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 on 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.

VVGB is an excellent Brussels-based trade defence practice with considerable experience defending non-EU exporters in EU anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard investigations. It advises European chemicals, sporting goods and textiles manufacturers on trade defence investigations carried out by authorities worldwide, often working together with local firms to defend anti-dumping or anti-subsidy investigations. VVGB also advises governments as complainants or industrial clients as interested third parties on WTO dispute settlement processes. It counts a number of Asian government ministries and industrial companies among its clients, as well as international technology companies.

White & Case benefits from a broad trade law offering spread across Geneva, Brussels and London, and works closely with its Washington, DC office. The lawyers have extensive experience in trade defence matters on behalf of steel industry clients, having acted on the complainant side of highlight mandates including the EU's steel safeguard investigation. The firm acts for chemical producers and other industrial clients in investigations carried out by trade authorities. Well-reputed lawyers in Geneva advise key government clients and corporate third parties on WTO disputes. The White & Case trade team earns further praise for its capacity to handle both global sanctions compliance matters and diverse customs matters, including disputes over the customs classification of key products.

The international trade/WTO team at Akin comprises experienced Geneva-based partners who often team up with colleagues in Washington, DC to advise government clients on disputes brought before the WTO. The firm handles sanctions matters out of the London office, advising companies on internal audits and on actions required to address potential sanctions issues. Akin also advises on export control matters relating to the sale of heavily regulated products and assists with customs licences.

Dentons acts for international corporates from the industrial, telecommunications and energy sectors. The law firm also counts Chinese industrial producers and government bodies among its key clients, advising on anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguarding investigations in Europe and the Middle East. Dentons particularly stands out for activity in EAEU trade defence investigations. It is further notable for its work on the design and implementation of global sanctions compliance programmes and advice on export controls.

Fieldfisher has a standout presence on the complainant side of EU trade defence investigations. The lawyers assist industry associations and individual producers with the preparation of complaints, subsequent EC investigations and requests for the extension of trade remedies through expiry review procedures. The law firm also acts on the defendant side of investigations brought by foreign trade authorities against EU manufacturers. Fieldfisher offers further expertise in export control and sanctions matters for companies seeking to minimise sanctions enforcement risk.

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 EC and WTO.

Steptoe & Johnson'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 & Johnson 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 in 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.

Crowell & Moring has a notable practice advising clients on EU and US customs and trade matters. The law firm acts on trade defence, including anti-dumping investigations and safeguard measures. It has a further offering in advisory work relating to customs and sanctions compliance. The Brussels and London practices are complemented by a strong offering in the USA.

Hogan Lovells has a significant Brussels practice that is highly active in export control and sanctions compliance mandates. It assists with regulatory matters flowing from transactions that raise national security concerns and REACH regulations. 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 EC.

Jones Day handles trade disputes, often acting for exporters and industry associations based outside the EU in EC anti-dumping investigations. The lawyers have further experience in sanctions and export control compliance mandates.

King & Spalding is a popular choice for trade policy mandates, with a highly regarded Geneva team that advises governments on the development of new trade laws. The firm represents interested third parties and sovereign states in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and safeguarding investigations. It is also active for industry boards in EC investigations and also advises on trade defence 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 GC. 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.