Applying ‘excellent business judgment to its sound legal advice’, Crowell & Moring LLP’s international trade group combines a prominent customs offering with solid—and growing—expertise in export controls and economic sanctions. In terms of the former, trade co-head John Brew is recommended for his comprehensive practice that spans customs administration, enforcement, regulatory compliance and contentious matters, among others. David Stepp, who splits his time between Los Angeles and Shanghai, is also noted for customs work. On the export controls and economic sanctions front, the sizeable team draws on the experience of trade vice chair David (Dj) Wolff; high-profile trade veteran and practice founder, Jeffrey Snyder; Carlton Greene, who co-chairs the export controls and economic sanctions subgroup together with Wolff, and international trade co-chair Nicole Janigian Simonian, who divides her practice between Los Angeles and Shanghai. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Provides practical advice for companies at different risk-tolerance levels, particularly in how to achieve the right results given resource constraints.’

  • ‘John Brew, Daniel Cannistra and Alexander Schaefer are great at balancing practical implementation and maximizing results while also achieving the regulatory requirements.’

  • ‘The Crowell trade team not only has great depth, it is also very responsive and committed to the client. I can rely on it to provide straightforward, hands-on practical advice in addressing import and export issues.’

  • ‘The practice stands out for its exceptional strengths and key capabilities that truly set it apart. The team is not only highly skilled and experienced but also brings a unique blend of creativity and innovation to every project.’

  • ‘Crowell & Moring is the best in the business when it comes to export controls, especially but not limited to ITAR compliance and anything involving software exports under the EAR. They are business-savvy, extremely responsive, and act as one firm, so can problem solve across issue areas.’

  • ‘Crowell & Moring is the best outside counsel I have that naturally applies excellent business judgment to its sound legal advice, resulting in efficient and optimal problem solving.’

  • ‘The team's strengths and key capabilities are that it is composed of great listeners and creative problem solvers. Lawyers are very collaborative, both internally and externally.’

Key clients

  • Shaw Industries
  • Nutricia North America, part of the Medical Nutrician Division of Groupe Danone
  • The Home Depot
  • Audax Management Co
  • K2 Integrity / U.S. Department of State
  • Adidas

Work highlights

  • Advised Shaw Industries on all customs and trade issues involving the importation of its foreign-made products into the US.
  • Advised Audax Management on trade-related due diligence concerning potential acquisitions and sales, as well as providing post-closing compliance guidance on international trade matters.
  • Advised The Home Depot on customs matters, including matters before the CBP and the CIT.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Brew, David Wolff, David Stepp, Jeff Snyder, Carlton Greene, Nicole Janigian Simonian

Other key lawyers

Daniel Cannistra, Alexander Schaefer