EMEA

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Renato Antonini - Jones Day, Brussels
• Jean-François Bellis – Van Bael & Bellis, Brussels
• Philippe De Baere - Van Bael & Bellis, Brussels
• Folkert Graafsma - VVGB Advocaten, Brussels
• Yves Melin – Reed Smith LLP, Brussels
• Eva Monard – Jones Day, Brussels
• Laurent Ruessmann - Fieldfisher , Brussels
• Paulette Vander Schueren - Mayer Brown LLP, Brussels
• Edwin Vermulst - VVGB Advocaten, Brussels

Sidley Austin

Arnoud Willems is heralded as “a rock when it comes to trade and customs work”, and receives further acclaim as “a leading practitioner who is well respected for his deep customs experience”.
Sources praise Nicolas Lockhart as “an excellent WTO practitioner” with a strong background in dispute settlement and oral advocacy.
The “first-rate” Todd Friedbacher is renowned for his deep expertise in WTO market access matters and assisting large-scale clients navigate complex regulatory demands.
Scott Andersen is widely recommended for his WTO know-how in dispute settlement relating to agricultural and other trade remedy measures.
Peers state that Sven De Knop “deserves the nomination for being a great lawyer” with “special expertise” in international and EU trade law.
Iain Sandford “excels in WTO matters” on which he advises sovereign clients and stakeholders in complex international disputes.
Jacques Bourgeois is heralded by sources who call him “a statesman and an authority in the trade field” with a “strong reputation in EU trade law particularly”.

Van Bael & Bellis

Philippe De Baere is a doyen in the field, with peers and clients lauding him as “undoubtedly one of the best trade and customs lawyers in Belgium”.
Jean-François Bellis earns plaudits as “a true statesman in the trade field” and possesses market-leading expertise when it comes to competition-related matters.
Richard Luff is “very solid in trade remedy investigations”, and is known for his impressive work advising governments and public institutions on WTO matters.
Fabrizio Di Gianni delivers decades of experience and showcases “a firm grasp of trade remedy investigation matters”.
Benoît Servais has wide-ranging experience in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proceedings and is recognised for his strong portfolio of international clients.
Pablo Muñiz is acclaimed as “the leading, if not the best, customs lawyer in Brussels” by sources who note he is “particularly excellent in customs matters”.
“Top-tier” practitioner Yuriy Rudyuk is renowned for representing high-profile Ukrainian exporters in a range of EU anti-dumping proceedings.
Clients and peers tout Clotilde du Parc as “an experienced WTO lawyer” who is “diligent, professional and efficient”.

VVGB Advocaten

The “superb” Edwin Vermulst is “a giant in trade matters” who enjoys “a strong reputation” for being “extremely good at this work”. One impressed peer distinguishes him as “the best trade lawyer in Brussels, no question”.
“Pre-eminent practitioner” Folkert Graafsma is “a very talented, clever and smart WTO lawyer” with “excellent trade remedies knowledge”.
Joris Cornelis harbours “a firm know-how of trade remedy matters” and is acclaimed as “a future leader of the Brussels trade bar”.
The “up and coming” Juhi Sud has a stellar reputation as “a leader of the next generation”. She is singled out for her “capable handling of complex trade remedy investigations”.

White & Case

James Killick has a prestigious reputation as “a lawyer to reckoned with on the petitioner’s side in trade remedy investigations”.
Charles Julien is renowned among peers who distinguish him as “a very solid trade remedy and WTO practitioner”.
Sources praise Iain MacVay’s top-tier knowledge of WTO dispute settlement proceedings and international trade agreements.

Other leading individuals

Belgium

The “experienced and well-connected” Renato Antonini of Jones Day receives widespread applause as “a leading trade defence and EU trade lawyer” who “excels in trade remedy investigations and the litigation in this regard”.
Eva Monard is “an excellent practitioner in trade and customs matters” whose “smart approach” makes her a “leader in the field”.

Laurent Ruessmann of Fieldfisher cuts a distinguished figure as a “very experienced practitioner with a good overall insight in customs and trade matters”. He is further praised for his “great and deserved reputation in trade remedy investigations in which he primarily represents petitioners”.
Jochen Beck has over 15 years’ experience assisting clients in the full spectrum of trade and regulatory issues, both in EU and international trade agreements.

