An ‘exceptionally expert team with incomparable insights’, WilmerHale’s trade practice impresses with its unique ability to intersect law, policy, and politics. On the trade policy front, the group draws on both the team’s extensive government-side experience and the firm’s complementary strength in government relations to shine in advising on US policy initiatives and trade agreement negotiations. Most notably, department head David Ross recently advised the UK Department for Business and Trade on the UK’s negotiation of a free-trade agreement with Israel. The group also secures a significant volume of high-stakes trade remedies litigation, where it acts for both domestic and foreign industry clients. Recent highlights in the remedies space included representing major US phosphate fertilizer producer, The Mosaic Company, in a series of cases before the DOC, the USCITC and the CIT; Ross co-led the work together with Jeffrey Kessler, who stands out for his ’deep strategic assessments of options’. The Washington DC-based bench also fields senior figure Robert Novick, who is a former GC for the Office of the USTR; newly promoted partner Lauren Mandell, who is a ‘top-notch trade and investment lawyer’; and counsel Stephanie Hartmann, who focuses on international economic regulation and trade policy. Counsel Patrick McLain left in July 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Exceptionally expert team with incomparable insights across legal, industry, policy and political dimensions. Extremely collaborative and high performing. Strongest team in this area with which I have worked.’
‘Jeffrey Kessler has a unique combination of high-level legal, trade, policy and political depth that enables deep strategic assessments of options and is vital to strong decision-making. Stephanie Hartmann has exceptional depth of trade, industry and legal knowledge enabling her to make connections.’
‘First-class expertise on trade issues. They understand the law, policy, and politics—both in the US and in key foreign countries.’
‘David Ross and Lauren Mandell possess a rare combination of legal expertise, policy command, political skill, and international knowledge. They also deftly manage key stakeholders in complex interactions.’
‘Strong knowledge of US law, international trade agreements, and ability to develop insightful, compelling and creative (but legally sound) arguments for how legal regimes can be used to address our market access problems.’
‘Strong contacts within US government at career and political levels, and understanding of the policy-making process, both of which enhance ability to advocate on our behalf.’
‘Lauren Mandell is a top-notch trade and investment lawyer who also understands political and policy dynamics. David Ross is our relationship partner and is ALWAYS available and responsive to needs.’
‘The mix of technical legal expertise and senior-level government experience sets this group apart.’

Key clients

The Mosaic Company
The Boeing Company
First Solar
Sierra Pacific Industries
Visa
UK Department for Business and Trade
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Atlantic Council
US Chamber of Commerce

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