International Trade & National Security

Global and domestic organizations face a daunting range of laws and regulations affecting how they conduct business. Whether identifying new compliance risks, assessing the viability of the supply chain, managing cross-border due diligence for multiple investments, or dealing with cybersecurity issues, companies navigate complex and sometimes inconsistent requirements in an effort to maintain a strong global footprint. The ever-changing landscape of regulatory requirements presents companies with ongoing compliance challenges requiring timely, in-depth analyses.

Morgan Lewis understands these requirements and advises clients on how to manage their myriad obligations in a cost-effective, efficient, compliant and, where needed, business-friendly manner. Across all industries—from defense to aerospace, to telecommunications, technology, and financial services—we help clients move product, people, and technology in alignment with regulatory obligations.

WHAT WE DO

Our lawyers advise clients on all aspects of internal investigations, resolution of enforcement matters, and government investigations involving international trade and national security issues. With a cross-border team of professionals who understand the intricacies of navigating global investigations, we help clients investigate and resolve matters under US export and import laws, including—but not limited to—International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulation (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.

We routinely counsel clients on due diligence, licensing, compliance, and national security issues affecting the movement of products, technology, and people engaged in activities subject to regulation. We focus on cross-border investments and related regulatory due diligence before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and have handled more than 70 submissions to the committee within the last few years alone. Our team understands the scope and ever-evolving issues of concern to the national security community, and our consistent and proactive engagement with relevant stakeholders continuously refines our knowledge and counsel.

Our lawyers also address import enforcement and US Customs and Border Protection requirements, as well as advise on managing compliance requirements within the United States and across jurisdictions.

Given our team members’ diverse backgrounds in military service and prior employment with the US Department of Defense (DOD), US Department of Commerce (DOC), and several private-sector defense companies, we are well-positioned to balance US government equities and business considerations in a pragmatic, focused way that achieves our client objectives.