Respondents praise Paulette Vander Schueren at Mayer Brown as “one of the world’s top trade and customs lawyers” whose “experience and knowledge” makes her “amazing to work with and an absolute guru in this arena”.
Nikolay Mizulin excels in representing clients in trade defence investigations, market access problems and anti-subsidy cases.

Dentons’ Edward Borovikov has “top-level experience and knowledge on all aspects of EU trade, competition law and WTO practices”. Clients further note his “excellent leadership” and “extensive network” which enable “fast solution provisions”.

Yves Melin at Reed Smith is “excellent in EU-China trade remedies work” and has “recently expanded into the customs field in the past few years”.

The “experienced” Patricio Diaz Gavier at Diaz Gavier Advocaten has “outstanding expertise in Belgium customs litigation” according to respondents, who herald him as “a leading litigator in the space”.

Steptoe & Johnson’s Yongqing Bao is “exceptionally good for EU-China trade remedy work” and has represented clients on over 60 trade defence and customs investigations.

Bernard O’Connor of NCTM is “highly reputed for defending EU interests”, being “deservedly well-known in the space for trade remedy investigations and WTO matters”.

Gide Loyrette Nouel’s Olivier Prost is touted by peers and clients as “a seasoned practitioner in trade remedy investigations and other trade and customs matters”. He is hailed as “an excellent lawyer” with a “strong litigation background”.

The “very capable and clever” Davide Rovetta at Grayston & Company possesses “excellent litigation skills” and is “well known for customs work”.

At Squire Patton Boggs, Robert MacLean has “made a name in trade remedy investigations” and brings “decades of experience” to the table.

England

Ross Denton at Baker McKenzie is “an excellent practitioner in customs and trade matters” who has built “a sterling reputation” in the field.

Akin Gump’s “excellent” Jasper Helder is recognised as “excellent in trade compliance work and one of the few in London who understands customs”.

Germany

Gerd Schwendinger at GvW Graf von Westphalen is renowned for his international sanctions expertise and capable handling of foreign trade matters.

Blomstein’s Roland Stein has prolific knowledge of international trade law in industries including energy, infrastructure, technology and defence.

At Noerr, Bärbel Sachs gains plaudits as “the leading name for customs and trade in Germany”, according sources who add that “clients love to work with her because she is pragmatic and has immense expertise in various industry sectors such as aerospace, defence and technology”.

Netherlands

Respondents call the “excellent” Tim Hesselink at Kneppelhout & Korthals “a rock” and their “first call” in trade and customs matters on account of him knowing “everything and everyone” in the sector.

Switzerland

At Appleton Luff, Arthur Appleton works on a wide range of international trade matters on behalf of domestic and multinational corporations, as well as sovereign states.

Marina Foltea at Trade Pacts has displayed a highly impressive track record advising clients on WTO, FTA and IIA matters.

North America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Timothy C Brightbill - Wiley Rein LLP, Washington DC
• Donald B Cameron Jr – Morris Manning & Martin LLP, Washington DC
• Kay Georgi – Arent Fox LLP, Washington DC
• John Gurley – Arent Fox LLP, Washington DC
• Gary N Horlick - Law Offices of Gary N Horlick, Washington DC
• Christopher J Kent - Cassidy Levy Kent, Ottawa
• Matthew Nicely - Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Washington DC
• Andrew W Shoyer - Sidley Austin LLP, Washington DC

Leading firms

Cassidy Levy Kent

Christopher Kent is a “leader at the bar” and “a standout player at the firm” who “excels in anti-dumping and is highly recommended for his trade remedy work”.
The “fantastic” James Cannon achieves widespread acclaim for his work on tariff reduction and protection.
Robert Cassidy Jr has proven “an ability to quickly understand the nuances of trade” in diverse industries, and is commended for his “adept handling of large data sets”.
Lawrence Herman is heralded as “one of the sharpest minds in the game”, excelling in international trade matters.
Gerry Stobo is at the forefront of trade and customs practice, thanks to his top-tier representation on dumping and subsidy claims before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.
Andrew Lanouette is well known for his in-depth expertise in multiple aspects of antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings.
The “terrific” Jack Levy is renowned throughout the North American market as “an excellent trade remedy practitioner”.
Christopher Cochlin is highly respected among market sources for his first-rate handling of trade negotiations, bilateral investment and market access strategies.
Charles Levy is singled out by market sources as a “senior statesman” with in-depth knowledge of domestic trade legislation and international litigation.

