With a wealth of global expertise, Akin‘s team supports a diverse client base, ranging from foreign governments to large domestic and international companies. The group has expertise in trade policy advisory work and in handling a range of trade remedy matters across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, natural resources, solar, steel, and softwood lumber. Bernd Janzen brings expertise in AD and CVD investigations across a range of products and countries, as does Yujin Kim McNamara, who is a go-to for foreign companies from Asia. Stephen Kho is noted for his capabilities in areas related to government procurement, subsidies, and non-tariff trade barriers, while Matthew Nicely is highlighted for his experience in WTO disputes and high-profile litigation against various tariff actions. Sarah Kirwin was promoted to partner in January 2026, while Kelly Ann Shaw joined from Hogan Lovells. Jonathan Poling leads the firm’s wider international trade practice. Aside from newly promoted partner Devin Sikes, who assists from Houston, the team operates from Washington DC.
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.
‘The firm is unique in my experience regarding client service. They have a large client roster but are very responsive and engaged with each client when requested.’
‘Devin Sikes and Yujin Kim McNamara are both standout performers. Very responsive and engaging. They provide appropriate context and can explain complex procedures in layman's terms.’
‘This team has world-class analytical, legal, and consulting abilities for their clients, but also can draw from an even deeper well of experts across the firm.'
'I am continually impressed by the team's work ethic, happy warrior mentality, and willingness to work creatively on behalf of us. The knowledge they generate from work across a wide range of clients also benefits us.’
‘Sarah Kirwin and Stephen Kho are rock stars. Their support enables us to stand out from our competitors and fellow associations.'
'Sarah Kirwin is an unsung hero of the trade world and deserves more praise for her dedication to her craft and unparalleled expertise.’
Key clients
- Nippon Steel
- Consumer Technology Association
- Government of British Columbia
- Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
- Mexican Association of Tomato Growers
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Solar Energy Industries Association
- Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers
- Minasligas
- Kobelco Construction Machinery
- Stanley Black & Decker
- National Association of Manufacturers
Work highlights
Representing Nippon Steel in the 4th sunset review of the antidumping duty order on tin mill from Japan and providing policy advice and assessments related to public engagement on trade policy issues, including Section 301 investigations and tariff actions.
Representing the Associations before the U.S. Department of Commerce on all issues relating to the 2019 Agreement suspending the antidumping duty investigation on fresh tomatoes from Mexico and in all formal negotiations, lobbying, and litigation arising therefrom.
Acting as outside trade counsel to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on all ongoing administrative and court litigation involving safeguard measures and AD/CVD duties on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic cells and panels, including advising SEIA and its members who have advocated to limit the scope of the Section 201 global safeguard measures and to prevent expansion of the AD/CVD duties on China to imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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
Jonathan Poling
Other key lawyers
Yujin Kim McNamara; Bernd Janzen; Stephen Kho; Matthew Nicely; Sally Laing; Devin Sikes; Sarah Kirwin; Brian Pomper