Practice Leadership

- Doreen M. Edelman
- Partner
Chair, Global Trade & Policy
Global Trade & Policy
Lowenstein’s Global Trade & Policy practice is devoted to navigating today’s dynamic regulatory environment to promote our clients’ cross-border interests.
Our team helps U.S. and foreign companies manage trade risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and effectively communicate their positions to legislators, law enforcement officials, and policymakers. We have decades of experience advising individuals, investment funds, research institutions, portfolio companies, and global businesses operating in a range of industries, including life sciences, biotech, aviation and aeronautics, manufacturing, electronics, and software.
Given today’s highly interconnected and technology-driven international economy, we work proactively with clients to facilitate their investor, supplier, distributor, and customer relationships; develop strategies in response to rapidly changing trade regulations and economic sanctions; and demonstrate compliance with legal requirements under these and other frameworks:
- The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) import requirements, including new 201, 232, and 301 China tariffs
- The Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
- The Department of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
- The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions regimes
- The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.K. Bribery Act, and China’s anti-corruption legislation
- The Export Administration Act’s Antiboycott Laws
We also provide full-spectrum guidance on issues and requirements arising from global trade and expansion, such as:
- Client-specific trade regulation compliance manuals and training programs
- Foreign agent, distributor, and partner due diligence
- International agreements for sales of products and services
- Establishment of foreign and U.S. entities Cross-border joint ventures and other transactions
When it comes to trade policy, we believe that a strong offense is indeed the best defense. With decades of trade policy experience, we understand the complex–and sometimes contradictory–goals of trade negotiators, legislators, regulatory officials, and industry associations. We have helped foreign governments and global enterprises better understand and navigate U.S. policy, and we work with trade, law enforcement, and agency leaders to develop effective, business-friendly solutions for our clients. We have also helped companies and governments benefit from U.S. trade programs and address the effects of events on global trade relationships.
Areas of Emphasis
Tariffs, import classifications, and country-of-origin determinations. Accurate tariff classifications and country-of-origin determinations are key to avoiding fines, seizures, or forfeitures of imported goods. We help companies design and implement internal controls and policies to prevent inadvertent violations of U.S. customs and import laws and regulations. We also conduct internal audits, and where potential discrepancies are identified, we develop voluntary disclosures that can significantly mitigate potential penalties. With respect to 201, 232, and 301 China tariffs, we work with clients to obtain exclusions, when possible, and we provide advice regarding supply chain restructuring.
OFAC sanctions. Our lawyers help clients ensure compliance with OFAC directives and sanctions regimes, including full and partial embargoes, that prevent entities from exporting, importing, financing, or otherwise facilitating transactions involving countries, individuals, and organizations designated as hostile actors by the U.S. and other governments. We provide guidance on permissible and prohibited transactions, conduct internal audits and prepare voluntary disclosures, and represent clients in enforcement proceedings. Countries of concern include Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Russia/Crimea, and Sudan.
CFIUS. We work with domestic and foreign businesses and individuals to identify the national security implications of transactions, communicate effectively with CFIUS and other government agencies involved in the approval process, and obtain CFIUS clearance for foreign investments. Our lawyers have particular experience in technology- and critical infrastructure-related transactions that elicit increased scrutiny. We provide ongoing guidance on the critical technology pilot program and recent changes that have broadened the scope of the law and added a mandatory filing requirement.
Export controls. The federal government has established a complex system of regulations governing the export and transfer of U.S.-origin goods, technologies, and services. We regularly advise clients on these various regimes, obtain export and deemed-export licenses, perform due diligence in relation to potential transactions, conduct internal audits, and design programs to ensure accurate classification of exports. When potential discrepancies are identified, we represent clients before relevant agencies.
FCPA and anti-corruption. Consistently applying a single global standard through the implementation of a worldwide compliance program ensures compliance across national borders. Our team reviews anti-corruption procedures and due diligence records for red flags and possible violations to protect clients against successor liability. We also assist clients with global internal investigations, compliance programs and training, and due diligence review for corporate transactions.
OUR TEAM

