International Trade & Supply Chain Management
Global supply chains face stronger headwinds than at any time in the last thirty years. We are here to help steer through this geopolitical environment. Our clients receive timely updates and practical counsel on the issues that matter most to business bottom lines and the success of their in-house counsel. Our unique perspectives on international trade and supply chain matters are as business-friendly as they are risk-appropriate.
Benesch’s thought leadership on these issues and select media mentions are available here:
We know that supply chain management strategies are a key market differentiator and a competitive advantage - for our clients as well as our practice. Our team is nationally preeminent in bringing expertise, innovation, and pragmatism to domestic and global supply chains. We understand that effectively doing business at home and abroad while navigating tariffs, forced labor risk, economic sanctions, and export controls drives business and reduces reputational or enforcement risk.
Our team appreciates the high-profile and high-impact nature of international trade and supply chain management. We “get it” because so many members of our team come from industry as former in-house counsel, operators, and senior executives. One of our attorneys represented industry during the initial NAFTA negotiations. Another attorney is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker who once worked in-house for a customs broker. We have a voting member of a District Export Council. Across our team we also have true business backgrounds with multiple MBAs and one member with a graduate degree in supply chain management. Our members also hold leadership roles in various supply chain related trade associations.
International Trade
Benesch represents clients in all manner of international and cross-border regulatory compliance and enforcement issues that impact supply chains including import compliance, export controls, and economic sanctions. We take the lead in quickly and clearly answering ad hoc questions. We develop tailored compliance programs and operational procedures that align business and risk management perspectives. We provide confident guidance and effective representation during enforcement actions, regulatory audits, voluntary disclosures, and in defense of seizures, fines, civil penalties, forfeitures, and liquidated damages actions. We are well versed in regulatory matters involving they key enforcement agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Commerce (BIS / EAR), the U.S. Department of State (DDTC / ITAR), and the U.S. Department of Treasury (OFAC).
Supply Chain Management
Benesch represents clients in developing and efficiently operating their domestic and global supply chains across a wide range of industries. We draft and negotiate contractual relationships with suppliers, distributors, sales agents, service providers, technology providers. We assist in developing compliant sourcing strategies for procurement teams including codes of conduct and supplier onboarding procedures. We assist in entering new markets with customer onboarding procedures and even shipping procedures that effectively integrate export controls and sanctions screening concerns. We develop contractual relationships for freight flows including global suites tailored to ocean bids, air traffic, domestic motor carriage and brokerage, as well as warehousing, fulfillment, final mile delivery, and reverse logistics. We advise on operations-level compliance for hazardous materials, packaging, and labeling. When losses or interruptions occur, including cargo theft or supply chain fraud, we move quickly to deploy pragmatic negotiation and cost-effective litigation strategies.
