In a recent hearing, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative outlined plans to reinvigorate the nation’s “hard power” through strategic trade policies. This approach, aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing, is designed to address and reduce “global volatility” according to his statements. The nominee’s vision aligns with a broader nationalistic theme, seeking to bolster…
INTERPOL recently announced the results of “Operation Thunder” 2024, a concerted effort to combat wildlife and forestry trafficking. This initiative, coordinated with the World Customs Organization (WCO), led to the seizure of almost 20,000 live animals and the arrest of 365 individuals worldwide. This was the largest global operation targeting environmental crimes to date, involving…
Steptoe & Johnson LLP has added Jason Wright to its New York office as a partner in the international trade and regulatory compliance practice. This announcement was made by the firm on Tuesday. Wright brings to the firm a wealth of experience in several critical areas, including economic sanctions, national security law, direct foreign investment,…
In a notable development within the intellectual property law sphere, Vedder Price has announced the addition of Brent Yamashita as a shareholder in its San Francisco office. This move is part of the firm’s strategic expansion of its intellectual property practice group, as stated by the firm on Tuesday. Yamashita brings a wealth of experience…
Latham & Watkins has announced the appointment of Paul Rosen as a new partner in its Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and national security practice. Rosen’s role will span both Washington and Los Angeles, where he will guide clients through complex regulatory, investigation, and enforcement challenges, including CFIUS reviews and outbound…
FisherBroyles, an Atlanta-founded law firm, is taking steps to establish a presence in Mexico as part of its planned expansion into the Latin American market. The firm aims to offer cost-effective legal services in the region, even amid ongoing international trade tensions. This move reflects a strategic decision to tap into opportunities within Latin America’s…
The global trading landscape appears increasingly uncertain, as Canada and Mexico recently secured a temporary reprieve from tariffs initially threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite this pause, concerns persist among trade experts. Canadian trade lawyers, for instance, suggest that the longstanding rules-based trading system may be unraveling, raising questions about the future stability of…
The recent escalation in trade tensions spearheaded by the United States government is poised to create reverberations across multiple industry sectors, including automobiles, household goods, and consumer electronics. President Donald Trump has indicated a commitment to increasing tariffs on some of the United States’ largest trading partners, such as Canada, China, and potentially Mexico. This…
Baker McKenzie, a global law firm known for its extensive international reach, has announced the return of Jon Cowley as a partner to its North America international commercial & trade practice group in Chicago. Cowley, a seasoned expert in international trade law, will focus on various complex regulatory matters, capitalizing on his prior experience within…
China has announced its intention to initiate legal action against the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on Chinese imports. The announcement was made by China’s Ministry of Commerce, which criticized the 10 percent tariff as a “serious violation” of international trade norms. The tariffs,…
US officials are currently investigating whether DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, acquired advanced semiconductors from Nvidia Corp. through intermediaries in Singapore. This inquiry comes amid concerns that the company might have bypassed US restrictions designed to control the export of chips meant for AI applications. Nvidia’s chips are highly sought after for AI development…
Adding significant strength to its financial services practice group in London, Squire Patton Boggs has announced the appointment of Philip Prowse and Jameel Tarmohamed as partners. This strategic move aims to bolster the firm’s capabilities in handling complex international trade and commodity financings, a sector ripe with growth opportunities and intricate legal challenges. Philip Prowse,…
Squire Patton Boggs has made a strategic move to strengthen its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practice by hiring a dedicated seven-lawyer team in Brussels. This initiative is likely aimed at enhancing the firm’s ability to navigate the complex regulatory landscape in the European Union, which is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. The newly acquired…
In a significant policy pronouncement following his recent inauguration, President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement tariffs of up to 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada. The decision is set to take effect by February 1, according to a recent report from Bloomberg Law. Trump’s decision is rooted in his belief that both…
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…