- Doreen M. Edelman
- Partner

- Zarema A. Jaramillo
- Partner

- Abbey E. Baker
- Counsel

- James C. Shehan
- Counsel

- Andrew Bisbas
- Associate

- Edoardo Murillo
- Associate

- Megan C. Bodie
- Administrative Coordinator
NEWS & INSIGHTS
PUBLICATIONS
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"Congress Calls on USTR to Initiate China Import Exclusion Process for List 3," Global Trade & Policy Client Alert
- "U.S. tech startups face new government controls in 2019," VentureBeat
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"Update: China Tariffs," Global Trade & Policy Update
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"What the Changes to CFIUS Mean to Foreign Investment," Global Trade & Policy Client Alert
- "Foreign Investors Should Not Let Fear of CFIUS Limit Investment in US Manufacturers," IndustryWeek
- "Why Trump's North Korea sanctions make business with China tricky," The Hill
- "A stronger NAFTA will boost US economic power against China," The Hill
- "Think the United States has weak sanctions on Iran? Think again.," The Hill
- "4 smart ways to improve NAFTA," The Hill
- "Who really benefits from free trade? Americans companies and workers.," The Hill
- "Guest Column: Trump's threats to global business and its local impact," Nashville Business Journal
- "How to Sleep Soundly and Avoid Bribes: Mitigating Chinese and American Corruption Risk in the Context of EB-5," EB5 Investors Magazine
- "Understanding the Do’s and Don’ts of Iranian Investments in the United States," EB5 Investors Magazine
- "Aviation: Are Cuba and Iran Really Open for Business?," Global Trade Magazine
- "Opportunities for U.S. Businesses and Travelers from Changes to U.S. Cuba Regulations," Global Trade Magazine
PRESS MENTIONS
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December 10-December 17, 2018
Doreen M. Edelman is featured in a two-part FCPA Compliance Report podcast (December 10; December 17, 2018) discussing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). In part one, Edelman highlights the recent increase in non-compliance penalties, the development of national security measures due to disruptive technologies, and the expansion of CFIUS jurisdiction to companies purchasing non-controlling investments in U.S. companies. In part two, Edelman discusses the requirements for mandatory filings under the CFIUS Pilot Program.
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December 4, 2018
Doreen Edelman is quoted in Law.com in an article discussing President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping’s recent agreement to a 90-day truce in the trade war. Edelman notes that it is a difficult situation for companies to prepare for and states that she advises clients to diversify their supply chains and have a plan of action in the event higher tariffs are implemented. (This article also appeared in Corporate Counsel, Yahoo! Finance, The American Lawyer International, and the New York Law Journal.) (subscription required to access certain content)
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November 27, 2018
Doreen M. Edelman is quoted in a Corporate Counsel article discussing a possible meeting between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit and the potential impact on U.S. companies’ dealings with China. Edelman notes the present international trade climate and states that she advises clients to be prepared for anything in the short- and long-term.
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October 25-November 5, 2018
The Washington Post, The American Lawyer, Global Trade Review, Bloomberg Law – Big Law Business, Law360, The National Law Journal, the New Jersey Law Journal, International Trade Today, The Deal, TXF, and citybizlist highlight the launch of Lowenstein’s Global Trade & Policy practice in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and the arrival of Doreen M. Edelman (practice chair), Abbey E. Baker, Andrew Bisbas, and Megan C. Bodie. The Global Trade & Policy practice will provide U.S.-based clients, foreign clients, and foreign-owned U.S. companies with compliance and policy development services. Areas of emphasis will include import tariffs and classifications, OFAC regulations and sanctions, CFIUS review protocols, and export controls. (subscription required to access certain content)
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September 6, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman discusses U.S. sanctions against South Sudan in Foreign Policy.
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August 7, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman is quoted in Automotive News regarding NAFTA.
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July 27, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman is interviewed on CGTN regarding the Trump Administration's efforts to renegotiate NAFTA.
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July 17-21, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman discusses the Trump Administration's goals for renegotiating NAFTA in SupplyChainBrain and Washington Post.
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July 6, 2018
Doreen M. Edelman discusses the possibility of sanctions on Chinese companies doing business with North Korea in Associated Press.
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April 27, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman comments on the role of U.S. trade representatives in the Adam Smith Project.
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February 16, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman comments on how the President's trade policies might affect Tennessee in Nashville Business Journal.
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January 23, 2017
Doreen M. Edelman discusses U.S. export and military sales policies with Aviation Week & Space Technology.
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August 16, 2016
Doreen M. Edelman is quoted in Bidness Etc on the potential Boeing deal with Iran.
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June 26, 2016
Doreen M. Edelman is quoted in Hotel Management regarding the Cuban hotel industry.
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April 14, 2016
Doreen M. Edelman is quoted in Hotel Management about getting permission to do business in Cuba.
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September 23, 2014
Doreen M. Edelman is featured on LXBN-TV.
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March 11, 2013
Law360 interviews Global Trade & Policy chair Doreen M. Edelman in a Q&A.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- CFIUS for Compliance Professionals (December 10; December 17, 2018), FCPA Compliance Report Podcast, December 2018
- Recent Developments Regarding Import Tariffs, CFIUS, Export Controls and Sanctions - US, EU and Canada, TerraLex Webinar, December 4, 2018
- GCC: The Impact of the Current Trade Tariff Situation on Manufacturers, YPO, November 7, 2018