Sidley Austin

Andrew Shoyer is distinguished as “the full package in trade and customs matters” and is “deeply knowledgeable and highly respected by policymakers”. Peers and clients further applaud his “excellent reputation” and “strong client relation skills”.
Neil Ellis is held in high esteem by sources who highlight him as “a pillar of the trade bar” and “an excellent trade remedy practitioner”.
Richard Weiner is a “very experienced trade lawyer” and possesses over 30 years of experience in complex international trade disputes.

Arent Fox

John Gurley comes widely recommended as “excellent in trade remedy investigations” and is highly thought of thanks to his “extremely hands on” approach.
The “tenacious” Kay Georgi is looked upon with enormous favour by sources who consider her “one of the great experts in trade compliance matters and international sanctions”.
Matthew Nolan is “an excellent and seasoned trade lawyer” who is singled out among peers as an “incredibly smart” practitioner.

Steptoe & Johnson

Mark Moran enjoys “an excellent reputation in trade matters”, having had strong experience representing governments and private parties in complex WTO litigation.
Thomas Trendl receives a plethora of commendations for his top-tier advisory services of regulatory international trade affairs.
Susan Esserman earns accolade as “a stateswoman in trade”, delivering strategic advice for domestic and foreign clients on disputes and foreign access matters.
Sources comment that Edward Krauland is “elite level, among the very best” and has “a very excellent reputation in trade matters”.
Richard Cunningham is “a leading light in the trade arena”, note respondents impressed with his anti-dumping and countervailing duty know-how.
Joel Kaufman has established a sterling reputation in international trade litigation, with extensive experience representing clients before the ITC and Department of Commerce.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld

“Strong practitioner” Matthew Nicely is highly recommended by sources who note he excels in trade remedy litigation including anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard-related matters.
Bernd Janzen is highlighted by peers for his prominent background assisting clients with US trade and customs authorities.
“Superb lawyer” Spencer Griffith garners notable praise as “incredibly knowledgeable” in US and WTO trade dispute processes.
Kevin Wolf is vaunted as “elite level – he’s among the best in the market” in matters pertaining to export controls, sanctions and foreign direct investments.
“Top-notch practitioner” Lars-Erik Hjelm draws high praise from sources, one of whom notes, “You’re not going to find anyone else with more experience and in-depth knowledge of US customs laws.”
Respondents exalt Hal Shapiro as an “excellent lawyer who is very well respected” for his strong grasp of US trade policy.

Wiley Rein

Timothy Brightbill “is a seasoned practitioner of trade and customs law”, singled out for his adept handling of complex import trade remedies and trade negotiations.
Alan Price excels in counselling clients on multilateral trade agreements and representing them in difficult trade regulatory matters.
Daniel Pickard is a highly recommended figure in import remedy, export control and antibribery matters.

Other leading individuals

Canada

Borden Ladner Gervais is home to Matthew Kronby, a leading trade and customs lawyer who “excels in investor-state disputes” on behalf of domestic and international clients.
Sources praise Jesse Goldman as “a good all-rounder in trade and customs” who performs well in trade remedy matters.

The “excellent” Clifford Sosnow of Fasken distinguishes himself with “stacks of government experience – he’s also a board-level advisor and has a great service-oriented approach”.

At Osler Hoskin & Harcourt, Riyaz Dattu is a go-to individual for advising clients on international trade regulations and assisting in complex overseas operations.

Gregory Tereposky at Tereposky & DeRose is heralded as “an excellent lawyer” who is highly regarded for his advice to importers and exporters on Canadian customs and trade matters.

Vincent DeRose attracts commendation for providing “excellent counsel” to and representation of clients engaged in complex public procurement, trade and investment disputes.

USA

Gary Horlick at the Law Offices of Gary N Horlick is a doyen of the field, acknowledged as “a statesman in trade matters” and “the best subsidies lawyer out there - phenomenal”.

