Best Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyers in District of Columbia

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Perkins Coie LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 1912
2,875 people in their team
English
Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients' success. With more than 1,200 attorneys in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate,...
Ice Miller LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 1910
350 people in their team
English
Built on a foundation of legal service more than a century long, Ice Miller LLP is committed to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world.Our diverse client base ranges from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and from governmental entities to educational organizations and pension funds. We...
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 1948
1,700 people in their team
English
The traits that fueled Skadden’s rise from a New York startup to a global powerhouse - collaborative, innovative, persistent - continue to define our firm culture. We remain intensely focused on the simple formula of developing an inclusive complement of extraordinary attorneys, working together...
Adams and Reese LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 1951
610 people in their team
English
Study our experience and credentials to understand why we belong on your short list. Get to know us as people, and you’ll recognize our dedication to client service. At Adams and Reese, we take things personally. Our people are connected - to each other, to our clients, our families, and our...
Kutak Rock LLP.
Washington, United States

Founded in 1965
500 people in their team
English
We help communities thriveDevelopment and Improvement Districts is a signature practice of Kutak Rock. More than 50 of our attorneys represent community development and other special districts of all sizes and types, from small, in-fill residential projects to large scale multi-use commercial and...
Verrill Dana LLP.
Washington, United States

Founded in 1862
213 people in their team
English
Decency, honesty, and judgment. The values that define Verrill as a law firm are the reason our clients trust and choose us time and time again. We don't compromise our values and our clients don't compromise on quality. Our experience and New England roots date back more than 150 years, and today,...
Phillips Lytle LLP
Washington, United States

Founded in 1834
343 people in their team
English
At Phillips Lytle, we know only one approach to client service. It’s practiced by every one of our attorneys in each of our eight offices. It’s why we’ve been doing what we do for more than 185 years. It’s ingrained in who we are. It’s The Phillips Lytle Way.We’re fully dedicated to our...
Thorn Law Group
Washington, United States

Founded in 2009
200 people in their team
Experienced Washington DC tax attorney Kevin E. Thorn is the managing partner and leads Thorn Law Group, a tax litigation law firm assisting with business, criminal, and international tax matters, as well as tax audits, IRS disclosures, and offshore accounts. Thorn Law Group represents clients...
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP.
Washington, United States

Founded in 1974
1,688 people in their team
English
As the only law firm with offices and attorneys in all 50 states, we deliver maximum value to our clients by combining the resources of a full-service national firm with the local knowledge of a regional firm. Featuring more than 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we provide comprehensive litigation and...
Bailey Glasser
Washington, United States

Founded in 1999
123 people in their team
English
Founded by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in 1999 in Charleston, West Virginia, Bailey Glasser has grown to include 76 lawyers, with 17 offices across the United States. The firm’s complex litigation practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation; class actions for consumers, insureds,...
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About Sanctions & Export Controls Law in District of Columbia, United States

Sanctions and export controls law is a specialized field that governs the movement of goods, technology, services, and funds across borders, particularly when those actions might impact United States national security, foreign policy, or the broader international order. Within the District of Columbia, this area of law is especially significant due to the presence of federal agencies, policy organizations, and international embassies.

Sanctions refer to restrictions imposed by the United States government against specific countries, entities, or individuals to achieve foreign policy and national security objectives. Export controls are regulations designed to manage the export of certain items, information, or services that have potential military, strategic, or security uses. Together, these areas of law are enforced through complex statutes and regulations, including those administered by federal agencies such as the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer specializing in sanctions and export controls in the District of Columbia can provide crucial support in a variety of situations. Common scenarios where legal expertise is necessary include:

  • Determining whether a transaction or business activity is subject to US sanctions or export controls.
  • Seeking licenses or authorizations for exports or dealings with sanctioned entities or countries.
  • Responding to investigations or enforcement actions by federal agencies such as OFAC, BIS, or DDTC.
  • Updating compliance programs to adapt to rapidly changing regulations.
  • Internal audits or due diligence related to mergers, acquisitions, or international expansion.
  • Self-disclosing potential violations and navigating voluntary disclosure processes.
  • Representation during administrative or judicial proceedings relating to alleged violations.
  • Training and education for staff about compliance responsibilities.

Local Laws Overview

In the District of Columbia, sanctions and export control laws are primarily enforced through federal regulations, as these matters fall under federal jurisdiction due to their foreign policy and national security implications. Key legal frameworks include:

  • The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
  • The Export Administration Regulations (EAR), overseen by the Department of Commerce.
  • The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), managed by the Department of State.
  • OFAC regulations governing financial transactions and dealings with sanctioned parties.

While the District of Columbia does not have its own separate set of sanctions and export controls legislation, local professionals and organizations must comply with all federal requirements. Moreover, DC's international character and proximity to the federal government mean that compliance and enforcement activity is particularly robust in this jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sanctions and export controls?

Sanctions are legal restrictions imposed by the government to limit or prohibit dealings with certain countries, entities, or individuals. Export controls are laws that regulate the export of goods, technology, and services, especially those with potential military or security applications.

Who enforces sanctions and export controls laws in the District of Columbia?

Federal agencies such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) are primarily responsible for enforcing these laws in DC.

Are nonprofit organizations in DC subject to these regulations?

Yes, all organizations operating in the US, including nonprofits, must comply with federal sanctions and export control laws. This includes charity-related activities abroad or transactions involving restricted individuals or countries.

Do I need a license to export technology from DC?

It depends on the nature of the technology, its destination, and the end user. High-tech items, military goods, or dual-use technologies often require export licenses from federal authorities.

What should I do if my company is contacted about a possible violation?

You should immediately consult with a lawyer experienced in sanctions and export controls. Responding properly to investigations or inquiries can significantly impact potential penalties or outcomes.

Can individuals be personally liable for violations?

Yes, both organizations and individuals can face civil or criminal penalties for violating sanctions or export controls laws.

What are the penalties for violations?

Penalties can include substantial fines, loss of export privileges, and in some cases, imprisonment. The exact penalty depends on the nature and severity of the violation.

How can I check if a person or company is on a sanctions list?

OFAC, BIS, and other agencies maintain searchable lists of sanctioned parties, such as the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. These can be accessed on their official websites.

Do existing contracts need to be reviewed for sanctions compliance?

Yes, contracts involving cross-border transactions should be reviewed to ensure compliance with export controls and sanctions laws, especially as regulations change frequently.

How often do sanctions and export controls laws change?

These regulations can change quickly in response to foreign policy developments. Staying updated is essential, and organizations should have procedures in place to track such changes.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking legal advice or further information regarding sanctions and export controls in the District of Columbia, consider consulting the following organizations:

  • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Department of the Treasury
  • Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Department of Commerce
  • Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Department of State
  • District of Columbia Bar Association, for referrals to qualified legal professionals
  • Local law firms with international trade and regulatory compliance practices

Next Steps

If you believe you or your organization may be impacted by sanctions or export control regulations, it is important to act proactively:

  1. Identify the specific countries, goods, services, or individuals involved in your activities.
  2. Consult official government resources or hire a qualified sanctions and export controls attorney based in the District of Columbia.
  3. Organize your documentation and records that may be relevant to your inquiry or case.
  4. Implement or update your compliance program to reflect current regulations and best practices.
  5. Regularly monitor changes in the law and seek ongoing legal advice as necessary.

Taking these steps can help you avoid costly violations and ensure your business or organization operates within the legal framework set by United States law. If you require further guidance, contacting an experienced attorney is the best way to protect your interests.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in District of Columbia through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Sanctions & Export Controls, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in District of Columbia, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.