national agencies and multinational trade bodies, including the WTO. Spak successfully defended Louis Dreyfus Company Sucos (LDC) in the antidumping duty investigation concerning lemon juice from Brazil; notably, LDC was the only exporter to receive a 0% dumping margin in the investigation. David Bond heads the international trade group globally and recently acted with ‘top-notch’ trade remedies partner, Jay Campbell, to score various victories in antidumping investigations concerning rubber products on behalf of Synthos Kralupy, PJSC Tatneft, and Kumho Petrochemical. The Washington DC-based team additionally draws on the senior experience of Walter Spak, who is noted for trade remedies, dispute resolution under NAFTA and the WTO, and trade policy-related issues. The group further benefits from a strong second line of non-partners, including newly promoted counsel Ron Kendler, who focuses on antidumping cases, countervailing duty proceedings and WTO matters, and senior associate Jessica Lynd.

A trade remedies powerhouse, Washington DC-based Cassidy Levy Kent (USA) LLP impresses sources with its ‘experience and success in antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings’. Notably, the team possesses a 93% win rate on behalf of domestic producers in cases before the USITC—it also has a strong record of success on behalf of foreign respondents. Alongside its expertise in trade remedies litigation, the group is well versed across an array of trade policy and market access issues. James Cannon specializes in antidumping and countervailing duty cases, market access proceedings and customs law, among other areas; he recently represented Chemtrade Chemicals US in filing antidumping and countervailing duty petitions against unfairly traded imports of sodium nitrite from India and Russia. Other key names include Yohai Baisburd, who represented the US mattress industry in a series of trade remedies cases concerning imports of mattresses; increasingly prominent trade litigator Thomas Beline, who provides ‘high-quality and efficient service’; Myles Getlan, who handles antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard disputes before all key trade agencies and panels; and counsel Sarah Shulman. Jack Levy recently left the firm.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is distinguished by its long-standing record in the sphere and one source attests that it ‘uses this history to correlate current cases’. A regular fixture in litigation before the DOT and the USITC, the group enjoys close relationships with petitioners and counts the Aluminum Association and ArcelorMittal USA among its representative clients. A stand-out name in the trade remedies and policy space, Paul Rosenthal is a trade veteran and successfully represented Worthington Industries in securing a unanimous preliminary affirmative determination from the USITC concerning imports of non-refillable steel cylinders from India. Other seasoned trade specialists in the Washington DC-based team include Kathleen Cannon, who led on a string of successful trade remedies cases over the past year; international trade chair John Herrmann, who is becoming a go-to name for the US aluminum industry in trade remedy and trade policy matters; and Washington DC office managing partner Alan Luberda, who focuses on antidumping and countervailing duty cases. Brooke Ringel is also noted for her ability to ‘explain the complex in a way a layman can understand’.

A petitioner-side specialist, Wiley Rein LLP is praised for its ability to ‘deliver the best results for US industries hurt by unfair and illegal trade practices’. The team combines robust international trade expertise with the wider Washington DC firm’s signature political offering, leveraging its close government connections to represent domestic industries in critical trade policy and trade remedy matters. Department co-head Timothy Brightbill is a leading light in the international trade arena, where he has successfully led major cases in the steel, wood products and renewable energy spheres. Among his recent matters, Brightbill is representing the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturers in administrative reviews of both the 2012 and 2014 antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Alan Price co-heads the department alongside Brightbill; he paired up with Christopher Weld to advise America’s largest steel producer, Nucor, on various trade remedy cases and trade policy issues. Other key contacts include trade remedies specialist Robert DeFrancesco; Laura El-Sabaawi, whose broad industry experience spans steel, renewable energy and manufactured wood products, among others; Derick Holt, who advises on trade remedies, export controls and economic sanctions; and Stephanie Bell.

An ‘exceptionally expert team with incomparable insights’, WilmerHale’s trade practice impresses with its unique ability to intersect law, policy, and politics. On the trade policy front, the group draws on both the team’s extensive government-side experience and the firm’s complementary strength in government relations to shine in advising on US policy initiatives and trade agreement negotiations. Most notably, department head David Ross recently advised the UK Department for Business and Trade on the UK’s negotiation of a free-trade agreement with Israel. The group also secures a significant volume of high-stakes trade remedies litigation, where it acts for both domestic and foreign industry clients. Recent highlights in the remedies space included representing major US phosphate fertilizer producer, The Mosaic Company, in a series of cases before the DOC, the USCITC and the CIT; Ross co-led the work together with Jeffrey Kessler, who stands out for his ‘deep strategic assessments of options’. The Washington DC-based bench also fields senior figure Robert Novick, who is a former GC for the Office of the USTR; newly promoted partner Lauren Mandell, who is a ‘top-notch trade and investment lawyer’; and counsel Stephanie Hartmann, who focuses on international economic regulation and trade policy. Counsel Patrick McLain left in July 2023.

