International Trade Associate

Direct Counsel is seeking an International Trade Associate to join a premier International Trade Advisory & Enforcement practice in Washington, D.C. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with export controls experience who is looking to advise leading multinational companies on complex trade compliance, regulatory, and enforcement matters.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience counseling clients on U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Responsibilities

• Advise domestic and international clients on U.S. export control laws and regulations
• Counsel clients regarding:
  • Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • Export licensing requirements
  • Compliance programs and risk assessments
  • Regulatory reporting and disclosure obligations
• Conduct trade compliance reviews and internal investigations
• Assist clients in responding to government inquiries, audits, and enforcement actions
• Develop and enhance export compliance policies, procedures, and training programs
• Analyze complex regulatory issues and provide practical business-focused guidance
• Conduct legal research and prepare:
  • Legal memoranda
  • Compliance guidance
  • Regulatory analyses
  • Client advisories
• Collaborate with clients on strategic international trade and regulatory matters

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Law school class years 2018–2021
• Significant experience advising clients on:
  • Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Strong understanding of U.S. export controls and trade compliance frameworks
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Strong communication and client counseling abilities
• Ability to manage sophisticated matters independently
• Outstanding academic credentials

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $310,000 – $420,000
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance

Why This Opportunity

• Join a highly regarded International Trade Advisory & Enforcement practice
• Advise leading multinational companies on critical export control and compliance matters
• Work on sophisticated regulatory and enforcement issues with global impact
• Significant client interaction and responsibility
• Collaborative environment with strong mentorship and professional development
• Excellent platform for long-term growth in a highly specialized and evolving practice area

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.