Multilateral International Law concerns questions of rights between several nations or nations and the citizens or subjects of other nations. In contrast, private international law deals with controversies between private persons. These controversies arise out of situations which have a significant relationship to multiple nations. In recent years the line between public and private international law has become increasingly uncertain. Issues of private international law may also implicate issues of public international law, and many matters of private international law have substantial international significance. With more companies doing business in emerging markets, risks have grown. All of this creates higher costs and greater liability, requiring that disputes be avoided whenever possible, and resolved efficiently when they arise. Often the threat of costly litigation is real and immediate; necessitating that we negotiate from a position of strength for our clients. We are the largest user of LMAA and Admiralty and Commercial Court procedures and are experienced with rules governing main arbitration centers like LCIA, ICC, ICSID and SIAC and specialist centers such as RSA, GAFTA, FOSFA, LMAA, and LME. International arbitration offers flexibility in procedures and rules of evidence; flexibility as to who will determine the dispute; greater ease of enforcement worldwide under international conventions; and increased levels of confidentiality and neutrality.

Additionally, most countries around the world impose legal control on the export of goods from their jurisdictions while international trade agreements often include additional import, export, and trade regulations that companies must comply with. Failing to observe export control laws and international sanctions can have severe consequences for companies including loss of export privileges, reputational damage, criminal and civil fines, and even imprisonment. We help clients keep up with rapidly changing, often conflicting import, export and trade regulations that impact cross-border trade transactions and activities. Our areas of expertise include export controls, export clearance provisions, anti-boycott controls, outbound trade compliance, VAT/indirect taxes, product safety, strategic sourcing, supply chain security and trade remedies.