Eric Emerson
Steptoe LLP
Steptoe LLP
Client SatisfactionRegarded by many as a pioneer in the trade litigation and policy realm, Steptoe LLP’s Washington DC-based practice is praised by clients as ‘probably the strongest in DC and maybe in the world’. Acting on behalf of companies, industry associations and sovereigns from across the globe, the team routinely secures key roles in high-profile and challenging trade disputes. Among its recent matters, the group continues to represent the British Columbia Lumber Trade Council in the long-running Canadian softwood lumber case, including in interactions with US agencies, courts, bi-national panels under NAFTA and the WTO. Deputy international trade chair Amy Lentz leads the softwood lumber work, and is particularly noted for her expertise in WTO disputes. Eric Emerson spearheads the trade remedies unit, where he is widely recognized for his focus on antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings and related matters; he recently obtained a unanimous final negative injury determination from the USITC for the sole Trinidadian producer of urea ammonium nitrate. Also recommended are Matthew Yeo, who specializes in WTO dispute settlement proceedings and is highlighted as an ’outstanding figure regarding the issues on the combination of China and WTO’; Jeffrey Weiss, who co-chairs the international trade policy department; and trade remedies specialist Thomas Trendl.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Eric Emerson's team has very long-standing experience which provides confidence and trust. I was able to completely rely on its expertise and deep knowledge. Lawyers' communication skills are outstanding and they managed to make very technical topics understandable to non-initiated persons.’
‘Eric Emerson and associate Chris Forsgren form a great team for any company facing an antidumping case. They are complementary to provide their client with best-in-class advice based on their great experience and knowledge.’
‘The trade remedy/policy team is probably the strongest in DC and maybe in the world. Steptoe is very deep in trade remedies.’
‘Notably Steptoe is also strong in trade remedies in Brussels and London, and has close ties to other experts around the globe. Steptoe has had the laboring oar in major WTO cases on trade remedies, including 'zeroing', 'public body', privatization, and other major issues.’
‘Steptoe has maintained a steady pipeline and currently has very capable individuals with experience in the US Departments of Commerce, Treasury, State, Energy, Justice, and the White House and Congress and USTR, and similar agencies in other countries.’
‘Steptoe has unrivaled expertise and experience on China and China's trade policy issues, given that is has represented the Chinese government in for a long time. Concerning anything regarding China, Steptoe would be the first choice.’
‘Matthew Yeo has been the most experienced and outstanding figure regarding the issues on the combination of China and WTO.’
‘Thomas Trendl and his team are incredible. Very professional, straightforward and honest, which makes it so much easier for us to take commercial decisions and decide next steps. They're also real humans as well as great lawyers. Working with them feels great even, if the case itself is terribly annoying.’
Key clients
- British Columbia Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC)
- Methanol Holdings (Trinidad)
- Tata Steel
- Koehler Paper SE
- American Kenda Rubber Industrial Co
- ATC Tires Pvt. Ltd.
- Industeel
- Bluestar Adisseo
- Various Mattress Manufacturers
- Major US Retailer
- US Agricultural Association
- Centrus Energy
- Suzano Papel E Celulose
Work highlights
- Represented the Canadian softwood lumber industry (British Columbia Lumber Trade Council) in the decades-old dispute over imports of lumber from Canada.
- Obtained a unanimous final negative injury determination from the ITC for the sole Trinidadian producer of urea ammonium nitrate, in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations by the DOC and the USITC.
- Represented ATC Tires, and its US subsidiary, in administrative reviews of the off-the-road tires from India antidumping and countervailing duty orders.
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Eric Emerson