International Trade/WTO | Europe

Sidley Austin is recognised as a superb choice for handling all stages of WTO proceedings, acting for governments across the world and for affected corporates or industry associations in cases that have significant implications for global trade and intergovernmental relations. The law firm benefits from highly regarded teams in Geneva and Washington, DC that have demonstrable experience in complex issues. Brussels-based partners act for clients seeking either to avert or to overturn the imposition of EU trade remedies within the context of anti-dumping or safeguard investigations. Sidley Austin also handles customs matters related to Brexit, as well as trade policy and strategic advisory work. The firm is also increasingly active for companies affected by sanctions imposed against Russia.

Van Bael & Bellis offers an outstanding practice with a tremendous reputation for work opposing the imposition of trade remedies by the European Commission, acting for an impressive range of clients that includes exporters of biofuels and steel products. The firm represents European companies in investigations carried out by the EC and other trade authorities across the world, with notable experience in cases involving Asian jurisdictions. Key partners are also well known for their presence in WTO proceedings. It handles diverse customs matters, including disputes with national customs authorities, as well as sanctions compliance.

Gide Loyrette Nouel has a key complainant-side practice, assisting EU steel producers with the imposition of new trade remedies or with the defence of the same in interim or expiry reviews. The law firm also handles compliance relating to export controls and sanctions. Gide has built up a strong Brussels-based team of individuals with previous experience working within the European Commission and WTO.

Mayer Brown has a strong reputation for handling customs mandates on behalf of major global goods manufacturers. Based in Brussels, the lawyers assist with high-level advisory matters relating to the tariff classification of new products and advise on disputes with European national customs authorities. The firm additionally acts in trade defence investigations carried out by the European Commission. Mayer Brown also advises commercial clients on their role as interested third parties in WTO disputes.

Steptoe's Brussels-based trade team assists with CJEU appeals against the implementation of trade remedies and investigations. The law firm attracts attention for its ability to coordinate customs disputes across multiple jurisdictions through a network of connected firms. Steptoe also advises on EU and US sanctions compliance mandates. Its clientele includes governments, ministries and associations in eastern Asia.

Baker McKenzie has a broad practice with strength in London and Brussels for trade matters. The law firm is highly active on matters concerning sanctions affecting companies formerly active in Russia, as well as export controls. It also offers capabilities in WTO disputes and anti-dumping investigations. Baker McKenzie's clients range from governments to high-profile international corporates in the IT, consumer goods, and oil and gas sectors.

Hogan Lovells has a significant Brussels practice that is highly active on export control and sanctions compliance mandates. It assists with regulatory matters flowing from transactions that raise national security concerns. The Hogan Lovells team has a strong customs practice, acting for global companies on compliance with EU customs rules and litigating adverse customs classification decisions before national courts. It also represents key clients in trade remedy mandates at the European Commission.

Newly-established boutique law firm RB Legal joins the rankings this year. The law firm specialises in EU and international trade law, handling trade defence mandates, in addition to advising on customs and sanctions matters.

Reed Smith counts international industrial manufacturers, governments and companies in regulated sectors among its clients. The firm handles sanctions and customs, representing clients before the General Court. The lawyers are also experienced in WTO litigation and trade remedies. Clients benefit from the firm's network of offices spanning London, Brussels and Washington, DC.