Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP boasts a comprehensive export controls and sanctions practice, advising from its base in Washington DC on complex regulatory and compliance matters. Covering the full spectrum of export controls, economic sanctions, and customs issues, the firm serves clients across highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense, energy, and technology. The team is particularly well positioned to advise on EAR, ITAR, and OFAC matters, and regularly assists with licensing, internal investigations, and risk management strategies. The group is also capable of advising on customs classification questions and compliance. Head of the international trade practice Stephan Becker is especially proficient in assisting global clients to structure and defend supply chains impacted by sanctions and export licensing restrictions. Nancy Fischer, who leads the firm’s regulatory offering, is a go-to for sanctions compliance mandates and Christopher Wall is a highly experienced team member. Aaron Hutman, Matthew Rabinowitz, and Benjamin Cote are other highlighted attorneys.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team led by Stephan Becker delivers guidance and counsel focused to and relevant to your business. They take the time to understand the business, and provide counsel with implications to your business and industry. This saves significant time internally to tie counsel to the questions from senior leaders and to follow-ups because the work is done appropriately and with understanding of the request. ’
‘Stephan Becker's ability to patiently understand the questions being asked, analyze based upon what has been asked or known previously, review against case law or other known situations, and then explain his counsel is incredibly appreciated. Additionally, Steve takes the time to understand the business he is advising, and ensures that when a request is made and considered which may impact a different part of the business, that this consideration is included.'
‘The customs and export controls practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman stands out for its exceptional depth of expertise, practical mindset, and seamless integration with the firm’s broader international trade, sanctions, and national security capabilities. What makes the team unique is its combination of sophisticated legal analysis with a strong operational understanding of how customs and export controls function in real-world commercial settings.'
- 'The team demonstrates a forward-looking approach by integrating technology and data-driven insights into compliance assessments and risk management strategies. From a people perspective, the practice benefits from lawyers with diverse professional backgrounds, including prior government and regulatory experience, which enhances credibility and insight when dealing with authorities.'
- 'Pillsbury’s Customs and export controls team combines technical excellence, strategic judgment, and an unusually strong understanding of client needs. This makes it particularly well suited for companies facing complex trade compliance challenges in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.’
‘The individuals I have worked with in Pillsbury’s Customs and export controls practice consistently stand out for their combination of technical excellence, judgment, and client-focused mindset. What differentiates them from competitors is not just their mastery of the law, but their ability to apply it thoughtfully in fast-moving, high-stakes commercial environments.'
- 'The partners are distinguished by their deep subject-matter expertise and strategic perspective. They have an exceptional command of U.S. and international customs and export control regimes, including enforcement and regulatory trends, and they are adept at anticipating issues before they arise.'
- 'Their credibility with regulators and their ability to engage constructively with government authorities further set them apart.'
- 'Across seniority levels, the qualities I have most valued are responsiveness, clarity of communication, and sound judgment. The team is particularly strong at distilling complex regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance, often under significant time pressure. They are also highly collaborative, both internally and with client teams, which enables efficient handling of matters that cut across customs, export controls, sanctions, and broader trade or national security considerations.’
‘Pillsbury has consistently proven to be an excellent partner for our organization. They take the time to understand our business, our operational context, and the unique challenges we face. This includes staying ahead of changing regulations and advising us on how these developments impact our ability to operate effectively and compliantly.’
Key clients
- Ad Hoc Utilities Group
- Bank of Cyprus
- Chevron
- EN+ Group IPJSC
- Global Nuclear Fuels-Americas
- INPEX Corporation
- Intelsat
- Joint Liquidators for GTLK Europe DAC and GTLK Europe Capital DAC
- Ligado
- MDA Space
- Stoke Space
- Wärtsilä Corporation
Work highlights
Provided extensive support to defense technology, dual use, semiconductor and deep technology companies navigating supply chain challenges, analyzing complex trade controls issues for customers with a restricted party nexus.
Served as legal advisor on global trade sanctions and export controls, providing critical guidance to Chevron and INPEX, and the Ad Hoc Utilities Group of nuclear energy utilities, in navigating complex regulatory challenges.
Counseled a large Cypriot bank on an ongoing basis regarding UK, U.S., and EU sanctions, AML compliance matters, and the interplay with rules in other jurisdictions.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Aaron Hutman
Practice head
Stephan Becker; Nancy Fischer
Other key lawyers
Aaron Hutman; Matthew Rabinowitz; Benjamin Cote