The Baker McKenzie foreign trade practice offers deep expertise across sanctions law, export controls, investment screening, trade compliance, supply chain sustainability, as well as AI and ethics. The team regularly advises clients on foreign trade audits and supports them through related administrative and criminal investigations. Practice head Anahita Thoms is highly regarded for her work on human rights issues and frequently counsels executive and supervisory boards on cross-border investigations, complex corporate governance matters and high-stakes crisis scenarios. Associate Kimberley Fischer is also recognised for her strong experience in trade compliance, export control and sustainability.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Anahita Thoms: Smart, quick, solution driven, executive presence and with a great attitude and customer centricity. Unique capability to spot issues and address them in a pragmatic way and with high interpersonal skills.'
- 'Incredibly smart team providing technically sound and practical advice.'
- 'The team seem coherent in the way they communicate. Their knowledge is at a very high level, their ability to look at questions from the client perspective is exceptional.'
- 'Anahita Thoms is an outstanding thought leader. She has a deep understanding of ongoing international politics and the potential impact on trade and investment. She doesn't let herself be distracted by daily news but sees the strategic components relevant for companies. Being able to paint a realistic picture encompassing policy making, trade negotiations and the overall geopolitical situation is very valuable.'
- 'Anahita Thoms is an outstanding thought leader with a deep understanding of ongoing international politics and the potential impact on trade and investment. She sees the strategic components relevant for companies. Being able to paint a realistic picture encompassing policy making, trade negotiations and the overall geopolitical situation is very valuable.'
Work highlights
Executed a sanctions investigation concerning the delivery of an out-licensed product by the licensee, to an EU embargoed country.
Advising Global New Material International Holdings Ltd on an agreement with Merck KGaA to acquire its global surface solutions business for €665 million. The transaction is expected to close during 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions.
Advised executive and supervisory boards on compliance set-up, liability, risk management and supply chain due diligence obligations, with a particular focus on the German LkSG and upcoming EU CSDDD. Acted as an externalised legal department for LkSG matters, supporting group-wide compliance cases and representing the group before BAFA. Also advised on LkSG aspects of foreign investments and broader sustainability regulations such as the EU Battery Regulation, CSRD, and UFLP.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Anahita Thomas
Other key lawyers
Kimberley Fischer