ArentFox Schiff Welcomes International Trade & Investment Partner Megan Barnhill in DC

Megan has more than 15 years of experience counseling foreign and domestic clients on regulatory issues involved with international trade, including US export controls, economic sanctions, compliance with antiboycott regulations, and registration and reporting obligations under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. She regularly represents clients on issues involving compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations administered by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the Export Administration Regulations administered by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.

With a focus on delivering practical and proactive counsel, Megan regularly assists with developing compliance programs, conducting compliance audits and due diligence reviews, drafting license and agreement applications, preparing commodity jurisdiction and classification requests, and preparing voluntary disclosures. She also works with clients to respond to government requests for information and administrative subpoenas and on day-to-day compliance with US export control regulations.

“As current events remain unpredictable and reshape global trade dynamics, we are thrilled to add Megan to our robust international trade team,” said David R. Hamill, International Trade & Investment practice leader. “As client inquiries continue to surge in this area, Megan’s impressive experience, deep technical knowledge, and business-minded approach will be invaluable assets to both our clients and our team.”

In addition to advising clients on matters involving US export controls, Megan also counsels clients on compliance with US economic sanctions laws and regulations administered by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, such as sanctions programs against individuals and entities or related to specific countries (e.g., Iran, Russia, Syria and Cuba). As part of her economic sanctions practice, Megan advises companies 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 regularly writes and speaks on sanctions and export control issues and served as the Chair of the Virginia State Bar’s International Practice Section’s Board of Governors from 2016-2020. She joins the firm from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and is licensed to practice in Washington, DC, and Virginia.