SAGE – International Trade/Export Controls Attorney

Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP•Washington, DC

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Our International Trade & Investment team advises major companies and industry associations on navigating the complex landscape of U.S. export controls, economic sanctions, customs regulations, foreign investment reviews, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), anti-money laundering rules, anti-boycott requirements, and defense industrial security requirements. The team covers a broad spectrum of regulatory frameworks—including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), economic sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), U.S. customs and import regulations, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review process, and government contracting matters. The group is at the forefront of emerging technology controls, national security regulation, and cross-border transactions. We help clients in the satellite/space, aerospace/defense, technology, energy, education, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, financial services, telecommunications, infrastructure, and advanced computing industries navigate rapidly evolving export control regimes—including the complex advanced computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and artificial intelligence regulations issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

Requirements

6 years or more of relevant experience in international trade, export controls, economic sanctions, and/or customs matters at a law firm, in-house legal department, or U.S. government agency.
Experience advising on compliance with major U.S. trade regulatory frameworks, including the EAR, ITAR, and OFAC sanctions programs.
Substantial experience performing commodity jurisdiction and classification analyses, including for encryption software, and preparing license applications and government filings.
Excellent drafting, analytical, and writing skills.
Proactive communication and excellent project management skills.
Superior verbal and interpersonal communication skills; ability to engage directly with clients and lead significant projects.
Strong academic credentials from a nationally recognized law school.
Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative global team spanning multiple offices and jurisdictions.
Demonstrated aptitude for technology and understanding of cutting-edge technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, cybersecurity, and encryption.
JD is required.
Admission to the DC bar (or eligibility for admission) is required; admission to other state bars is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CFIUS processes and national security reviews is strongly preferred.
Experience advising on import-related matters, including establishing imports’ combined import tariff/duty rates, responding to CBP inquiries, duty assessment, Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, country of origin determinations, and valuation preferred.
Experience with enforcement matters, voluntary disclosures, and/or government investigations is a plus.
Understanding of emerging technology controls, including regulations governing AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and cloud computing, is strongly preferred.
Prior U.S. government experience (e.g., BIS, DDTC, OFAC, or other relevant agencies) is a significant plus.
Admission to other state bars is a plus.

Responsibilities

Advise clients on compliance with U.S. export control regulations, including the EAR and ITAR, economic sanctions administered by OFAC, and customs and import regulations enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Perform jurisdictional and classification analyses under the EAR and ITAR, including preparing commodity jurisdiction requests, classification requests (CCL and USML), and CJ Reconsideration requests.
Draft and submit license applications and Technical Assistance Agreements to the Departments of State, Commerce, and Treasury.
Counsel clients on export control and sanctions considerations in cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, technology transfers, IP licensing, foreign distributor agreements, and foreign investment matters.
Advise on CFIUS national security reviews and related filings, including conducting "critical technologies" classifications.
Develop, implement, and improve trade compliance programs, including conducting compliance assessments and risk assessments, and training employees and diverse audiences on regulatory compliance issues.
Conduct internal investigations and prepare voluntary disclosure reports to government authorities, including BIS, DDTC, and OFAC.
Advise on emerging technology control issues, including regulations governing artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud computing, advanced semiconductors, cybersecurity, encryption, and data centers.
Assist clients with import-related matters, including evaluating supply chains, responding to CBP inquiries, duty assessment, Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, country of origin determinations, and valuation.
Counsel clients on deemed export issues, including "deemed export" license requirements for employers of visa holders working in export-controlled areas.
Represent clients before the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, Treasury, Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security.
Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and proactively drive matters forward with minimal supervision.