Akin‘s export controls, customs, and sanctions teams have a strong reputation on the market due to a combination of high-end clients and a strong depth of services. On the customs side of the team, the firm’s attorneys are capable of representing companies across a range of market sectors including shipping, rail, and food with a focus on investigations, tariff controversies, and litigation. The firm’s large international trade deal flow, combined with its reputation in the area, has led to wide-reaching global capabilities and experience in the sanctions and export controls space, with ITAR and EAR investigations a notable strength. Part of a very deep bench of lawyers in Washington D.C., Thomas J McCarthy ’s client base includes significant aerospace and defense companies. Lars-Erik A Hjelm and Suzanne Kane head the custom practice, with vast public and private sector experience. Susan M C Kovarovics focuses her practice on ITAR and EAR sanctions. Shiva Aminian leads the international trade practice on the West Coast, working out of the Los Angeles office. Kevin Wolf remains very important to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Lars-Erik Hjelm; Thomas J McCarthy; Shiva Aminian

Other key lawyers

Jason Prince; Susan Kovarovics; Kevin Wolf; Susan Kane