International Trade Partner

A law firm in Chicago, IL, is seeking an entrepreneurial and collegial International Trade Partner to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a small book of business and a strong background in advising both U.S. and foreign clients on complex international trade regulations. The role involves navigating U.S. regulatory frameworks, including customs compliance, trade remedies, export controls, and foreign investment reviews. Trade litigation experience is considered a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Advisory:
  • Advise U.S. and foreign clients on regulatory requirements for investments in the U.S., including compliance with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review process.
  • Counsel clients on U.S. Customs regulations, import compliance, and other trade-related issues.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Provide guidance on U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
  • Advise clients on trade preference programs such as USMCA, CAFTA, and others, ensuring compliance with relevant policies.
  • Counsel on trade remedy regulations, including antidumping (AD), countervailing duties (CVD), and Section 301 tariffs.
• Government Interaction:
  • Represent clients in interactions with U.S. regulators, including handling investigations, protests, voluntary disclosures, and settlements.
  • Develop strategies to address regulatory concerns and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Trade Litigation:
  • Participate in trade-related litigation when necessary, offering clients legal representation in complex international trade disputes.

Requirements

• Experience:
  • Extensive experience advising U.S. and foreign clients on customs and regulatory compliance related to import/export matters.
  • Familiarity with trade preference programs and trade remedy applications, such as USMCA, CAFTA, AD/CVD, and Section 301.
  • Experience navigating the CFIUS review process for foreign investors.
  • In-depth knowledge of EAR, ITAR, and OFAC regulations.
  • Proven experience interacting with regulatory agencies regarding investigations, protests, voluntary disclosures, and settlements.
  • Trade litigation experience preferred but not required.

Education & Certifications

• Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Certifications:
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois or eligible for admission.

Skills & Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial Approach:
  • Possess at least a small book of business with the ability to expand client relationships.
• Legal Expertise:
  • Comprehensive understanding of international trade law, export controls, sanctions, customs compliance, and trade remedies.
• Communication:
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain intricate legal and regulatory issues clearly to clients.
• Analytical Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage sensitive regulatory issues, including voluntary disclosures and investigations.
• Collaboration:
  • Team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively with other partners, associates, and staff within the firm.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade litigation experience or the ability to handle complex trade disputes.
• Strong relationships with U.S. regulatory bodies, providing a network of contacts in relevant government agencies.