Akin is home to teams of well-experienced export controls, customs and sanctions lawyers who handle the full-suite of engagements for clients. Jointly led by Lars-Erik A Hjelm and Suzanne Kane, the customs team regularly advises high-end clients on customs legislation and customs enforcement across various sectors, including logistics, customs brokerage, shipping and food, with a noted focus on investigations, tariff controversies and litigation. The export controls and economic sanctions practice remains best known for its experience handling ITAR and EAR investigations and compliance mandates in the aerospace, energy, manufacturing and technology sectors. The team is well-equipped to advise on complicated disclosures and licensing issues for many large semiconductor companies, and to assist investment funds and PE entities with transactional and due diligence support. Head of the West Coast international trade offering, Shiva Aminian specializes in assisting technology clients on export control and sanctions frameworks. Based in Washington DC, Jonathan Poling leads the international trade practice, while Anne Borkovic is highlighted for her ITAR expertise. With profound knowledge in the semiconductor space, Kevin Wolf is a key practitioner, as is Thomas J McCarthy and Susan M C Kovarovics. Jason Prince is a go-to for sanctions-related work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Akin has one the strongest trade compliance teams in the field, and definitely the largest. It has more experience doing consent agreement work than any other firm - they are the go-to firm for State Department enforcement actions.'
'On the cutting edge for semiconductor/tech regulations - they are counsel to all the top US companies and many others abroad. They are the behemoth in this area.’
‘Superb lawyers, practical, hands-on experience, collaborative, understand how businesses work (as opposed to providing advice on what the regulations say). Standouts include Kevin Wolf, Thomas McCarthy, Shiva Aminian, Anne Borkovic.’
Key clients
- Large U.S. Aerospace Company (Honeywell)
- Keysight Technologies, Inc.
- Adani North America, Inc.
- Li Ning Sports
Work highlights
Advised Adani, resolving issues related to the detention of their solar panel and module shipments by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the UFLPA.
Representing Li Ning in connection with a CAATSA enforcement action by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, alleging the use of North Korean labor in its supply chain.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jonathan Poling
Other key lawyers
Kevin Wolf; Thomas McCarthy; Shiva Aminian; Anne Borkovic; Lars-Erik Hjelm; Suzanne Kane; Susan M C Kovarovics