WTO

Akin

Akin regularly provide advice to governments and private sector clients on leveraging WTO rules to overcome market access barriers as well as providing support in designing frameworks that are WTO-compliant. The team not only handles WTO dispute settlement and trade policy and trade negotiations, but also has expertise in trade remedies, trade compliance, and national security and investment screening, Alan Yanovich, who heads the practice, is an ‘experienced lawyer’ with extensive knowledge of international trade and investment matters at the multilateral, regional, and bilateral levels. Jasper Helder’s clients rely on him to assist with developing and executing mitigation strategies for trade compliance. Other key team members include Stephen Kho, who handles matters related to trade policy and international dispute resolution, and Chiara Klaui, who advises clients on EU, Swiss and UK trade compliance and drafts and supports the implementation of policies and procedures.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Akin Gump's presence in Geneva gives them a particular advantage in comparison to other firms that have an international trade law practice. Having a presence facilitates the coordination with WTO members missions in Geneva.'
'Akin Gump's practice in Geneva comprises lawyers with WTO law experience, including WTO dispute settlement procedures. Alan Yanovich's expertise in WTO law and practice gives them an additional advantage. He is an experienced lawyer, having even worked in the WTO appelate body and represented clients in several WTO cases.'
'Alan Yanovich has a in-depth knowledge and quite high ability in understanding the client's needs. He comes up with innovative and useful ideas to help the clients.'
'The practice is swift and greatly accessible. They are always responsive to any request and questions.'
'Very strong WTO dispute and legal practices. Strong economic matter insights as well.'
'Steve Kho and Alan Yanovich are the strongest in this field.'

Key clients

Eastman Chemical Company
Government of Costa Rica
Government of Japan
Government of Korea, Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry (MOTIE)
Government of the United Arab Emirates
Johnson & Johnson
Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM)
Ministry of Economy of the UAE
Mitsui & Co
Pfizer
Raytheon Technologies Corporation
United Parcel Service (UPS)

Work highlights

Advising Costa Rica regarding antidumping duties imposed on exports of steel bars to the Dominican Republic.
Retained by the UAE Ministry of Economy to provide legal and strategic advice as it embarked on a series of negotiations of free trade agreements with key trading partners.
Advising a company on trade compliance with EU, US and other sanctions, export controls and international trade regulations, including in relation to the Russia sanctions impact on global shipping operations and vessel chartering.