Megan Barnhill

Partner

Megan helps her clients navigate complex international trade regulations.

Megan Barnhill Portrait

Megan advises foreign and domestic clients on regulatory matters related to international business transactions. Specifically, Megan counsels clients on regulatory issues related to international trade, including US export controls, trade sanctions, antiboycott provisions, and registration and reporting under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). 

Megan regularly works with clients on issues related to US export controls administered by the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. She’s experienced in conducting due diligence reviews and compliance audits, drafting comprehensive compliance programs, drafting license and agreement applications, preparing commodity jurisdiction and classification requests, preparing voluntary disclosures, responding to government requests for information and administrative subpoenas, and assisting in day-to-day compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

In addition, Megan advises clients on issues related to economic sanctions administered by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), including sanctions programs related to countries (e.g., Iran, Russia, Syria, and Cuba) and against individuals and entities. She advises clients on US primary and secondary sanctions jurisdiction and assists companies with conducting risk assessments, reviewing and evaluating contractual obligations, developing appropriate compliance programs and processes, preparing license applications, conducting compliance audits and investigations, drafting voluntary disclosures, and responding to administrative subpoenas. Megan also counsels clients on compliance with the antiboycott provisions administered by the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Treasury, as well as on companies’ and individuals’ registration and reporting obligations under FARA. 

Publications, Presentations & Recognitions

Publications

  • “Sanctions and Anti-Corruption Enforcement in 2017: Lessons for the Pharma Industry in 2018 and Beyond,” Bloomberg BNA, March 28, 2018
  • “Does Your Risk Management Strategy Address US Sanctions?” Association for Financial Professionals, March 12, 2018
  • Contributor, “Keep up with US economic sanctions,” Supply Management, Jan. 18, 2018
  • Panelist, “Roundtable: Sanctions Compliance & Enforcement,” Financial Worldwide Magazine, March 2016
  • Contributor, World Trade Controls Blog, initiated by the International Chamber of Commerce, Belgium and Federation of Enterprises, Belgium
  • “International Trade Due Diligence: Protecting the Value of Your Transaction,” Virginia Lawyer, Vol. 61, April 2013 (co-author)

Presentations

  • Panelist, “What Every Business Lawyer Must Know About Export Controls and Sanctions,” Virginia State Bar, 49th Annual Advanced Business Law Conference, December 9, 2023
  • Co-Presenter, “Trends in Criminal Enforcement of Export Control and Sanctions Violations,” BCLP Webinar, November 7, 2023
  • Panel Member, “Implications of China’s Social Credit System,” 2022 ABA International Law Section Annual Conference, April 27, 2022
  • Panelist, “International Russia-Related Sanctions and Export Controls: Understanding and managing implications in Israel,” Shibolet Law Firm Webinar, March 7, 2022
  • Moderator, “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About China’s Belt and Road Initiative and US Legal and Policy Responses to It,” Virginia State Bar, May 25, 2021
  • Speaker, “Executive Insights into Export Controls and Leadership Competency”, Global Operations and Leadership Summit, Chaifetz School of Business, Center for Supply Chain Excellence, Saint Louis University, August 4, 2020
  • Co-Presenter, “Managing EU/US Trade Controls During the Pandemic,” ICC Webinar, June 17, 2020
  • Co-Presenter, “Managing Your Risks: Considerations in this Global World,” BCLP Phoenix In House Counsel Seminar, June 7, 2018
  • Co-Presenter, “The Inter-play Between Sanctions and Anti-Corruption Compliance: Do Your Compliance Programs Work Together to Address Risks?” Webinar, May 8, 2018
  • Co-Presenter, “When Your Partner/Subsidiary Does Not Prioritize Sanctions: How to Get Buy-in from your Non-U.S. Business Partners,” ACI 11th Flagship Conference on Economic Sanctions Enforcement & Compliance, Washington, DC., April 26, 2018
  • “Regulatory Risks of Doing Business with the United States: What You Need to Know,” London, November 6, 2017; Hamburg, November 7, 2018; Frankfurt, November 8, 2017
  • Co-Presenter, “Export Control Reform Transition is Ending … Are You Ready?” Export Compliance Training Institute, November 12, 2015
  • Co-Presenter, “Don’t Be RWA’ed: Get Your Licensing Right the First Time,” Export Compliance Training Institute, December 10, 2014
  • Panelist, “Doing Business with the EU: What Virginia Companies and Their Lawyers Need to Know,” June 25, 2014

Boards, Memberships & Certifications

Memberships

  • American Bar Foundation
  • Women’s Bar Association of DC
  • Society for International Affairs

Professional Activities

  • Virginia State Bar, International Practice Section, Board of Governors (2015-present), Chair (2016-2019, 2023-2024)

Life Beyond the Law

Outside of work, Megan enjoys baking, reading, and watching college football (Go Tigers!). 

Insights