Rhonda Schmidtlein, a long-serving member of the International Trade Commission (ITC), is set to transition into the private sector as she joins the prestigious law firm WilmerHale. Schmidtlein’s appointment as a partner at the firm’s international trade, investment, and market access practice group is scheduled for April, following her resignation from the ITC which becomes effective on February 1. Her move marks the end of a notable tenure at the commission, where she has served since 2014, having been appointed by former President Barack Obama. During her time at the ITC, Schmidtlein also held the position of chair in 2017 and 2018.
In a statement, Schmidtlein expressed her intention to utilize her considerable experience to aid clients in navigating the intricacies of today’s trade landscape, which she described as particularly complex. Her expertise is expected to be a valuable asset for WilmerHale, as international trade issues continue to be a pivotal area of focus for major law firms advising on global commerce and regulatory compliance.
This move aligns with a broader trend of experienced public officials transitioning into the private sector, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge that benefits corporate clients facing regulatory challenges. Schmidtlein’s unique perspective as a former ITC commissioner will no doubt enhance WilmerHale’s capabilities in dealing with international trade and market access issues.
Further details on Schmidtlein’s departure and upcoming role at WilmerHale can be found in the announcement on Bloomberg Law.