In a notable shift from his aggressive stance during the previous administration, President Donald Trump has refrained from imposing immediate tariffs on China despite earlier indications of such measures. Instead, the President has taken a broader approach, ordering comprehensive investigations into global trade practices as he embarks on his second term. According to a report…
In the context of increasing trade tensions under the administration of former President Donald Trump, a recent survey conducted by PwC reveals that many chief executive officers maintain a positive outlook on global economic growth for the year ahead. This optimism is notable given the challenging backdrop of potential higher tariffs. The survey, which was…
A commissioner from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), who has held a leadership position for the past year and a half, is making a transition to the law firm WilmerHale. This notable change comes as the ITC continues to navigate complex international trade matters and legal challenges. WilmerHale, known for handling a breadth of…
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…
Rhonda Schmidtlein, a notable figure in international trade, has announced her resignation from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to join Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP as a partner. Schmidtlein, a Democrat from Missouri, was initially appointed to the ITC by President Barack Obama in July 2013. Her tenure at the ITC will…
As President-elect Donald Trump gears up to shape his administration, legal professionals are closely watching his potential pick for a key position within the Commerce Department. Jeffery Kessler, a partner at renowned law firm WilmerHale, is reportedly under consideration to lead the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. This potential appointment comes with critical…
King & Spalding LLP has announced the recruitment of a prominent attorney with extensive government experience to strengthen its international trade practice. The new hire formerly served as a U.S. Department of Commerce official and assistant general counsel for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. This move is part of King & Spalding’s ongoing…
King & Spalding has announced the appointment of Ryan Majerus as a partner within its esteemed international trade team based in Washington, D.C. Majerus joins the firm from the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he held the position of acting assistant secretary for enforcement and compliance. His transition to King & Spalding underscores the firm’s…
In a future fraught with challenges, general counsels (GCs) foresee significant implications stemming from advancements in AI and deepfake technologies by 2050. A survey indicates a substantial portion of in-house lawyers anticipate a ‘banking revolution’ shaped by digital currencies and blockchain, promising a seamless financial system that facilitates international trade and cooperation. Biometric currency is…
The legal industry is seeing a significant shift as the year 2025 brings forth larger bonuses for associates in some of the world’s leading law firms. As the sector continues to evolve, firms are re-evaluating their compensation structures to remain competitive in attracting and retaining top legal talent. While the specifics of the bonus amounts…
The recent move by the Biden Administration to obstruct Nippon Steel Corp.’s attempted acquisition of United States Steel Corp. has raised eyebrows, particularly in how it affects the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Japan. According to Bloomberg Law, the most revealing aspect of this decision was perhaps not as deliberate as it seemed, indicating…
Intellectual property lawyers from Knobbe Martens emphasize the importance for U.S. patent owners to look beyond conventional federal court litigation when addressing overseas infringement concerns. Many experts say that enforcement through the International Trade Commission (ITC) offers a compelling alternative pathway for safeguarding innovations against global threats. The ITC’s role is expected to gain significance,…
Ballard Spahr has announced the addition of Kristen Broz as a partner in its litigation department and antitrust and competition group in Washington, D.C. This move incorporates Broz’s extensive experience in litigating cases in various legal arenas, including federal and state courts as well as before federal agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and…
Jeremy Paner has joined Hughes Hubbard & Reed as a partner in their sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering practice in Washington D.C., as of December 2024. This strategic addition is poised to bolster the firm’s capabilities in navigating complex compliance matters associated with trade sanctions and national security. Paner’s extensive expertise focuses primarily on…
In a recent communication via his Truth Social account, President-elect Donald Trump declared plans to introduce substantial tariff increases on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. Specifically, Trump proposed a 25% hike on all goods from these nations, with the intention of addressing illegal immigration and issues related to “crime and drugs” (truthsocial.com). Additionally, he…
The recent election of Donald Trump has sparked widespread discussion regarding its implications on Latin America. One notable outcome of the election was Trump’s unexpected garnering of support from Latino voters, traditionally inclined to the Democratic Party. This shift signifies a potential change in the political dynamics in both the United States and Latin America,…
International law firm DLA Piper has expanded its patent litigation practice with the addition of Shaobin Zhu as a partner based in Seattle. The firm announced his recruitment on November 19, underscoring Zhu’s expertise in handling complex intellectual property disputes. Zhu represents clients primarily from the technology sector, navigating litigation in U.S. district courts and…
The 2024 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders’ Summit in Lima, Peru, has concluded, marking a significant moment in international economic cooperation, although not without its challenges. Hosts Peru have been instrumental in advocating for market access and sustainable trade practices during this summit. The event, which took place from November 16, revealed both progress and…
Erik Woodhouse has rejoined Crowell & Moring as a partner in the firm’s international trade and financial services groups, based in Washington D.C. This move has been announced by the firm on [Tuesday](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/crowell-moring-adds-international-trade-partner-erik-woodhouse), and is likely to add significant depth to their compliance advisory capabilities. Mr. Woodhouse is set to advise clients on U.S. economic…
The surge in cross-border data storage initiatives, primarily through what are being termed “digital embassies,” is reshaping the landscape of international data management and necessitating new legal frameworks for protection and governance. As countries strive to navigate logistical and cybersecurity hurdles associated with establishing robust data center infrastructure, some are opting for a model of…
Law firms in Washington D.C. are closely examining their practices in light of key policy shifts expected under President-elect Donald Trump. Legal experts anticipate that specific areas, including international trade, antitrust, tax, and national security, will experience growth as they align with the new administration’s regulatory approach. Conversely, some sectors might witness a deceleration in…
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has increasingly emphasized the need for robust evidentiary support when it comes to importation allegations under Section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act. Recent decisions have underscored this shift, as some investigations were not instituted due to complaints inadequately pleading the importation aspect. Affected parties include high-profile firms and cutting-edge…
The recent U.S. presidential election has reintroduced a sense of uncertainty to multinational corporations and their legal departments. Donald Trump’s victory, marked by his advocacy for substantial tariffs—up to 60%—on goods imported from China, has sent ripples through sectors heavily reliant on global supply chains. As corporate legal teams at companies like Stanley and Steve…
Following the tumultuous U.S. Presidential election, the re-election of Donald Trump marks a period of unpredictability, particularly for the legal sector. Trump’s administration is expected to be “pro-business,” which may reduce regulations and domestic oversight, potentially boosting M&A activity and U.S. capital markets, as reported by Big Law leaders. On the international stage, Trump’s “America…
In light of “sharp and profound” policy shifts following President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, law firms in Washington, D.C. are closely evaluating both the potential opportunities and challenges that such changes may present. Partners at major firms anticipate that practices in international trade, antitrust, tax, and national security could see growth under the expected regulatory…