Key Areas of International Practice

1. International Trade and Customs Law International trade law governs the exchange of goods and services across national borders, including import/export regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements. Legal services in this area include:

   • Trade Agreements and Compliance: Assisting businesses in complying with international trade agreements, such as NAFTA, USMCA, and the WTO framework.
   • Customs and Import/Export Regulations: Advising on compliance with customs regulations, tariffs, and duties for importing and exporting goods.
   • Trade Disputes: Representing clients in disputes involving anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and other trade-related conflicts.

2. Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Cross-border M&A involves the purchase, sale, or merger of companies across national boundaries. Legal support includes:

   • Due Diligence: Conducting thorough reviews of target companies to assess risks, including regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and tax considerations.
   • Transaction Structuring: Advising on the most efficient legal and tax structures for cross-border deals to optimize value and minimize liabilities.
   • Regulatory Approvals: Securing approvals from relevant authorities in multiple jurisdictions, including antitrust and foreign investment review boards.

3. International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution International disputes often involve parties from different countries, requiring specialized mechanisms for resolution. Legal services include:

   • International Arbitration: Representing clients in arbitration proceedings before international bodies such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), or the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).
   • Cross-Border Litigation: Handling lawsuits that involve parties from different jurisdictions, addressing issues such as jurisdiction, enforcement of foreign judgments, and conflicts of law.
   • Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Facilitating negotiated settlements in cross-border disputes to avoid lengthy litigation or arbitration.

4. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Foreign direct investment involves the investment of capital in businesses or projects across national borders. Legal services in this area include:

   • Investment Structuring: Assisting clients in structuring foreign investments to comply with local laws while optimizing tax and financial benefits.
   • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating local regulations, such as foreign ownership restrictions, sectoral caps, and mandatory approvals.
   • Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs): Advising clients on protections available under BITs, which provide guarantees for investors against expropriation and unfair treatment.