Daniel Ujczo, a USMCA expert who has worked on compliance for automotive, advanced manufacturing, chemical and tech sectors so that their products meet rules of origin, is joining Thompson Hine's international trade and transportation practices as senior counsel in its Columbus, Ohio, office. Ujczo was the Canada-U.S. practice group chair at Dickinson Wright. In addition to his rules of origin expertise, the firm said he provides advice on tariff mitigation and exclusions, antidumping and countervailing duties, and procurement under Buy American rules.
Arent Fox hired Angela Santos, previously of Grunfeld Desiderio, as a partner in its New York office, the law firm said in an emailed news release. Santos “counsels clients on compliance with federal regulations involving the importation of merchandise,” the firm said.
Alexandra Whittaker, a trade counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee, is being promoted to chief trade counsel, with the departure of Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade representative nominee. Before joining Ways and Means in 2019, Whittaker worked at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in both Washington and Geneva. She graduated from Spelman College and the Howard University School of Law.
Grunfeld Desiderio elevated John Schoenig, Jordan Kahn, Brandon Petelin and Dharmendra Choudhary to partners, it said in a news release. The firm also added Tracey Gonzalez as of counsel and Ruting Chen and Katherine Dobscha as associates, it said.
Akin Gump promoted two trade lawyers to partners, it said Jan. 4. Jaelyn Edwards Judelson advises clients on sanctions and export controls, and Yujin Kim McNamara advises clients on international trade issues, including dispute settlements and trade remedies.
American Association of Exporters and Importers CEO Marianne Rowden will step down effective March 31 “to pursue new opportunities,” AAEI Board of Governors Chairperson Susie Hoeger said in a Jan. 5 message. “The Board has named a committee to lead the search for the next leader of AAEI, and hopes to make the transition as smooth as possible,” Hoeger said.
With all nominations not confirmed during the past two years now expired, the White House has renominated Joseph Barloon, acting deputy U.S. trade representative, to be a judge on the Court of International Trade. If confirmed, he would replace Leo Gordon, who retired. The nomination was among those sent to the Senate Jan. 3.
Torres Law hired John Vernon as of counsel in the law firm's Dallas office, it said in a news release Dec. 7. Vernon previously “held roles in large law firms in Texas, including as Managing Partner for Strasburger & Price, LLP (now part of Clark Hill) and Partner at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart (now part of K&L Gates),” Torres Law said.
William Kimmitt, counselor to the U.S. trade representative, was nominated to be a member of the International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2029, the White House announced Dec. 2. The Senate received the nomination for consideration.
Kevin Dempsey, American Iron and Steel Institute interim president and CEO since June, is now in the role on a permanent basis, AISI announced Dec. 2. Before becoming interim CEO, he was the trade group's senior vice president-public policy and general counsel.