International Trade Associate Attorney

International Trade Associate Attorney (3–5 Years)
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: Competitive based on class year (approximately $260,000–$365,000), plus discretionary bonus

Direct Counsel is seeking an International Trade Associate to join a leading Am Law firm in Washington, DC. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3–5 years of experience advising clients on export controls, economic sanctions, cross-border investment regulations, and other international trade matters.

The ideal candidate will have experience counseling clients on U.S. trade and national security regulations while supporting complex cross-border transactions and compliance initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on U.S. export control regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Counsel clients on economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
• Provide guidance on cross-border investment regulations, including matters involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP).
• Advise clients on Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) mitigation requirements and national security compliance.
• Assist clients with international trade compliance programs, regulatory investigations, and risk assessments.
• Support cross-border transactions by identifying and addressing trade-related regulatory issues.
• Collaborate closely with partners and clients while managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Stay current on developments in international trade, export controls, sanctions, and national security regulations.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the Washington, DC Bar.
• 3–5 years of experience in international trade, export controls, sanctions, national security, or a related practice area.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • OFAC sanctions
  • CFIUS
  • OISP
  • FOCI mitigation
• Experience with customs and import compliance is a plus.
• Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and client service abilities, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Why Apply?

• Join a nationally recognized international trade practice handling sophisticated cross-border regulatory and national security matters.
• Work directly with experienced practitioners who provide meaningful mentorship, client interaction, and increasing responsibility.
• Advise leading domestic and international clients on evolving trade, sanctions, export controls, and foreign investment regulations.
• Competitive market compensation based on class year, discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package with excellent opportunities for professional development and long-term career growth.