Morris Manning & Martin’s Donald Cameron Jr delivers over 30 years’ experience advising and representing domestic and international clients in a full spectrum of trade and customs issues.

James Durling at Curtis Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle is highly thought of among market commentators who consider him “a very seasoned and excellent trade remedy practitioner”.

Paul Rosenthal of Kelley Drye & Warren has extensive experience representing clients before key US trade agencies and has served as counsel to a vast array of trade associations.

Gregory Spak of White & Case achieves a plethora of recommendations for his strong litigation practice, excelling in WTO-related disputes.

Asia-Pacific

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Erry Bundjamin - Bundjamin & Partner, Jakarta
• Daniel Moulis - Moulis Legal, Canberra
• Lingchen Pu - Zhong Lun Law Firm, Beijing

Leading firms

Economic Laws Practice

Sanjay Notani is lauded as “very experienced in trade remedy investigations” and has carved out “an excellent reputation” in TRAs, FTAs and RTAs.
Suhail Nathani possesses a “full knowledge of the WTO law” and presents “well-drafted legal arguments” on matters including energy-related trade disputes.

Other leading individuals

Australia

Daniel Moulis at Moulis Legal is “one of the best trade lawyers around” according to sources who further commend his “experience as a practitioner in trade measures matters”.

At Williams Trade Law, Brett Williams is “widely respected” by peers on account of his “excellent WTO practice”.

China

“Top lawyer” Lingchen Pu at Zhong Lun Law Firm occupies “a class of his own” as “an excellent trade lawyer and WTO practitioner”.

JunHe’s “smart, hard-working and driven” David Tang is further recognised as “excellent on customs as well as in supporting global investigations”.

India

V Lakshmikumaran at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan is highly regarded for his strong background in customs and excise legislation.

Indonesia

Respondents commend Erry Bundjamin of Bundjamin & Partner for his “seasoned approach in trade remedy cases and WTO matters” and international exporter representation.

JWK Law Office’s Joseph Wira Koesnaidi comes highly recommended as “a first-rate practitioner who is a knowledgeable WTO expert and delivers practical, client-focused service”.

Latin America

Global Elite Thought Leaders

• Ana Caetano - Veirano Advogados, São Paulo
• Leonor Cordovil – Grinberg e Cordovil Advogados, São Paulo
• Eduardo Díaz Gavito – Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa y Cia SC, Mexico City
• Claudia Marques – MPA Trade Law, São Paulo
• Rodrigo Luis Pupo - MPA Trade Law, São Paulo

Brazil

Veirano Advogados’ Ana Caetano is “certainly a top practitioner in Brazil” for a range of complex trade and customs matters on behalf of the Brazilian government, and other domestic and foreign clients.

The “excellent” Leonor Cordovil at Grinberg e Cordovil Advogados comes recommended as “one of the best for customs, trade and competition work in Brazil – she’s always creative and on top of her game”.

Rodrigo Luis Pupo of MPA Trade Law is “recommended for his market activity” and “gains respect” for his top-drawer knowledge of trade defence and WTO matters.
“Respected” practitioner Claudia Marques comes “highly recommended as a leading figure in the market” by peers impressed with her strong background in trade defence investigations.

Welber Barral of Barral M Jorge Consultores Associados has “carved a strong name in government relations” and delivers over 30 years’ experience in international trade and foreign investment.

Andrea Weiss Balassiano at Mundie e Advogados receives praise as being “the best in Brazil” for international trade concerns.

Colombia

At Posse Herrera Ruiz, the “superb” Juan David Barbosa is named as “a first-choice lawyer for customs matters” and free trade work.

Mexico

The “exceptional” Eduardo Díaz Gavito at Chevez Ruiz Zamarripa y Cia is a “a star in the field” on account of his “strong customs practice and increasingly impressive trade knowledge”.

At Uruchurtu y Abogados Consultores, Gustavo Uruchurtu is singled out as “an excellent scholar and an advocate, as well as an important thought leader” with “a substantial trade and customs practice”.

David Hurtado Badiola at Jáuregui y Del Valle is esteemed by peers as “a solid competition practitioner with good understanding in trade and customs matters”.