Recent history has shown that the rules of the global marketplace can change quickly and sharply. To ensure our clients remain ahead of and prepared for those changes Akerman has launched the Economic Sanctions and Export Controls Practice Team. Made up of a cross section of experienced practitioners, this group provides clients with context, strategies, and solutions to navigating the minefield of administrative, public policy, and litigation concerns across the globe, including Europe, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.

The team's work ranges from assessing the scope and impact of sanctions and export controls to designing compliance programs. Our team conducts due diligence, develops policies and training programs, assists with international investment, litigating prohibited persons designations, freeing frozen assets, responding to audits, and obtaining licenses.

"Economic sanctions and export controls can be as bewildering as they are consequential," said Pedro Freyre, Chair of Akerman's International Practice. "That is why our team is built on a foundation of diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our goal is to deliver each client a tailored and comprehensive strategy that keeps business moving."

To achieve this goal, the team draws from a well of experience working with officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Department of State, Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), and the National Security Council. This range of experience is also reflected in the business sectors the team serves, which includes financial services, technology, energy, logistics, hospitality, travel, manufacturing, health and life sciences, and media.

"Now more than ever, businesses need legal counsel that truly understands both the business and politics involved in global trade," said Litigation Partner Brad Henry. "Our track record speaks for itself. Our lawyers are ranked by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, and Chambers Latin America for our international work, including trade- and embargo-related legal counsel."

Examples of the team's work include:

• Represented Airbnb Inc. with its historic and successful 2015 entry into the Cuban market.
• Assisted one of South Florida’s largest providers of package and freight delivery services to Cuba with its efforts to comply with U.S. Treasury and Commerce Department regulations authorizing the shipment of gift parcels and other items to Cuba, as well as establish banking and financial services solutions in connection with its Cuba-related operations.
• Represented an international tobacco company in connection with an investigation by the DOJ National Security Division and OFAC for alleged violations of U.S. economic sanctions against North Korea.
• Conducted an internal investigation of a European payment services company related to possible violations of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran.

More information about the Economic Sanctions and Export Controls Practice Team can be found at https://www.akerman.com/en/work/services/practices/litigation/international-sanctions.html.

About Akerman

Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.