ArentFox Schiff’s Washington DC-based team draws on ‘veterans in the areas of trade remedies and policy’, who sources value for their experience in both industry and government. Engaged by an array of foreign producers and importers, governments and domestic industries on trade remedy cases, the group also handles international trade matters before the WTO and NAFTA tribunals. Counsel Matthew Nolan is sought after for his experience in advising on trade remedies and complex policy issues; he is representing Assan Aluminyum, in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on aluminum foil imports, among other matters. Also recommended are John Gurley, who focuses on international trade relief proceedings; Nancy Noonan, who specializes in international trade and immigration issues; and Leah Scarpelli, who handles trade remedies and trade policy matters.

Leveraging its thriving sovereign state offering, Arnold & Porter’s international trade practice frequently represents multinational companies and foreign governments in US trade remedy proceedings, as well as in related trade policy and compliance matters. Active on behalf of clients worldwide, the group is primarily recognized for its record in representing Korean industry, including LG Chem. Hyundai Steel Company and POSCO. International trade chair David Park splits his time between Washington DC and Seoul and specializes in trade remedies and trade policy work; he represented major steel producer POSCO, and its affiliates, in seven separate proceedings before the DOC. Other key names in Washington DC include Lynn Fischer Fox, who is a former Deputy Assistant Secretary with the DOC; and senior counsel Claire Reade, who has extensive expertise in China-related issues.

The team at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is commended by clients as an ‘indispensable partner in navigating the intricate world of international trade’. Traditionally best known for its Asia focus, the practice continues to expand its geographical horizons and is additionally involved in trade matters involving the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. The team’s growth in this sphere was further evidenced by the recent addition of new clients to its roster, including Colombia’s Tecnoglass and Germany-headquartered Novelis Deutschland. Department chair Daniel Porter splits his time between Washington DC, Geneva and Beijing and is valued for his ‘deep understanding of regulations, combined with a personalized approach’. Clients also highlight the trade remedy and trade policy experience of Matthew McCullough and James Durling —both of whom operate from DC and Geneva.

On the trade remedies front, Mayer Brown strikes a balance between petitioner- and respondent-side work, where it is equipped to advise on the full scope of matters, from antidumping and countervailing duty cases, through to safeguard actions and EU Trade Barrier Regulation investigations. Experienced senior counsel Duane Layton stepped down as international trade head in January 2023 but remains sought after for his strong track record in trade disputes, including trade remedy cases and WTO litigation—notably, he handled the first two antidumping cases to come before the WTO. Trade remedies specialist Matthew McConkey co-heads the Washington DC-based department together with Sydney Mintzer, who handles a mix of customs and trade remedies work. Jing Zhang is also noted for her broad practice, which encompasses trade remedies, export controls, sanctions and customs matters, with an emphasis on cross-border compliance issues involving China.

The international trade team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP ‘understands the nuances of procedure, substantive requirements and policy’, according to sources. The group’s deep industry knowledge is also a recurring theme among clients, with the wider firm’s dominant offerings in the nuclear, defense and aerospace spheres reflected in its trade remedies and trade policy roster. Global head of regulatory Nancy Fischer handles the full scope of trade matters, with significant expertise in trade remedies, customs law, and disputes under NAFTA and the WTO; she is representing a large group of US nuclear utilities in various trade remedy proceedings before US courts and agencies. Stephan Becker leads the international trade practice and is recommended for his experience in trade litigation. Aaron Hutman and newly promoted partner Benjamin Cote are also active in trade remedy and trade policy matters.

Baker McKenzie LLP’s Washington DC-based team has been advising clients on Section 301 issues regarding tariffs on products imported from China. The group, which also plugs into the wider firm’s global trade practice, additionally contributes extensive experience in trade remedy litigation, WTO matters and trade agreements. Christine Streatfeild is the key contact for trade remedies work and is well versed in antidumping and countervailing duty cases. A former senior director at the National Security Council, Rod Hunter is noted for his broad trade and investment practice that takes in WTO matters and Section 301 investigations.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP’s trade remedies and trade policy group is well versed across the full gamut of related matters, with its recent experience spanning antidumping and countervailing duty cases and WTO dispute settlement proceedings, among other work. Following the 2023 departure of former practice co-chair Joanne Osendarp, Carolyn Gleason now solely heads the practice and brings to bear significant experience in all areas of trade relief. The Washington DC-centered group also draws on the experience of seasoned counsels Raymond Paretzky and David Levine, who together represent long-standing client, Illinois Tool Works, on international trade policy, import relief cases and tariff actions.

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP’s strong expertise in the steel industry continues to drive its trade practice. The group represented several global steel manufacturers in antidumping and countervailing duty cases including Turkey-headquartered Borusan Mannesmann, South Korea’s Hyundai Steel and Taiwan-based Prosperity Tieh. The team’s other industry strong suits include rubber, lumber, foodstuffs and chemicals. Julie Mendoza chairs the Washington DC-based department and specializes in trade remedies cases, customs law matters and WTO dispute resolution, with a focus on representing foreign manufacturers and foreign governments. Will Planert and Brady Mills are also noted for trade disputes.