PRACTICE

International Trade

Overview

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, companies must not only survive but thrive, and this entails a profound understanding of the ever-changing landscape of international trade regulations and policies.

The Pierson Ferdinand International Trade Team recognizes the challenges and competition faced by businesses worldwide and is well-equipped with an extensive knowledge of critical trade laws and regulations, a sophisticated understanding of the political and policy environments where these measures are enforced, and decades of experience working with administrative agencies, federal courts, and other institutions handling international trade disputes.

Our International Trade Team is not only recognized as a leader in the field but also dedicated to sharing its insights and knowledge with the global legal community. They frequently present on various trade compliance issues at conferences and seminars, and their articles are published in reputable professional outlets such as Lexology and the Law360 International Trade newsletter. Our team actively engages with the United States Court of International Trade (CIT) and influences key trade positions within the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law.

  • Full Spectrum of Business Transactions

    Like traditional large law firms, we regularly assist clients in the full spectrum of business transactions and related company matters, a large portion of which involves mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, banking and credit, employment, regulatory, corporate governance and board advisory, intellectual property, and financial restructuring and reorganization, among others.

  • Leveraging Technology

    Our Corporate team leverages cutting edge technology in all aspects of practice and our diverse all-partner teams focus on what matters most to our clients and stakeholders, delivering outcomes through shared values of strength, diversity, and collaboration.

  • Forging Close Partnerships

    We believe in forging close partnerships with our clients to better understand their business operations, enabling us to provide more effective counsel and to deliver exceptional value during pivotal moments that often shape profoundly the trajectory and success of our clients’ businesses.

  • Effective Low-Leverage Platform

    Our unique low-leverage platform is not only more cost-effective, it allows us to focus on fewer, targeted engagements than our peers at traditional, elite law firms. This model allows us to get closer to our clients and to know their businesses, preferences, and cadence, and to ultimately meet our clients where they are.

Capabilities

Our International Trade practice includes:

  • Export Controls: We help clients navigate the complexities of export controls maintained by the U.S. Government. We assess whether products and technologies are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or should be classified under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Our services encompass preparing classification requests, license applications, and working with companies during mergers and acquisitions to review potential exposure to export controls.

  • United States Economic Sanctions: We assist clients in understanding and adhering to the United States Government’s comprehensive economic sanctions against multiple countries. Our guidance covers various aspects, including direct export, investment, third-party relationships, and the hiring of foreign nationals. We prepare license applications for clients in industries such as pharmaceuticals and provide counsel when sanctions violations occur.

  • Trade Remedies: Our team is experienced in representing domestic and foreign companies in antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) cases. We help clients negotiate agreements to resolve trade cases efficiently and cost-effectively. We also monitor changes in trade laws and assist clients in navigating regulatory and statutory challenges affecting international trade and investment.

  • CBP and Other Federal Regulatory Compliance: We help companies importing merchandise into the United States comply with the laws and regulations of over forty agencies enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We seek rulings from CBP on classification, valuation, and marking, and advise clients on preferential duty programs. We also assist in agency audits, regulatory compliance programs, and provide guidance when violations occur.

  • Foreign Direct Investment in the United States: We evaluate national security issues associated with transactions and assist clients in addressing foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) matters. Our expertise spans regulatory issues arising from foreign direct investment in the U.S., mergers and acquisitions, asset purchases, and debt financing from foreign sources.

Pierson Ferdinand’s International Trade Team is committed to helping businesses operate and succeed on the global stage by providing comprehensive, practical solutions to their international trade concerns.