Forming a key part of its wider global trade compliance practice, Baker McKenzie LLP’s US trade group finds favor for its ‘inter-office collaboration’, which sources say brings ’valuable insights and solutions to clients engaging in global business operations’. This is particularly evident on the exports and economic sanctions side, where the team’s international platform marks it as a top choice to advise on overlapping multinational regulatory regimes and initiatives. Washington DC-based department co-head Janet Kim is recommended for her focus on outbound trade compliance issues, including sanctions, export control laws, investment restrictions and anti-corruption. Fellow practice co-head Alison Stafford Powell, based in Palo Alto, is a dual US- and England and Wales-qualified trade specialist; she represents clients in the full range of export controls and sanctions matters, including regulations administered by OFAC and the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Also noted for sanctions and export controls are Washington DC’s Kerry Contini; newly promoted partner Eunkyung Kim Shin, who is based in Chicago; and San Francisco-based senior counsel John McKenzie, whose broad practice spans sanctions, export controls and customs matters. The customs group also draws on Meredith DeMent, who handles the full range of customs compliance and duty mitigation strategies—she also contributes significant trade litigation expertise. In January 2024, the firm hired customs-focused senior counsel Chandri Navarro, who was formerly at Hogan Lovells US LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘My key areas of responsibilities include sanctions compliance (focus on Russia, Cuba, Iran), AML, ABC and CFT; BM advise on all topics and I am very pleased with the result. I like the fact that it is truly multinational, and can pull together resources from various jurisdictions to support a holistic review.’
‘My usual "go-tos" are fantastic professionals, bright and very talented lawyers, but more they are exceptional human beings, managing tremendous number of requests on time and always with the smile on their face. Unlike competitors, Bakers seems to live and breathe the clients' business.’
‘Alison Stafford Powell is a US-trained lawyer, who has been consulted on ALL occasions, should they involve US sanctions laws. She has deep knowledge and understanding of various OFAC guidance and is able to interpret and explain it in plain English.’
‘Baker McKenzie's global presence and inter-office collaboration bring valuable insights and solutions to clients engaging in global business operations. The close network of subject matter experts, covering all corners of the global market, is one of the key strengths Baker McKenzie can offer.’
‘Kerry Contini and Eunkyung Kim Shin provide practical and effective counsel for clients because their legal advice is based on a comprehensive case analysis addressing not only the legal consequences but also all other relevant factors such as related government practices and industry or local standards.’
‘B&M's export control team is the most client-oriented team I have had the pleasure of working with. It does not simply conduct export control analysis for the client - it helps us to understand the fundamentals of export control analysis, so we will be equipped to handle similar dilemmas in the future.’
‘Eunkyung Kim Shin is without a doubt a standout professional in Baker & McKenzie's export control team. She embodies all the qualities that make Baker & McKenzie's export control team unique - exceptional dedication to her area of expertise and to her clients.’
‘The team has a global capability within trade/export compliance providing business-aligned legal advice. The team makes a difficult topic easily accessible, also for non-lawyers.’
Key clients
- Smart Glove
Work highlights
- Advised Malaysia-based Smart Glove in responding to a Withhold Release Order by US Customs.
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
Janet Kim; Alison Stafford Powell
Other key lawyers
John McKenzie; Alison Stafford Powell; Kerry Contini; Eunkyung Kim Shin; Meredith DeMent; Bart McMillan; Terrence Gilroy; Sylwia Lis; Alexandre Lamy; Chandri Navarro