WilmerHale is positioned to advise clients on emerging and novel trade issues, including China-related legislative and regulatory proposals. The team in the Washington DC office has recently assisted a number of US technology companies with digital trade matters and has expanded its trade remedies and enforcement practice. Practice head David Ross advises clients in the technology, financial services, and aviation sectors on trade policy and legislative matters. Lauren Mandell‘s sector experience spans the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, the negotiation and enforcement of trade agreements, and US-China trade. Rhonda Schmidtlein, who joined the team in April 2025 from the US International Trade Commission, has experience in US trade remedy laws and Section 337 trade-related IP disputes. Neena Shenai covers both import and export issues, while Stephanie Hartmann advises private sector companies and sovereign governments on trade remedies and international dispute resolution. Robert Novick retired in 2024, and Jeffrey Kessler left the team in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘WilmerHale has a team of trade attorneys with a broad range of government experience, and the capacity to translate that experience into tangible results for their clients.’
‘Creative thinking is essential to solving problems, especially during such volatile times. WilmerHale has partners who have navigated turbulence and can provide sound guidance to clients to maximize opportunity and minimize risk.’
‘Professional, very prompt in service, extremely helpful.’
‘Lauren Mandell has been an excellent liaison point for us. He is always prompt and always prepared to support us.’
‘Rhonda Schmidtlein is an invaluable addition to the team given her experience as an ITC Commissioner. She is smart, has superb analytical skills, and is persuasive.'
'David Ross, leader of the team, is smart, a “lawyer’s lawyer,” and can be relied on for sound advice.’
Key clients
- The Mosaic Company
- Sierra Pacific Industries
- Carbon Activated
- Deacero
- Nura
- Sonco Worldwide
- Power Resources, Inc.
- Crow Butte Resources, Inc.
- Global Laser Enrichment
- Visa
- UK Department for Business and Trade
- Atlantic Council
Work highlights
Advise Visa on trade policy matters impacting global trade in electronic payment services (EPS) and assist the company in connection with the negotiation of free trade agreements and other international agreements impacting international trade in Visa’s services.
Advising the Atlantic Council and the N7 Initiative, a partnership between the Atlantic Council and the Jeffrey M. Talpins Foundation, in connection with their efforts to help Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and Sudan explore a possible regional free trade agreement.
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
David Ross
Other key lawyers
Lauren Mandell; Rhonda Schmidtlein; Neena Shenai; Stephanie Hartmann; Heather Hedges