International Trade Partner

A law firm in Cleveland, OH, is seeking an entrepreneurial and collegial International Trade Partner to join their team. The ideal candidate will possess a small book of business and be well-versed in advising both U.S. and foreign clients on the complex regulatory requirements governing international trade. This role involves guiding clients through U.S. regulatory frameworks, particularly in relation to customs, trade remedies, export controls, and foreign investment review processes. A background in trade litigation is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Advising:
  • Provide counsel to U.S. and foreign clients on regulatory requirements regarding investment in the U.S.
  • Assist foreign investors in navigating the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review process.
  • Advise on U.S. Customs regulations and compliance issues for the import of goods into the U.S.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Offer guidance on the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
  • Ensure client compliance with trade preference programs such as the USMCA and CAFTA.
  • Counsel clients on trade remedies including antidumping (AD), countervailing duties (CVD), and Section 301 tariffs.
• Government Interaction:
  • Represent clients in dealings with U.S. regulators in investigations, protests, voluntary disclosures, and settlement processes.
• Trade Litigation:
  • Engage in trade-related litigation when necessary (experience in this area is a plus).

Requirements

• Experience:
  • Proven experience advising clients on U.S. Customs and regulatory compliance related to imports and exports.
  • In-depth knowledge of trade preference programs (USMCA, CAFTA, etc.) and trade remedy applications (AD/CVD, Sec. 301).
  • Experience with CFIUS review processes and foreign investment regulations.
  • Familiarity with EAR, ITAR, and OFAC regulations.
  • Prior involvement in interacting with regulators and managing investigations and disclosures.
  • Trade litigation experience preferred but not required.

Education & Certifications

• Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Certifications:
  • Admission to the Ohio State Bar or eligibility for admission.

Skills & Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial Attitude:
  • Must possess a small book of business and demonstrate the ability to grow a client base.
• Legal Expertise:
  • Strong background in international trade law, including export controls, sanctions, customs compliance, and trade remedies.
• Communication:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex regulatory issues to clients.
• Problem Solving:
  • Ability to handle sensitive regulatory matters, including investigations and voluntary disclosures, while guiding clients through compliance challenges.
• Collaboration:
  • Team-oriented with the capacity to work closely with other partners and associates in the firm.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with government regulators in the areas of trade and customs compliance.
• A strong understanding of U.S. trade litigation processes.

This nationally recognized law firm has a history of more than 150 years of service. It has expanded recently and has offices throughout the East Coast. Firm attorneys have served as presidents of the American Bar Association, and state and local bar associations. This firm has a relatively high number of female and minority partners, and they seem to have a strong respect for diversity in the workplace. Associates can expect a high-tech office with state-of-the-art facilities, to better serve the clients. Attorneys receive competitive salaries that are constantly reviewed and updated to maintain an high level of compensation. Pro bono work is welcomed and encouraged at this firm. One associate said that he loved the summer associate program at this firm, and it is a fantastic place socially.