Big Law Beefs Up International Trade Teams, with Clients 'Trying to Make Sense of It All'

International Trade attorneys Patrick Childress, Daniel Goren and Tahlia Townsend were cited in an American Lawyer article covering large law firms' expanded trade practices and recent lateral hires in response to an influx of questions from clients in this area. Uncertainty resulting from the Trump Administration's tariffs, trade policies and trade negotiations means businesses and individuals are increasingly seeking legal counsel to advise on supply chain issues, export controls and sanctions, Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review, national security concerns and more. Some of the lateral hires, such as Mr. Childress, are transitioning from the public sector to the private sector, hoping to leverage their experience in the federal government. Others, such as Mr. Goren and Ms. Townsend, are moving to Big Law firms with a broader range of practice offerings.

Mr. Childress, who most recently served as assistant general counsel in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), commented on the pace of changes in the international trade space, saying, "We've never seen this much dynamism in this sector." Mr. Goren concurred, noting his work on export contracts and U.S. economic sanctions matters has become more complex because "the rules are harder to follow."

Ms. Townsend succinctly summarized the situation facing clients with global operations: "The truth is, nobody knows what will happen next. What lawyers can do is help clients manage the uncertainty."

READ: Big Law Beefs Up International Trade Teams, with Clients 'Trying to Make Sense of It All'