The international trade group at BakerHostetler advises domestic and international companies across a broad range of sectors, including forest products, automotive and food and beverage industries, as well as heavy equipment manufacturing, chemicals and healthcare. The customs team has a strong background litigating disputes at the US Court of International Trade and the US Court of Appeals at the Federal Circuit, alongside a strong advisory practice covering customs compliance, prior disclosures and supply chain restructuring to minimize duty exposure. Co-head Michael S. Snarr is a key contact for customs compliance matters for high-profile clients. The firm’s export controls practice encompasses compliance assessments, internal investigations and complex due diligence, with Melissa Mannino standing out in this area. Mannino acts as co-head of the international trade team in Washington DC, while Houston-based Lana Muranovic and Barbara Linney are also noted practitioners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Customs/Exports team at Baker are second to none and have become our long-term trusted partners in all related matters. They are of course experts in their field, but are also quick to respond, pragmatic in their advice, and incredibly approachable. No-nonsense support provided by great professionals, a win-win as a client.’

  • ‘Melissa Mannino is a stand-out. She is the epitome of professional, has her finger constantly on the pulse, and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for clients. She is an absolute asset to the firm.'

  • ‘This firm has a large enough group of subject matter experts that we have been able to receive legal support on many fronts which is great for a rapidly growing business that continues to experience increasingly more complex legal and compliance issues.’

  • ‘Always happy to help with queries, follow up on anything outstanding and give options on actions while remaining professional and compliant.’

  • ‘Lana Muranovic is an expert in the field of export control and sanctions. Her in depth knowledge and ability to provide not only legal but also strategic advice makes her an excellent choice for tailor-made solutions for commplex legal matters. An indispensable support for companies operating in an increasingly regulated global market.’

  • ‘I worked with Lana Muranovic who is a very experienced and responsive partner, a true expert in export control and sanctions!'

  • ‘Melissa Mannino is the best attorney for US export regulations. She understands the regulations and how to apply to industry. This allows companies to make informed decisions based on regulations.'

  • ‘Our team at BakerHostetler understands urgency, moves swiftly and has always our interest in mind. They are personally involved and provide options for different actions. Well connected and experienced but also non-bureaucratic.’

  • ‘Lana Muranovic is extremely knowledgeable and makes an effort to understand our business and helps match the legal / procedural requirements with the real world. When it comes to DC Connections, your want Melissa Mannino on your side.’

  • ‘This team is very knowledgeable and extremely responsive. They conduct extensive research in a very short period and provide clear, documented answers that give us confidence to proceed on their advice.’

Key clients

  • Association for the Administration of Rice Quotas
  • Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
  • Resolute Forest Products, Inc.
  • Conseil de l’industrie forestière du Québec
  • Pentair Filtration Solutions
  • Component Hardware Group
  • The Orvis Company
  • Oatey Company
  • Anchor Tool & Die Company
  • Audio Technica U.S. Inc.
  • Kulkoni Inc.
  • Monument Chemical
  • BOMAG
  • Fi-Foil Company

Work highlights

Representing the Association for the Administration of Rice Quotas on matters related to the implementation and administration of U.S. rice producers’ TRQ access to the EU and UK markets.
Advises CIFQ (the Québec Forest Industry Council) and its members on a range of customs issues including classification, valuation, origin, and entry, in antidumping and countervailing duty litigation, and also assists members of the association in responding to inquiries from U.S. Customs & Border Protection, including audits.

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.

Lana Muranovic
Lana Muranovic
Practice head

Melissa Mannino; Michael Snarr

Other key lawyers

Lana Muranovic; Barbara Linney